The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenceman Nikita Nikitin to a 2-year deal worth $9 million ($4.5 million AAV). When the Columbus Blue Jackets realized that they would be unable to signe the defenceman they gave the Oilers permission to negotiate with Nikitin, in exchange for a promise that if the Oilers signed him, they would recieve a 2014 fifth round pick, Columbus’ pick back from the Oilers. The Blue Jackets originally traded the pick to the Oilers in exchange for defenceman Nick Shultz at the NHL trade deadline.
The 28-year-old Nikitin had 2 goals and 13 assists for 15 points in 66 games in helping the Blue Jackets make the playoffs last season. He had a plus-9 rating and was a 49.2% Corsi for, and 48.7% Fenwick for player. More concerning though should be the 102.2 PDO that led to that high plus/minus rating as well as the fact his quality of competition was low, and his zone starts average at 49.1%… (+1% relative).
In 158 regular-season contests with Columbus, Nikitin has put up 12 goals and 44 assists for 56 points. He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 5th round of the 2004 draft, and traded to Columbus for Kris Russell in 2011. Listed at 6’4″ and 223 lbs, he brings size and experience to the Oilers blue line, which has been weak in both areas for several years.
Nikitin has represented Russia several times, including the 2014 Winter Olympics, 2012 World Hockey Championship and 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship.
The big question here is whether or not the Oilers have overpaid for a defensive defenceman who doesn’t add much offence and who seems to spend too much time in his own end of the ice.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @lastwordBkerr. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Hockey writing team. Visit our ”Write for Us“ page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Main Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLl via Getty Images
