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2017-18 Edmonton Oilers in Review:

Pontus Aberg

It was logical that the Edmonton Oilers would trade pending UFA Mark Letestu at the NHL trading deadline.

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Letestu had been a good pro here, but it was prudent asset management to get something for him, as opposed to just letting him walk for “nothing”. As Letestu had been signed as a free agent, the Oilers ultimately won by getting an asset in return for “just money”.

That asset was winger Pontus Aberg, formerly of the Nashville Predators. But just how much of an asset was he, and may he be in the years to come?

Offence

This acquisition by Peter Chiarelli was a good bet.

Pontus Aberg has well-above average offensive skill, including excellent speed and a flair for creativity with the puck. Those are tools you can’t teach. You either got ’em or you don’t. And Aberg does. He also has a good wrist shot with a quick release.

The player put up some offence as soon as he arrived in Edmonton, 2-6-8 in 16 GP. Hey, if you can get a 40-point per season player in exchange for a guy like Letestu, that’s money in the bank. And Aberg does have an offensive pedigree.