The Edmonton Oilers’ blue line is about to get a familiar face. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Travis Dermott is expected to arrive in Edmonton this week for voluntary captain’s skates, with a professional tryout (PTO) agreement to follow.
This development isn’t entirely surprising. Dermott has a history with several key figures in the Oilers organization. He played with Connor McDavid and Connor Brown during his junior hockey days, and he’s also familiar with head coach Kris Knobloch from their time together with the OHL’s Erie Otters.
Furthermore, Dermott’s skill set aligns with Edmonton’s needs. He’s a left-shot defenseman capable of playing both sides, much like Philip Broberg, who recently signed an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues. Given the Oilers’ current defensive depth chart, Dermott has a legitimate shot at earning a spot on the opening night roster.
A Calculated Gamble for Both Sides
For Dermott, this PTO represents a golden opportunity to resurrect his NHL career. After being traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 2021-22, he struggled to find his footing and spending time with the Canucks and Arizona Coyotes. Now, he gets a fresh start with a team that could genuinely use his services.
From the Oilers’ perspective, this is a low-risk, high-reward move. They’re not committing any significant assets to Dermott, but if he performs well in training camp, they could add a capable defenseman to their roster at a bargain price.
My Take:
I believe this is a smart move for both Dermott and the Oilers. Dermott’s familiarity with key players and coaches should help him acclimate quickly. And if he can recapture the form that made him a promising prospect in Toronto, he could be a valuable addition to Edmonton’s blue line.
The Oilers’ defense has been a question mark for several seasons, and Dermott’s versatility could provide some much-needed stability. Of course, there’s no guarantee he’ll make the team, but this PTO gives him a fighting chance to prove his worth.
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