Oilers over cap limit as Blues poach rfas

This financial hiccup arrived after the St. Louis Blues decisively signed Oilers' restricted free agents (RFAs) Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to offer sheets substantially above what Edmonton had budgeted. The move by the Blues has not just pushed the Oilers over the cap but into a tight corner regarding their roster management for the upcoming season.

The contracts offered by the Blues to Broberg and Holloway were a clear jab at Edmonton's financial constraints, a tactic that has left the Oilers' management scrambling. The substantial offers made by St. Louis, which the Oilers found too rich for their blood, have significantly disrupted Edmonton's salary cap structure.

In response to their cap dilemma, the Oilers are reportedly shopping defenders Cody Ceci and Brett Kulak, as they look to unload salaries to regain cap compliance. According to sources, including TSN's Bruce Garrioch, NHL teams know Edmonton's desperate state and are demanding high trade compensations-either a first or second round draft pick-to take on these contracts.

https://ottawacitizen.com/ottawa-senators/take-care-of-business-oilers-should-have-used-senators-shane-pinto-blueprint-to-sign-rfas

If successful in trading Ceci and Kulak, the Oilers would offload exactly $6M in salaries, per PuckPedia. Ceci's contract stands at $3.25M through the end of this season, while Kulak is inked at $2.75M for two more years:

«https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers

Offloading Ceci and Kulak, however, comes with its own set of challenges. It would thin out their defensive ranks, compelling the Oilers to rely more heavily on players like Troy Stecher and Josh Brown, alongside Broberg, assuming he remains with the team. Such moves could potentially weaken their defensive line, a risk Edmonton seems willing to take as they navigate through their cap conundrum.

With a four-day window to either match the Blues' offers or let their young talents walk, the Oilers' next steps are crucial. The decisions made in the coming days will not only affect Broberg and Holloway's futures but also shape the Oilers' roster and competitive edge in the looming NHL season.

In a league where financial acumen is nearly as critical as on-ice strategy, the Oilers are at a pivotal juncture. Their ability to maneuver through this cap crisis could define their season and perhaps, their long-term viability as Stanley Cup contenders.