Kris Versteeg is back in the NHL.
Versteeg didn’t plan on playing in the league in 2015-16 as the 30-year-old signed a one-year deal with SC Bern of the Swiss National Hockey League. More than a month after signing Versteeg became a free agent this week after insurance complications nixed the deal. Now a free agent, Versteeg has found an NHL home: Edmonton.
Darren Dreger of TSN.ca reports Versteeg has signed a Player Tryout contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 9, 2016
[link_box id=”22277″ site_id=”17″ layout=”link-box-third” alignment=”alignright”]Versteeg’s PTO doesn’t ensure he’ll make the Oilers, but the odds he lands a contract with Edmonton are high. The Oilers aren’t exactly loaded with depth on the wings with Nail Yakupov, Zach Kassian and Patrick Maroon all slotted for top-nine roles. Versteeg is an experienced veteran who brings a well-rounded game into the fold. In 2015-16, Versteeg scored 15 goals and 38 points split between the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings. The point total would represent Edmonton’s third-highest scoring winger aside from Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle.
There’s little risk in the Oilers taking a shot on Versteeg. He would have surely earned a guaranteed contract if he decided to stay in North America. Versteeg’s insurance falling through is a red flag, but Edmonton isn’t responsible for anything if the deal doesn’t work out. If it does, the team gains flexibility going forward and adds a legitimate middle-six winger. It’s a solid move.
