Oilers can pivot to star free agent targets after missing out on Mikko Rantanen
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Oilers nearly made a big splash at the trade deadline as a finalist to acquire and sign Mikko Rantanen, and after just missing out on a superstar player, the front office will likely pivot to another similar option.
According to recent reports, the Hurricanes were interested in Evan Bouchard as part of the return for Rantanen, and the Finnish superstar was willing to extend in Edmonton.
Oilers will pivot to another star forward in free agency after Mikko Rantanen offer
The Edmonton Oilers won't just go from offering a contract north of $12M to Mikko Rantanen, to not making any significant addition to their forward group next season.
There's more than a few notable star forwards currently headed for free agency this offseason, and the Oilers will be interested in signing some with their cap space. Heading the list are two great options for the Oilers' wings, Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers.
The Oilers have been rumoured to be a potential destination for Marner if he hits free agency already, but the Maple Leafs clearly do want to keep their homegrown superstar.
Nikolaj Ehlers is a great sniper who's having a career year with 21 goals and 57 points in 57 games with the Winnipeg Jets. His proven goal scoring talent may work next to Draisaitl, who's needed a winger for years.
Further down the list is another interesting option in Brad Marchand. He doesn't bring the offensive talent that the previous players do, and he's getting up there in age at 36 years old - but the Oilers were connected to him at the trade deadline. Also on Florida, Sam Bennett could be a great option for Edmonton.
Also in the older player category is Patrick Kane, who has an obvious connected to Oilers GM Stan Bowman in their time with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Oilers have plenty of room and will to add star free agent forward
Although the Oilers missed out on Mikko Rantanen, they'll have plenty of options in free agency this summer. It may even make more sense for the Oilers to pursue one of these stars on a cheaper deal than Rantanen's.
If they can clear out some contracts and with the salary cap increasing, the Oilers may have the space to make a major add this offseason with a star free agent forward.
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