With cap space tight and Darnell Nurse’s future uncertain, Edmonton pivots toward depth scoring targets like Ilya Mikheyev while scouring the goalie market for a reliable partner.
As the Edmonton Oilers get set for free agency, let's take a look at everything I'm hearing as the team has several irons in the fire, but it could be a relatively slow day.
Darnell Nurse
Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now reports, "Given the uncertainty of the Darnell Nurse situation it is quite possible that today may be a very quiet day for the Edmonton Oilers on the Free Agent front. EDM will need another goalie…at some point, still need to sign RFA’s C. Dach/S. Stastney and have limited cap space."
Several Western teams, including San Jose, have explored trading for him, but he prefers an Eastern destination. Pittsburgh attempted to involve Edmonton in a contract swap that was declined. Philadelphia may need to move a player like Rasmus Ristolainen first, Boston has shown interest, and Nurse has yet to expand his trade list.
Connor Ingram
According Mark Spector: "With the goaltending moves made in Florida, Daniil Tarasov heads to market. A few teams interested, Edmonton among them. Connor Ingram not out of the Oilers picture yet, however."
In respect to Tarasov, Spector adds, "Tarasov played 2/3rds of his career in Columbus, not a good team. The final 1/3rd was spent in Florida last season - when they weren't a very good team (25th in NHL)."
He has an .897 career saves %, he's 6-5, he's 27 years old.
Kasperi Kapanen
There is still talk about Kasperi Kapanen coming back to the Oilers. Spector writes, "Don’t rule out Kasperi Kapanen and the Oilers quite yet. Still ongoing conversations between the two sides."
Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique Going to Market
The ship has sailed in Edmonton on both Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique. Each will test the market and see if another team is open to signing either.
** Update: Roslovic signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Corey Perry Going Back To LA?
Gene Principe said he reached out to Corey Perry, who is also a free agent. There was a public push of support to bring him back. He said he's waiting things out, but it appears he's going back to the Los Angeles Kings.
Ilya Mikheyev
One player currently being linked to the Edmonton Oilers is Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev, who previously played under head coach Mike Babcock during their time in Toronto.
The Oilers might not do much in free agency, but he's a player they like for his depth scoring, speed and abilty to kill penalties.
* Update: Mikheyev signed a four-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Oilers Trade for Devon Levi
The Edmonton Oilers have traded for goaltender Devon Levi. There was talk earlier this week that Edmonton had kicked tires on the netminder. The Sabres are getting Edmonton's third-round pick in 2028.
Mark Spector of Sportsnet writes, "This would be a precursor to another move. Had better be." Bob Stauffer adds, "Could see the Edmonton Oilers add another goalie on top of Levi. "
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