BLOG: Wideman eyes improvement under Hitchcock

EDMONTON, AB - Defenceman Chris Wideman is already embracing a fresh new mindset and the clean slate that comes with being the newest member of the Edmonton Oilers.
"Obviously for me it's a fresh start and a new opportunity," Wideman said to EdmontonOilers.com. "I'm coming to a team that I've heard from multiple people is a great group of guys off the ice, and obviously on the ice I have the chance to play with the best player in the game in Connor McDavid and some other great players."
Wideman, who recorded two goals and three assists in 19 games this season for the Senators, sees his impact with the Oilers being felt as a puck-moving defenceman who can make contributions on the power play. The 28-year-old has a pedigree for producing offence as an NHL defenceman and in the AHL where he earned the Eddie Shore Award as Defenceman of the Year during the 2014-15 season with 61 points (19 G, 42 A) in 75 contests.
"I'm a guy that moves the puck and is defensively responsible, but I think moving the puck is definitely a strong suit of my game in making sure I'm getting pucks to the net," Wideman said. "It's something I've had success doing in my career and something that I'm looking to bring to the blueline in Edmonton."
As the St. Louis, Missouri product looks ahead to a clean slate with the Oilers, the opportunity to begin anew in a system recently revamped by the arrival of Head Coach Ken Hitchcock is a massive draw for the right-shot rearguard.
"He's a coach that's had a tremendous amount of success and someone who is widely respected across the league," Wideman added. "Having an opportunity to play for a well-established coach is something that I'm looking forward to with the structure and the demand in the way he likes the game played. It will be good for me and the team as well. I'm looking forward to the opportunity for myself, but for the team as well. It could be a great fit for everyone."