Safin was projected to be a second-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft by most of the NHL scouting agencies but fell to the fourth round. Edmonton took him with the 115th overall pick, and he may just be a steal for the team.
With Connor McDavid set to become the highest paid in the NHL the year after next, and Leon Draisaitl expected to sign a massive contract of his own this summer, the Oilers will need solid, young players on cheap contracts to stay competitive over the next decade. Safin can be this type of player on the Oilers’ roster.