Edmonton Oilers still have one intriguing free-agent option remaining
Things have been rather quiet surrounding the Edmonton Oilers since free-agency day, but they may not be done making moves just yet.
After trading Darnell Nurse and not being forced to retain any of his $9.25-million cap hit, the Oilers sit with just under $5 million in cap space. They’ve already made the necessary changes in net while also adding to their blue line. If they are to add now, it would presumably be a forward with offensive upside.
As it turns out, there are still a number of players available in free agency who could give them just that. The likes of Patrick Kane, Eeli Tolvanen, Reilly Smith, Michael Bunting, and even Patrik Laine are all intriguing. That said, the best fit of all may be Vladimir Tarasenko.
First, let’s make it very clear: Tarasenko is no longer the star-calibre player he was for many years with the St. Louis Blues. He hasn’t surpassed the 30-goal barrier or 60-point mark since 2021-22. Injuries have played a big part in the 34-year-old’s decline.
Tarasenko is still, however, a solid secondary scorer. This past season saw him put up 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games despite seeing very little time on the power play. In other words, he can still put up offence at 5v5.
Given how long he’s waited on the free-agent market, it’s safe to presume that Tarasenko isn’t in line for a big contract. Joining the Oilers could see his offensive totals improve while playing with the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, which, if he were to sign a one-year deal, could put him in line for a more lucrative contract next offseason, even with his age.
As per AFP Analytics, the six-time 30-goal scorer is expected to sign a one-year deal worth just $3.3 million. That low dollar figure has led many to suggest Tarasenko as a potential fit for Edmonton.
“Teams in need of scoring off the wings should kick tires on a short-term deal. That the Oilers expressed interest in Claude Giroux (before he re-upped in Ottawa) has some wondering if Edmonton could turn its sights to Tarasenko,” Sportsnet’s Luke Fox wrote on Friday morning.
While they do have the cap space, however, GM Stan Bowman may elect to keep some money freed up in order to make a big splash at the trade deadline. That said, if he is willing to use up some of it, there isn’t a better option available than Tarasenko.
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