Report: Oilers to meet with pending UFA Fayne on Thursday

The Edmonton Oilers will attempt to woo another hefty blue-liner this week, according to a report from TSN's Ryan Rishaug. 

Fresh off of acquiring and signing defenseman Nikita Nikitin from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, Oilers brass is reportedly scheduled to meet with pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Mark Fayne of the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.

The 27-year-old Fayne managed 11 points in 72 games this past season and isn't exactly a scoring threat. Despite his lack of production, Fayne could fit the bill for the Oilers in several other frints, namely that he's listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and has been an effective two-way shutdown guy for several seasons. 

The big question for the Oilers in offering big money to Fayne, who underwent successful groin surgery in late April, is that - while he's consistently posted stellar underlying numbers while facing the opposition's best players - is Fayne actually a stellar defensive player, or is he a product and beneficiary of Pete DeBoer's strict defensive system?

That question, for the moment, doesn't appear to be deterring would be suitors. Rishaug suggests that Fayne has been contacted by six or seven NHL clubs and is looking for a four or five year deal. 

[H/T Pro Hockey Talk]