Site Editor Caleb Kerney discusses Connor Brown's potential impact on the Edmonton Oilers this coming season. With the NHL regular season less than a month away, anticipation is building for fan bases across the league. Teams will begin to have their main training camps open up this week as prospect tournaments wrap up in the next day or two. Related: Point Predictions for Oilers' Top 6 Forwards We have already seen many PTO contracts handed out this off-season, with the Edmonton Oilers signing three of their own. In the next few days we should expect to see more trickle in when the actual camps start up. Sam Gagner. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwMjM3ODcyMjgyODcxMTYw/usatsi_19776936_168401874_lowres.jpg] Sam Gagner. Even though training camp is days away from beginning, there is a big name free agent who remains unsigned - Patrick Kane. And there are indications that the Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in bringing Kane into the fold. Related: Newly Acquired Oiler Could Be the Final Piece Needed For a Stanley Cup TSN insider Dave Poulin reported that he expects the Maple Leafs to be "at the forefront of potential suitors" - should Kane get back to full health. The timeline for his recovery has him making a return to playing hockey in January 2024. Connor Brown. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4ODQ0NzM5NTEwODcxNDAz/usatsi_19182527_168401874_lowres.jpg] Connor Brown. There is a stipulation in the collective bargaining agreement that states if a player is 35-years old or older they can be signed to a league minimum contract. The contract can be loaded up with performance bonuses, and those bonuses come off of the next year's salary cap. Related: Babcock Resignation Proves Oilers' Made the Right Call This stipulation also works for NHLers who have played 400 games and have been injured for more than 100 days. This is the same loophole that the Oilers used with Connor Brown. Patrick Kane [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwODg1MzE5Mjc1MzkwMzM4/usatsi_20575714_168401874_lowres.jpg] Patrick Kane No matter what Kane's future holds, teams will be able to make room for him because of this detail. Let's hope, for the player's sake that he rehabs to full health before making a decision. Related: Oilers' News: Rookie Camp & Captain Skates Related: Underrated Oilers Center Inspires Young Sabres' Prospect Related: Oilers Could Have Had Maple Leafs Top Goalie Prospect Related: Legendary NHLer Would Jump at Chance to Play Wing With McDavid
