An NHL insider makes shocking predictions regarding the Edmonton Oilers acquiring a $55,500,000 superstar forward in free agency, saying, “You gotta look at who’s coming off the books.”

The NHL’s landscape is constantly shifting, with teams always looking for ways to improve through trades, drafts, or free-agent signings. As the trade deadline and free agency periods approach, rumors swirl about potential blockbuster moves. However, one recent prediction has turned heads, especially in Edmonton. An NHL insider has made a shocking forecast about the Edmonton Oilers’ plans for the upcoming offseason, suggesting that they could land a massive superstar forward with a $55,500,000 price tag. What’s more surprising is the insider’s comment: “You gotta look at who’s coming off the books.”

For Oilers fans, the idea of adding a top-tier forward to an already high-powered team featuring the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is both tantalizing and hard to imagine. With salary cap constraints and a roster already packed with talent, the thought of fitting in a $55.5 million player seems impossible at first glance. But this bold prediction is starting to gain traction, and the insider’s cryptic statement has fueled plenty of speculation.

Let’s break down why this prediction is not as far-fetched as it might initially seem, and what the Oilers would need to do to land a superstar forward of this caliber.

The Insiders’ Shocking Prediction

The prediction itself has sent shockwaves through the NHL community. The insider, known for being well-connected and reliable, suggested that the Edmonton Oilers are a team to watch during the upcoming free agency period, claiming that they could acquire a forward with a cap hit in the ballpark of $55.5 million. While the figure itself is likely a reference to the total value of the contract over several years (not a single-season cap hit), it’s still a staggering amount, signaling that the player in question would likely be a top-tier superstar capable of changing the dynamic of the Oilers’ already potent offense.

The comment “You gotta look at who’s coming off the books” is particularly interesting. It hints that the Oilers are preparing to clear significant cap space, likely through a combination of roster moves, trades, and contracts expiring. In a salary cap league, acquiring a player of this magnitude requires a delicate balancing act, but it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility for a team like the Oilers, especially with McDavid and Draisaitl already locked in for the long term. The question now is which superstar forward the Oilers could target, and how they would go about fitting such a player under the cap.

The Salary Cap Conundrum

The NHL’s salary cap is one of the most important factors influencing team rosters and player acquisitions. Teams must manage their rosters within a defined salary limit, and any major additions or trades often require creative moves to stay compliant with the cap.

The Oilers, as of the 2024-2025 season, are already up against the cap with key players like McDavid, Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and others signed to long-term, high-value contracts. Adding a player with a cap hit approaching $11 million or more (on top of the Oilers’ already substantial commitments) would certainly require the team to make some difficult decisions.

But there are ways the Oilers could make this happen. For one, they could be looking at contracts coming off the books, such as expiring deals or tradeable assets. Moreover, the Oilers could look for creative ways to move salary, such as trading one of their higher-paid players or letting go of a few key role players.

It’s also possible that the Oilers could structure a new deal to give them cap flexibility in the short term. Teams sometimes offer front-loaded contracts or use other methods to reduce a player’s cap hit in the first few seasons of a contract, leaving more room to fit other key players under the cap.

Players Coming Off the Books

The comment about “who’s coming off the books” is especially intriguing. The Oilers have a number of contracts expiring in the coming years that could give them the flexibility to pursue a major free-agent acquisition. Here are a few notable expiring contracts that could clear up significant cap space:

• Evander Kane (2024-2025): Kane’s deal carries a $5.125 million cap hit, and he’s one of the more movable assets on the roster. While he’s been an important contributor to the Oilers, particularly on the power play, his expiring contract could provide the Oilers with a significant chunk of cap space if they decide to trade him or let him walk.
• Zach Hyman (2026): While Hyman’s deal extends a bit further, his annual cap hit is $5.5 million, and his versatility and physicality make him an attractive trade piece. Moving on from Hyman could free up money to sign a superstar forward, but it would certainly be a difficult decision for the Oilers’ front office, considering Hyman’s leadership and production.
• Cody Ceci (2024-2025): The veteran defenseman is another player who could be on the move if the Oilers need to make room for a new acquisition. His $3.25 million cap hit could be useful elsewhere, and with a deep defensive corps in Edmonton, the Oilers could potentially replace him with a younger, cheaper option.
• Kailer Yamamoto (2025): Yamamoto has been a solid contributor for the Oilers but is still on an affordable deal. However, if the team needs to clear cap space, a trade involving him could be a possibility. The question will be whether the Oilers want to move on from a young, skilled forward who has the potential to blossom into a key piece for the team in the future.

These players are just a few examples of potential candidates who could help the Oilers clear cap space for a superstar forward. With a strategic combination of trades and possibly letting players walk, the Oilers could be in a position to make a bold move when free agency opens.

Who Could the Superstar Forward Be?

When we talk about a $55.5 million superstar forward, the first names that come to mind are some of the most elite players in the game. It’s important to consider both current free agents and players who could potentially hit the market through trades or other transactions. Here are a few forwards who could fit the bill:

• William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs): The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has been outstanding for years and is currently in the final year of his deal. With an $11 million cap hit, Nylander’s next contract could be worth upwards of $50 million over several years, making him a perfect candidate for the Oilers. A skilled winger with an ability to play both ends of the ice, Nylander could complement McDavid and Draisaitl beautifully.
• Alex DeBrincat (Ottawa Senators): DeBrincat, a dynamic goal scorer, is another potential target. He’s a restricted free agent in 2025 and is expected to command a hefty contract. If the Oilers are looking to add a sniper to their lineup who can contribute immediately, DeBrincat is a prime candidate. His goal-scoring ability could provide the Oilers with an additional weapon on their top line.
• Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild): While it’s unlikely the Wild would trade their star forward, Kaprizov’s ability to generate offense at an elite level is undeniable. If Minnesota ever found themselves in a cap crunch or in need of major roster changes, the Oilers could make a move to acquire Kaprizov, who would provide the Oilers with another explosive offensive player.
• Tage Thompson (Buffalo Sabres): One of the rising stars in the NHL, Thompson is an intriguing name. His combination of size, skill, and shooting ability has made him a force to be reckoned with in Buffalo. If the Sabres ever found themselves in a situation where they needed to move a star to balance their roster, Thompson would be a dream fit in Edmonton’s top six.

These names represent just a handful of options, but any one of these players could provide the Oilers with the superstar forward they need to take their already potent offense to the next level. With McDavid and Draisaitl, the addition of a top-tier forward would give the Oilers a nearly unstoppable trio at the top of their lineup.

The Road Ahead

Acquiring a $55.5 million superstar forward in free agency is a bold and audacious move, but it is a possibility for the Edmonton Oilers. With key contracts coming off the books and the salary cap expected to rise in the near future, the Oilers may be positioning themselves for a major splash in the free-agent market. Whether it’s through trades, letting players walk, or finding creative ways to move salary, the Oilers have the tools to make it happen.

If they succeed in adding another superstar to their already impressive roster, the Oilers could very well become the team to beat in the NHL. With McDavid, Draisaitl, and a new superstar forward in tow, they would have an offensive juggernaut capable of dominating any opponent.

As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on the Oilers and their plans to reshape their roster. If this bold prediction comes to fruition, the Oilers could be in for an exciting—and potentially championship-winning—season ahead.