3 Edmonton Oilers who should not return with the team in 2023

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The Edmonton Oilers‘ disappointing second-round playoff exit has left fans and analysts questioning the reasons behind their downfall this season. Multiple factors contributed to the team’s inability to advance further in the playoffs. As the offseason approaches, the Oilers’ front office faces the challenge of addressing these issues and making necessary changes to improve their chances of contending for the Cup next year. The disappointment of an early playoff exit serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead for the organization.

This Is An Important Time For The Oilers

As the Oilers evaluate their roster for the upcoming offseason, one of the toughest challenges for the front office is determining the fate of underperforming players. With the constraints of the salary cap, General Manager Ken Holland faces the difficult task of managing the team’s finances while aiming to enhance the overall lineup projection for the next season.

Making tough decisions on player contracts, trades, or potential buyouts becomes crucial in creating flexibility and maximizing the team’s resources. The front office must strike a balance between addressing underperformance and maintaining financial stability. This delicate balancing act requires strategic planning and careful consideration of the team’s long-term goals.

With limited resources available, the front office will likely explore various avenues to optimize the roster, such as exploring trade opportunities or potential contract restructures. These decisions will shape the team’s future and determine their ability to compete at the highest level.

The upcoming offseason will undoubtedly be a critical period for the Oilers as they navigate the complex task of managing their salary cap and reshaping the roster. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the front office’s moves as they strive to improve the team’s overall competitiveness for the upcoming season.

Apr 29, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) celebrates his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in game six of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

RW Kailer Yamamoto

Kailer Yamamoto, once projected to be a top-six forward for the Edmonton Oilers, has unfortunately not lived up to those expectations during his time with the team. Despite showing promise early on, his performance has been inconsistent and disappointing. This season, in particular, Yamamoto struggled to make an impact on the ice, and his lacklustre play carried over into the playoffs.

Injuries aside, Yamamoto’s contributions were largely invisible, which raised concerns about his ability to thrive in a top-six role. The Oilers had hoped for more offensive production and consistent play from him, but he fell short of those expectations. Ultimately, Yamamoto’s lack of impact this season has created a challenging situation for the front office, and they will need to carefully assess his long-term fit within the team’s plans moving forward.

If the Oilers choose to part ways with Kailer Yamamoto, they are faced with two potential options: buying him out or attempting to trade him to another team. Both options come with their own set of challenges and considerations.

Buying out Yamamoto would involve a financial cost for the team. It would provide immediate relief from his contract, but the Oilers would still have to absorb a portion of his cap hit over a designated period, depending on the terms of the buyout. This option allows the team to free up roster space and potentially allocate resources elsewhere.

On the other hand, trading Yamamoto may prove to be more difficult. His underwhelming performance and lack of production may make finding a willing trade partner challenging. Other teams might hesitate to take on his contract without clear evidence of his potential or a track record of consistent success. The Oilers would need to carefully negotiate and present Yamamoto’s strengths and potential upside to make a compelling case for a trade.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 12: Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights reacts after scoring a second-period power-play goal against Stuart Skinner #74, Mattias Ekholm #14 and Cody Ceci #5 of the Edmonton Oilers in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers 4-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

RD Cody Ceci

As the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the Edmonton Oilers had a notable weakness on their defence. While the top defensive pairing of Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard performed admirably throughout the postseason, the same level of consistency was not seen from the subsequent pairing of Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci.

Nurse and Ceci struggled to maintain the same level of defensive stability and effectiveness as their counterparts. Their play was marked by inconsistencies and lapses, which exposed the Oilers’ defensive shortcomings. This created challenges for the team, particularly in crucial moments of the playoffs where a strong defense is crucial for success.

Addressing this gap in the defensive pairing will be a key focus for the Oilers in the offseason. Evaluating their options to strengthen the defensive unit and provide more reliable support for the team will be a priority for the front office. Whether through internal development, acquisitions, or strategic roster adjustments, the Oilers will need to find a solution to solidify their defensive depth.

The performance of Nurse and Ceci in the playoffs has shed light on the importance of shoring up the team’s defensive capabilities. The Oilers will likely seek to make necessary changes to enhance their defence and create a more formidable lineup for future playoff runs.

EDMONTON, CANADA – APRIL 17: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings battles with Warren Foegele #37 of the Edmonton Oilers in overtime in Game One of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 17, 2023 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Lawrence Scott/Getty Images) /

RW Warren Foegele

One of the challenging aspects for the Edmonton Oilers in terms of roster management is the financial aspect, particularly when it comes to acquiring new players through free agency or trades. With a significant portion of their salary cap already allocated to the top six forwards, the team must find ways to create additional cap space. Unfortunately, this often involves making tough decisions and potentially parting ways with players further down the lineup.

In this case, the spotlight falls on Warren Foegele, who is owed $2.75 million this season. While there may be a desire to retain most of the players in the orange and blue, the financial constraints make it difficult to do so. Balancing the team’s budget and maintaining a competitive roster requires tough choices and prioritization.

The decision regarding Foegele’s future with the team will depend on various factors, including his performance, the team’s overall salary cap situation, and their long-term plans. The front office will need to carefully assess the value Foegele brings to the team and weigh it against the financial implications.

While it is always tough to see players depart, especially those who have contributed to the team, the realities of salary cap management often dictate difficult choices. The Oilers will need to evaluate all options and make decisions that align with their strategic goals and financial capabilities.

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