In an attempt to shore up their defensive woes, the Oiler's have traded Chris Wideman and a third round pick for Alex Petrovic. Wideman was acquired for a sixth round pick from Ottawa earlier this season and was a bit disappointing in his time in Edmonton. Right now the Oilers are desperate for more defense so the addition of Petrovic is a very welcome one.
Stats wise, there isn't much difference between the two players involved in the trade. Wideman is regarded as the more offensive of the two but Petrovic's offensive numbers aren't that far behind. Size wise there is a vast difference between the two men with Petrovic coming in half a foot taller and 35 pounds heavier. The Oilers will be looking for a bit of physicality out of Petrovic.
Alex Petrovic is an Edmonton native and it's always nice to see players get an opportunity to play in their hometown. Petrovic was drafted in the second round in the 2010 draft and has played in over 250 contests in the NHL. That level of experience will be very welcome in Edmonton.
Petrovic will most likely slot in on the third pair to start his time in Edmonton. He will have an opportunity to move up the depth chart, especially with all the injuries the Oilers currently have on the back end. It's unclear if he will be ready in time for tomorrows game in Edmonton but, if he makes it to the city in time I fully expect him to be in the starting lineup.
Petrovic will need a fast start for the Oiler's since a few of their injured defensemen are nearly ready to make their returns. Once everyone is healthy there will be a logjam for the final few roster spots for the defense. I'll be doing a bit of a facepalm if in a months time Petrovic isn't a regular in the defensive group. I'd very much like to see Caleb Jones stick with the club and if that happens then one of the more veteran players will be moving down to the AHL and probably won't be coming back. I will be very interested to see how everything plays out for the Oilers defense over the course of the next month and I'm hoping that in a months time we have a competent group to put on the ice every night.
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