Top Oilers insider reveals two moves expected for free agent goalie and forward

Prior to free agency, the Oilers were able to free up some cap space by trading Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson for mid round draft picks. Edmonton now has just over $4M in space to make additions.

According to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, the Edmonton Oilers are actively in the market to sign one of the remaining middle-six forwards.

The Oilers were heavily linked to Brock Boeser, so it makes sense they'd pursue a similar player on a cheaper contract. Available free agents include Mikael Granlund, Andrew Mangiapane, Anthony Matha, and much more.

Additionally, Stauffer practically guaranteed the Edmonton Oilers will add a goaltender today - but it won't be a starting option. Stauffer's report indicated a third goaltender for the AHL was far more likely, and dropped Matt Tomkins from the Tampa Bay Lightning organization as an option.

Tomkins is a 31 year old career minor league goaltender, who was able to get into 6 games for the Lightning in the 2023-24 season, posting an .892 save percentage. In the AHL for most of the last two years, Tomkins posted no lower than a .904.

A middle-six forward with upside to play alongside Leon Draisaitl would be a good addition for the Edmonton Oilers, but not adding a goalie upgrade or anything else is a bit underwhelming, especially after other teams made marked improvements.

Hopefully the Oilers have some more offseason moves coming to put them over the hump to a Stanley Cup.