Let The Good Times Roll

For most Canadian sports fans, July 1st is viewed upon as a special day on the calendar. Not only is it the day people across this country are given the opportunity to celebrate just how wonderful Canada is, but it also marks the opening day of free agency in the NHL.

With that said, yesterday was an extra special day for the Edmonton Oilers and their long-suffering fan base.

The Times They Are A Changin'

It has been quite some time since the Edmonton Oilers were a major player in the free agent market. That all changed on Wednesday morning. Peter Chiarelli decided to go big game hunting and came away with defenceman Andrej Sekera for his troubles. While it didn’t come cheaply, a six-year deal that will see the veteran rearguard earn $33 million, it was the sort of move this organization desperately needed to make.

Time To Go Shopping

After taking over from Craig MacTavish as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers back in late April, Peter Chiarelli was well aware of the situation he was getting himself into. While he was gifted Connor McDavid at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the former Boston Bruins GM has wasted little time in trying to put his stamp on this roster.

Potential Off-Season Target - Mike Green

While he may no longer be the 70-point player he once was, Mike Green is still an effective NHL defenceman. Yes he can occasionally be a bit of a train wreck in his own end of the rink, something which has plagued him throughout much of his ten year career, but few can run a power play as effectively as the two-time Norris Trophy nominee.

Taking A Risk

For the last few weeks, it was more a matter of when and not if the New York Rangers would trade netminder Cam Talbot to the Edmonton Oilers. Despite more than a few teams showing interest in Henrik Lundqvist’s caddy, the smart money was on the 28-year-old eventually landing in the Alberta capital.