Paul Bissonnette criticizes the Oilers’ costly decision to let a $9 million star go: “What the hell is going on?”

In the fast-paced world of the NHL, where teams are constantly looking to build for both short-term success and long-term stability, difficult roster decisions are a fact of life. But when a team like the Edmonton Oilers, which has championship aspirations, makes a move that seems to contradict its future goals, it often raises eyebrows. Recently, former NHL player and current commentator Paul Bissonnette, better known for his candid and outspoken opinions, voiced his frustrations regarding the Oilers’ decision to part ways with one of their star players—one who was making a hefty $9 million per year.

The departure of this $9 million star is a move that Bissonnette described as “costly,” questioning both the reasoning behind the decision and the potential impact on the Oilers’ pursuit of a Stanley Cup. With the team loaded with offensive talent—thanks in no small part to generational talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—the question remains: why let go of a player who, at the very least, added depth to a roster on the cusp of greatness?

Bissonnette’s frustration with the situation was not just directed at the Oilers’ front office but also reflected the larger concerns shared by fans, analysts, and pundits about the team’s current direction and their ability to manage their roster effectively.

In this piece, we’ll delve into Paul Bissonnette’s criticism of the Oilers’ costly decision, the specifics of the player’s departure, the potential ramifications of the move, and what this could mean for the team’s future. We’ll also take a closer look at the current state of the Oilers, the players they have on their roster, and the internal challenges they face as they try to finally break through and capture a long-awaited Stanley Cup.

Bissonnette’s Frustration with the Oilers’ Roster Decisions

Bissonnette, whose no-holds-barred commentary often stirs up debates in the hockey world, made it clear that he was perplexed by the Oilers’ decision to let go of their $9 million star player. While Bissonnette acknowledged that every team faces difficult financial decisions—particularly when it comes to salary caps—he was unable to understand the logic behind Edmonton’s move.

“Honestly, I don’t get it,” Bissonnette said during a recent appearance on his popular podcast, “Spittin’ Chiclets.” “You’ve got a guy making $9 million who was a key part of your roster, and then you just let him go. What the hell is going on? It’s a head-scratcher. Especially with the expectations this team has. It feels like a major misstep.”

His criticism stems from a belief that the Oilers are in a window of opportunity with McDavid and Draisaitl at the peak of their powers. A team that has two of the best players in the league should be built to contend for championships now, not in some distant future. Yet, by making a financial decision that seemingly weakens their roster in the short term, Bissonnette argued that Edmonton may have jeopardized their chances to win a Stanley Cup while their superstars are still in their prime.

The Departure of the $9 Million Star: Who Was the Player?

The player in question was none other than Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the longtime Oilers forward who has been a fixture on the team for over a decade. Nugent-Hopkins, drafted first overall by Edmonton in the 2011 NHL Draft, had become an important part of the Oilers’ lineup, especially in recent years as the team began to find greater success under head coach Jay Woodcroft.

Nugent-Hopkins was a versatile forward who played in all situations—whether on the power play, penalty kill, or in a key defensive matchup—and provided consistent offensive production. Over the course of his contract, Nugent-Hopkins became known for his ability to drive play, contribute on the scoresheet, and provide valuable leadership in the locker room. His $9 million salary was the result of a long-term contract extension that rewarded his contributions and potential.

However, the Oilers’ decision to part ways with him in the midst of their championship window raised concerns among fans and analysts. Despite Nugent-Hopkins’ value, the Oilers appeared to make the decision based on a combination of salary cap issues and the desire to give younger players more opportunities. This decision has, naturally, led to questions about whether the team can truly contend without him.

The Financial Implications: A Cap Crunch

While the departure of Nugent-Hopkins may seem shocking from a hockey perspective, the reality is that the Oilers have been facing an increasingly difficult salary cap situation in recent years. The team’s star players—most notably McDavid and Draisaitl—are earning significant salaries that limit the flexibility of general manager Ken Holland and the rest of the front office.

When McDavid signed his monster $12.5 million contract extension in 2017, it was clear that Edmonton would need to make tough decisions regarding their other players in order to fit within the constraints of the salary cap. The addition of other key players, including defencemen such as Darnell Nurse, and the substantial financial commitment to goaltender Jack Campbell, further complicated matters for the Oilers.

As a result, the team’s front office had to find ways to balance financial responsibilities with the need to build a competitive team around their superstars. Nugent-Hopkins, with his $9 million salary, became one of the higher-priced players on the roster, and parting ways with him allowed Edmonton to free up valuable cap space that could be used to bolster other areas of the lineup.

Still, the financial logic behind moving Nugent-Hopkins may not sit well with everyone, especially when considering the Oilers’ championship aspirations. The team is clearly in a “win-now” mode, and losing a productive player like Nugent-Hopkins could be seen as a misstep. Bissonnette was among those who pointed out the potential ramifications for the team’s short-term success.

Bissonnette’s Concern: What Does This Mean for the Oilers’ Future?

In his criticism, Bissonnette raised the concern that, by letting Nugent-Hopkins go, the Oilers may have taken a step backward at a time when they needed to be making strides forward. While Bissonnette acknowledged that the team still has plenty of talent, the departure of a key player like Nugent-Hopkins creates a void that will need to be filled.

“Sure, you’ve got McDavid and Draisaitl,” Bissonnette said, “but what happens when you take away a guy who can play in all situations and is one of your most reliable forwards? The Oilers are still a great team, but this could be a significant hole that they’re not going to easily fill.”

Bissonnette’s concerns reflect the broader sentiment that while the Oilers have the talent to compete for a championship, they may not have the depth or balance to go all the way. In the modern NHL, success often hinges on a team’s ability to build a strong, well-rounded roster with contributions from every player, not just the superstars. Nugent-Hopkins, with his versatility, was an essential part of that balance. Without him, the Oilers may find themselves relying too heavily on their top two players, which could be a dangerous gamble in the long run.

The Impact on the Oilers’ Roster and Cap Flexibility

The Oilers now face a dilemma: how to use the cap space freed by Nugent-Hopkins’ departure effectively. While some of that space may go toward adding new players, particularly in areas where the team is weaker, there is no guarantee that those additions will be as impactful as Nugent-Hopkins was. The challenge for Ken Holland and the Oilers’ front office is to ensure that any replacements for Nugent-Hopkins are capable of contributing at a similar level.

In the current NHL landscape, many teams are opting to build around their star players, surrounding them with role players and specialists who can complement their strengths. The Oilers, with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, are no different in this regard. But the loss of a key player like Nugent-Hopkins could shift the balance of the team, making it more difficult for them to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup.

Looking Ahead: Can the Oilers Still Compete for a Cup?

Despite the concerns raised by Bissonnette and others, the Oilers are still a team to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. McDavid and Draisaitl are two of the most dynamic players in the world, and as long as they are healthy and performing at a high level, the Oilers will remain a threat in the postseason. However, the team’s ability to balance the roster and find the right pieces to complement their superstars will be the key to determining their success in the coming seasons.

The decision to let Nugent-Hopkins go may ultimately prove to be a smart financial move in the long run, but for the 2025 Stanley Cup race, it is certainly a risky one. As Bissonnette put it, “What the hell is going on?” The Oilers are at a crossroads, and how they navigate the rest of their offseason could determine whether they are truly contenders or if they’ve squandered their championship window.

In the end, the Oilers’ future will depend on how they address the roster gaps left by Nugent-Hopkins’ departure and whether they can continue to build a team that can compete with the best in the league. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the direction of the franchise. Fans in Edmonton will be watching closely, hoping that the team’s front office can make the right moves to bring the city its first Stanley Cup in nearly 30 years.