Two Oilers forwards may be odd men out after team signs multiple free agents

Most recently, the Oilers have finalized a contract for the SHL's leading scorer David Tomasek who is expected to join the NHL team next year - and there's still more players to come.

According to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, David Tomasek is projecting to slot in as a top 9 piece for next season. As a right hand shot centreman, the third line center job looks like his to take.

Tomasek being pencilled into that role won't bode well for veteran Adam Henrique, who currently occupies that space. The Oilers may ask him to waive his no trade clause in the summer and move the 35 year old to get younger.

Other players who may be in the category to be cut for Tomasek could be Mattias Janmark, and unrestricted free agent Connor Brown.

Another player in particular who's being threatened by the numerous free agent additions is forward prospect Noah Philp. Along with Tomasek, Joshua Samanski and the coming free agents will directly make Philp's path to the NHL much harder.

At the same time, if these free agents prove themselves worthy of an NHL roster spot next season and force out some other players, it will be a method of the Oilers improving their roster. It's a tough thing to cut veterans for overseas free agents, but it's a tough business to improve a hockey team.