Should The Edmonton Oilers Sign Oliver Ekman-Larsson?
It looks like Vancouver Canucks will be buying out Oliver Ekman-Larsson this will make him a UFA on July 1st with the rest of the league’s unrestricted free agents. Should the Edmonton Oilers look at signing him to shore up the right side?
There is word this afternoon that Vancouver will buy out Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He will be an unrestricted free agent.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 16, 2023
Why Would The Edmonton Oilers Want Oliver Ekman-Larsson?
The Edmonton Oilers would like to bring in OEL because he is still a serviceable defenceman. The main problem with Oliver Ekman-Larsson the last couple of seasons was his massive cap hit. Now that is no longer a factor I don’t really see a negative in bringing him in.
Since he was bought out money should not be his main concern while trying to sign a contract. That is just what the Edmonton Oilers are looking for. If the Edmonton Oilers could bring him in for under $2 million that would be perfect.
If the Oilers brought him in on that deal, then they would be able to move on from Kulak. Kulak has a cap hit of $2.75 million. If they could save almost $1 million there that would be the perfect scenario.
I would think that Oliver Ekman-Larsson is an upgrade on Brett Kulak, and if you can get him for even cheaper than what you pay Kulak it is a win-win. This Edmonton Oilers team needs to find wins this offseason and this would be a solid win.
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Why Would Oliver Ekman-Larsson Want To Come To The Edmonton Oilers?
Throughout OEL’s career, he has only made the playoffs twice. In the two playoff runs, he has played a total of 25 games of postseason fun. That is a major reason why he would likely take a pay cut to come to Edmonton.
The Edmonton Oilers are one of a handful of teams that are going into the season with Stanely Cup or bust aspirations. With OEL being on the downturn of his career he should be putting winning first.
The Edmonton Oilers could be one of his best chances to get the cup and have a significant role on the team. He will likely be dressing in every game on the way. The Oilers weakness is defence, so his ability will be welcomed with open arms.
The only reason I think the OEL will sign somewhere else is if it is another cup contendar. There is also the chance that he goes for where the money is. The thing with that is it is unlikey that will be a good team. Oliver Ekman-Larsson will have to choose between money and winning. I think he will choose winning as he hasn’t had that as an option for awhile.