Rumored Long-Term Deal for Desharnais Makes Sense for Oilers – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

Reports that the Edmonton Oilers like Vincent Desharnais are not new. Dating back to when the team gave him a shot out of the AHL versus trading for a more established defenseman, he’s not let them down and has exceeded expectations. Reports had surfaced that the Oilers and Desharnais’ camp had already engaged in contract talks — which were put on hold when the playoffs began. An update on those reports suggests the deal might be a long-term one.

It has been cited that Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer claims the Oilers would like to get a six or seven-year deal done with Desharnais, locking up the pending UFA to a deal that would keep him in Edmonton long-term. As for what the salary expectation would be, that is not entirely clear.

Is a long-term deal the best plan for the Oilers and Desharnais? There are several reasons to suggest it might be.

Desharnais Is Worth Investing In

As a pending UFA, there will be interest in Desharnais around the NHL. He’s a big body who consistently makes the smart play. He’s progressing at an extremely impressive rate and he’s still young enough that a six-year deal would only take him to the age of 33. It’s taken him some time to get to this point in his career, so to call him a gamer would be an understatement. This is a player with a no-quit mentality who has finally discovered who he is as a player and has taken huge steps to find his pathway in the NHL.

As Jason Strudwick said on the Got Yer’ Back podcast Sunday night after Game 4, Desharnais is earning more money and making himself more valuable every time he steps on the ice. He’s become a trusted defenseman who gets first-unit penalty-killing time on a penalty kill that has been perfect in the playoffs. He offers physicality and personality. He’s coachable and a sponge for hockey knowledge. Locking him up to a lengthy deal in the hopes that he’ll become a huge bargain in the next few seasons could be a wise investment.

Desharnais Might Feel Loyal to the Oilers

Considering it was Edmonton who was patient with the player, gave him an opportunity, and elevated him to where he is now, Desharnais might feel a sense of loyalty to Edmonton versus loving the idea that he can test the market. Yes, there will be suitors who show interest if he makes himself available, but the Oilers aren’t likely to lowball him. They’re looking to trade security for dollars.

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