Oilers: Forwards to Target After Missing Out on Nieto
The Edmonton Oilers still have targets who can help improve their forward depth.
Shortly before the official start of NHL free agency, NHL insider Darren Dreger tweeted that we should expect to see Matt Nieto sign a two-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Things quickly changed on that front, as Nieto would go on to sign a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins just a minute into free agency instead.
Although Nieto would not have been a massive addition to the Oilers' roster, he would have provided them with another experienced bottom-six forward option for next season. After missing out on the 30-year-old winger, the Oilers should consider bringing in another forward this offseason. Let's discuss a few of their options now.
Tomas Nosek
One free agent still on the board who could make sense for the Oilers is Tomas Nosek. The 30-year-old is far from a star, but he is still a very effective fourth-line forward. He plays a steady defensive game, can be utilized on the penalty kill, and is excellent at taking faceoffs. With that, he offers great versatility, being capable of playing all three forward positions.
Nosek is unlikely to command too much money, and this is especially so now that we are multiple days into free agency. He posted seven goals and 18 points with the Boston Bruins in 2022-23.
Oskar Sundqvist
Oskar Sundqvist is another versatile forward who the Oilers could consider targeting. He is coming off of a solid season split between the Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild, posting 10 goals and 28 points.
If the Oilers signed Sundqvist, he would provide them with another solid bottom-six forward for the 2023-24 campaign. Similar to Nosek, he also would give the Oilers another option for their penalty kill and can play all three forward positions.
Max Comtois
Max Comtois is an interesting young player who could be worth considering. Not too long ago, the 24-year-old winger was viewed as a potential long-term part of the Anaheim Ducks' core. However, after leading the club in points during the 2020-21 season, his production has dropped off noticeably. This led to the Ducks not sending him a qualifying offer this summer.
Related: Oilers Sign 2 Depth Defensemen
Perhaps a change of scenery and joining a deep team with multiple stars like the Oilers could help Comtois find his footing. On a cheap one-year deal, what would be the harm in taking a chance on him?
Filip Zadina
The Detroit Red Wings made a notable move yesterday (July 3), placing former top prospect Filip Zadina on waivers. The 2018 sixth-overall pick has struggled to reach his full potential over his short NHL career, and this season was particularly frustrating. Limited to only 30 games due to injury trouble, the 23-year-old had just three goals and seven points.
Although Zadina has struggled to find his footing at the NHL level, I do wonder if the Oilers could consider putting in a claim for Zadina. After all, Oilers general manager (GM) Ken Holland selected him while he had the same role with Detroit, and Zadina still has potential. However, he also possesses a $1.825 million cap hit until the 2024-25 season, so Edmonton would need to be okay with having him for multiple years.
Related: Oilers' 2023 Off-Season Guide