A defender that the Edmonton Oilers could have traded for at the deadline is available as a free agent.
A defender that the Edmonton Oilers could have traded for at the deadline is available as a free agent.
EDMONTON -- Silly season has begun.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwDmf7e_I4A[/embed]
The Edmonton Oilers are finally catching up with the rest of the NHL. Everyone else in the league was making trades during the off days of the Stanley Cup Final.
They are behind the eight ball.
Luckily, it's a good reason that they are in this position. They came one goal away from a very different outcome in the Cup Final. Moving forward, a few decisions need to be made.
They have numerous restricted free agents (RFA) and unrestricted free agents (UFA) that are going to have their contracts expire on July 1. From the sounds of Jeff Jackson's media scrum yesterday, they want to retain as many players as possible.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDhjISFTWZY[/embed]
Aside from this, they will tinker with the roster. They want to make improvements where they can. One area they could do that is on the blue line.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is reporting that the Oilers are keeping tabs on Sean Walker. Walker was reported to be a target of the Oilers before the trade deadline. Ultimately the team decided not to pursue a trade there and went a different direction.
It makes sense that there would be some interest in acquiring Walker's services. The Oilers almost won the Stanley Cup, which could certainly appeal to a number of free agents.
Pagnotta is reporting that the Nashville Predators, Utah, Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils have also expressed some form of interest.
It's certainly going to be an interesting offseason in the NHL.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss news, interviews or any other updates on the Oilers.
Related: Kris Knoblauch Reveals Evander Kane, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl Injuries
Related: 3 Oilers Who Won't Be Back Next Season