As per reports from a couple of reputable Edmonton Oilers insiders, the Oilers are set to announce the extension of depth forward Gaetan Haas.
As per TSN’s Ryan Rishaug:
Also as speculated, expect contracts to come for F Gaetan Haas 5-5-10 (58gp) and 25 year old Swedish free agent defenceman Theodor Lennstrom out of Frolunda. Team continues to round out the edges of it’s roster for next season.
There were questions about whether or not the Oilers were going to extend an offer to Haas. Not exactly a regular in the Oilers lineup, he does provide some excellent depth for a team, some speed, and while not a gritty player, isn’t afraid to hit and mix it up.
The Oilers likely would have let Haas leave had they successfully brought Anton Slephyshev over from the KHL, but that didn’t happen. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal writes of the news:
If Oilers resign Gaetan Haas and I think they should, contract offer would almost certainly mirror that of Joakim Nygard ($875,000 for one year). Not getting Anton Slepyshev to return has left room for bottom 6 signings. Not sure where UFA’s Tyler Ennis/Sam Gagner figure in this
For the Oilers, the team will need to find inexpensive ways to round out the roster for next season, especially amidst speculation that the salary cap for next year will stay flat. The Oilers are among a handful of teams closer to the ceiling and with less room to maneuver if the cap doesn’t increase.
Haas was a player that joined the NHL in his first season that past year and was among the many one-year deals GM Ken Holland added when he became GM. Not all worked out, but many did. Haas should be seen as a success, even if he didn’t have the same impact as a player like Josh Archibald or Riley Sheahan did.
If and when the Oilers officially announce the signing, we’ll be sure to have that information here. As per Rishaug’s report, the Oilers are also expected to sign 25-year-old Swedish free agent defenceman Theodor Lennstrom.
Related: Canadiens Interested in Anton Khudobin?
