While the Edmonton Oilers don’t have much cap space, they have a talented team, and general manager Ken Holland could use that talent as leverage to lure some pending unrestricted free agents to Edmonton. But even then, Holland likely wouldn’t have much to lure in another top-end talent thanks to the inevitable cap restraints.
It’s also worth remembering that Leon Draisaitl is eligible for an extension once the offseason rolls around, so it’s another variable Holland must factor into the equation. The same is also true for Ryan McCleod and Evan Bouchard, all of whom are part of this team’s well-rounded core. So when it comes to adding talent this summer, Holland will have a minute number of realistic options.
Oilers could lure necessary role players away from division rivals in 2024
If Holland wanted, he wouldn’t need to look too far beyond his own division to find solid players who could fill potential gaps in Edmonton’s lineup next season.
This doesn’t mean he won’t try to re-sign some of the nine unrestricted free agents who are due to hit the market, especially guys like Calvin Pickard, Warren Foegele, and those who won’t break the bank like Mattias Janmark. But there are also players like Adam Henrique, who may still demand at least a $2.5 million or higher price tag this summer, and others like Corey Perry, who could easily be finished following the season.
Such a situation would warrant Holland to go out and try to sign at least a couple of forwards. But you also shouldn’t be surprised if he tried to improve the blue line, with Troy Stecher also factoring in as a pending free agent and Cody Ceci as a potential trade piece.
That said, let’s check out seven players, one from each division rival, Holland could sign this summer. The following names may not impress you, but they are mainly cost-effective role players who will supplement this strong Oilers team.