Oilers writer Sean Maloughney and Flames writer Trevor Neufeld made a bet during the second round of the 2022 NHL Playoffs. The beat guy for the team that lost the Battle of Alberta series had to write a positivity piece about the other team. This is that piece.

A Change but a Welcome One


The Edmonton Oilers this offseason found unprecedented success during the Katz era; a three round playoff run. Such success had been expected, but not achieved after so many top five picks.

This offseason salary cap challenges have surfaced with a number of players needing new contracts. A hair over seven million in cap space(7.13) and any additional room being dependent on whether two core players retire. With that challenge comes difficult decisions, but also a surplus in the Oilers fanbase’s primary form of currency: hope.

Here are some positives that arise from where the organization finds it’s self.

There Are Options to Add Depth and Maneuver Cap
In many people’s eyes, Oilers are a few key pieces from taking that next step— depth being the number one issue. Ken Holland has shown in moves that he believes this sentiment as well. Moves such as bringing in the controversial Evander Kane on a short term basis or finding the bargain of Brett Kulak for a second round pick and a seventh round pick.

With several players becoming free agents this offseason, Ken Holland has the opportunity to retool a team that proved it can win multiple rounds in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here are those players and their respective cap hits. There are tough decisions to be made given that Darnell Nurse’s 9.25 contract kicks in next season and eats up much of the space being made. The Oilers will have 7.13 million to resign or replace these players.

Also notable is that 7.13 turns into 16.03 million of Duncan Kieth chooses to retire given the current cap recapture rules outlined within the CBA. Although there are rumours that the extra 3.4 in space may not be rewarded to the Oilers. Grain of salt with that one, but it would be a coup if it worked out that way.

Oilers Players Entering Unrestricted Free Agency This Offseason
LW – Evander Kane – 2.108 million
LW – Josh Archibald – 1.5 million
C – Derick Brassard – 825k
C – Colton Sceviour – 750k
C – Kyle Turris – 1.65 million
D – Brett Kulak – 1.85 million
D – Kris Russell – 1.25 million
G – Mikko Koskinen – 4.5 million

Oilers Players Entering Restricted Free Agency This Offseason
C – Ryan McLeod – 834k
RW – Jesse Puljujarvi – 1.175 million
RW – Kailer Yamamoto – 1.175 million


Rumours swirl of Puljujarvi seeking to leave the organization for greater opportunity elsewhere. 36 points over 65 games puts him in a tough spot if the Oilers are cap strapped this summer— much will depend on whether Keith retires. His inconsistency puts him in an odd spot. 36 points is solid, but his six points in his last 28 games (including playoffs) raises questions of his value. He likely talks to his Finnish countrymen playing in low pressure markets— players that have found new success after leaving their first team such as Tuevo Teravainen or close friend Patrik Laine— and thinks there’s more to earn and achieve elsewhere.

Also a challenge to re-sign is Kailer Yamamoto. 41 points in 81 games was one point shy of doubling his next best season. The 1.175 million both of these players each earned will be a thing of the past as of next season.

Imagination is key, but how about a trade along this direction:

To Seattle
RW Jesse Puljujarvi
2023 2nd round pick

For

To Edmonton
D Vince Dunn – 4 Million 50% retained - RFA after this season

This would shore up a much needed spot on defence for the season. Dunn is an RFA. Dunn plays a very solid two way game with some snarl added and also provides a deadly shot from the point that would make Tyson Barrie more replaceable. Holland has given every year’s second round pick the Oilers have owned since being hired, so one would imagine next year’s is burning a hole in his pocket.

Oilers Second Round Picks Dealt by Holland
2020 & 2021 – Andreas Athanasiou
2022 – Brett Kulak

With that said, these players could make valuable trade chips. Assets that could be used to bring in replacement level older players and possibly shed cap in the process if the acquiring organization sees those players as possibly flourishing with more power play time and a culture change.


Goaltending Will Change
With Mikko Koskinen already signing with HC Lugano of the Swiss League, the backup position is now vacant, although there is a solid change incumbent third string Stuart Skinner will take that spot, there is the possibility of a greater shakeup in net. Elliotte Friedman reported that Holland has asked Mike Smith and Duncan Kieth to update the organization on their decisions to retire or not by July 1st.

Certainly not the standard treatment Ken Holland gives to veterans. 7.15 million to fill nine to eleven roster spots is not much. That said, he re-signed a 39 year old goalie to a two year contract and acquired a near retirement defenceman with two seasons left during last offseason, so he’s made his bed if they want to keep earning money to play.

All of this said, the position will have either one or two vacancies this offseason. It’s fair to say Smith is too proud to throw in the towel just yet, but at least one new face will be welcome at the position.


Connor is Still Improving
Even as a Flames beat writer, it’s hard to deny that McDavid exceeded expectations this year. His 123 regular season points was a career high. Even more impressive was that he did this while dealing with a knee injury. Apologies for the conjecture, but rumours swirled greatly around the time of the All Star break— Connor was playing through a knee issue.

You could see it on the ice too. He wasn’t breaking open the neutral zone with his first three strides. His trademark sprint showed up once every few games instead of two or three times a game— something wasn’t right with the generational center.

Despite that, he hit a career record then topped it off with 33 points in 16 playoff games. Although he seemed to have recovered at that point.

This is just one writer’s (who doesn’t particularly like the Oilers) opinion, but his greatest career achievement to date is maintaining production while his knee wasn’t 100%. He found other ways to find the back of the net and that, in turn, made him a better player.


After all is said and done this summer, there’s room for optimism. Even if Darnell Nurse pushed a torn hip flexor to its limit— much like how Sean Monahan did in the past— and will start an eight year 9.25 million AAV contract next year. Even if Duncan Keith chooses to earn the 1.5 million and ultimately leads to 9.9 million less in breathing room. Even if rookie Coach Jay Woodcroft’s shelf life as a more approachable, modern Coach is still a relative unknown, even if General Manager Ken Holland continues to overpay with draft picks in nearly every single trade he makes and he certainly needs to make trades in the next few months:

There is still hope. That’s all you need if you’re an Oilers fan.


Trevor Neufeld


Stats via eliteprospects, dobberhockey, ahl, and nhl.com.


@Trevor_Neufeld

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