Even though the season is over, the Edmonton Oilers front office is still hard at work. The team has signed both Ziyat Paigin and Shane Starrett to two-year entry-level contracts. Paigin was brought in on an amateur tryout from the KHL last week, while Starrett has just finished up his sophomore year with the Air Force Falcons of the NCAA.
Paigin, 22, was the Oilers’ seventh-round pick in 2015 and proceeded to break out in the KHL after being loaned to Sochi. His 27 points in 37 games for that club looked exceptional when paired with his 6’6″ frame. Back with Ak Bars this year, he fought through injuries and inconsistency to an underwhelming campaign, which may have spurred a move to North America. In a recent interview with Sport-Express (and translated by The Hockey Writers), Paigin seems to hint that he didn’t see much playing time with Ak Bars because he wouldn’t agree to a contract they had offered earlier in the year. The big defenseman was also questioned on his fitness, something that he’s worked very hard at recently.
Edmonton must think he can answer those questions, as he quickly signed a two-year deal with them. After “studying the roster”, Paigin thinks he can make an impact in the NHL at some point, and the Oilers hope he can as well. His intimidating physical presence could be a big help do their defense corps down the line, and his ability to shoot the puck and keep up with skilled players should help his transition to the North American game.
Starrett on the other hand is an undrafted goaltender who has put up two straight excellent seasons in the NCAA. Recording save percentages of .924 and .925, the 6’5″ goalie looks like a classic late-bloomer who has professional potential. Starrett actually participated in Chicago Blackhawks camp last summer but has gone to Edmonton where he’ll compete with Nick Ellis for the AHL job next season. While Cam Talbot remains the franchise goaltender, the Oilers will try to build a pipeline of talent they can use in net as they try to compete for the next decade with Connor McDavid. Remember, Talbot is already 29 years old and will hit free agency following the 2018-19 season.