Former Oilers Who Are Still Free Agents
There are many former Oilers players who are still free agents.
The 2023-24 NHL season is one month away. Although this is true, there are an array of free agents still looking for new contracts. Interestingly, many of them are former Edmonton Oilers. Let's discuss each of them now.
Jesse Puljujarvi
The most notable former Oiler who still is a free agent is Jesse Puljujarvi. The former top prospect struggled last season for Edmonton, posting five goals and 14 points in 58 games. He was then moved to the Carolina Hurricanes before the deadline passed and struggled more, recording just two assists in 17 games.
Although the 2022-23 season was a frustrating one for Puljujarvi, there could be a team out there willing to take a chance on him. Keep in mind, he just had a 36-point campaign in 65 games with the Oilers in 2021-22. With that, he is known for his effective defensive play, so don't be surprised if he lands a cheap one-year deal.
Jujhar Khaira
Former Oiler Jujhar Khaira is also looking for work. The 29-year-old forward appeared in 51 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, posting six goals, 14 points, and 108 hits.
Related: Edmonton Oilers Free Agent Tracker
Teams looking for an experienced depth forward who offers versatility and physicality could consider signing Khaira to a professional tryout (PTO) contract.
Ethan Bear
Ethan Bear also remains a free agent at this point of the offseason. The 26-year-old spent last season with the Vancouver Canucks, posting three goals and 16 points in 61 games. He did not receive a qualifying offer from the Canucks and is currently recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
Bear is expected to be out until December, so teams may wait to pursue him once he's closer to being fully healthy. On a cheap one-year deal, there would be no harm in a team adding Bear to their defensive depth.
Derick Brassard
Derick Brassard was a rental for the Oilers in 2021-22, where he had two goals and one assist in 15 games. However, he proved to be more effective for the Ottawa Senators last season, posting 13 goals, 23 points, and 90 hits. Yet, at the time of this writing, he remains unsigned.
Brassard is still a decent bottom-six forward who produces offensively, so there could be a club out there willing to take a chance on him. A PTO should not be ruled out.
Alex Chiasson
Alex Chiasson is currently unsigned, but he did land a PTO with the Boston Bruins. He has had plenty of success with tryouts in the past, and he will be hoping for the same with Boston. The Bruins have spots to fight for in their bottom six, so Chiasson is in a good place to get some consideration.
Nevertheless, we will need to wait and see how many of these former Oilers sign contracts before the start of the season.
Related: 5 BEST FIGHTERS IN OILERS HISTORY
