Oilers' Offseason Strategy: Key Signings and Salary Cap Challenges
As the Edmonton Oilers navigate through the remaining challenges of their offseason, the focus sharpens on securing contracts for Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, their last two roster players awaiting deals.
The strategy as discussed by Bob Stauffer on OilersNow suggests a likely revisitation of these cases in August.
The team's approach mirrors contract strategies seen in Vancouver with players like Podkolzin and Hoglander, aiming to lock both Broberg and Holloway into two-year contracts valued around $1M each. This decision comes despite their modest point totals; Broberg tallied 2 goals and 5 points across 22 games, while Holloway contributed 11 goals and 16 points over 63 games. Their performances, particularly in playoff scenarios, show potential, though they haven't quite reached the statistical leverage to demand significant salary increases.
However, the Oilers face a financial jigsaw needing a solution before these signings can proceed. Currently, the team is $350K over the salary cap and must clear approximately $2.5M to accommodate the new contracts. Potential moves could include trading players like Cody Ceci or Brett Kulak or adjusting Evander Kane's status via the Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR).
The roster management intricacies extend beyond player contracts. The Oilers are also in the process of appointing a new General Manager. The incoming GM will inherit a robust offseason legacy crafted by Jeff Jackson, whose strategic acquisitions have not only enhanced the current lineup but also bolstered future prospects. Under Jackson's interim stewardship, the team has orchestrated moves that resonate with the fans' aspirations for a Stanley Cup in the Connor McDavid era.
Oilers supporters remain optimistic. The confidence in the team's direction, fueled by Jackson's adept handling of the offseason, continues to build anticipation for what could be a historic season. As the Oilers smooth out the final details of their offseason plan, the foundation they have built positions them as formidable contenders, ready to chase the glory of a Stanley Cup victory.
Source: Bob Stauffer
Stauffer Predicts Broberg and Holloway Contracts
| POLL | ||
Do you believe that giving Broberg and Holloway some two-year, $1 million contracts, would be fair? | ||
| Yes, fair deal | 81 | 64.3 % |
| Team friendly deal | 35 | 27.8 % |
| Not worth it | 6 | 4.8 % |
| See Results | 4 | 3.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
