Versteeg intrigued by Oilers' centers ahead of tryout
It appears the Edmonton Oilers' depth at center has caught the eye of unrestricted free agent Kris Versteeg.
The 30-year-old right-winger agreed to a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the club on Friday, and says the Oilers are full of exciting potential linemates.
"(Leon) Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, or [Connor] McDavid ... It's a great group up the middle and they make wingers like me excited," said Versteeg. "Hopefully I can work my way in there and earn a contract."
"You've got to expect a lot from yourself & a lot from your teammates every night." Versteeg on his experience with #StanleyCup teams
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 9, 2016
Beyond Edmonton's talented centers, Versteeg also noted that relationships with the newest member of the team, Milan Lucic, and defenseman Brandon Davidson, played a part in his decision to sign the PTO.
Versteeg will have to earn his spot, as the Oilers already boast a large contingent of right wingers, including Jordan Eberle, Zack Kassian, Jesse Puljujarvi, Nail Yakupov, and Iro Pakarinen.
On the other hand, Versteeg will have a leg up in terms of experience. He's dressed in more regular season games and more playoff games than any of the others, and is the only player among the five to capture not just one, but two Stanley Cups.