Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Who Stays Who Goes?

April 19, 2019, 5:24 PM ET [111 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Edmonton Oilers currently find themselves with 48 contracts of the total allowed 50. Over the next few months leading up to the beginning of free agency, management and the General Manager (TBA) will take a look at the current player list and make decisions on which players will and will not be resigned.

Here is a list of the Oilers current RFA and UFA players and the likelihood of the Oilers bringing them back into the fold.

RFA's

RW - Tobias Rieder -
Aside from the recent fiasco where CEO of OEG Bob Nicholson announced to a group of season ticket holders that Rieder would not be resigned by the team, it was already unlikely the team would seek to sign Tobias. Rieder finished the season with 92 shots on goal, 0 goals and 11 assists. Look for him to receive a PTO from another team this fall.

RW - Ty Rattie - As of today I would assume the Oilers would sign Rattie to another 1 year deal. At his current 800,000 salary, the 26 year old Rattie is a cheap depth option who has shown he can slot-in in multiple spots in the lineup. As the summer progresses and if the Oilers continue adding depth forwards, the likelihood of Rattie returning will diminish.

LW - Jujhar Khaira - In 2017/2018 Khaira had 21 points in 69 games. While scoring 18 points in 60 games this season looks pretty similar, his goal production took a drastic hit, going from 11 goals down to 3 last season. Khaira is a young player and a cheap option for the fourth line next season. Expect another one year deal for Khaira.

RW - Jesse Puljujarvi - Clearly Puljujarvi will receive a new contract from the Oilers if the team does not trade him this summer; that is the biggest question surrounding the future of young Jesse. Should Puljujarvi remain with the Oilers roster, I would expect a 2 year deal ranging between 1.5-1.7 million per year.

C - Tyler Vesel - The 25 year old played 61 games for the Condors this season, going 5-13-18. I do not expect him to be renewed by the organization.

LW - Joseph Gambardella - One of several players who produced at a near point-per-game pace for the Condors this season. On top of a strong AHL campaign, Gambardella appeared in 15 games for the Oilers this season, registering 3 points. Gambardella will certainly be signed and is an option to make the big club in the fall.

C - Colin Larkin -
14 points through 46 games with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL, doubt he gets another look by Edmonton.

LD - Robin Norell - Currently being loaned to the Swedish Hockey League. Unlikely to return.

G - Shane Starrett -
Phenomenal season for the Condors and the most exciting goaltending prospect the Oilers have had in a long time. Will absolutely be part of the plan moving forward.

---

UFA's

LW - Alex Chiasson
- The Oilers already have a lack of proven goal scorers in their lineup. It should not be expected that Chiasson will replicate the 22 goal season he had this past season, and that will be a point of contention in his contract negotiations. Aside from this season, Chiasson has been a regular 10-13 depth goal scorer and if the price is right the Oilers would like for him to return.

RD - Alex Petrovic - Forgot he played for Edmonton. Petrovic along with his 1.95 million dollar cap hit will not be returning.

LD - Kevin Gravel
- Similar to Eric Gryba, I could see the team take another look at Gravel in the fall if they feel they need another depth defenceman. Gravel did a fine job in a third pairing role this year but he has been passed by a number of players on the depth chart, especially with the return of Andrej Sekera.

G - Anthony Stolarz - Would have been an RFA if he had played at least 10 games with Edmonton. Either way that is irrelevant as he did not impress in the few games he played, and Edmonton now needs to find a goaltender to challenge Koskinen.

G - Al Montoya -
The 34 year old will either retire, or find somewhere to play in Europe

RW - Patrick Russell - Had a significant jump in production with the Condors this season with 40 points in 51 games. His ceiling is likely a fourth line winger in the NHL and at 26 years old the team may sign him to a one year deal for the opportunity.

LD - Ryan Stanton The 29 year old defender had a fine season for the Condors but he will not be re-signed and make way for younger players.

---

At the end of the day the Oilers would likely want to keep Puljujarvi, Khaira, and Chiasson at the NHL level. Gambardella, Russell, Starrett, will be retained as potential callups or players that will continue to develop with the franchise. As always, a number of players will be let go and new college options and european players will be signed in the summer to fill the ranks once more.
Join the Discussion: » 111 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Sean Maloughney
» Oilers vs Caps - Blink and You'll Miss It
» Holland's Last Trade Deadline - A Snapshot of His Tenure in Edmonton
» Oilers Free Up Cap Space - One More Big Move Coming + Stecher To EDM
» Oilers Acquire Henrique, Carrick From Ducks
» Oilers vs Bruins - 1st In Pacific Up For Grabs