Recapping free agency so far

Jun 2, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) passes the puck under pressure from Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) in the second period in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) passes the puck under pressure from Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin (13) in the second period in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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Could The Edmonton Oilers Potentially Sign Phil Kessel?
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

– Congratulations to Mark Stuart, who was hired as an Oilers assistant coach to replace the departed Brian Wiseman

– Replacing Jay Woodcroft in Bakersfield was Colin Chalk. Now replacing Chalk as assistant coach and Manson as assistant coach as well will be Keith McCambridge and former Oiler Josh Green. Congratulations to both men as well

– Rumours now persist that Phil Kessel will be signing with the Edmonton Oilers now. Obviously at 36 this would be for more of a minor role for him. It would be great to have his veteran presence around – would he come back to Canada though is the big question? At least this time it would be well established that he wouldn’t have to carry the team on his back like he did in Toronto – that job is taken by Connor Mcdavid and Leon Draisaitl. He only scored 8 goals but had 52 points on a terrible team in Arizona last season – not to mention finished with a -24 – but consider the team he had to work with in Arizona….

– Rumours are a funny thing. Connor Brown was as good as an Oiler before he was traded to Washington as the Caps offered Ottawa a better trade package. Dylan Strome was also rumoured to be coming here before he signed in Washington.

– Expect Ryan Mcleod to be signed any day now.

– Evander Kane supposedly has his hearing with the Sharks terminating his contract coming up. This was a big risk in signing him too – let’s hope the arbitrator doesn’t lose his or her head and makes Kane go back to San Jose, which would be a death sentence for him at this point. Re-signing with the Edmonton Oilers has surely proven he doesn’t want to go back to that franchise. Give him some money from San Jose, shake hands, hug it out, and go your separate ways.  Done.

– Holland also took the interim title off head coach Jay Woodcroft now, we’ve heard the deal is a three year deal at $2 million per. Congrats Woody, you deserve it.