Oilers to get a major salary cap boost
The dreaded days of the NHL flat cap are finally over - and this does nothing but improve the Oilers situation moving forward.
The Edmonton Oilers were considered to be in deep water when looking at their cap situation. They recently signed Leon Draisaitl to an 8 year contract extension worth $14 MM AAV per season, with Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid set to re-sign in 2024-25. With that in mind, the Oilers have a solution to their financial woes. With the salary cap expected to rise by $4.5 million next season, the Oilers can plan for the future.
With that being said, the Oilers shouldnt have any problems re-signing Evan Bouchard come 2025-25 with the extra cap space relief. Bouchard asking price tag will be roughly $10 MM AAV per season, but the Oilers shouldn't have any difficulty getting a deal done.
As seen on Hockey OTB, going forward, Edmonton does have some decisions to make on a couple of other players. Veterans like Jeff Skinner, Corey Perry, Derek Ryan, and Ty Emberson will all need new contracts. Of course, some of those players, namely Perry and Ryan will likely retire. Skinner, coming off a strong season, may be priced out of Edmonton's budget unless he's willing to take a team-friendly deal. With a tight cap situation, the Oilers may have to rely on young prospects like Matt Savoie and Raphael Lavoie to fill major roles in the lineup, particularly in the bottom six.
Although the Oilers have a dilemma regarding their depth players, at least the Oilers will be able to retain their elite core, and GM Stan Bowman will do his best to build around them.
source: The Hockey News - Hockey OTB
Oilers Set To Get Big Salary Cap Boost
Major salary cap breathing room coming the Oilers way
