5 former Oilers at risk of not signing an NHL contract for upcoming season
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With just a few weeks left to go until NHL training camps begin, there's several former Oilers players still unsigned - and potentially with their NHL careers in jeopardy.
After the offseason's draft and free agency, most NHL teams have met their needs for the upcoming season already. One final chance remains with tryout contracts, and these players may have to prove themselves to continue their NHL careers.
5 Former Oilers still unsigned heading into the 2025-26 season
The highest-profile former Oiler that currently remains a free agent is Jack Campbell. Signed to a 5-year, $25M deal by the Oilers in 2022, Campbell only lasted 41 games before being sent down to the AHL and bought out.
Campbell signed last season with the Detroit Red Wings organization, and played 14 games for their AHL team due to time spent in the Player Assistance Program. He's currently unsigned for next season, and it appears highly unlikely Campbell will make a comeback at 33 years old.
Klim Kostin is also still a free agent after two disappointing seasons with the San Jose Sharks. He's been linked to a return to Edmonton on a tryout contract, but even then, it'd be tough to secure an NHL deal.
Tyson Barrie remains unsigned after a tough season with the Calgary Flames. Now 34 years old, Barrie spent a good amount of time in the AHL last season. With teams moving away from older undersized offensive defenceman, Barrie may hang up the skates.
The Oilers gave up significant assets to trade for Andreas Athanasiou back in 2020, and he went on to play only 13 total games for the team. After two very disappointing years with the Blackhawks and being sent to the AHL last year, Athansiou is on the outside looking in at 31 years old.
Finally, there's the interesting case of former Oilers prospect Tyler Tullio. The Oilers traded Tullio along with Ryan McLeod to the Buffalo Sabres for Matthew Savoie, but the Sabres have seemingly elected not to sign Tullio. Just 23 years old, the tough guy prospect could potentially return to the Oilers organization if there is still belief in him.
Hopefully these former Oilers are able to find a place to continue their careers.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 6 | 266 ANSWERS 5 former Oilers at risk of not signing an NHL contract for upcoming season Do you think any of these former Oilers will continue their NHL careers? | ||
| Yes | 173 | 65 % |
| No | 93 | 35 % |
| List of polls | ||
