A Way too early look at the Oilers 2023-24 offseason
As the Oilers come down the stretch toward the playoffs, I’m going to take a look at my ideal off-season plan for the Oilers to stay as competitive as they are.
Trades
Looking up and down the Oilers roster there aren’t any drastic moves that need to be made to remain a top team. With that being said here are the three trades I would make this summer:
Moving on from Ceci frees up some cap space and will open up some ice time for the younger defensemen looking to make the jump (I.E. Philip Broberg). The Ducks have a very low-level defence core and could use a 2nd pairing defenseman to increase their depth while not taking away from the role they would like to give Jamie Drysdale.
Anaheim Ducks although Yamamoto can bring lots to the Oilers lineup, his inconsistency and lack of production with plenty of top 6 opportunities make his $3 million cap hit hard to stomach for a team right up against the cap. Yamamoto being a Washington kid has ties there and the Kraken add depth to help them become a serious contender in the Pacific.
Another cap dump-style trade with Foegele, whose performance hasn’t matched his salary with the club. The Oilers get a depth forward in return to help fill out the fourth line.
Free Agent Signings
RFA
Klim Kostin – 2 years x $1.5 Million AAV
A pleasant surprise for the Oilers this season, Kostin has netted 21 points in his 54 games played this season while also being +12. The 6’3 Russian is having a career year since being traded from St.Louis in exchange for Dmitri Samorukov.
Ryan McLeod – 1 year x $850k
In a year shrouded by injury, McLeod has still managed to set a career-high in goals (11) and points (22) in his 55-game campaign. His injury-filled season likely lands him a bridge deal this summer.
Noah Philip – 1 year x $850k
With 33 points in his 66 AHL games this season, the 24-year-old centre has had a solid first pro season.
Olivier Rodrigue – 1 year x $850K
With a .908 save percentage in his 27 games with the Condors this year as Calvin Pickard’s backup, Rodrigue has put together a solid 2022-23 campaign.
Evan Bouchard – 2 years x $2.5 Million AAV
Probably the most difficult contract to figure out this summer, Bouchard has launched himself into the Oilers top pairing with the departure of Tyson Barrie. Realistically Bouchard could get anywhere from 2-4 years at 2.5-4 million on his next deal.
Raphael Lavoie – 2 years x $900k AAV
Lavoie has had a spectacular season with Bakersfield earning him a solid look with the Oilers come next season. The 2019 2nd rounder had almost become an afterthought until this year’s explosion back into the spotlight.
Morgan Geekie – 2 years x $1.75 million AAV
Having acquired Geekie’s rights in the Yamamoto deal I can see him earning around $1.75 million on his next deal.
UFA
Nick Bjugstad – 1 year x $1.5 Million
Bjugstad has been an amazing pickup by Ken Holland. A big bottom 6 forward has helped transform the Oilers into a formidable two-way team.
Radko Gudas – 2 years x $1.5 Million AAV
A big right-shot defenseman to help bolster the back end with the departure of Cody Ceci. Gudas will provide a solid defensive presence on the Oilers largely offensive right side.
Projected Oilers Lines:
Kane- McDavid- Hyman
Nugent-Hopkins – Draisaitl – Holloway
Kostin – Bjugstad – Geekie
Cousins – McLeod – Lavoie
Malone
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Kulak
Broberg – Gudas
Desharnais
Skinner – Campbell
While not drastically different this team fixed some minor issues. This team has a cap hit of $79,180,000 which with the 2023-24 cap of $83.5 million gives Ken Holland $4.32 million of space to work at the deadline.