Stortini

Is Zack Stortini a real NHL player?

After a solid finish to last season Stortini gained himself a new 3-year contract, 1-way. But who says he's gonna earn all that money. In these past two seasons he's wow'd the Oilers and their coaching staff with his work ethic and bravery. Not everyone wants to play every night, to only find out they have to fight Derek Boogaard. But has Stortini really shown any signs he really belongs in the NHL skill wise. He's no heavyweight, and could definately use some power skating lessons so what has he done that gives him a spot in camp this season? Sure, he delivers the odd hit here and there but so many other NHL players can do that. Does he really protect our stars like, Hemsky and Gagner? Or is he just an ECHL skilled player with an elite NHL work ethic?

This is not a bash-fest but I don't believe that he will just be handed a spot in camp. We have so many talented youngsters that could take his place. And the addition of Jason Strudwick adds a more legit fighter than Stortini. So, where will he fit in? With Ryan Potulny and Marc Pouliot both on one-way contracts, competition will be stiff. Both Potulny and Pouliot have the ability to play on the penalty kill and powerplay (we saw this at the end of last year, though I don't believe they'll see any time there) and both are solid defensively. Both can play the role of 3rd line center as well as 4th line winger. They can both pitch in an occasional goal to spark the team.

Stortini can hug his way out of fights, essentially only getting the other teams heavyweight out of the game for the next 5 minutes.

But this just raises the burning question...

Do the Oilers really need a heavyweight enforcer (like Georges Laraque, who we let go for some reason)?

Yes. Now obviously letting go of BGL was a mistake. He's a guy that is an NHL player, without fighting and a heavyweight enforcer. But I believe our team toughness is underrated. Guys like Moreau and Souray will drop the gloves occasionally and can give punishing hits to opponents' top lines. They are both above average NHL players, who both play more than just a regular shift. Jason Strudwick is an NHL vet, and has been in the league all these years not because he's the best player but he's definately not the worst. He can play forward and defense and will not hesitate to drop the gloves.

With Strudwick, does Stortini really deserve a spot on the roster?