Again? Will the Edmonton Oilers soon sign another well-known talent at no cost?

Will the Edmonton Oilers Soon Sign Another Well-Known Talent at No Cost?

The NHL landscape is constantly shifting, with teams regularly evaluating ways to bolster their rosters and improve their chances of success. One trend that has garnered significant attention in recent years is the ability of teams to sign well-known, talented players who are available at no cost. Whether through free agency, buyouts, or trades, certain players become available to teams looking to make a push for the Stanley Cup or enhance their depth without having to give up valuable assets or salary cap space.

For the Edmonton Oilers, a team with high expectations and an elite roster led by generational talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, this could present an intriguing opportunity. As the 2024-2025 NHL season progresses, rumors and speculation are swirling about the Oilers potentially adding another prominent player to their roster at no cost. With their salary cap space already constrained due to high-profile contracts and an active pursuit of a championship, the idea of signing a well-known player without giving up assets would be a major win for the franchise.

In this article, we will explore the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers signing another well-known talent at no cost. We’ll analyze potential candidates, the cap situation, the likelihood of such a move, and how it could fit into the Oilers’ current lineup and future goals. The Oilers are poised for success, but the addition of another significant player could be the difference between a playoff exit and a long-awaited Stanley Cup victory.

The Oilers’ Current Roster and Salary Cap Situation

Before delving into the potential for signing a well-known talent at no cost, it’s crucial to understand the Edmonton Oilers’ current roster construction and salary cap situation. The team already boasts two of the most dynamic players in the NHL—Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—both of whom are signed to long-term, lucrative contracts. McDavid, the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner and widely regarded as the best player in the world, is on an eight-year deal worth $100 million. Draisaitl, his talented linemate, is locked in with a similar contract, making the duo a cornerstone of the franchise.

These elite contracts, while beneficial to the team on the ice, do create significant pressure on the Oilers’ salary cap. With the cap ceiling set at a fixed amount, teams must manage their rosters carefully to ensure they can build a competitive team while staying under the cap. As of the 2024-2025 season, the Oilers have just under $5 million in cap space—tight but manageable given the talent they have. However, this tight margin also limits their ability to make significant moves to improve their team during the season, especially when it comes to adding high-priced players via trade or free agency.

The salary cap situation means that the Oilers have to be creative in their approach to roster building, particularly when it comes to acquiring players who could make an immediate impact. This is where the idea of signing a player at no cost becomes particularly appealing. If the Oilers could add a significant talent without having to move players, trade assets, or take on additional salary, it could give them the flexibility to improve their team while keeping the cap situation intact.

The Appeal of Signing a Well-Known Talent at No Cost

The notion of signing a well-known talent at no cost is particularly enticing for teams like the Edmonton Oilers, who are built around superstar players but need depth and complementary pieces to compete for a Stanley Cup. The salary cap restrictions make it difficult to sign top-tier free agents, especially those who demand substantial contracts. Additionally, the Oilers have already invested heavily in McDavid and Draisaitl, meaning they need to surround them with solid contributors at a more affordable price.

Signing a player at no cost could offer the Oilers a rare opportunity to upgrade their roster without negatively impacting their cap space or giving up valuable assets. While it’s unlikely that a superstar talent would suddenly become available at no cost, there are scenarios in which the Oilers could take advantage of a player’s availability due to specific circumstances, such as a buyout, injury, or salary dump. Players who become available under such conditions often sign for a minimal salary or even league minimum, making them viable options for teams with limited cap flexibility.

There are several avenues through which the Oilers could sign a high-profile player without paying the usual premium, including:

• Buyouts: Teams sometimes buy out a player’s contract to free up cap space, especially when that player is no longer in their plans. The player then becomes a free agent and can be signed by another team for a much lower price than the original contract stipulated.
• Veteran Minimum Signings: Players who are past their prime but still capable of contributing at a high level may be willing to sign at a lower salary in exchange for a chance to compete for a championship. These players often prioritize winning over money, especially late in their careers.
• Trade for Salary Retention: A team looking to move a veteran player may retain a portion of that player’s salary to facilitate a trade. In some cases, the Oilers could acquire a player at a reduced cost, especially if the trading team is focused on clearing cap space.

Each of these scenarios presents a unique opportunity for the Oilers to add a well-known talent to their roster at minimal cost, strengthening their lineup without sacrificing the core of their team.

Potential Candidates for the Oilers

Now that we’ve established the appeal of adding a player at no cost, it’s time to consider which well-known talents could be available to the Oilers. While the market is always in flux, there are a few types of players who could fit the bill for Edmonton.

1. Veteran Free Agents Looking for a Championship

One category of player the Oilers could target is a veteran who is still capable of contributing but might not command a large salary due to age or recent performance. These players are often in a position to sign short-term contracts, especially if they’re motivated by the chance to win a Stanley Cup.

Examples of players who might fit this mold could include former stars who have experienced a slight decline in performance but still have value to a team like the Oilers. They may be willing to take a pay cut in order to compete for a title. These types of signings are often found during the offseason or close to the trade deadline.

• Patrice Bergeron (if he returns for another season): The long-time Boston Bruins captain has been a staple in the league for years. Even though he’s at the tail end of his career, his leadership, two-way play, and faceoff prowess would be invaluable to a contender like the Oilers.
• P.K. Subban: Although his skills may have diminished in recent seasons, Subban’s ability to contribute on the power play and provide leadership could be an appealing asset for Edmonton. If he decides to continue playing, the Oilers might be able to sign him at a reduced rate.

2. Players Who Have Been Bought Out

Another potential avenue is signing players who have been bought out by their previous teams. When a team buys out a player’s contract, they effectively remove the financial burden of the player’s salary but still face a cap penalty. The player, now a free agent, is typically available to sign at a much lower cost.

• Phil Kessel: Kessel, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and former 30-goal scorer, has been in decline in recent seasons. However, he could still provide scoring depth to a team like the Oilers, particularly on the power play. If Kessel is bought out by his current team, the Oilers might be able to sign him at a low price.
• Jack Johnson: Another player who has been bought out by his previous team, Johnson has proven to be a steady, if unspectacular, presence on the blue line. While not the flashy addition the Oilers might seek, he could provide valuable depth and veteran experience.

3. Salary Cap Dumps and Trade Opportunities

If the Oilers are looking to acquire a player via trade, they may be able to capitalize on a team looking to dump salary in order to free up cap space. This could allow Edmonton to acquire a player of value for minimal cost, especially if the trading team is desperate to move a contract.

• Vladimir Tarasenko: Though he’s had injury troubles in the past, the former St. Louis Blues star remains a potent offensive player. If another team were to move him as part of a salary dump, the Oilers could benefit from adding a proven scorer.
• Dustin Byfuglien (if he returns): While this is a long shot, a player like Byfuglien—who was once a key piece of the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets—could add valuable depth on the blue line. If a team were to part ways with him due to cap concerns, the Oilers could take a chance on the veteran.