The Edmonton Oilers qualified four restricted free agents on Sunday, and set free several others. The four retained players all spent time in the NHL last season. Jesse Puljujarvi and Tyler Benson were drafted in 2016, Kailer Yamamoto from 2017 and Ryan McLeod from 2018. Qualifying them is one thing, getting them to agree to a contract that fits under the cap quite another.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers targets early and late in NHL free agency
- New Lowetide: Oilers top-20 prospects, summer 2022
- DNB: First-round pick Reid Schaefer can bring ‘big-boy hockey’ to his hometown team
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers prospect pipeline needs a post-draft boost
- DNB: Oilers’ Duncan Keith to retire, opening up more possibilities for Ken Holland
- DNB: Oilers’ Zack Kassian trade clears crucial salary cap space, so what’s next?
- Lowetide: 5 AHL players who can help the Oilers next season
- DNB: Edmonton Oilers offseason what I think and what I know 1.0
- Lowetide: Remember Oilers’ biggest summer ever? It needs to happen again
- DNB: How Oilers’ draft pick Kelly Buchberger became the long shot who delivered
- Lowetide: Could the Oilers look to RFA’s to find solutions?
- DNB: What we’re hearing on Edmonton Oilers’ Puljujarvi, more
- Lowetide: Can Oilers’ Xavier Bourgault make the 2022-23 opening night roster?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ pivotal summer and what fans want to see from Ken Holland
- Lowetide: 10 free agents for Edmonton Oilers to target this summer
- Lowetide: What Oilers assets should Ken Holland trade this summer?
- DNB: Oilers commit to coach Jay Woodcroft
- Lowetide: Are Oilers prospects Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway NHL-ready?
- DNB: What if Edmonton Oilers trade Jesse Puljujarvi? The case for and against
- Lowetide: Oilers pro scouts have to get it right in free agency this summer
- DNB: Edmonton Oilers offseason priorities: A 10-step plan for success
SAIL ON, SAILOR
Cooper Marody is out now, he was a quality AHL player and earned more NHL playing time (seven games, one goal) than he received. He didn’t make that much, my guess is the four years work got him less than his signing bonus on the entry deal. If you know someone in the hockey business, you tell them good things about Marody. I wrote about him in September of 2021 here.
The RFA’s set free are Filip Berglund, Brendan Perlini and Ostap Safin. Berglund was the No. 91 pick in the 2016 draft and Safin went No. 115 overall a year later. In my Farm Workers post in June, I wrote “it’s like shooting fish in a barrel this summer. Ryan McLeod will get a full NHL deal, but the minor league RFA’s (Brendan Perlini, Benson, Safin, Filip Berglund) could all go. I’m not sure about Perlini and perhaps someone in the organization believes Benson could be a depth player but Holland runs a tight ship.” Turns out, it was just Benson.
50-MAN LIST
Edmonton has major dollars now, the team can make all kinds of moves in free agency. I think Jack Campbell is coming here, and Evander Kane might, but if he doesn’t we might see Nikita Zadorov signed instead of Brett Kulak. It sure sounds like Jesse Puljujarvi is heading somewhere, I’m beginning to think Jordan Martinook is the trade target.
DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTER
The roster is here, and features some interesting names. First-round selections Xavier Bourgault and Reid Schaefer are in the group, and a rather large group of players who made my top-20 list this year also appear. Outliers of interest include Brayden Schuurman (I had him on my top 125 for the 2022 draft), Logan Dowhaniuk (one of the top defensemen on WHL champion Edmonton Oil Kings last year), Darien Kielb (very impressive late with the Bakersfield Condors), Hudson Thornton (made Red Line’s top 100 for 2022) and Charlie Wright (a player I mention recently).
MOVES BEFORE FREE AGENCY
Darren Dreger has Edmonton looking at Ottawa this morning for a right winger (Connor Brown). He comes in at $3.6 million with one year left on his deal. I can see the Sens having interest in Jesse Puljujarvi, Warren Foegele and even Tyson Barrie, although it’s not certain Ken Holland would move Barrie after the Keith announcement. Here’s how things might look when the dust has settled.
I have the Oilers signing Jack Campbell for $5 million, Dylan Strome for $3.1 million and Brett Kulak for $2.5 million. I traded Jesse Puljujarvi (this shouldn’t be happening) to Ottawa for Connor Brown and then Warren Foegele to Boston for Craig Smith because my God they have to get a little younger. I was talking to speeds yesterday, and he’s of a mind that Tyson Barrie has to be traded in order to get all the moves that are required completed. I think he’s right. Deal Barrie, bring in another RHD with truculence, and then aim a little higher up front. Still, a fascinating and increasingly impressive team. It doesn’t look like Evander Kane is going to be returning, Frank Servalli with a morning update.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
As with all days around the draft and free agency, this could be a big one. We’re on 10-2 on TSN1260, and something coul break from Ottawa or elsewhere. We’ll be all over the hockey story, plus CFL weekend, Jays struggles and more. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
I was very surprised to hear Strome had negative value at his QO rate….see if this bears true when the market gets to bid on him as a UFA….you’d think someone would have tossed Chicago a 5th or 6th at least to grab his rights….
Option 1: Mrazek at 3.8
Option 2: Murray at ~4.7 plus I have to drop out of the 1st round and pay a third.
I’m taking option 1 all day. Mrazek has been fairly solid outside of the last two seasons (that he didn’t play much). Maybe he’s cooked, but Murray is cased. He’s Cam Ward (at best), Vesa Toskala, Antii Niemi, Andrew Raycroft, Jim Carey (as earlier noted) – a goalie with early success but no staying power because NHL shooters are very, very good.
Option 2 is incorrect you imbecile!! I get a third. I’m still taking option 1.
Murray was okay last year a lot better than Mrazek. He got injured and that is the main concern.
How about Sam steel?
Why didn’t I shoot him??
Billy Legs is a pending UFA, by the way.
I kind of like the idea of running Nurse, Kulak, Broberg as the LD next season, since it’s a bit of a challenge for Kulak and Broberg, and it ensures Broberg (plus Samorukov and Niemalainen) get lots of chance to play and develop. I think they can probably handle it too.
And if it turns out LD is actually a weak spot once March rolls around, then it’s relatively easy to add another Dman for the playoffs.
If the higher up’s do want to add another experienced LD though, you know who I wouldn’t mind? Alex Edler.
He’s clearly got game left. He had a really nice year. Not sure if there could be a value deal to be had there because he’s old.
Are you keeping Barrie in this scenario?
Either way on Barrie.
I agree with you that’s he’s a good NHL defenseman, but not an ideal fit. There definitely are better uses of $4.5M, for this season.
But on Barrie’s cap hit I keep coming back to Bouchard’s next deal. Handing Bouchard PP1 full time should be good for 15-20 extra points, which probably costs you $1M a year even on his next bridge deal. And Barrie’s replacement probably costs $2.5M-ish (though perhaps Pysyk/$1.1M is a possibility), so are you any further ahead?
I don’t think a GM should make roster decisions based upon contract negotiations when they are in their window to win so I would make the decision exclusively on the basis of what allows the best roster to take the ice and deal with the Bouchard contract as a separate matter.
Hmmm. Roster decisions are based on what you can do with the cap available though.
I see Barrie out as saving (likely) $2M on the cap this season, at the expense of $2M on the cap (likely) spread over the next 2 seasons.
So you can improve the roster this season somewhat (assuming you can replace Barrie adequately for $2.5M or less), but it comes at the expense of future rosters.
It’s kind of potato/pototo for me, unless you think you can actually improve on Barrie’s contribution to the team for $2.5M or less.
Barrie gets traded for space and Holland signs Mark Pysyk to a 2 x 1.1M deal.
I do wonder.
If it was me I would be looking for a better use of $4.5M than spending it on a 3rd pairing dman whose role on the PP, while valued, has cover with Bouchard.
Like the player but not the fit for this team at this time.
I also like running this D from the left side. I’m sold on Kulak being good enough to play second pair and, based on his stretch late in the season, to fill in on the first pair if/when needed. If the rumoured cap hit is correct, if he is passed by Broberg the contract is still reasonable from the third pair.
Letang for 6 years? Insane.
Richard R. for 6 years? Not quite insane but stil.
What is going on in Pit?
Georgiev costs significant assets and then gets $3.4M X 3 and the Avs commit to him as starter and then Nichushkin gets over $6MM after, really, one season?
What is going on in Colorado?
combine that with Holland not willing to overpay in AAV or term for Kane.
What is going on in Edmonton?
Weaponizing cap space with dry powder!
Wow – Malkin has to be pissed now; Mario too, since he promised Malkin that they’d take care of him, before he sold the team. Pens just signed Rakell for 5 x 6 million.
It’s going to be weird seeing Malkin in another team’s jersey.
Rakell is a good player, and after Hyman got 5.5 x 7 from the Oilers and Nichuskin got 6+ x 8 from the Avs, the market was set. But if Pittsburg is going to roll out 37-year old Jeff Carter on the second line, teams are going to key in on Crosby all season long.
If I were Malkin I would be a pretty bitter kid right now. What is Crosby thinking at this time as well?
“I wonder what it would be like to play with Connor …?”
In the ultra-minority, but I quite like that gamble by the Leafs on Murray. Finished with a .906 save pct and had a good second half (.912) on a poor team.
I’d be curious as to what the difference is in high danger D between the two teams; suspect there is a sizeable gap.
Oilers have been lashing doubles and dingers in the draft going after guys with favourable splits; will be interesting to see if this works for the Leafs.
If healthy, no question he can win in the playoffs.
It’s a really tough bet. Hit or miss, ie there are likely no mediocre, average or okay outcomes. It’s over the fence or a strikeout.
That’s pretty ballsy in that market and I feel like career-wise Dubas has pushed all-in here and it seems like a crazy mountain to choose to die on. The Sault connection buys him some time and near-term optics, but things could go very south, very fast.
Maybe I’m over-reading it, but I’d guess that Leaf Nation is the unhappiest of all the nations right now. And we’re a damn dour lot.
I can tell you first hand that Toronto’s sports radio stations are downright sour on this transaction.
In all likelihood, they are going to run him out town as they have so many others in the past.
They may be dour, but in the 4-5 million range you’re not getting any sure, elite thing at any position. Murray comes with baggage and has alternated between really good and terrible, but I’m convinced a lot of the terrible can be explained by injury.
Pitt was a good team but I feel as though their defence has never been great. Ottawa is just horrible. How will this guy look behind a reasonably good d-core? We’ll see!
I find the move fascinating on so many levels. Could have done the predictable thing in extending Campbell. Not sure why they didn’t like Georgiev (maybe not enough assets to make that happen).
Murray was targeted. They knew him, they believe in him, and they must think the health problems are all done with.
Different position, but a guy that kind of comes to mind is Tarasenko. After all those surgeries, I really questioned whether he could come back. He came all the way back!
I really like it and I think it’s intriguing. If I’m the Leafs, I’d feel better about this move if there was another 1A/1B type on the roster, but maybe that is yet to come.
That’s the big gamble though … if healthy.
No one is going to bail out the Leafs if Murray flops.
If Murray doesn’t work out, they will be stuck with his contract, which has two years left.
You know who else only has 2 years left before becoming a UFA? …. Matthews.
Future Oiler Auston Matthews. The universe would do it just to piss Godot off.
Another reason I like it from their POV. Keep your cap to sign your big star.
It’s a flat cap world and you have to get creative. Kudos to the Leafs for going a bit balls out. Absolutely agree this is all contingent on health.
Who is going to come out swinging for Kane this offseason?
Based on last season’s Luke warm response to him as a free agent my guess is noone.
Rebuilding teams don’t want the headache and contending teams can’t afford his demands.
Kane may very well come back to the Oilers table after he finds no deal in the ballpark he is seeking. I like the offer. No point in overpaying for a guy that has limited options.
I think many people here may not be happy with the terms of the Campbell contract, but for me, whatever it comes in at, I’m stoked to see what Campbell and Skinner can do.
Definitely gong to miss Smiths stick handling though. May need to add a top 4 defender who can move the puck.
Yep – I just want a steady goalie. Some one we can put back there and expect competence. Campbell’s may not be flashy but he’s steady. He’s worked hard on his technique and he’s critical of his performances. For those that hated Smith’s irrational confidence, Campbell’s honesty will be refreshing (though maintaining his confidence has been a problem in the past).
Smith’s puck handling was a two-way sword. I enjoyed watching it, cause he has world class skill with the puck, but sometimes you’d wish he would do less. Koskinen was just completely hopeless playing the puck.
Campbell and Skinner seem like a better compromise.
Campbell might be too self critical.
No worries, we’ll get Smith to coach that out of him in the room.
some dude on twitter with a handle I can’t print here comes up with the tag line
Oliers new Tandem
Soup & Stew
Raising the Cup
Just read the offer KH gave Kane. I’m surprised. If I was Kane I would feel it is a slap in the face after what he did for the team.
Kane has to explore his market value, but the fact is nobody wants to give him term.
It’s not a slap in the face – Holland have Kane a platform to show the league his value and if he can’t get what he’s looking for there’s an offer they can work from.
Meh,
I’m glad Holland isn’t willing to pull his pants down for a player that wants to play in Edmonton.
Kane will get an offer from some desperate GM & his agent will see if Holland is willing to match.
Just looks like basic negotiation to me,
Kane is an older power forward, who played 5 months of hockey along side the best player in the world. Yes he scored lots, he also had a career high shooting percent. Add in his history in the league and why would anyone give him more then 4×4 or 3x5mil. The contract offered is fair, and also evidence that Ken holland may have learned from the Zack k experience.
I think the contract offered is a starting point and a signal.
I like Kane but this is well played by Holland. If a team wants to sign him for 7 with the arb case looming, let them fill their boots.
If I were Kane, I would go out of my way to thank the Oilers organization for providing him an opportunity to play hockey with the best player in the world, and to speak well about how he conducted himself on and off the ice. Kane doesn’t get to sign another big contract without the half season he spent playing for the Oilers.
Its a 2-way street without Kane do we get past L.A. I think we know the answer to that one.
It was exactly the right offer if those numbers are correct.
I don’t think the offer was to Kane. I think it was leaked so that Grier knows how much Holland wants him to eat in the trade. 😉
defmn – I think you are very correct.
The ‘leaks’ that get out to the media and turn out to have some shred of truth to them seem to be not so accidental with Holland.
I think Holland is much more crafty than the media gives him credit for … he gives them a part of the story to run with, but only just enough to create some discussion, without it coming directly from management. I’m not sure that old Dutch doesn’t try to play up to the doddering old man stereotype, just to screw with us. The whole “guide and record book” quote … if he knew that there was a good chance of Keith retiring after 1 season, he probably had to keep that tight to his vest. So what else was he supposed to say … “I’m paying a third round pick to upgrade from Caleb Jones to Keith for one season”? The fact that they already asked the league for clarification on the cap recapture penalty/credit means they had some idea of it much sooner than the end of the season.
The whole Jesse thing just stinks of this too … Jesse’s not happy, but no specific reason given. “I have to figure Jesse out” … doesn’t close the door on him, but doesn’t sound like coaching and management feels he’s reached his full potential – no one in the organization actually said that they see Jesse as a 3rd line winger – and all the evidence (e.g. playing time) is to the contrary. Only a 3rd round pick being offered … not going to give him away for free – but the media is running with it, because 3rd line wingers should not be paid first line money. Same playbook as last time Jesse’s contract was up. Just enough leaked to the media, so that his agent gets the message … Jesse’s right to play in the NHL is controlled by the Edmonton Oilers, and he’ll need to be on a team friendly contract to continue to enjoy that right.
Exactly read between the lines, no cue cards necessary.
That makes more sense. It will be interesting come Wednesday what some of the offers will be. Very confident it will be more.
Lol… Defmn is being at least partly facetious above. 😉
But he’s right about it sending a message.
The one power the Oilers have in these negotiations is the opening bid. And as you have noticed, they have chosen to make that public while allowing Kane to go the rounds.
This helps suppress the bidding, although it is no guarantee. For a team to come over the top with term now, they also have to give salary. He won’t sign a 7 year deal at $4.5M. He’d just come back to the Oilers and sign maybe even just a three year term so he can go to market again when the cap is greased. In all likelihood they told him to circle back with any strong bids too and the Oilers would try to match or beat, if they could.
Observers around the league will also be wondering why the Oil are the beneficiaries of his season, have seen him up close and personal… and yet they’re leery of committing term.
So essentially the Oilers are trying to frame the market in a range they can deal with. Maybe it works but it’s better than doing nothing. If Kane was adamant at testing the market to find his max number, then this is the right play.
Now I could be mis-reading this… maybe the leak was truly without intent, and maybe that’s the really max $s the Oilers will go and he was told to hit the road, but I strongly suspect we’re not done yet.
Agree with you completely Munny – ‘framing the market’ is a nice way of putting it. The nuggets of information being leaked out of Oilers HQ to the media, are being done so to ‘frame the market’. This is much better than the leaky faucet of information from years ago.
😉
·
45m
What if the Flames signed Nazem Kadri and Evander Kane?
https://twitter.com/Lowetide/status/1546643388732084224?s=20&t=vJg7SjcXhLHkTzgN9tK8cg
Then they’d be the most hated team in the league? 😛
its risky to sign two players when they are the highest value they ever will be.
A Kane-Kadri-Tkachuk line would be hilarious.
They would start punching each other
What if the Flames signed Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk.
To have Kane, Kadri and krychuck all on one team would make them a bigger a$$hole of a team.
If Kane signs with Calgary, there will be a lot of Flames fans imploding.
Since the Oilers signed Kane, Calgary fans have been very vocal about how they are glad Kane is not a Flame since they couldn’t support a team with someone like him on it.
To be fair, several Oiler fans said the same….
Then he started scoring goals
True, but I didn’t have an Excel spreadsheet of Oilers fans and their Kane comments like I do of Flames fans on Calgary Puck!
(I kid)
I think the Flames are the most likely team to sign Kane and they will do it for a 6.5 x 6 year contract or something similar and not regret it one bit.
For 6 months
I agree, I’ve been saying the same and it’s not a scenario I am looking forward to.
If they sign both they will have a very overpaid and mediocre first line.
I love Kane and Kari but whoever signs them will be paying.
The love for Burnaby Joe has quieted down after he spent $9.525 million on Georgiev and Nichushkin.
The land of infinite cap space just became finite
What could go wrong with giving a 27 year old $6.125 million x 8 after a playoff heater and playing in a contract year on a team that finished 2nd in points in the league?
What could go wrong with a 30 year old Zack Hyman having 6 years left on his contract or a 29 year old RNH having 7 years left on his contract?
Of note…NIchushkin received several votes for the Selke Trophy…while performing at the same level as the other two offensively…neither of the other two were recognized for their defensive work….at all.
So what you are saying is, you either think:
1) Holland did a Sakic level job by signing Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins
2) Sakic made a mistake by signing Nichushkin to a contract similar to Nuge and Hyman
Take your pick since you made the comparison. And given your post history where you were critical of Holland and recently said “Sakic and his never, ever made a mistake” either choice is a big L for you.
Also, do you really think 7 points of Selke votes got Joe to open up his checkbook?
No…what I’m saying is the Oilers are in for a world of hurt as the Hyman and Nuge contracts age out.
Never mind that Nichushkin is a better player than both of them right now.
Pure, uncut homerism. I love it.
1 good season and you think Nichushkin is better than Hyman and Nuge even after Nichushkin had already spent 2 seasons with Colorado where he put up 27 and 21 point seasons..
A few years from now, I have a feeling you will say you were “just kidding” about Nichushkin, like you did for Rafferty after it turned out he was in fact, not better than Bouchard.
I’m sure their last year or two when the salary cap is well over a 100 mil
and they are only 35 -36 years old will just be devastating to get rid of their front loaded contracts.
yawn
Lol. This really made me laugh. And some team will get Marchment for half the price and half the term.
Brad Holland called Marchment six weeks before he popped, telling Stauffer “this guy is ready.” So he does have a fan in the org.
That’s the key, identifying the player before they pop – here is hoping he’s got some under the radar targets in mind for this off-season.
Why is it you are unable to comment on those Colorado contracts without casting about for something that in your mind slams the Oilers?…oh wait, I know the answer, you’re not willing to consider criticizing a non-Oiler team
$15 million left with the best defence in the league, top 6 forwards and goaltending locked down.
$5 million more if they trade Girard.
Best defense in the league?? With the 9th best GA last season. What a squid.
Don’t forget, HH also said Colorado had 6 Norris candidate defenseman the year they lost to Vegas.
When Vegas beat Colorado, then Vegas was labelled to have the best defense.
“Best defense” is a term HH throws around loosely.
And that was with a top 5 starter, who they’ve now replaced with a bottom 10 backup.
Now check out their GF and how much their D contributed to that.
It’s outscoring dummy.
Remember when you said Drai’s ceiling was joe colborne! Pepperidge farm remembers!
What a strange move maybe he’s still drunk from all the parties he’s been hitting.
This thread is a glorious pillaging. What homer’ing indeed. Never mind facts and figures! Someone is quickly becoming the Newsmax of the comment section.
Despite being told on multiple occasions that Seattle would have no interest in a puck moving defenseman they are going heavy on Klinberg
Wouldn’t surprise me if Francis is the one that “wins” the Klinberg Kadri sweepstakes
No interest in Barrie is not the same as no interest in Klingberg.
One requires zero assets to acquire.
One requires minimal assets. The other requires a long term commitment and heavy salary
Genius boy Dubas only got a 3rd rounder to take Murray for 25% retention
and we were told this was a sellers market just below
I would much rather pay Campbell 5 million per season, than Murray 4.7 million per season. Dubas and Keene feel they can resuscitate Murray’s career based on their prior knowledge him from their days together in Junior. Fine. No other team in their right mind should take that risk.
They’re just trying to figure out how to beat the Senators.
Steal their goalie!
One of the unfortunate consequences of reality TV was the ruining of perfectly good words like “disingenuous.”
On the rare occasion that I’ve overheard my wife watching reality TV, I hear some melodramatic character accusing someone else of being disingenuous.
It’s completely ruined the word for me.
Still there are times for which side lack a better alternative. 🙂
Murray is $4.7 x 2.
Campbell will be $5-6 x 5-6 years.
Apples meet oranges.
Dude, you’re being disingenuous. 🙂
Plus the first round pick for someone to take Murray’s contract next year 😉
Toronto has an off ramp in two years or less (10 team no trade clause) if things go south.
If Holland gives Campbell trade protection of any kind, he’s nuts.
Pretty sure that off ramp only works if any of the other 22 teams actually want him. I think based ZERO interest now, the answer is fairly obvious.
but that is Matthews offramp too.
Good lord Ryan. Campbell has had a better SV% than Murray 5 of the last 5 seasons.
(OK, the 5th one isn’t really fair because Campbell only played 5 games).
Campbell is an infinitely better bet at $5M than Murray at $4.7M. The 5-6 years vs 2 years tempers the ‘infinitely’ somewhat, but the main story here is that Murray is a terrible bet as your starting goalie whatever the salary.
And wtf is Dubas doing paying to dump Mrazek (who he signed one year ago) to bring in a guy who’s been worse over the last 2, 3, 4 seasons?
I would very happily pay Campbell $5-6M for 5-6 years rather than commit to Murray as my starter for the next 2. For a team that’s hoping to contend. It’s not even close.
In that comment, I was simply referring to the difference in term. Toronto almost certainly has the inferior goalie of the two, but they’ve reduced their exposure on term risk. Sakic started that trend.
The smart kids this off season are sacrificing some quality while eschewing risk on term, in the current goalie market.
I don’t like the bet at all in terms of Campbell. You and I disagree as usual.
A 5-6 year deal for $5-6m per for a goalie on the wrong side of 30. That’s a bet you probably lose 9/10 without even knowing the name on the back of their sweater. If the cap hit is $5m and the term 5 years, that’ll certainly be better.
I remember years ago, Dallas despite having a contending roster, also sporting two old goalies, each with cap hits over $4.5m, both of them bad.
Signing goalies to Lucic dollar value contracts carries a crippling amount of risk. If Murray or Georgiev go poorly, as Mrazek has shown, there are outs.
Does it concern you that Campbell has played only 11 more NHL regular season games than Georgiev despite being over 4 years older?
Betting that money on a 142 game regular season .915 career is taking on a lot of risk.
While you don’t like Georgiev, the idea of a $3.4m x 3year contract for a goalie with a career .909 over 131 games has some merits. One of which is that generally speaking, goalies under 30 can still improve while those over 30 do not.
Sorry, Ryan, that’s not apples and oranges, that’s exactly the sort of criteria that value judgements about acquisitions are made on. You think term is too big a risk and others think the goalie is too big of a risk.
Evolving Wild:
“Jesse Puljujärvi is easily the most interesting free agent (who shouldn’t be on the market). Everyone other than the fans (ok probably some of the fans) have more or less run Pool out of town, and the latest reports indicate the Oilers are not only actively shopping his rights, but that they’re disappointed that no teams seem to be interested. It’s likely that his “high” amount of “time on ice” with McDavid last season (65% at even-strength) is the reason for this, but smart teams should be trying to get him for as little as possible. Yesterday, the Oilers issued him a qualifying offer, so it appears there may be hope for Puljujärvi Oilers fans.”
He pegs JP at $4.1m
Has Mathew Tkachuk above $11m…possibly well above $11m
What a spectacular waste of money.
Evolving Wild projects Campbell’s contract at 6X$5.75 million.
So we can agree that if he signs for 5×5 on Wed it is a value deal, right??
Yes.
But typically you have to go longer on term to get the AAV down.
Value deal? No. Better than 6×6, sure.
Evander Kane projected at 5X$7.45 million.
It would not surprise me much. Outbidding the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It’s a sellers market.
Too many open spots and not enough legitimate starters.
Where are the open spots now? Edmonton and Washington? Leafs just got their starter…so has everyone else. Kuemper, Campbell, Samsonov on the market. That sounds like a buyers market no? If rumours are true that Caps all in on Kuemper, that leaves the only legit starter spot on a contender the Oil? Not saying Kenny even know how to use the hammer, but doesn’t sound like scenario you claim
an extra year and an extra 3/4 of a million
What did they have Brock Boeser and Valeri Nichushkin at?
Nichushkin 7x$6.3 million.
“Harpers Hair
Reply to Todd Macallan
July 11, 2022 5:44 pm
Yes.
But typically you have to go longer on term to get the AAV down”
Yikes, I wonder what Nichushkin was asking for before Joe offered him 8 years…
Boeser 5X$6.5 million.
Hm, relatively accurate on the AAV for those two. Vancouver didn’t buy UFA years at that AAV though.
Where are you getting these? I get a paywall at Evolving Hockey.
Google them…people with access post them in various places.
With these signings and the rumored contract demands, it makes me wonder if at the GM meetings or at the Board of Governors’ meetings teams were informed that the cap was set to rise significantly over the next 3 seasons.
Not until 2024/25 when the escrow balance is paid off and the cap re-links to 50% of HRR – when that happens, yes, it will spike if revenues continue to go where they are going, as projected – soon to be $100MM.
It will only go up another $1MM for next season though.
Malkin. Let’s go there.
He wants longer than the three years Pitt is offering him. How much longer I don’t know but I’d guess they’re not fighting over one year.
Pass for me at five years.
3 years in Pitt and 3 in Edmonton are two VERY different things at this stage.
Redundant. Waste of scarce resources.
PPG forwards are redundant??
Come on man…
Holland can’t really go long with so many already and a bunch of forwards on the pipe
Or hopefully in it, not on it
Is it going to be a Oilers D prospect going to Ottawa in exchange for Brown?
Or will Ottawa take Tyson Barrie?
I’m guessing Bison but hoping for Foegele.
The biggest takeaway I got from ON today–other than the massive segment on New Holland 😉 and the org–is Strome is too slow to play for this team. Oh, and Bob still desperately wants Josh Anderson. Shannon thought Bourgault would be a no-go from the Slick. Would be for me too.
Old Dutch has done nothing but slowly increase team speed during his tenure. I don’t see him chasing Strome with anything long-term then. Strome would have to be okay with a one year deal to pump his numbers and even then I’m not sure such a temporary solution is Holland’s desire. Doesn’t seem to be his MO.
Anyways, the Strome stickies I have pasted to the wall have been lit on fire and the ashes interred.
Caps are not qualifying Samsonov. That, of course, doesn’t mean they won’t sign him.
Apologies, I see this was already posted below.
My reading of the flags waving in semaphore is that the Caps want to retain his services, but don’t want to pay QO money for a back-up. They will push to sign him at a lower number. If his agent doesn’t think he can get QO money out in the open market, than he will sign for the lower amount and remain a Cap.
That’s probably a fairly good bet to happen.
Geez, I just looked and his QO was only $2M.
But yeah, he hasn’t been good (better than Murray, mind you)
Darren Dreger
@DarrenDreger
·
5m
Sounds like Matt Murray to the Leafs is getting close.
With Campbell to Edmonton then being pretty much done I guess.
Not my first choice but I’ll wait to see the numbers on Wednesday.
I think he comes in for less than the Val Nichushkin deal. 🙂
Yes please……..runs and grabs soup bowl.
All the Strome brothers are UFA now – let’s get them on a package 3-for-1 deal; they can billet with McDavid.
Pierre LeBrun
5m
Hearing that the Cup champion Avalanche have agreed to an 8-year extension with Valeri Nichushkin.
Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
·
44s
Nichushkin is 8x$6.125M on his extension in COL
😮
Bought out in 2019; $49m in 2022.
Joe Sakic GM of the Year.
Jim Nill?
Honestly, Dude had a very similar career path as JP.
Prior to this past season, he averaged 21 pts a year for 6 NHL years.
One has to give Bednar most of the credit.
I get your point, but I’d give Nichushkin’s agent most of the credit.
Yep.
Nichushkin’s role has changed significantly in the past couple of seasons.
You would think Burnaby Joe would have negotiated the contract from the position of this season being an anomaly for Nichushkin. But you are saying Burbaby Joe willingly offered Nichuskin $6.125 million partly based off of his 20 point seasons with Colorado?
Wow.
Hypothetical: Holland strikes out on Campbell and Kuemper on Wednesday.
What do you think he does? Reimer trade, maybe?
My guess is the reason they haven’t done JP for Brown yet is they’re waiting to see if they need the trade chip for a G. But very few decent and available options out there…
If the Ducks are keeping Gibson, would they entertain a Stolarz deal? Pretty strong results for a few years, though in lower-than-starter volumes…
Yeah, my bet would be if they strike out on Campbell they go the trade route with Reimer as the primary target. I’m betting Kuemper has already priced himself out of being a consideration for Edmonton.
Ilya Samsonov for a goalie? Just became a UFA
Very meh #s, but he’s still quite young. I think Skinner’s at least as promising as a younger 1B in a tandem.
Must be certain they are getting Kuemper.
That is unpossible. 🙂
As we’ve heard from a certain poster repeatedly, teams are not allowed to talk to anyone about free agents before the official deadline.
you know a week is different than a month. That’s why you heard Oilers give permission to Kane to talk now and not a month ago
Wow – what’s Washington doing? Can only surmise that they have an agreement in place with one of Campbell or Kuemper.
That being said, his overall body of work in North America has been pretty pedestrian … it would be a huge risk and I don’t think he’ll come that cheap, as Sakic just set the market for mediocre Russian goalies in their mid-20’s at 3.4 million per season.
Campbell has had better numbers in both the AHL and NHL.
I’d also point out that Eric Comrie has had better numbers in the AHL and NHL than Samsonov, is from Edmonton, and would likely take less $$ and term to sign.
I’d like Comrie as the 3rd Goalie
What are they doing? Avoiding arbitration.
Agreed. I’d say this is the same situation as the Caps and Samsonov. Jets still want to sign Comrie, is my guess, but at back-up money.
Thanks gents, didn’t realize what his #’s were.
So how do we get Patrick Kane on Mcdavids wing?
What’s the cost to get Patrick at 5-6mil?
A lot.
Going to be a 1st and a past 1st rounder at least.
Don’t know how but will say Patrick Kane was effusive with his praise for McDavid as the leagues best player.
Sounds like Boston is getting the band back together again.
Krejci, Bergeron, etc
Must give LT some peace of mind.
#It’sBeenSuchALongTime
— This is the defining few weeks for Holland and the Oil
— when identified the real reasons that Keith could retire it was on the premise that I would need to reevaluate Holland’s prowess.
— Of course if any media person had the temerity to ask Holland “how much did the possibility of Keith retiring factor into the deal yiu did “ we probably wouldn’t get much but I’d like to hear his response
— the seemingly “we offered Kane a normal contract so he’s free to go elsewhere” rather than a crazy talk 7mm x many years, maybe Ken and his group running the team are getting better.
— Can Ken make a decent hockey trade? Will he bid against himself on Jack Campbell. Who else is coming back
— Fortunately he doesn’t have any RFAs on team to overpay.
— I’m for sure more optimistic now that Keith retired. Am I wrong to assign credit at least in part to Ken for this?
— Big few weeks. Massive ones. Rest of McD and Drai contracts implications.
— Baseline is with good GMing we ought to be the favourites going into next season IMO.
The first thing you do when you sit down at the poker table is try to identify the dead money at the table. If you can’t after ten minutes, it’s you.
Who’s on the dead money list? Chuck Fletcher. Kyle Davidon.
— Kane was opportunistic. Keith turns out so as well (because for 11mm of AAV a lot better D available over 2 years). Hyman just cost money and longest term (template for Campbell). Ceci and Kulak no qualms.
— Pretty sure he has to make some trades for players in and players out. Don’t think he will just spend the cap room.
— Amazing GM makes a few moves that make us go wow. Average GM does: “ok I’m fine with it”. Please no “WTF we traded this for that or paid X for Y”
Of note, Petrov is indeed at development camp and we know Sammy is in Edmonton – all good in that front.
Also, holy hell, for a guy that couldn’t speak English at all a year ago, Petrov speaks phenomenally well – wow.
Credit his Billets 🙂
Brad Holland on the other station right now.
Speaking about video.
Says they work with a firm that provides video of any game (CHL, US College, Europe etc) within two hours of the game being played.
Have long had Outsourcing partners for Analytics and Video (mentions Micheal Parketti; Not sure of the context)
Looking to make it a more foundational piece of the organization. Build out our analytics.
Honestly, he doesn’t sound all that informed.
Looking to hire more Pro Scouts.
Scouting the American Hockey League? YES. Going to really try a push/exploit that avenue. Big focus moving forward cost certainty in the bottom half of our roster.
Honestly, he doesn’t sound all that informed.
================
I don’t think he needs to be all that informed. He just has to know enough to hire input from the right people and then use his position in the hierarchy to make sure that opinion is listened to and understood.
That’s true. He just doesn’t sound dynamically intelligent to me. Of course very limited knowledge on my part. Will reserve judgement and make said judgment based on actions and results and not on first impressions.
He does provide hope that things may be moving in the right direction.
I would add, I missed over half of the conversation and may not have fully/properly conveyed the half of the conversation that I did hear.
Interesting take. I was VERY impressed with his verbal in the interview.
Yeah, but where’s Vinny at?
Strome at $3.1 would be very interesting if possible.
Posted because of the mention of Ethan Bear and speculation on what Carolina might do.
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
·
44m
Hearing #Leafs will not be issuing a qualifying offer to Ondrej Kase, making him a UFA. I’d expect Pierre Engvall will be qualified, but not 100% confirmed yet. Not expecting many other surprises. #Canes plan to qualify Ethan Bear.
Carolina has a hole at RHD … no big surprise here. At his QO, Bear should provide value on their 2nd pairing, but I would be surprise if the Canes don’t look to get Klingberg. As a 3rd pair RHD, he’s still decent value there.
Surprised about Kase though … he was one of Dubas’ brilliant signings last season.
Except he only lasted 1/3 before he got injured, again. Which is the only reason he was available on a value deal in the first place.
If you are Holland do you look to give Yams and Pujo matching contracts?
Yes.
Only makes sense, doesn’t it? I don’t know if you can get the agents to buy-in though,
JMO but they are both tweeners between high end 3rd liners and so-so top sixers.
Both can play in the top six but have yet to demonstrate the consistency required over a full season so in many ways they complement each other because you can flip them back and forth depending on which one is at the top of their game.
Ideally Holland adds a Rakell ($4M) or similar this off season and then 1,2,3 RW looks solid to me since I think Hyman prefers LW.
I’m not sold on Yams either. JP could easily be the better long-term player. Should easily be, in fact. I’d like to see them compete against each other for time up the line-up and for the next contract. This way shows no favourites.
Ideally, I would like to see them both on 2 year contracts. I doubt that it happens.
Even though there are reasons to doubt JP’s fit in Edmonton, having both guys signed at or below 2yrs @ $3m would be a positive for me.
I think that Yamo is the more coachable player.
Brad Holland up next on ON.
Russell wants more playing time on a contender and JP wants a top 6 guarantee.
What’s next; Foegele wants more PP time?
Is there something in the water?
Like Kris? Has he checked his birthdate lately?
If wants were horses on this team we’d be having a heckuva rodeo right now.
There are teams where he could be a regular bottom pair defender… the Oilers were that 2-3 years ago. Maybe another asset for KH to wheel
That must be a misquote … as in Kris Russell would like more playing time so he is looking to join a non-contender.
“And if wishes were horses, we’d all be having horse meat tonight.”
-Moe Sizlack
The fact that we’re even talking about Kane, Kane, Jones, Gaudreau, the top UFA goalies and numerous other FA and trade possibilities is great!
Its fun being a contender with cap space!
It is fun, but to do all of goalie and winger and dman, we need a little more cap space.
Seeing one or more of Pujo, Barrie, Foegele leaving will be less fun though.
Cap space, yes, but MANY positions to fill out with it. From last year’s team, need to fill the following:
1LW
1RW
2RW
3C (McLeod)
4RW
2LD
3LD
1G
Really not that much walking around money even though 1RW, 2RW and 3C are incumbent RFAs.
Yeah, there’s not all that cap space. Really need to move on from Barrie as it’s not efficient playing a 3rd pair D $4.5m.
There was no reason not to qualify Benson – why wouldn’t they? It costs nothing but a spot on the 50.
Why purge the asset for nothing.
I sure as heck would rather have Benson as 14F than Malone, for one example.
Is Dallas or Carolina going to trade for Seth Jones (likely with some retention by Chicago)?
I don’t think Jones would waive to come to Edmonton. But, say if Chicago retained 33%, I would consider it.
No surprise but it looks like it will be “sail on Kris Russell”.
He should be commended for his effort and how he performed for this org over the years. Not without faults but asked to bat above his reasonably level of ability (2nd pair off-side) for much of his time – the man pretty much lived up to that contract for 3 of the four years.
Per DNB:
Daniel Nugent-Bowman
@DNBsports
·
15m
Veteran D Kris Russell can become a UFA on Wednesday. I’m told he’s looking for a new team and wants to sign with a contender.
Russell had 2-7-9 in 31 games with the Oilers. He played six playoff games. His AAV last season was $1.25M. He’s spent the last six seasons in EDM.
So is he looking for more playing time on a contender? Because he’s leaving a contender..
I’m assuming the team has told him there’s no room at the inn.
I think he’d be happy to re-sign in Edmonton but the org thinks its time to move on given Broberg, Niemalainen and Samorukov all knocking on the left side.
Its the right side where some veteran cover may be needed (if Barrie is moved) and playing the off-side is not really an option any more for ol’ Rusty.
I have posited that there will be at least a handful of players from the WJC team that won’t want to, or won’t be permitted to, play in the World Juniors – I was thinking more along the lines of lock NHLers like Power and those with legit NHL roster aspirations.
As far as Bougault, I think the team would permit him to play but it sounds like he may not “want” to go given the circumstances.
I’d be a bit bummed given I bought ticket packages but I get it.
Per DNB:
@DNBsports
·
18m
Oilers prospect Luca Munzenburger intends to play for Germany at the WJC in Edmonton next month.
Xavier Bourgault said he’s still deciding. He’s dealing with a core injury and wants to best prepare for his first pro season. He’ll have to be at a camp Aug. 1 if he wants to play.
Jake Neighbours not going to participate.
Hmm, with Schaefer on Hockey Canada’s radar for the Dec. tourney, I say give him a spot for August, see how he does!
That looks like a good decision by Bourgault
Wonder if there is any word on Joel Matta? I hope DNB asks him during Devt Camp
Holland calls up Campbell’s agent… ” we think so highly of your guy. we’re going to offer him the same contract we offered to Evander Kane…”
If that’s the 4x4M HH was spewing about, I would say yes and quickly!
Question for the group.
Are all signing bonuses paid out on a specific set date (ie July 1) each year or are they set within the contract?
Taking on Patty Kane and his $2.9 million after bonus salary with somewhere between 30–50% of his cap hit retained would probably get Kenny a free round of golf on Katz for keeping an eye on the purse strings.
Wonder what it would cost
No, not all.
Most are indeed due and paid on July 1 but there are some that are payable later in July and, I believe, some even payable in August.
I don’t think its realistic but I wonder what a realistic price is for Johnny G.
He’s point per game with some streakiness to scoring. He can drive play alright but clearly benefits from the skill around him. Pure winger. Over pay risk.
Draisaitl money and to term would probably get him here if he cared about winning. I think I would do that to. He sails on when you need to re-sign McDavid.
Any contract starting with a $10 is way too much. Someone might pay it but that’s way too high he won’t play up to that.
Its fun having the cap space to even consider such an idea haha.
No thanks. Disappears in the playoffs.
Understandable yes.
But he’s in the tier of passers directly below McDavid and Draisaitl. He’s also very good at finding open ice when he wants to and his shot is quick. The offensive output would be pretty incredible. I’d bet McDavid would finally hit 40 goals!
He stays healthy as a small guy. Lots for Yamamoto to learn from.
I would prefer P Kane with some retention from the Hawks. Extend him two years.
Agreed
I may be able to hold my nose for Turtle though
’May be able’
The Flames have reportedly offered him 9.5 million for 8 years (and are rumored to have upped that to 10 million) while Johnny’s ask from them is rumored to be 11.5 million.
There is not a chance I’d be comfortable paying him anything close to that.
Pay the man, Flames.
Don’t be so cheap.
McDavid only makes $12.5…
$11.5 for Johnny Frickin’ Hockey seems like a little bargain.
his minimum market is 9.5 according to reports. I don’t need someone button-hooking all year but from an Oiler brass standpoint that doesn’t seem like a player type our management would be looking at for that type of term. Tkachuk I’m sure they’d find a way.
Bob hinting the Flames will trade Lucic to either Anaheim or Arizona.
It will be interesting to see the details of that one. Does Lucic then retire?
That’s possible, if his bonus is already paid. I think he’d only be giving up a million bucks.
If Lucic retires, Oil then have another $750k in cap room.
Lucic still thinks he’s an NHL player … no way he retires.
It seems to me he almost retired a few years ago when he said playing was no longer fun. If he gets shipped to a team that is losing more than winning I think he considers pulling the plug.
He’s got a M-NTC (submits a list of 10 teams he can be traded to).
Surely he didn’t put Anaheim AND Arizona on that list?!?
I don’t bet, but given his close connections in LA and Anaheim’s desire to protect their players, I would bet a dollar that Lucic will be a Duck next season.
If the Oilers are offering Kane a contract, will that contract include a clause (or multiple clauses) addressing the possibility the contract may become null/void resulting from a dispute beyond the Oilers control? At least something that removes any responsibility from the Oil for it’s termination.
Per Kevin W.:
**Keep an eye 👁 on **
I’m told @EdmontonOilers offer to Evander Kane was roughly 4.75M X 3yrs
I would have gone higher than 4.75M but good on Holland for not over-paying in AAV or term.
Setting the stage for the retained salary price when the San Jose situation is resolved.
Sure looks like it. As I have mentioned before I fail to see how Kane can win in his challenge to termination.
If the decision is that the Sharks had no right to terminate his contract then he is back in SJ for 3 years which seems like a situation neither side wants.
If he loses he is where he would be anyway on Wednesday without the hearing except he will have to wait until most teams have spent their money.
The offer looks like it was made to SJ more than Kane on the assumption that Kane will win his arbitration and SJ will have to trade him.
I wonder if the process will even end this year? The League sent a real strong hint to both parties to get this worked out, so there was no precedent on the books, by pushing the second meeting back… but that stance might blow up in their faces. I can see appeals of the mediation, if allowed, extending beyond this summer.
He appears able to sign while mediation is ongoing… but if there’s risk of a future judgement after signing and a nullification, who is ante-ing up big dollars and term? Not to mention issues with contract structure like signing bonuses.
Mostly agree, with the caveat that he is confident there are other substantial (and realistic) options. The Oilers are inside their window of opportunity. Getting caught at the end holding nothing, and forced to rely on trading assets at the deadline, would be a more significant mistake than overpaying a little in term and price.
That said, Kane seeking other offers doesn’t preclude the Oilers from signing him. Kane can see his market value, and the Oilers can decide if that fits. It’s a great plan path forward imo.
IMO, the GMs are holding the cards right now, not the Kane camp. Will one break ranks and take the gamble? We shall see…
I would keep an eye on Carolina.
They are letting a raft of players go to free agency and have shown little regard for league “protocol”.
DeAngelo redux.
Apparently Tim Peel IS a source!
Apologies HH
I just finished reading 4.5m x 4yrs was the offer from a pundit on Twitter
Per Nugent-Bowman:
Oilers prospects Xavier Bourgault and Raphael Lavoie are at development this week. Neither player is expected to be on the ice because of injuries
No surprise with Lavoie – he had major knee surgery to end the year.
Bourgault played until the end……
Daniel Nugent-Bowman
@DNBsports
·
3m
Oilers prospects Xavier Bourgault and Raphael Lavoie are at development this week. Neither player is expected to be on the ice because of injuries.
Lavoie makes sense, he had a season ending injury in Bakersfield later in the season. I wonder if they’re giving Borg a break after a loooong season similar to they are with Holloway. Borg has the WJC coming up in Aug. too, glad he’s getting a rest haha