The 2026-27 Edmonton Oilers are poised to look much different than this previous season's iteration when they hit the ice this fall. It is not hyperbolic to say this is arguably the most important off-season during the Connor McDavid era.
According to recent reports, the Oilers are expected to allow multiple pending unrestricted free agents walk right to free agency. Like; Kasperi Kapanen, Jack Roslovic, and Adam Henrique. At least, that is the latest according to David Pagnotta on the Oilersnation Everyday podcast on Friday.
Now, according to Sportsnet senior columnist Mark Spector, the Oilers have been in talks with their other pending UFAs, namely their two major 2026 NHL trade deadline acquisitions. On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Spector wrote in regards to Jason Dickinson "hearing “very positive movement towards reaching a deal.” As he said at exit interviews, Dickinson’s family quite liked EDM. Should be a big week in EDM, with coaching hire and likely at least 1 UFA announced."
He then made a post about defenceman Connor Murphy, saying "there are ongoing discussions and the new coach hire is not the primary factor for Murphy, we are told. Bowman has been quietly working the market beneath all the coaching/Nurse drama. Let’s see what pans out."
Not named is Colton Dach, another player who was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. Like Dickinson and Murphy, he is a pending free agent this summer but is under a lot more team control as a restricted free agent. Given his role and lack of salary arbitration rights means that he likely comes in at a very low cost.
Should the Oilers try to sign their deadline rentals?
The Oilers attempting to sign Murphy and Dickinson makes a lot of sense given their team needs and the market overall. Dickinson, 30 years old, is a high end shutdown centre, something that can be undervalued by fans but something that is an important piece of teams, especially as coaches try to give their depth lines identities. Dickinson has also shown he can play up a lineup in a pinch, having surpassed the 30 point milestone with the Chicago Blackhawks in both 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Murphy, also acquired from the Blackhawks at the deadline, gives the Oilers a true shutdown defenceman who can play top-four minutes and can help to balance their defensive pairings. His arrival helped solidify the Oilers blueline and despite some injury concerns, having played 68 or less games in three of the past five seasons.
Ultimately at face value, both players would be important pieces for the Oilers to lockup going forward with both providing a lot of value defensively. They give the team a lot of versatility that they are lacking. However, there are concerns about the price tags that could come with both players. Especially with reports suggesting that Dickinson could command around $5 million per season.
The Oilers need to be careful with how they allocate their salary cap going forward and must be cautious especially if they plan to get back into Stanley Cup contention.
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