Connor McDavid's extension jeopardizes team's other pending free agents

McKinstry cites declining production, and the fact that the Oilers need a bootom-6 boost, as the reasons for the potential trade.

With 21 potential free agents at the end of next season, Edmonton's cap structure must be closely evaluated in terms of prioritizing which players to sign, and which not to, or trade.

Of course, Connor McDavid is the number-one priority, whose contact Oilers' CEO recently said would be completed as soon as Connor is ready to put pen to paper. His deal could be in the neighbourhood of $19M AAV.

Adam Henrique's contract expires July 1, 2026. At a cap hit of $3M, his salary could be put to be better use. In 2024-25, Adam scored 22G and 15A; his production can be replaced for less money, and his role by a younger bottom-6 player. Edmonton has plenty of prospects that can compete for that position.

Another notable pending free agent is Mattias Ekholm, whose current cap hit is $6.25M. Should the Oilers decide to re-sign him, they will need available cap space.

Jake Walman has been a valuable player on the blueline. With his contract expiring, and who is likely in-line for a raise, having the funds to secure his services is essential. He currently has a cap hit of $3.4M.

Then there are goalies Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, both of whose contracts expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. Though these is more uncertainty surrounding their future with the Oilers, the team will still need to allocate cap space for goaltenders.

Even if GM Stan Bowman decides to move on from the two goaltenders, to sign a competent replacement, he will need at least $4M AAV, for one, and another $2M to $3M for a good backup.