Oilers Eye Potential Star Acquisitions from Struggling NHL Teams

The Edmonton Oilers are considering potential player acquisitions from struggling NHL teams, particularly as franchises like the Buffalo Sabres face ongoing challenges. With the Sabres missing the playoffs for an alarming fourteen consecutive years, key players such as Alex Tuch, a pending unrestricted free agent, and stars Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin have voiced concerns regarding the team’s future trajectory. The Oilers, having endured their own difficult stretch from 2007 to 2018, empathize with Sabres fans as they navigate their own path forward.

General Managers across the NHL are increasingly aware of the shifting dynamics that allow players to exert more influence over their careers. In light of this, it is crucial for the Oilers’ GM, Stan Bowman, to explore opportunities within struggling teams to enhance Edmonton’s roster. Historical decisions, such as allowing players like Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Petry to depart for minimal returns, serve as cautionary tales for the organization as they strategize their next moves.

The current NHL salary cap is projected to rise, presenting the Oilers with additional flexibility to pursue talent. Many fans are eager for Edmonton to capitalize on potential trades, particularly eyeing players like Tuch. Yet, the Oilers face significant salary cap constraints, making any substantial acquisitions challenging this season.

As it stands, Edmonton is closely aligned with the salary cap, limiting their ability to bring in a marquee player. The team is considering its options, with their only significant trading asset being a first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. While Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now reported the team’s willingness to part with this pick, its value is questionable, as it will not be usable until June 2027.

In terms of potential player movements, the Oilers have few high-value assets to trade. The only players making over $2 million annually without no-trade clauses are Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and Evan Bouchard. While Bouchard is expected to remain with the team, the futures of Skinner and Kulak are less certain. Skinner’s performance this season will determine whether he remains an asset or becomes expendable. On the other hand, Kulak, whose contract expires at $2.75 million, could be a valuable playoff rental, provided he maintains his high level of play.

If the Oilers are to make a significant trade, they will need to consider young prospects who could enhance their appeal in the market. Players like newly acquired Ike Howard, Atro Leppanen, and Roby Jarventie could boost their trade value depending on their performances in the AHL this season. Given the Oilers’ previous success in free agency, securing top targets like Andrew Mangiapane and Jack Roslovic in the 2025-26 season, the urgency for a major trade at the 2026 NHL trade deadline appears to be diminishing.

Looking ahead, the summer of 2026 presents a different landscape as the salary cap is expected to rise significantly. If estimates of a cap increase to $107 million hold true, Edmonton could have around $20 million to spend on new talent. With core players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and others already under contract, the team will also need to focus on acquiring younger talent to ensure a balanced roster moving forward.

The impending free agency period will also require careful consideration, particularly regarding Skinner, who will be a UFA in July. Other Oilers free agents include Kulak, Kasperi Kapanen, Adam Henrique, and Noah Philp, among others. If players like David Tomasek or Jack Roslovic perform exceptionally well, re-signing them could prove to be a financial challenge.

Overall, while the Oilers may face immediate hurdles in making significant roster changes this season, the upcoming summer could open new avenues for improvement. Fans can only hope that the organization will capitalize on these opportunities, eyeing stars like Tuch, Adrian Kempe, Tage Thompson, and others as potential targets to elevate Edmonton’s competitive edge in the league.