Edmonton Oilers linked to signing two college free-agent defenseman

With college hockey season coming to an end in the coming months, NHL teams are beginning to zero in on players who could be signed to professional deals — and the Oilers have two targets as well.

The Oilers prospect system is currently near the bottom of NHL rankings, so any addition to their prospect system will be a meaningful one.

Edmonton Oilers linked to two college free-agent defenseman

In a recent piece on Lowetide, Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell named two college players who may be of interest to GM Stan Bowman: Marc Lajoie and Mac Gadowsky.

It's possible Stan Bowman signs someone like Mac Gadowsky or Marc Lajoiethis spring, and that player could conceivably see a quick recall for NHL immersion.

Additionally, it's interesting to see Mitchell note that either player could see a quick call up to the NHL after a signing to get an evaluation before next season. It's not likely either of these players would play in the playoffs, but they could be a part of the Oilers future after playing in the AHL.

Marc Lajoie is a defenseman the Edmonton Oilers have been around for some time now. The 6-foot-6 left shot defender from St. Albert was invited to Oilers development camp in training camp, and was signed to an AHL tryout contract last year.

Lajoie is now 21 years old and playing with the University of Alberta, with 5 goals and 24 points in 28 games. Hopefully the Oilers can get the local kid under contract and into the organization.

Mac Gadowsky is an interesting name that hasn't previously been connected to the Oilers. A 23 year old left shot defenseman currently playing with West Point in NCAA Division I, Gadowsky is having a great year with 11 goals and 31 points in 30 games. His father Guy Gadowsky is a current NCAA coach who hails from Edmonton.

Mac is currently in the running for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given to the best player in NCAA hockey.