The Edmonton Oilers signed Jason Dickinson yesterday. It’s a five-year deal, $4 million AAV and there is a no-movement clause for two years followed by a limited no-trade restriction for the final seasons. Please read this.
Too long, I don’t like the nmc and ntc, but based on comments in yesterday’s comments section I like the player more than you do. Then again, I’m probably the only person who still looks at Corsi Rel five-on-five, but I think Dickinson can be a productive player for this team.
He’ll need Mike Babcock to stay with him during times of struggle, and he’ll have to play tough minutes with own-zone starts a nightly chore. However, if he can successfully play those minutes, it will allow Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl room to wheel. Especially at home, where Babcock can line and situation match.
Some will say Josh Samanski could do that job, and I think that may be true. However, Babcock doesn’t know Samanski and what he can bring, hell we’re not even sure if we’re being honest. I think you can view the Dickinson contract as a two-year deal, giving Samanski, Owen Michaels and maybe William Nicholl a chance to emerge.
The Dickinson contract could go sideways. He could get hurt, lose effectiveness, all kinds of things could go wrong. The Oilers have a solid third-line center and Samanski pushing. Dickinson helps the PK and the Oilers need help there. Maybe he could mentor a young winger and maybe, just maybe, the Oilers can populate Dickinson’s left and right side with offensively able wingers.
My breaking point on Dickinson were reports of $5 million AAV. The extra year probably got the number to $4 million. Most free-agent deals don’t work out as hoped, so being downbeat today is the easiest path. I think Bowman made a good signing. That’s my view of this deal.
On the Lowdown today, Jason Gregor will be our feature guest at 1:20. We’ll talk about a big win on the weekend for the Elks, the Dickinson signing and the massive deal made by the Florida Panthers to acquire Brady Tkachuk. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube.
