There are many battles that go on in training camp, tough guy vs. tough guy, rookie vs. rookie, goalie vs goalie and even veteran vs. veteran. This is where Jim Vandermeer and Jason Strudwick as two veterans in my mind are fighting for last spot on D for the Edmonton Oilers. They both bring a similar type of game as they like to keep it simple and play that defense first style. They provide toughness and are able to scrap if needed. Their leadership for a young Oiler team is the most important aspect for the team as they are experienced veterans which are needed in every NHL dressing room. But with young kids coming up such as Theo Peckam who plays the exact same way as the both of them and with the addition of Shawn Belle it leaves one spot open.
Strudwick seems like the ideal candidate to stick with the Oilers. His track record with Renney and the fact that Renney really likes him gives Strudwick the upper hand. He is also cheaper and with the Oilers rebuilding cheaper is better. But the disadvantage with Strudwick is he is 35 and eventually with older age comes a slower player. Vandermeer has a good age as he is 30 years old, but a contract at 2 million a year it doesn't make sense to spend that type of money on a 15 point guy.
Both defencemen are reliable players but with a young team like the Oilers, they just cant have both if they want their young D to grow. It will be interesting to see how it will all play out as there are only two more games left till the start of the season.
Vandermeer fights Taylor Pyatt
Strudwick scraps Carcillo
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