The Edmonton Oilers were one win away from their sixth Stanley Cup but lost to the Florida Panthers in seven games. They bounced back from past playoff failures to win the Western Conference, only to fall short again. This summer, they made big changes, including hiring Stan Bowman as the new GM.
Edmonton’s roster is still in flux after losing two young players due to offer sheets last month. They have some flexibility going into training camp.
Draft Picks:
1-32: C Sam O’Reilly, London (OHL)
2-64: G Eemil Vinni, JoKP (Mestis)
5-160: LW Connor Clattenburg, Flint (OHL)
6-183: D Albin Sundin, Frölunda HC (SHL)
6-192: C Dalyn Wakely, North Bay (OHL)
7-196: C William Nicholl, London (OHL)
7-218: D Bauer Berry, Muskegon (USHL)
New Draft Picks:
The Oilers aimed to boost their weak farm system through the 2024 draft. They picked O’Reilly from the London Knights in the first round. Although not the fastest skater, he has good offensive instincts and can create opportunities for teammates.
In the second round, they chose Finnish goalie Vinni at 64th overall. Scouts say he’s athletic and well-rounded . Edmonton hopes he will be their future star goalie.
By the fifth round, they selected Clattenburg from Flint. Though not an offensive powerhouse, he’s fearless on ice and a big disruptor in play zones.
Sundin is a two-way defenseman who needs better skating skills if he wants to make it to NHL level. He’s good at breaking up plays with his reach but needs improvement on speed.
Trade Acquisitions:
D Ty Emberson (San Jose)
D Paul Fischer (St. Louis)
F Vasily Podkolzin (Vancouver)
C Matthew Savoie (Buffalo)
Fans might think these trades are exciting! The Oilers acquired Savoie from Buffalo; his dynamic skating should shine on power plays with Edmonton. Podkolzin was brought in as a replacement for Holloway but hasn’t shown his full potential yet.
Emberson came over via trade involving Cody Ceci but doesn’t offer much offensively; he’s more of a stay-at-home defenseman who keeps things simple.
Free Agent Signings:
UFA Signings:
F Viktor Arvidsson – two-year deal
F Connor Brown – one-year deal
D Josh Brown – three-year deal
G Collin Delia – one-year deal
C Adam Henrique – two-year deal
F Mattias Janmark – three-year deal
F Corey Perry – one-year deal
G Calvin Pickard – two-year deal
F Jeff Skinner – one-year deal
D Troy Stecher – two-year deal
Edmonton re-signed many veterans like Connor Brown and added new faces like Skinner and Arvidsson for depth upfront.
Skinner could be interesting this season since he has been a 40-goal scorer before . Arvidsson is expected to bounce back after playing just 18 games last season due to injury; if healthy, he could be valuable for Edmonton’s style of play.
RFA Re-signings:
D Cam Dineen
F James Hamblin
D Noel Hoefenmayer
C Raphael Lavoie
Lavoie had another strong AHL season but might struggle for NHL time due to forward depth issues despite being ready for NHL action if he improves defensively.
Departures:
Departing Players:
D Philip Broberg
G Jack Campbell
F Sam Carrick
D Vincent Desharnais
F Adam Erne
G Ryan Fanti
F Warren Foegele
F Sam Gagner
C Seth Griffith
F Dylan Holloway
Losing Holloway and Broberg stings but isn’t catastrophic short-term since neither established themselves fully at NHL level yet . McLeod’s departure affects forward depth slightly though other transactions helped fill gaps effectively.
Salary Cap Outlook:
Entering this season with $945K cap space which may increase if Evander Kane starts sidelined gives room for moves during season possibly adding free agents or veterans on PTOs especially needed filling second defensive pairing hole creatively long-term needing signing stars McDavid Draisaitl Bouchard extensions next two years crucially balancing budget smartly!
Key Questions:
Will Draisaitl re-sign? With ten months left till potentially walking out free agency door nothing guaranteed although likely staying given team success playoffs building around him McDavid bargain deals particularly counting $8.5M next season still uncertainty remains interesting watch closely!
Can team find another gear? Rare teams lose Stanley Cup Finals return winning following year looking reigning champions Florida Panthers example possible repeating feat improved upfront weaker defensively balance unknown capable making deep run especially firing cylinders!
How will new additions fit? Shuffling forward group figuring fitting top-six forwards without disturbing chemistry tricky task veterans changing teams before roles new environment backend losses Ceci Broberg manageable lacking adequate replacements pain points emerging dragging season progresses watching closely pivotal moments unfolding ahead!
What do you think about these changes? Do you believe they’ll make it far this season?
