Edmonton Oilers Could Be Closing in On Contract Extension for Young Defenceman

The Edmonton Oilers seem to have a solid young developing player in Ty Emberson, and now multiple reports are suggesting that a contract extension could come soon.

Talks of a contract extension began to surface prior to the holiday break, as the young Oilers defender has begun to settle in nicely on his new team.

Emberson was acquired from the San Jose Sharks and came to Edmonton with only 30 games of NHL experience. Considering his youth, early success, and more expected development, Oilers analyst Kurt Leavins believes a contract extension could come in the new year.

“Emberson is just fine on the third pairing. In fact, I would not be surprised if when January 1 flips past on the calendar Bowman looks at extending him.- Kurt Leavins, the Edmonton Journal

Although his start with Edmonton was a bit rocky, Emberson has settled into a quality third pairing role and is an asset on the penalty kill. In 34 games this season, the 24 year old Emberson has 4 points and a -5 on ice rating.

Edmonton Oilers Should Pursue Early Contract Extension with Ty Emberson

With his all around mature defensive game and ability to make a clean first pass, Ty Emberson was named as a player with breakout star potential at the beginning of the year.

That potential still exists, and the Oilers should pounce early to get him under team control for the next few seasons.

The NHL salary cap is expected to rise massively in the next two years, so the Oilers could even perhaps afford to overpay him a bit in salary to get something term. A 3 or 4 year contract with an annual value of $2-3M could be incredible value for the Oilers.

Hopefully the Oilers GM Stan Bowman can convince Emberson to sign a contract early this season, before he builds a case to earn more salary with a playoff performance.