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

The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to making bold moves in an attempt to solidify their place among the elite teams in the NHL. With a roster featuring superstars such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have long been positioned as a team with championship aspirations, but they continue to face challenges in putting together a well-rounded roster capable of making a deep playoff run.

Over the years, general manager Ken Holland has proven his willingness to make moves in free agency and the trade market to improve his team, but could the Oilers be on the verge of another acquisition? Specifically, might the team be looking to sign a well-known talent at no cost—a free agent who could provide immediate help and possibly make a significant impact on the roster?

As we look at the current situation surrounding the Edmonton Oilers and the potential for such a signing, there are several key factors to consider. These range from the team’s financial flexibility and roster needs to the list of available players who could help the Oilers in the immediate future. Additionally, the Oilers’ status as a potential destination for established players could be a major advantage in attracting top-tier talent without the need for a trade or high-cost free agent signing.

Edmonton’s Current Roster and Needs

Before diving into the specific possibilities of signing another well-known player at no cost, it’s crucial to examine where the Oilers currently stand. As of the 2024-2025 NHL season, the team boasts a high-powered offense, led by two of the most dynamic and talented players in hockey—Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Both players are consistently among the league leaders in scoring, and they represent the core of the team’s offense. However, the Oilers’ reliance on these two players to carry the load offensively has often left the team vulnerable when it comes to depth and secondary scoring.

While McDavid and Draisaitl are nearly impossible to stop when they are at their best, the Oilers have struggled to find consistent scoring from their supporting cast. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane provide depth, but the Oilers need to round out their offensive group with more balanced production throughout the lineup. That could mean adding another playmaker or goal-scoring forward to take some pressure off McDavid and Draisaitl.

Beyond their offense, the Oilers have also faced challenges on defense and in goal. Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci anchor the blue line, but the team has been inconsistent defensively, which is often exacerbated by their fast-paced, offensive-minded style of play. The Oilers will likely look to strengthen their defensive corps to improve their overall balance and reduce the burden on their goaltenders.

Speaking of goaltending, Jack Campbell has been the starting goalie for the Oilers, but there have been questions about his consistency. Stuart Skinner, the Oilers’ backup, has shown potential, but he is still developing and is not yet established as a starting goaltender in the NHL. In short, the Oilers have several areas where they could use an additional boost—whether in defense, depth scoring, or even goaltending.

The Concept of Signing a Player at No Cost

The idea of signing a well-known talent at no cost is a tantalizing prospect for any NHL team, and for the Edmonton Oilers, it presents a unique opportunity. This situation would typically apply to free agents who have not been signed to a contract with any team, whether due to injury concerns, a decline in performance, or simply a lack of interest from other franchises. These players are often termed as “bargain” signings, but the potential for them to provide a meaningful contribution is still present.

For a team like the Oilers, signing a player at no cost could be a strategic move to bolster the roster without having to give up any assets. The challenge here lies in identifying a player who could still contribute at a high level but who may have fallen out of favor in the free-agent market for one reason or another. Despite this, players who are available for little or no cost can sometimes bring unexpected value to a contending team, offering depth, leadership, or specialized skills that could fit perfectly into a team’s system.

Players Who Could Fit the Bill

Several players come to mind when discussing the possibility of signing a well-known talent at no cost. While many of these players may not be able to offer the same level of impact they once did, they still represent intriguing options for a team like the Oilers, looking to address certain needs. Below are a few players who could potentially be of interest to Edmonton:

1. Patrick Kane

A three-time Stanley Cup champion and a former Hart Trophy winner, Patrick Kane remains one of the most skilled offensive players in the NHL. Although his performance has slowed in recent years due to injury and age, Kane is still capable of contributing in a top-six role and could be a dynamic addition to the Oilers’ forward group.

The 35-year-old winger has been recovering from hip surgery, and as of the 2024 season, has not yet signed with any team. If Kane can return to full health, his experience and playmaking ability could be valuable to the Oilers, who are always in need of additional offensive firepower. Whether as a mentor to younger players or as a top-six forward, Kane could be an ideal candidate to sign at no cost, especially considering his potential value in a playoff race.

2. P.K. Subban

Another big name who could find his way onto the Oilers’ radar is P.K. Subban. The former Norris Trophy winner is no longer the elite defenseman he once was, but Subban’s leadership and experience could prove invaluable to an Oilers team looking to tighten up defensively. He is currently retired from the NHL, but the possibility of a short-term return to the league could be something to keep an eye on.

Subban’s reputation as a strong puck-moving defenseman and his ability to contribute on the power play could be a key asset to the Oilers’ defense. If the Oilers are looking for a veteran presence to stabilize their blue line and add some depth, Subban could be a perfect fit, especially as the team looks to make a deep postseason run.

3. Joe Pavelski

At 40 years old, Joe Pavelski is nearing the twilight of his career, but his playmaking ability and leadership are still very much intact. He remains a productive top-six forward and continues to deliver in clutch moments, as evidenced by his consistent performance for the Dallas Stars.

Although Pavelski may not have the same speed and skill as in his prime, his veteran presence and ability to produce on the power play would be invaluable for the Oilers. If the Stars decide to move in a different direction or if Pavelski seeks a fresh opportunity in pursuit of a Stanley Cup, he could be a savvy addition to the Oilers’ forward group.

4. Vladimir Tarasenko

After a lengthy career with the St. Louis Blues, Vladimir Tarasenko signed with the New York Rangers for the 2023-2024 season, but his long-term future remains uncertain. While injury concerns have slowed his effectiveness in recent seasons, Tarasenko remains a potent goal scorer when healthy. His ability to generate offense with his powerful shot could provide the Oilers with the depth scoring they need to make a deep playoff push.

If Tarasenko were to hit the free-agent market again and remain unsigned due to injury concerns or a lack of interest, the Oilers could target him as a low-risk, high-reward signing. He could fill a void on the wing and provide the Oilers with another scoring threat alongside McDavid and Draisaitl.

The Oilers’ Financial Flexibility

One of the major considerations for the Oilers in signing a well-known talent at no cost is their financial flexibility. With McDavid and Draisaitl on large contracts, the Oilers are always in a tight salary cap situation. However, if they can make a strategic signing of a player at no cost, they would likely have enough room to accommodate the addition of another key contributor to their roster.

The key to this strategy would be identifying a player who is willing to sign for a relatively low salary or a short-term contract in exchange for the opportunity to play on a contending team. Players like Patrick Kane or Vladimir Tarasenko, who may be willing to take a reduced salary in pursuit of a championship, could fit this bill.

A Key Opportunity for the Oilers

As the Edmonton Oilers continue to chase a Stanley Cup, the possibility of signing a well-known talent at no cost presents an intriguing opportunity. Whether it’s a veteran forward like Patrick Kane or a defenseman like P.K. Subban, the addition of another impact player could provide the Oilers with the depth and balance they need to make a deep postseason run.

If Ken Holland and the Oilers front office can find a player willing to join their championship-caliber team at a reasonable price, this could be the move that puts them over the top. While McDavid and Draisaitl are the stars of the show, the support around them will ultimately determine the Oilers’ success. Signing a player with experience, leadership, and skill could be the missing piece to finally bring a championship back to Edmonton.