The Edmonton Oilers will be bringing some veteran depth to training camp, signing Jason Demers to a professional tryout according to Daniel Nugent-Bowman. The team is also “discussing the idea” of offering Brett Ritchie a PTO, while they are no longer in on Jake Virtanen, according to Nugent-Bowman.
Demers, 34, played a handful of games in the KHL last season and played for Canada at the Olympics, but hasn’t been a regular in the NHL in over a year. His last action at that level was with the Arizona Coyotes in 2020-21, when he registered just four points in 41 games.
Overall, the veteran defenseman has had quite an effective career, racking up 214 points in 699 regular season games while averaging just over 19 minutes a night. The right-shot option has played for the Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Florida Panthers over his 12-year career, filling in on both the powerplay and penalty kill at various points.
After the Oilers brought in Ryan Murray on a one-year deal recently, there isn’t much room left on the blueline for a player like Demers, though camp injuries are always a possibility. More likely, he is taking an opportunity to showcase himself for the whole league to try and land one last NHL deal before his career comes to an end. So far removed from the league, there’s no telling how effective Demers could be, though his experience and previous success may lead to a team giving him a chance if he’s healthy enough to compete.
A brilliant move!!!! Could not be anymore fitting for the Edmonton Oilers.
It is amusing to see how many of you don’t understand the concept of a PTO. Teams all over the league bring guys in on them and it seems to catch you off guard every time.
Plan the parade.
He’s only been out of the league for a year and you’re making it sound like he’s been gone for two decades. Players have injuries that keep them out longer than that.
If useful, he likely takes a 2 way deal to play in the AHL. The Oilers dont have a lot of ready RH depth defensemen so it makes sense for both sides.
Of course, he might not have any tread left and just gets released.