Oilers reportedly closing in on 2 contract extensions before training camp

Insider Bob Stauffer has previously reported that the Oilers would be interested in extensions for Ekholm and Walman this offseason. The priority for the team is still clearly McDavid, but they're also working other deals.

On the most recent edition of OilersNow, insider Bob Stauffer hinted that Jake Walman could potentially earn a long-term deal, while Ekholm's extension will be around 2-3 years.

A long term contract extension has been floated for Jake Walman specifically as a way to keep his annual salary down. At 29 years old, he could be signed to an 8 year contract and hold up for most of the deal - while carrying a significantly lower cap hit.

Mattias Ekholm accepting a 2-3 year contract would be ideal as the defender reaches the later stages of his career. For the time being Ekholm is essential to the Oilers blue line, but he won't be around forever.

If the Oilers can get these two extensions done as well as McDavid before the beginning of the regular season, they'll be in a great position to contend this year and beyond - which should grab the attention of the Captain for his contract talks too.