It’s not a secret that the Edmonton Oilers have a lot of moving parts after the season is finished. They have a fairly strong team, and the fans are excited for the playoffs, and are even more excited for the future with the deep prospect pool the team has built over the last few seasons. But, with that being said, there is something worries from fans, and the organization with a lot of key players and assets needing new contracts, and the team wanting to make a push for a Stanley Cup in the next few seasons.
The Blue and Orange have a lot of decisions to make, and that’s no surprise. As I’ve mentioned before, Yamamoto, Puljujarvi, Kane, Kulak and McLeod all have contracts expiring, there is the contracts of Kassian, Barrie and Smith that the Oilers will consider moving for some more cap space, and then Jay Woodcroft needs a new extension, as he has turned Edmonton into a much better team since Tippett’s departure.
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Evander Kane
Bob Stauffer has previously mentioned a 4 year, $4M AAV contract for Evander Kane, who since coming to the Oilers on a 1 year deal, has been nothing but amazing for the team. Kane, 30, has 28 points in 31 games with the Oil this season, and will likely continue to be a go to offensive weapon come playoff time.
Personally, I like the idea of a 4×4, but ideally the Oilers should try and bring the term down to 2-3 years and if they can, move the money down as much as possible. Kane is definitely worth $4M AAV, and he’s earned it, as long as he keeps himself in check on the ice as far as discipline, and continues scoring and putting up points. But the team is already tight on money, so getting it down to $2.5-3.5M AAV will make a difference if there are moves to be made at the next deadline in terms of buying rental players, or using the money to sign McLeod, Puljujarvi etc. and who wouldn’t want to keep playing with the two best players on the planet in Connor and Leon.
Dylan Holloway
Another player likely working his way into the Oilers lineup next season is current Bakersfield Condor, and former first round pick forward Dylan Holloway. The 20 year old has 20 points in 31 games in the AHL, and has been a standout player in the minor league system, and is ready, if not really close to ready for the next step.
Holloway, who spent time with the University of Wisconsin (NCAA) and the Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) was drafted 14th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by Edmonton, and has only gotten better since being selected. The young forward is likely penciled in as a top 9 forward next season, but could have an even bigger role if Evander Kane doesn’t re-sign with the Blue and Orange.
Noah Philp
The Oilers, along with multiple other NHL teams have recently been connected to UofA Golden Bears forward Noah Philp. Philp, 23, has spent time in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds, and has played 2 professional games with the Stockton Heat (AHL)
Announced yesterday, the Oilers officially locked up Philp on a one year entry level deal beginning next season. Through 8 games this season in the Usports league, he had 11 points. The 6’3, 198 pound forward will bring some more competition to the already stacked prospect pool, and will have his chance to prove why he should earn his shot in the NHL while playing with the Condors.