Oilers Should Buy Low on Ducks’ Olen Zellweger This Offseason

The Edmonton Oilers have to make some changes this offseason, and one of those changes might be to add some stronger depth to their blueline. They may not be able to swing big for a big-name free agent or a big-name trade target, but they will have to figure out a way to find some diamonds in the rough.

One player who fits that mold is Anaheim Ducks’ defender Olen Zellweger. He is a pending restricted free agent who is just 22 years old and hasn’t played a single playoff game for the Ducks through two rounds.

If the Ducks are open to moving him this offseason, the Oilers should try to acquire him. He needs a new contract, but he will likely be open to signing a bridge deal to save the team some money, and could be interested in trying to earn ice time with another contending team.

Oilers Could Make One-for-One Swap

Zellweger played 76 games with the Ducks this season, scoring seven goals and adding 15 assists for 22 points. Through 164 career games, he has scored 16 goals and added 35 assists for 51 points. He previously played in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Everett Silvertips and Kamloops Blazers.

The defender, from Calgary, Alberta, could just need a fresh start. A change of scenery has helped plenty of players over the years, and this could be another situation where it would be a perfect plan for Zellweger.

Depending on what the Ducks are looking for in return, if they are open to trading him, the Oilers could find a way to pull off a one-for-one swap. Spencer Stastney was someone the Oilers acquired during the season to replace Brett Kulak, but fell out of order in the postseason, and could be someone they dangle for Zellweger.

If the Ducks wanted a forward instead, the Oilers could offer up Quinn Hutson, straight up, for Zellweger. Considering how strong the Oilers’ forward depth is, Hutson might be an odd man out, and if that is the case, it would make sense to trade him to fill another one of their needs, which is defensive depth.

If Stastney sticks with the Oilers, letting Zellweger and Stastney battle it out on a nightly basis could be an ideal situation for the Oilers. Creating some internal competition always brings out the best in players, and that’s exactly what they would be doing if they had the two of them vying for a spot every night.

Zellweger’s Next Contract

Zellweger wouldn’t be looking for a massive amount of money on his next deal, and would likely ask for around $2 million annually on a two-year deal. If the trade gets pulled off, Zellweger could be willing to bring his price down even more, considering he would be playing closer to home.

Realistically, signing him for up to three years isn’t a bad idea, as long as the price is right, and the Oilers would be adding another young player to their lineup. If he works out, he becomes a cost-effective bottom-pairing defender with a great contract, and if he doesn’t, his could be sent down and have most of his deal buried.

Either way, the Oilers should try to bring Zellweger in. There is no harm in taking a chance on a player with a high ceiling.

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