Oilers add some Toughness

Zach Stortini may have just lost his job. The Oilers signed Jason Strudwick today to a 1-year contract. I think it's a great signing, he's a hometown boy who is more than capable of taking on the enforcer role on this team. Not only that, he is a guy capable of playing both a 4th line role, as well as a 7th D-man role. A great utility guy.

Although he looks like hes got a parachute on his back when he skates, Strudwick finished even last season on the Rangers, playing on the bottom pairing.

With Stortini asking for the moon on an extension, this was essentially a no-brainer. It's just an added bonus that Strudwick brings a veteran presence to the locker-room. He's a character guy capable of getting along with all the guys, regardless of age.



I could see him filling that 4th line LW spot on occasion if Stortini is let go of, as well as in filling in on D when there are injuries. McTavish is going to love him. He's an all-out solid player. He'll get the job done with the roles he'll be given. He'll make the easy, simple plays on defense, and do a good job of clearing the zone as a forward.

I think it was an important pickup for the Oilers. Stortini doesn't scare anybody, he just pisses them off. Strudwick is more likely to deter any rash attacks on the likes of Gagner and Nilsson than the combined trio of Stortini, Souray, and Moreau are. I think it's important to grab specific role players like him to play those few minutes a night rather than field a "generally physical" team.