The Edmonton Oilers have reloaded and appear to be in store for a massive 2024-25 season after falling a game short of a Stanley Cup championship only months ago. They were able to add some great talent in free agency, while also bringing back plenty of their pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs).
Related: Edmonton Oilers’ 5 Worst Contracts for 2024-25
While things look great for the Oilers, they will be facing plenty of pressure in what is another Stanley Cup or bust-type season. There are also several questions facing this team as they prepare to enter what is the biggest season yet with this core group.
Will Draisaitl Sign an Extension?
The biggest question surrounding the Oilers is the future of Leon Draisaitl. The 28-year-old, who is coming off of his fifth season with more than 100 points, is set to enter the final year of his contract. Safe to say, nervousness amongst the fan base is increasing as each day passes without a deal being signed.
Reports are suggesting that a deal will get worked out between the two sides, though anything can happen in the NHL. It is even bigger than just bringing Draisaitl back, as getting him signed to an extension would greatly increase the chances of Connor McDavid signing an extension next summer. If he were to leave, McDavid could very well wind up doing the same.
Though not nearly as much of a concern, a Draisaitl extension isn’t the only contract situation Oilers fans are monitoring. Both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway remain unsigned. The two young talents figure to be big supporting pieces of this roster in 2024-25, making it crucial for management to find a way to get them locked up.
Is a Trade Nearing?
As mentioned, both Broberg and Holloway are in need of new contracts. The issue in signing them is that the Oilers currently don’t have the room to do so, as they sit roughly $340,000 above the NHL’s maximum salary cap. That could result in management being forced to move a player before the season begins.
The most obvious candidate is Cody Ceci, who is entering the final year of his contract which carries a $3.25 million cap hit. Moving him may not be an easy task, however, as he has struggled in each of the past two seasons, making him a player opposing general managers (GMs) may be leery to bring in without additional compensation.
Evander Kane is another trade candidate, though his…
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