The Edmonton Oilers acquired defenceman Chris Wideman from the Ottawa Senators on Friday for a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NHL draft.
“It’s a fresh start and a new opportunity,” – Wideman said. “I have the chance to play with the best player in the game in Connor McDavid and some other great players.”
Before leaving Ottawa, Wideman was part of six players who recorded themselves criticizing Coach Martin Raymond. The video caused plenty of media storm but the Senators handled the matter internally. This week, the Senators accepted a trade for the 28-year-old in place for a-round-six draft pick two years from now.
Although he is a defenceman, Wideman has 16 goals and 27 assists in the last four years and a plus-7 rating for his stay in Ottawa. The 28-year-old is hopeful about his performance with the Oilers.
“I’m a guy that moves the puck and is defensively responsible, but I think moving the puck is definitely a strong suit of my game, in making sure I’m getting pucks to the net,” he said. “It’s something I’ve had success doing in my career and something that I’m looking to bring to the blue line in Edmonton.”
With Wideman in Edmonton, Coach Ken Hitchcock has more options in the defensive line. Previously, the Oilers had Kevin Gravel. Matt Benning and Jason Garrison in the position.
