The Edmonton Oilers may have very little money to spend this summer, it doesn’t stop them from window-shopping. They might be able to find a winger they can afford…
According to CapFriendly, the Oilers have $8.3 million in cap space with five roster spots to fill this summer, but there is no doubt they need help up front.
It was recently reported that the Oilers might have found the perfect fit in Brett Connolly, who posted a career-high 22 goals and 46 points in 81 games with the Washington Capitals this season. However, the 27-year-old is in high demand and NHL insider Pierre LeBrun believes he could command a salary in excess of $3 million after carrying a $1.5 million cap hit this year.
However, LeBrun also points out in his latest column in The Athletic, that GM Ken Holland has also targeted two pending free agents in San Jose in forward Gustav Nyquist and Joonas Donskoi.
Nyquist, who is said to have gathered interest from the New Jersey Devils,, Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets as well, was traded from the Wings to the Sharks ahead of the trade deadline. He posted 22 goals and 60 points in 81 games between the two teams.
While he hasn’t ruled out a return to San Jose for next season, but might enjoyed all the interest he is getting on the free agent market.
Donskoi didn’t do as well this season, scoring 14 goals, but could be ready for a bigger role on a team like the Oilers. LeBrun reports the Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres are three of the teams who have reached out to the free agent.
Let’s see what the Oilers can come up with - and on budget!
