Three Oilers veteran forwards may depart team as free agents this offseason

As the NHL season nears its conclusion, attention begins to shift to the offseason, where teams will face decisions that could reshape their rosters for years to come. For the Edmonton Oilers, a franchise with championship aspirations, the 2023-2024 offseason presents some significant roster management challenges. Among these, the fate of three veteran forwards—key players for the Oilers—loom large as they head toward unrestricted free agency.

The Oilers are positioned as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup, boasting one of the most potent offensive lineups in the league, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, like all NHL teams, the Oilers face salary cap constraints and tough decisions regarding player retention. The departure of experienced forwards could leave the team with substantial holes to fill, both in terms of scoring depth and leadership.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the situation surrounding three of Edmonton’s veteran forwards—who may become unrestricted free agents this offseason—and explore how their potential departures could impact the team moving forward. We’ll also examine possible replacement options and the challenges the Oilers may face in trying to stay competitive.

The Oilers’ Current Roster Outlook

The Edmonton Oilers are in a unique position as one of the most dynamic offensive teams in the NHL, but their postseason success has been limited in recent years, largely due to defensive struggles and questions surrounding the goaltending position. Despite this, the franchise remains firmly in the hunt for a championship, with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way.

The Oilers have made significant strides in building around their stars, particularly with the addition of defensemen like Mattias Ekholm and the continued emergence of players like Evan Bouchard. However, like most teams, Edmonton faces financial constraints due to the salary cap, which is expected to be a key factor in player movement this offseason.

With a roster filled with high-paid stars, the Oilers will likely be forced to make tough decisions about which veterans to retain and which ones to let go. This could include parting ways with experienced forwards who have been integral to the team’s success but are now approaching the end of their contracts.

Three such forwards—who may soon find themselves as unrestricted free agents—are Evander Kane, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. All three players bring unique skill sets to the table and have contributed significantly to Edmonton’s offensive output in recent seasons. However, as free agency approaches, the question remains: will these veteran forwards return to the Oilers, or will they sign with other teams?

Evander Kane: A Big Contract and Big Questions

Evander Kane is one of the most polarizing players in the NHL. Since joining the Oilers during the 2021-2022 season, Kane has provided a physical and offensive presence that has helped bolster Edmonton’s forward corps. Known for his goal-scoring ability and toughness, Kane has contributed heavily to the team’s success when healthy. His leadership in the locker room and his ability to provide scoring depth alongside McDavid and Draisaitl have made him a valuable asset.

However, Kane’s future in Edmonton is uncertain. The 2023-2024 season will be pivotal in determining whether the Oilers will extend him beyond his current contract. Kane’s age (32) and potential decline in performance in the coming years make him a risky re-signing for the Oilers, especially with a hefty price tag. He currently carries a cap hit of $5.125 million, and given the team’s cap constraints, retaining Kane at that price may be untenable if they want to add depth elsewhere, particularly in defense and goaltending.

Additionally, Kane’s off-ice issues have occasionally created distractions for the Oilers, from his suspension in 2021 to his social media controversies. While these incidents may not have a direct impact on his play, they do add an element of uncertainty regarding his long-term fit with the team.

Despite these concerns, Kane’s production—when healthy—cannot be denied. In the 2022-2023 season, he was a consistent offensive presence, scoring goals and adding grit to Edmonton’s top-six forwards. The question remains whether Kane will be willing to take a pay cut to remain with the Oilers or if another team will offer him a more lucrative deal. If he chooses to leave Edmonton, the Oilers will need to find a replacement who can match his physicality and offensive contributions.

Zach Hyman: A Vital Piece of Edmonton’s Top Six

Zach Hyman has been a key player for the Edmonton Oilers since his arrival in 2021. Known for his relentless work ethic, two-way play, and ability to create scoring chances, Hyman has been a perfect fit alongside McDavid and Draisaitl. His versatility allows him to play up and down the lineup, and his ability to forecheck, win battles along the boards, and contribute on the power play has made him an invaluable asset for the Oilers.

However, Hyman’s contract, which carries a cap hit of $5.5 million, may be difficult for the Oilers to maintain, especially with the increasing cap hit of McDavid and Draisaitl. While Hyman is just entering his prime years, Edmonton may find themselves forced to make difficult choices to keep the core intact while addressing other roster needs.

If the Oilers do decide to move on from Hyman, the team would lose one of their most consistent performers and a player who has developed great chemistry with the top stars. Replacing him will be challenging, as there are few players who offer the same combination of physicality, skill, and leadership. The Oilers would need to look for a forward who can contribute on both ends of the ice and complement the team’s high-powered offense.

However, Hyman’s strong two-way play and consistent offensive output may make him an appealing option for other NHL teams, especially those looking for a top-six forward who can elevate their game in both offensive and defensive situations. As such, the Oilers could face a difficult decision regarding his future with the team.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: The Veteran Leader

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been with the Oilers since he was selected first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. Over the years, he has established himself as a skilled playmaker, a steady presence on the power play, and a leader in the locker room. Known for his hockey IQ and vision, Nugent-Hopkins has consistently contributed to the Oilers’ success, often serving as a key supporting piece for McDavid and Draisaitl.

Nugent-Hopkins has recently adapted his game to become more of a two-way player, but at age 31, his long-term role in Edmonton’s lineup is uncertain. He carries a cap hit of $5.125 million for the 2023-2024 season, and while his contributions are valuable, the Oilers may face pressure to reallocate those funds to improve other areas of the roster, such as defense or goaltending.

One potential issue is Nugent-Hopkins’ age and his evolving role within the team. While he still possesses great playmaking ability and versatility, his production has begun to decline in recent seasons. Although he remains a trusted option on the Oilers’ power play, his overall effectiveness has been limited in recent years. Given the Oilers’ need to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving NHL, they may find themselves needing to move on from Nugent-Hopkins if they cannot strike a favorable deal.

Nugent-Hopkins’ leadership and experience in the playoffs could make him an attractive option for teams looking for a reliable, veteran forward. His presence on a contending team would bring a level of maturity and consistency, which could be a key factor for other clubs looking to make a deep postseason run.

Impact of Departures: The Road Ahead for Edmonton

If all three of these veterans were to depart the Oilers in free agency, the team would find themselves in a challenging position. Losing Kane, Hyman, and Nugent-Hopkins would create significant gaps in their forward group, especially in terms of scoring depth, leadership, and two-way play. Replacing these players with comparable talent would not be easy, particularly with the Oilers’ limited salary cap space.

The Oilers would need to look for cheaper, more affordable options in free agency, or perhaps rely on younger players within their system to step up. However, this would create an element of uncertainty for a team that is firmly in win-now mode. The core of McDavid and Draisaitl is in its prime, and Edmonton cannot afford to lose significant talent without ensuring they have adequate replacements to maintain their competitive edge.

The team will also need to focus on bolstering other areas, such as defense and goaltending, to ensure they have a complete roster capable of going deep in the playoffs. The loss of veteran forwards could also impact the team’s depth on special teams, where these players have proven to be essential contributors.