Edmonton fans might have to say goodbye to some familiar faces this summer. A handful of veteran forwards are well within the circle marked for potential departures as free agents, leaving the Oilers with some tough decisions ahead.
The NHL's rising salary cap gives Edmonton a bit more breathing room, but it may not be enough to keep some of their current players around. And with Leon Draisaitl’s $112 million contract extension kicking in next season, the Oilers will need to make some tough calls on their roster.
According to The Athletic’s Alan Mitchell (subscription required), three Oilers veteran forwards set to become free agents are at risk of getting the chopping block this summer. Here are the familiar names we may not see anymore in Oil Country come next season.
1. Connor Brown
Connor Brown was signed for a humble $1 million, which could easily be labelled a steal for a guy who has been clutch in big moments. The 31-year-old grinder has racked up seven goals and 14 assists in 55 games so far this season. What’s more, Brown has time and again proven that he’s got the wheels and the work ethic to make things happen.
However, here’s the problem—Brown is too good for that $1 million price tag now. With the NHL’s salary cap set to jump to $95.5 million, he is going to get offers that Edmonton might not be able to match. The question is: Do the Oilers love him enough to find the extra cash?
2. Jeff Skinner
After a rough start, Jeff Skinner has finally found his groove, tallying 10 goals and 10 assists in 49 games. The 32-year-old still has the hands of a magician—when he wants to use them.
But let’s be real: Edmonton didn’t sign him to a one-year, $3 million deal to have him warm up halfway through the season. If the Oilers are thinking long-term, they might decide to let him walk and use that money elsewhere. And Skinner’s desire for a fresh start might easily lead to an amicable split come offseason.
3. Corey Perry
At 39, Corey Perry continues to defy Father Time. With 12 goals and eight assists in 54 games, his veteran savvy has been invaluable at times. Perry isn’t fast anymore, but he’s never really been about speed. He’s about chirping, clutch plays, and being the guy that every other team’s fan base hates (until they sign him).
The big question is whether Perry will retire if Edmonton wins the Cup. Now that’s a real possibility. If he gets one more championship ring, he could ride off into the sunset and have his fairytale ending. But if Edmonton falls short? Maybe he gives it one more shot somewhere else.
At the end of this season, will Edmonton keep all three veterans? Highly unlikely. If Edmonton wins the Cup? We might see a mass exodus as these guys go cash in or call it quits. But if they fall short? The front office will have some serious decisions to make.
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