Oilers look to sign Ryan McLeod, Evan Bouchard and 4th line center. Jonathan Toews [https://puckpedia.com/player/jonathan-toews] has not made a decision yet about his playing future [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/jonathan-toews-retiring-blackhawks-final-home-game-free-agency/oxcjh9dxww4pw0hkjmzp4z3a]. As a result, he remains a free agent, and the 35-year-old is easily among the best available. With the Edmonton Oilers [https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers] needing more forward depth [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/report-oilers-sign-lane-pederson], they should seriously consider the prospect of signing him this summer if he elects to continue his career. Related: Oilers Should Not Trade for This Goalie Who Wants Out [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-should-not-trade-for-this-goalie-who-wants-out] There have been rumblings [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/rumours-are-swirling-as-edmonton-oilers-look-to-address-three-key-needs/] about the Oilers being interested in Toews, and it ultimately would make sense for them to bring him in. Although he is no longer the star he was during his prime years, he is still good enough to be an effective bottom-six forward. This past season effectively displays that, as he posted 15 goals and 31 points in 53 games played. Adding that kind of production to the bottom six would be excellent for Edmonton. Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk5MTMyODg1MTA4NjY0Mjc2/usatsi_20457531_168401874_lowres.jpg] Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews Yet, Toews offers more than decent secondary scoring at this juncture of his career. He is still reliable defensively, so he would provide the Oilers with another option for their penalty kill if signed. He also comes with immense experience, as he is a 15-year veteran who of course captained the Chicago Blackhawks [https://puckpedia.com/team/chicago-blackhawks] to three Stanley Cups. With Edmonton currently being among the top contenders [https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl-playoffs-edmonton-oilers-finally-look-like-a-stanley-cup-threat-161821903.html] in the league, adding a player who has done it multiple times would not be such a bad idea. Related: Oilers Sign 2 Depth Defensemen [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/oilers-sign-2-depth-defensemen] At the end of the day, if Toews decides he feels healthy enough [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/35696468/blackhawks-jonathan-toews-dealing-long-covid-19-symptoms] to play another season, there is no real harm in the Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-will-never-trade-mcdavid-like-they-did-with-gretzky] signing him to a cheap one-year deal. He would be an excellent choice for the 4C role and give them another experienced leader. It will be intriguing to see if Oilers GM Ken Holland ends up bringing in the future Hall of Famer from here. At a minimum, he needs to seriously consider it. Related: Oilers' 2023 Off-Season Guide [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-2023-off-season-guide] Related: Former Oiler Has Intensive Surgery, NHL Future Uncertain [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/former-oiler-has-intensive-surgery-nhl-future-uncertain] Related: Oilers: Forwards to Target After Missing Out on Nieto [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-forwards-to-target-after-missing-out-on-nieto]
