Detroit Red Wings: Jordan Oesterle will bring depth to defense core
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Red Wings made some smaller depth signings in free agency to add to their defense core. Beyond the two smaller signings, the team also added veteran defenseman Nick Leddy, who will mentor and anchor the team’s defense core.
However, the Detroit Red Wings have signed Jordan Oesterle to a two-year, $2.7 million contract with a $1.35 million average annual value contract. He’s been around the league and is a seven-year veteran of the NHL, spending time with three different teams.
Oesterle had spent the past three years in Arizona with the Coyotes. His first three seasons were nothing special, totaling just 25 games over the three seasons. Oesterle started to figure some things out after that.
For the Red Wings, Oesterle is going to add some depth and versatility that will be great for the team’s defense core. He may not be a huge impact signing, but he will be hoping to break out. It’s a similar contract as Troy Stecher, so the hope is that he can slot in well with the Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jordan Oesterle brings depth and versatility.
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As the Detroit Red Wings continue to start piecing things together for the 2021-22 season, Oesterle is going to be someone who is mentioned in talks about the defense core.
Oesterle hails from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, so his signing brings him back to his hometown.
The left-handed shooting defenseman also played his collegiate hockey in the powerhouse conference that is home to the Western Michigan Broncos hockey program.
The Red Wings recently drafted forward Red Savage in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, who will be playing for a Broncos rival in the NCHC, for the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks.
When it comes to Oesterle, getting back to his roots might be what he needs to get to that next level and truly be able to be more than a depth guy.
He’s coming off of a season where he logged 43 games, scoring one goal and adding ten assists for 11 total points for the Coyotes.
He reached the 20-point threshold in 2018-19, and it should be viewed as a great “win” if he can do that again in 2021-22. It’s one of those signings that appears to be more of a depth addition, but he may very well benefit a bunch from a change of scenery.
The Red Wings may not have high expectations for Oesterle, but he could very well end up being one of the steals of this offseason from Yzerman. Regardless, he is a depth addition which is also versatile and able to play both sides defensively.
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Keep an eye on Oesterle as he looks to benefit from his change of scenery and homecoming in his return to Michigan to play for the Red Wings organization.