Oilers weigh upsides for Chiasson, Connolly at right wing

Are the Edmonton Oilers just prepared to let 22-goal scorer Alex Chiasson walk away?

Maybe to Barry Trotz on Long Island because Trotz had Chiasson in Washington.

The Oilers are spending a lot more time talking to Washington’s UFA right-winger Brett Connolly than last year’s top-six winger Chiasson, also unrestricted, with almost identical career stats and age.

Maybe it’s because Connolly, a better skater, had 22 goals, 21 evenstrength last year while Chiasson had eight on the PP.

Both guys’ shooting percentages were better than normal.

Chiasson, 28, was 17.9, Connelly, 27, was 15.8. Well above the NHL average for wingers.

Connolly probably has better hands, but Chiasson is better defensively.

“I don’t think there’s enough for Brett to be on a first line with the mentality of how he plays,” said former NHL winger Alan May, who does TV commentary for the Capitals.

“Maybe a short-term fix, but it didn’t work in D.C. with either (Evgeny) Kuznetsov or (Nick) Backstrom. He worked really well with (third-line centre) Lars Eller the last couple of years.”

We know the rationale here. The Oilers feel Connolly, a former first-round draft pick, could be a third-liner as he was with the Caps, but maybe play second-line RW with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers see Chiasson as a thirdline winger and first PP net-front presence.

“Two years ago most of his goals were stick-length away from the net. Last year they were from farther out. He was shooting, trying to find shooter spots. He’s got good legs and when he strides to the net, he’s got a nice touch. Conno has to get to the net,” said May, who likes both guys, but in different ways.

“Alex is an ugly skater, but he gets there (blue-paint, slot). I saw how committed he was in Washington with the little things, getting the puck out, blocking shots, well-positioned in the slot. He’s very, very coachable,” said May.

“I’m kind of surprised he doesn’t have a contract (Edmonton). I would not be surprised if Barry Trotz wants him because of the system he has with the Islanders, so hard-working. They don’t play a speed game.

“There’s definitely teams Alex could play for and put up 15-20 goals.”

Minnesota, in major need of right-shot wingers, has also talked to Chiasson’s people.