Oilers headed for roster retool this season, including coaching staff

The Oilers have signed a significant amount of European and College Free Agents this year, and have plenty of UFAs themselves - poised for some heavy changes next year.

This summer, the Oilers will see 6 players hit unrestricted free agency, and they may only bring back one or two. In the following offseason, the Oilers will have to re-sign a whopping 12 players.

Jeff Skinner and John Klingberg are very unlikely to return to the Oilers next season, and they may not have the most space to retain anyone else.

Corey Perry could retire, but has played well enough to earn another deal. They'll try to retain Frederic too, although the trade hasn't panned out well so far.

Two free agents who are expected to crack the Oilers roster next year will be Maxim Beryozkin and David Tomasek. Matthew Savoie will also be pushing to make the team. With three forwards coming in, someone will have to leave.

Not only that, but some believe that the coaching staff could be in trouble, especially if the Oilers lose in the playoffs early. Stan Bowman may have another coach in mind than Knoblauch, and if he goes, it could be time to clean house - including Dustin Schwartz.

No matter what happens, next year's Oilers squad is already shaping up to be quite different from this season. This distinct group of players may be playing their final games together.