With this in mind, the Oilers still need a puck-moving, complete defenseman on the right side. Matthew Benning is having a great stint as a rookie, but is still young and learning. Eric Gryba, though a veteran, is also slowing down at times.
Given Kris Russell’s left-handed ability, s well as Brandon Davidson’s proneness to injury, the Oilers should look into backup plans. And one of them could revolve around right-handed defenseman Michael Stone.
According to “Edmonton Journal” reporter Jim Matheson, the Coyotes blueliner is available. Stone is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, so this likely means that Arizona does not plan to extend his contract.