In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, the Edmonton Oilers are facing a challenging situation as they navigate the complex web of salary caps and player contracts. According to Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch, the Oilers are considering trading defencemen Cody Ceci and Brett Kulak in order to create much-needed cap space.
The need for cap space has become urgent after restricted free agents Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway signed offer sheets with the St. Louis Blues. Before these signings, the Oilers were already $350,000 over the cap. Broberg signed a two-year offer with the Blues worth $4,580,917 per year, while Holloway inked a deal with an average annual value of $2,290,457 over two years.
Teams interested in taking on Ceci’s $3.25 million cap hit or Kulak’s $2.75 million salary have set a high price, potentially asking for a first- or second-round pick. This puts pressure on the Oilers to make a move quickly in order to accommodate the new signings. The clock is ticking, with a seven-day countdown from the day the offer sheets were signed.
One possible solution for the Oilers is placing forward Evander Kane on long-term injured reserve, which could free up $5.125 million in cap space. However, this would only be a short-term fix if Kane is expected to return during the season. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug speculates that Kane may need surgery and could be out for several months, making his return uncertain.
Ceci, who is entering the final year of his contract, had a solid season with five goals and 25 points in 79 games. He also contributed during the Oilers’ playoff run, scoring two goals and five points in 24 games. Kulak, on the other hand, is under contract through 2025-26 and posted three goals and 16 points in 82 games last season. Both players are 30 years old, adding veteran experience to the Oilers’ blueline.
In a strategic move, St. Louis completed a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins to acquire draft picks needed to complete the offer sheets for Broberg and Holloway. If the Oilers choose not to match the offers, they will receive compensation in the form of draft picks: a second-rounder for Broberg and a third-rounder for Holloway.
Broberg, who was the subject of trade rumours earlier this year, has proven his value to the Oilers. Despite being demoted to the AHL at one point, he returned to the roster and made significant contributions during the playoffs. The 23-year-old blueliner showed his potential with two assists in 12 regular season games and two goals and an assist in 10 postseason games, including all seven games of the Stanley Cup Final.
As the Oilers weigh their options and try to navigate the cap constraints, the fate of Ceci, Kulak, and the future of the team hang in the balance. With the clock ticking and high stakes involved, the decisions made in the coming days could have a significant impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
