Other Smaller Moves
As the Edmonton Oilers navigate the challenges of managing their salary cap in the wake of an offer sheet from the St. Louis Blues, they must explore every possible avenue to retain their restricted free agents, Broberg and Holloway. While trading established players like Ceci and Kulak is one option, another, perhaps less conventional, strategy involves exposing players like Corey Perry and Josh Brown to waivers before the start of the season.
The Oilers are facing a significant cap crunch as they try to match the Blues' offer while remaining compliant with the NHL's salary cap. With limited financial flexibility, the team must get creative to find ways to shed salary without compromising the core of their roster. One approach that could provide some relief is placing veteran players on waivers before the season begins.
Exposing players like Perry and Josh Brown to waivers could allow the Oilers to clear their cap hits if another team claims them. While this strategy carries some risk—particularly the possibility of losing experienced players—it could be a necessary move to ensure the team can retain its younger talent.
Perry, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of playoff experience, was signed by the Oilers to provide depth and leadership. While his presence in the locker room and on the ice can be invaluable, Perry’s $1 million cap hit could be a luxury the Oilers can’t afford if they are to keep Broberg and Holloway.
Brown, another player who could be exposed to waivers, carries a cap hit of $775,000. Brown was brought in to add grit and toughness to the Oilers' defensive lineup. While he serves a specific role, his cap hit, though modest, might be one the Oilers need to remove to create space for matching the Blues' offer.