As the regular season is slowly approaching, there are still a few unanswered questions surrounding the Edmonton Oilers and how the team can ultimately improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup this year.
With that said, I will take you through the expiring contracts the Edmonton Oilers have on their roster this year if General Manager Ken Holland does in fact make moves according to the Oilers’ team’s gameplay, and overall what would best fit the roster’s needs.
Edmonton Oilers forwards with expiring contracts this year
First off, there are six expiring contracts at the end of this year, for the most part, depth pieces that would attract certain players. In these expiring contracts, we have two defensemen and four forwards.
The forwards who will be free agents at the end of this year are as follows.
(Contracts provided by www.Capfriendly.com)
Warren Foegele– $2.75 million
Mattias Janmark– $1 million
Dylan Holloway– ETC
Raphael Lavoie–$874,125
Connor Brown–$775,000
While Connor Brown was signed this year to a minimum deal, his value to the team presents itself well, because of the chemistry he has with Connor McDavid and what he brings to the top-six lineup in general. His value to the team may be important enough to keep him long-term to complement the leadership and scoring ability he has to offer.
Two players, I may want to use as trade chips are forwards Warren Foegele and Mattias Janmark. The reason is that these two players are consistent 20 to 30-point scorers, in each season played to date. Their depth value speaks for itself and provides the necessary package the team can assemble to attract quality bottom-six forwards who can provide secondary scoring options to the team and have that skating ability to complement the roster.
Dylan Holloway is heading into a sophomore season, where he will need to get his legs together, but, maybe that piece can be utilized to acquire a steady left or right-wing forward that would give the Edmonton Oilers that added depth to the team.
The defensemen heading into free agency after this year on the Edmonton Oilers
Vincent Desharnais–$762,500
Markus Niemelainen– $762,500
Out of the two defensemen, I would want to keep Vincent Desharnais, because of the size and physical game he brings to the Edmonton Oilers. He is not a point producer though, however, he could be a factor for the defence issues the Oilers have along the boards and around the crease. He would be able to use his presence to punish players swarming the Oilers goaltender. His value may be an important asset the team has and will come into play.
Markus Niemelainen also has the size and grit to his game, but, does not have that physical presence the team needs in general. His attributes may be used as a trade chip to a team looking for size to add to their defensive game. He would be an ideal person to defend, learning from the likes of Connor McDavid’s game.
The Edmonton Oilers have to consider all the assets they have and must use these pieces to their advantage and make the moves that would benefit the roster overall. From what has been observed, we will be in for a treat with what the GM has in store for the team.