Oilers Eyeing Former Bruins Defenseman To Bolster Blueline

The Edmonton Oilers are actively exploring options to reinforce their blue line following the departure of Philip Broberg via offer sheet and Cody Ceci via trade. One name that has recently surfaced as a potential free-agent target is former Boston Bruins defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, Shattenkirk is on the Oilers’ radar as they look to fill the void left by the departures of key defensemen this offseason, along with other available players including Tyson Barrie and Justin Schultz. “UFA Update: #Oilers are perusing the market for right-shot D, including Justin Schultz, Tyson Barrie and Kevin Shattenkirk, among others,” Seravalli wrote on X on August 23. Shattenkirk, a veteran right-shot defenseman, remains one of the more intriguing free agents available. While he’s not at the peak of his powers anymore, the blueliner is coming off scoring 6 goals and 24 total points in 61 games for the Bruins last season.

At the very least, adding him would bring a valuable depth option for the Oilers as they try to refill the holes opened in their defensive rotation following Ceci and Broberg’s departures. The Oilers traded Cody Ceci to the San Jose Sharks in a move that seemed to be geared toward retaining Broberg. That wasn’t the case, however, as Edmonton chose not to match the St. Louis Blues’ offer sheet for the young defenseman. While not as important for the team as the aforementioned lost players, Shattenkirk could be effective enough to contribute power-play minutes as well as bottom-pairing reps on a nightly basis.