Will Yakupov be 2nd or 3rd line player in 2014-15?

Edmonton Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish was a very busy man both leading up to the National Hockey League’s annual Free Agent Frenzy and on July 1st itself. He managed to not only ship Sam Gagner out of town but also brought in the quartet of Keith Aulie, Mark Fayne, Benoit Pouliot and Teddy Purcell for the coming 2014-15 campaign.

The clock is likely ticking...

The Edmonton Oilers announced the signing of defenceman Jeff Petry to one year / $3.075 million deal on Monday morning and the move clearly signifies a watershed moment between the organization and player.

Second line centre

As of this moment, it is clear to everyone the Edmonton Oilers are absent a second line centre, unless of course you are one of those souls who have fooled yourself into believing Mark Arcobello could fill the role on a short-term basis. 

More depth but nothing bold

Edmonton Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish wasted little time in making his mark during the opening day of the NHL’s annual Free Agent Frenzy, inking former New Jersey Devils blueliner Mark Fayne and New York Rangers winger Benoit Pouliot to long-term extensions, as well as depth defenceman Keith Aulie to a one year pact.