Oilers' Offseason Strategy: Navigating the Salary Cap Conundrum
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar predicament this offseason, grappling with the constraints of the NHL salary cap.
As discussions and rumors have swirled around potential moves to alleviate financial pressures, the spotlight has increasingly focused on defenseman Cody Ceci. Initially touted as a likely trade candidate to help the Oilers duck under the salary cap for the upcoming season, the narrative has taken an unexpected turn.
Recent insights from Oilers insider Bob Stauffer suggest a shift in strategy. During a recent episode of OilersNow, Stauffer mentioned that there are no imminent plans to move Ceci. This revelation has sparked speculation among fans and pundits alike, suggesting that the team might be exploring alternative routes to achieve cap compliance.
The Oilers were initially considering trading Evander Kane or leveraging his long-term injured reserve (LTIR) status. However, Kane's use of his no-move clause to remain in Edmonton, coupled with his anticipated return to full health next year, has redirected the Oilers' focus. Now, attention has turned to veteran defenseman Brett Kulak, whose contract at $2.75 million makes him a prime candidate for a trade to balance the books.
Despite the logical appeal of moving Ceci, especially after the Oilers added Troy Stecher and Josh Brown�both right-shot defensemen who can fulfill roles on the lower pairings for less money�it appears the team may retain him. The recent signings have indeed given the Oilers a surplus in this area, raising questions about the most financially prudent moves to make.
The Oilers are currently $350K over the cap, needing approximately $2.25 million to secure signatures from Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Trading Kulak might just barely make the financials work, yet it's a delicate balance that requires careful navigation.
As the offseason deepens, the clock is ticking. Oilers' executive Jeff Jackson faces the dual challenges of hiring a general manager to negotiate a pivotal contract with star Leon Draisaitl and ensuring the team is cap compliant in time for training camp. With all these factors at play, the Oilers' offseason moves are poised to be as strategic as they are necessary.
The coming weeks are crucial for the Oilers, as they make the moves that will shape their team for the next season.
Source: Bob Stauffer
Nothing imminent with Cody Ceci
| POLL | ||
Do you believe Ceci or Kulak should be traded by the Oilers? | ||
| Trade Ceci | 87 | 74.4 % |
| Trade Kulak | 7 | 6 % |
| Neither, trade someone else | 23 | 19.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
