The Edmonton Oilers have a number of players that are in need of contracts for the coming season, but only three characters are that vital for re-signing.
From the long list of unsigned players, three are vital to the team’s future and need to be brought back. This season did not end great, but that still doesn’t mean the team needs to tear down everything, while there will be some change, bringing back some of these guys will help the team move forward.
Change is a good thing, especially after getting swept in the first round. But with change needs to come some similar faces. Here are three guys that need to be re-signed next season.
Adam Larsson
Adam Larsson has become one of the best shutdown defenceman around. This season saw him block 128 shots and saw him throw around his body dishing out 166 hits. The Oilers have Darnell Nurse signed through the end of next season, and right behind him on the importance list has to be Adam Larsson on the blue line.
Mike Smith
Mike Smith might be 39 years old, he might not be as young as he used to be. At the same time the Oilers relied on Smith a lot this season. If he wants to give things another go next season I think the Oilers have to give him a one-year deal to try and win the cup again.
Kailer Yamamoto
The Oilers 2017 first-round pick is due for a pay raise. This season saw him put up 8 goals and 13 assists through 52 games. He spent time in the top six and will be back there next season. I wouldn’t mine the Oilers signing him to a two or three-year deal at around 2 million. The Oilers are going to want to lock him in for the long term while also making sure they do not have to overpay him.
There are a number of other players the Oilers are going to need to re-sign, but for now, these are the most important three in my opinion.