3 Contracts holding the Edmonton Oilers back right now
This article dives into three specific deals that are currently limiting the Edmonton Oilers, including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2024-25 season with one goal in mind: to hoist the Stanley Cup after falling just short last season. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the most dominant offensive forces in the NHL, leading the way, the Oilers are in a prime position to challenge for the Cup once again. Both McDavid and Draisaitl are in the peak of their careers, capable of taking over games on any given night. Their dynamic play gives the Oilers an edge against most opponents, making them one of the most feared teams in the league. However, as electrifying as their top talent is, Edmonton’s road to the Stanley Cup requires more than just relying on its star duo.
To win a championship, depth matters. In today’s NHL, successful teams boast not just elite scorers but also strong defensive units, reliable goaltending, and a supporting cast that can step up in key moments. For the Oilers, surrounding McDavid and Draisaitl with the right supporting players is essential to turning their playoff hopes into reality. However, this is where Edmonton finds itself in a challenging position. Despite their high-flying offense, the Oilers have struggled in recent years to build a balanced roster capable of withstanding the grind of a full NHL season and a deep playoff run. And one of the primary reasons for this difficulty lies in the team's salary cap situation.
In the salary cap era, every dollar counts. Teams must be strategic in allocating their resources, ensuring that they get the most value out of each contract. Unfortunately for the Oilers, they are saddled with several large contracts that are limiting their flexibility and preventing the team from fully addressing key areas of need. Some of these contracts were signed with high expectations, reflecting the belief that the player would continue to perform at an elite level for years to come. However, as often happens in sports, injuries, inconsistent play, or simply aging have led to a decline in the value of these deals. The result is that Edmonton now finds itself up against the salary cap, with less room to make necessary improvements to its roster. (Editor's note: As per PuckPedia, at the time of writing the Oilers have just $945,833 of cap space for the upcoming regular season.)
For the Oilers, this season represents both an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity is clear: McDavid and Draisaitl are in their prime, and the window to win a championship is wide open. However, the challenge lies in overcoming the obstacles presented by the salary cap. Edmonton’s ability to navigate this cap crunch while still fielding a competitive, well-rounded team will be the key to their success. If they can find a way to make these contracts work for them, or at least minimize the damage they cause, the Oilers could be in position to finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton. If not, they risk squandering the best years of their two superstars, and that would be a missed opportunity no one in Oil Country wants to see.
1) Evander Kane
When the Edmonton Oilers decided to take a chance on Evander Kane a few years ago, after his release from the San Jose Sharks, it turned out to be a savvy move. Kane brought a mix of physicality, and scoring that benefited the Oilers immensely. His addition helped bolster the team’s offense, and his on-ice presence gave the Oilers an edge they had been lacking in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Kane fit seamlessly alongside McDavid and Draisaitl, contributing key goals and playing a hard-nosed style that made him a fan favorite in Edmonton.
After his initial success, the Oilers re-signed Kane to a four-year deal with an annual average value (AAV) of $5.125 million. While this seemed like a fair contract at the time, Kane's recent injury history has raised concerns. Last season, Kane’s absence, particularly during the Oilers' playoff run, proved costly. Injuries have limited his availability, and without him in the lineup, Edmonton struggled to maintain the same level of physicality and scoring depth, making it harder for the team to compete at their highest potential.
When healthy, Kane is a game-changer. His ability to finish plays and score critical goals, combined with his aggressive forechecking and willingness to play a gritty, physical game, makes him a key piece of the Oilers' puzzle. However, if Kane continues to battle injuries, Edmonton could find themselves in a difficult position. The Oilers are tight against the salary cap, and unless they can place Kane on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to create some financial flexibility, they will be unable to add the necessary depth to support their playoff ambitions.
For the Oilers to maximize their chances at a deep playoff run, they need Kane healthy and contributing. If not, his contract could become a cap headache that hampers the team’s ability to make crucial roster moves down the stretch.
2) Darnell Nurse
The Edmonton Oilers’ front office placed significant faith in Darnell Nurse when they signed him to a massive contract, hoping he would evolve into one of the elite defensemen in the NHL. With a cap hit of $9.25 million per year extending until 2030, Nurse's deal was seen as a commitment to securing a cornerstone player on the blue line. Unfortunately, since signing, Nurse has struggled to consistently deliver performances that align with the expectations that accompany such a hefty contract.
While Nurse is undeniably a talented player—bringing physicality, leadership, and the ability to log significant minutes—his on-ice performance has often fallen short of elite status. Defensive lapses, inconsistent decision-making, and an inability to produce offensively at the level anticipated have plagued him in recent seasons. As a result, fans and analysts alike have questioned whether the Oilers are getting their money's worth, especially when comparing his performance to that of other top-tier defensemen in the league.
Adding to the Oilers’ woes is the fact that Nurse’s contract is nearly impossible to move. Not only is he one of the NHL's highest-paid defensemen, but the lengthy duration of his deal makes it difficult for teams to take on such a financial commitment. Moreover, Nurse's No Movement Clause complicates matters further, as it gives him control over any potential trades. This clause limits the Oilers’ options and makes it challenging to explore scenarios that could alleviate their salary cap issues.
With Edmonton looking to build a championship-caliber roster, Nurse’s contract looms large. The Oilers need to find ways to maximize their roster flexibility and address areas of need, but Nurse’s deal ties up significant cap space that could otherwise be used to acquire depth players or bolster the blue line. For the Oilers to truly compete for the Stanley Cup, Nurse must not only improve his performance level but also become a more valuable asset rather than a burden. The next few seasons will be critical for Nurse to prove that he can live up to the expectations of his contract and help lead the Oilers back to playoff glory.
3) Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been a mainstay in Edmonton since being drafted first overall in 2011, earning a reputation as one of the best two-way players in the NHL. His ability to contribute defensively while also providing offensive support has made him an invaluable asset to the Oilers. Nugent-Hopkins plays a versatile role, often switching between center and wing, which showcases his adaptability and skill set. However, the long-term nature of his contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $5.125 million through 2029, could pose challenges for the Oilers as they aim to build a championship-caliber roster.
While Nugent-Hopkins is beloved by fans in Edmonton for his commitment to the team and community, there are growing concerns about his performance in critical moments, particularly during the playoffs. In the past few postseasons, he has struggled to maintain consistent offensive production when the stakes are highest. This lack of scoring when it matters most has led to frustration among fans and analysts alike, who expect more from a player with his experience and skill level.
As the Oilers strive for playoff success, the inability of Nugent-Hopkins to consistently deliver in clutch situations raises questions about his long-term fit on the roster. For a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, relying on a player who can go cold at critical moments is a risky proposition.
Management will have to weigh the value Nugent-Hopkins brings, against the constraints his contract places on the team. If he continues to struggle in high-pressure scenarios, the Oilers may be forced to explore the option of moving his contract to create much-needed cap flexibility. This could allow them to target players who can consistently deliver in the postseason and bolster the overall depth of the team.
dark. Next. Oilers training camp preview 2024-25. Oilers training camp preview 2024-25
Ultimately, Nugent-Hopkins' performance in the coming seasons will be crucial not just for his own career but for the Oilers’ championship hopes. As the team navigates the complexities of the salary cap and seeks to optimize its roster, the future of Nugent-Hopkins may hinge on whether he can reclaim his scoring touch in the playoffs and prove his worth in crucial moments. Time will tell if management opts to retain him as a cornerstone of the franchise, or makes a difficult decision to part ways for the sake of financial flexibility and a more balanced team.
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