The Edmonton Oilers have had a tumultuous off-season following their heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers. Despite the disappointment, the team has been actively making moves to improve their roster for the upcoming season.
The Oilers opted to retain several key players from last season, including forwards Connor Brown, Corey Perry, Adam Henrique, and Mattias Janmark, as well as defenseman Troy Stecher on short-term deals. This decision indicates the team’s commitment to maintaining continuity while also looking to make strategic upgrades.
In addition to keeping familiar faces, the Oilers made a splash in free agency by adding veteran wingers Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson to bolster their lineup. Skinner, who signed a one-year, $3 million contract after being bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, brings a wealth of experience and offensive firepower to the team. Meanwhile, Arvidsson, despite battling injuries last season, has proven himself as a reliable goal scorer in the NHL.
General Manager Joe Smith spoke about the team’s approach to the off-season, saying, “We are focused on building a competitive team that can make a deep playoff run. Adding players like Skinner and Arvidsson gives us the depth and talent we need to achieve that goal.”
One of the most significant moves of the off-season was the acquisition of forward Matthew Savoie, the No. 9 pick in the 2022 draft, from the Buffalo Sabres. Savoie, a highly touted prospect, is expected to add scoring punch to the Oilers’ lineup after an impressive junior season.
In a smaller trade with the Ottawa Senators, the Oilers acquired Roby Jarventie and a draft pick in exchange for Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson. This trade highlights the team’s willingness to make shrewd moves to improve the roster and address areas of need.
The Oilers also traded into the first round of the draft to select forward Sam O’Reilly, a promising young talent from the OHL’s London Knights. O’Reilly’s scoring ability and potential upside make him a valuable addition to the team’s prospect pool.
Looking ahead, the Oilers face the looming challenge of negotiating a contract extension with star forward Leon Draisaitl, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Draisaitl, a former Hart Trophy winner, has been a cornerstone of the team’s success and securing his long-term future with the organization is a top priority for management.
As the off-season progresses, the Oilers remain focused on building a championship-caliber team that can compete at the highest level in the upcoming season. With a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming prospects, the team is poised for success as they aim to capture hockey’s ultimate prize.