NHL Rumors: Kris Russell signs with Edmonton Oilers

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers are close to signing free agent defenseman Kris Russell. 

The Edmonton Oilers have been trying to trade Nail Yakupov for quite some time. After finding an alleged partner in the St. Louis Blues, the Oilers are now trying to sign defenseman Kris Russell.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers are close to signing him to a one-year deal worth $3.1 million.

This is a bit of a puzzling move for the Oilers. They don’t have a real need for Russell since they have a number of left-handed blue line options. If anything, they need a right-handed option.

Also, Russell likely won’t be playing a significant role with the Oilers. Oscar Klefbom is penciled in to be on the first pairing with Adam Larsson. Andrej Sekera will likely be on the second pairing. All Russell does is likely steal playing time from either Brandon Davidson or Darnell Nurse.

Russell has 177 points in 573 career games. Last season, he had four goals and 15 assists in 62 games split between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. Russell has spent time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, Flames, and Stars. He is best known for his ability to block shots, with at least 200 blocked shots in each of his past three seasons.

Related Story: Each NHL Team's Biggest What If Moment

Obviously, blocking a shot is better than not blocking a shot. However, blocked shots aren’t necessarily a great thing to have a lot of. It tends to mean your team doesn’t have the puck much. His possession stats are among the worst in the NHL over the past three seasons.

That said, the Oilers need defensive depth and Russell certainly gives them it. However, he comes at an expensive price. And if he takes away playing time from a young defenseman, he is counterproductive to what the Oilers are trying to accomplish.