Oilers Set for an Active Offseason With Ambitious Goals

A series of strategic moves could be on the horizon to boost their chances. Here are the critical steps the Oilers might take during one of the NHL's busiest offseasons.

First and foremost, securing key player extensions is crucial. The spotlight is on Leon Draisaitl, a pivotal figure for the team. With substantial bargaining power, Draisaitl's contract talks are essential, with figures potentially ranging between $12.5M and $13.5M. The management, led by Ken Holland, is under pressure to lock Draisaitl down to a long-term deal, making his re-signing a top priority.

Conversely, Evan Bouchard presents a more complex situation. Despite his potential market value hovering around an $8.5M AAV, the Oilers may need to consider cost-effective alternatives if Bouchard seeks a higher salary. A bridge contract or even exploring trade options could be on the table if his demands exceed the team's valuation.

Financial flexibility remains a theme, with possible departures of other players to free up cap space. Names like Darnell Nurse, Evander Kane, Cody Ceci, and Jack Campbell are in the mix. Kane, despite a hefty $5.12M salary, still holds trade value potentially appealing to teams looking for seasoned grit, although his full no-movement clause adds a layer of complexity to any potential deals.

Campbell and Ceci are also trade candidates. Ceci's manageable cap hit makes him a viable option for a late-round pick trade, whereas Campbell's hefty contract might require sweetening the deal, possibly with a first-round pick, reminiscent of recent NHL trades that have seen significant assets packaged to move substantial contracts.

Lastly, there's speculation about a change at the helm, with current GM Ken Holland possibly making way for new leadership. Internal promotions or hiring from within the industry could bring fresh perspectives at a crucial time.

The Oilers' offseason strategies are clear: secure core talent, manage financials prudently, and potentially refresh their leadership to align with their championship aspirations. As the summer unfolds, these moves could very well determine their fate in the quest for the elusive Stanley Cup.