There are five current Edmonton Oilers who should return to the team for the 2024-25 season.
There are five current Edmonton Oilers who should return to the team for the 2024-25 season.
EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Oilers are done.
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The Florida Panthers defeated the Oilers in a tight 2-1 decision. Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe were the difference makers for the Panthers, while Mattias Janmark scored the lone marker for the Oilers.
The Oilers will now shift into offseason mode. Decisions need to be made on management and player personnel. With contracts expiring on June 30th, right now might be a good time to look at who can (and should) return to the Oilers next season.
Calvin Pickard
The Oilers need to strongly consider running it back with Calvin Pickard. He is loved in the locker room. He has a massive amount of respect for everyone in the organization. He also had a great season for the Oilers.
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Pickard posted a 20-12-7 record during the regular season. He recorded a 2.45 goals against average (GAA) and a .909 save percentage (SV%), to go along with a single shutout. During the playoffs he had a 2.21 GAA and a .915 SV% in three games of work.
The Oilers might be able to sign him for a team friendly deal. This would allow them to have a solid backup goalie if they are not able to find a better option via trade or free agency.
Mattias Janmark
Mattias "The Janitor" Janmark had a solid playoffs. He also elevated his play during the Stanley Cup Final. Over the entire playoff run he collected eight points in 25 games. He had four points in the last four games of the Cup Final.
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If he is willing to come back to the team on a team friendly deal, I don't see any reason why the Oilers wouldn't jump at that opportunity. Kris Knoblauch enjoyed coaching him and trusted him in a variety of situations.
Dylan Holloway
Dylan Holloway has earned himself an opportunity to start next year in the top six. It's all a matter on if the Oilers see things the same way.
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He didn't blow the doors off offensively during the playoffs. However, if he can be fed a steady diet of 14-16 minutes on a nightly basis, he could be a phenomenal player for the Oilers.
Connor Brown
Yes, the Oilers will already be paying for Connor Brown's 2023-24 bonuses next season. Brown's role on the penalty kill, his chemistry with Janmark and his ability to rise to the occasion of the Stanley Cup final should all be contributing factors for his return next season.
If the Oilers are able to sign him for less than $3-million, that's a win for the Oilers. Especially if they are able to rid themselves of other contracts to free up salary cap space.
Philip Broberg
Philip Broberg had a fantastic showing in the playoffs. He provided the team with two-way stability on the team's second pairing playing on his off-side.
The playoffs allowed him to really showcase his skating. It also managed to set him up into great positions offensively to collect three points in his 10 post season games. He averaged 15:47 of ice time during that stretch - higher than any average ice time he received during the past three regular seasons.
Things could change drastically over the next few days, but these five players should stay.
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