Keys to the offseason for the Edmonton Oilers
Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton of ESPN: Looking at what the Edmonton Oilers could have in store this offseason.
Projected cap space: $16.5 million2026 draft picks: 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th
The Edmonton Oilers have Connor McDavid signed for two more years, and they’ll need to figure out a way this offseason to bounce back after an ‘average’ season. The Oilers will be once again looking for some team-friendly contracts. They could also explore the idea of moving out a larger contract that doesn’t have Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl‘s name on it.
What direction will the Los Angeles Kings go in as they may be working with a lower internal cap number?
John Hoven of Mayors Manor: A rebuild for the Los Angeles Kings seems unlikely. While they try to remain competitive, they need to figure out what their big picture is going to be.
Defenseman Drew Doughty is entering the final year of his contract and has said he wants to play until he’s 40 years old, so four more seasons. If both sides talk this offseason and decide that after his current contract is up, they’ll consider a different direction, they it might be their best interest to explore the idea of a trade this offseason.
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The Kings blue line needs to change. Mikey Anderson, Brandt Clarke and Cody Ceci are the most likely to be back, so two of Doughty, Brian Dumoulin and Joel Edmundson should be moved. Angus Booth may be their only defenseman in the AHL that his ready to make the jump.
The Kings will need some help down the middle, and the Kings will likely have an internal budget and have limited assets to use to acquire one. Adding a center like Robert Thomas (Blues) or Auston Matthews (Leafs), or Brady Tkachuk (not a center) would be difficult. Teams would ask for Quinton Byfield, Clarke, first-round picks, and their young goalies (Hampton Slukynsky and Carter George). There is a mutual interest between the Kings and Scott Laughton.
Although the salary cap is moving up to $104 million, the Kings may be looking to be around $94 million. Moving salary out will be needed if they want any acquisitions. If the Kings are okay with Anton Forsberg and Erik Portillo in net, they could look to move Darcy Kuemper and his $5 million.
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