The Oilers were busy attracting talent to begin free agency, including Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson. It shows how far their winning culture has come, says Jim Parsons.
The Edmonton Oilers have made significant strides in free agency over the past couple of seasons, with the 2024 frenzy being arguably their best yet.
Not only did several players opt to take less money to stay with the team, but needle-moving players from other organizations took less to join them.
This trend highlights the Oilers' status as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup and represents a narrative shift from a few seasons ago when the team and the city struggled to attract top talent. Some of that has to do with a new owner, new building, top-notch facilities and, of course, the Connor McDavid effect. But the biggest factor is always winning, and the Oilers reaching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final has not gone unnoticed by NHL players.
These recent signings are a result of the team’s success and the winning culture they have cultivated, signalling their “decade of darkness” is well in the rearview mirror.
It Was a Dark Time For Many Years
During the Oilers' struggles, the team was mired in a seemingly endless cycle of losing seasons and missed playoff opportunities. From 2006-07 to 2015-16, the Oilers failed to make the playoffs despite having multiple first-overall draft picks, including Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov.
The Oilers were often viewed as an undesirable destination for free agents who preferred to sign with more successful franchises. This dark period was characterized by constant changes in coaching and management, lackluster performances on the ice and a general sense of hopelessness among fans.
It took significant changes, two elite talents being drafted in McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and continued on-ice success with multiple playoff runs for those dark days to finally end.
Now, the Oilers have built a reputation as a contender they brought on Jeff Skinner, Adam Henrique and Viktor Arvidsson, who were among the notable players to choose Edmonton over more lucrative offers.
These Players Took Discounts To Play In a Formerly Undesirable Destination
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Skinner reportedly chose the Oilers over an offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs to play on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
"My goal is to fit in and be a piece of the puzzle and bring the things that I do well to the team,” Skinner told reporters after signing. There are no reports of promises regarding linemates or ice time.
Henrique, who could have signed elsewhere for more money (rumors were Tampa offered more), chose to re-sign with Edmonton.
"Everybody is team-first," Henrique said, emphasizing the team’s culture. He was willing to give up some money to play on a legitimate Cup-contending team.
"Yeah, maybe you sacrifice a bit of ice time or even, I guess, money at the end of the day," he said. "But to have that opportunity to win and to play in Edmonton, in front of those fans, was special for me."
Viktor Arvidsson had an offer from the Calgary Flames, but he chose Edmonton. He reunites with friend and former Nashville Predators teammate Mattias Ekholm.
Are These Signings an Indication of What to Expect With Draisaitl and McDavid?
Whether this trend could continue with the team’s two biggest stars remains to be seen. Draisaitl and McDavid are quickly approaching the ends of their respective contracts, and the Oilers want to get them back on long-term deals.
There are plenty of rumors about Draisaitl, who could have signed his extension when July 1 hit. It's not clear if he wants to play out the season, sign a long-term deal or get around to signing later when both sides are ready.
Then, of course, there's McDavid. His contract is up in two seasons, and the Oilers will almost certainly be offering the biggest contract in the NHL to the league's best player.
While the players who chose the Oilers are good, they are not McDavid and Draisaitl. Some left their previous teams under unfortunate circumstances.
Jeff Skinner was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres. Viktor Arvidsson was injured most of the season and might have been looking for a fresh start. Henrique was in Anaheim and could've been moved years before, but Edmonton acquired him at the trade deadline. Connor Brown had injuries and owed the team a prove-it contract for a year. Corey Perry's contract was terminated in Chicago, and he landed with the Oilers.
These players saw an opportunity for redemption and success in Edmonton. And for every bad situation, there is a good one. Zach Hyman chose Edmonton, and he called it the best decision he ever made. Mattias Janmark and Brett Kulak have talked about how smart the decision was to stick with the Oilers.
This narrative shift is a testament to the efforts of the Oilers' management and coaching staff. Hockey operations CEO Jeff Jackson's aggressive approach has paid off, attracting talented players willing to take less money to join a winning team.
The Oilers are no longer the team players avoid – they are the team players want to join.
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