Oilers reportedly starting contract extensions for 2 forwards, several may walk

Trent Frederic is also reportedly close to signing an 8 year extension with the Oilers, which could be announced imminently. With these three forwards signed, it's easy to see which players won't return.

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Oilers have engaged with Perry and Brown on contract talks, while Frederic remains very close to a deal. After those three, Evan Bouchard is the next priority.

It's positive news to see Perry returning, hopefully in a contract below $1M for his age 40 season. 31 year old Connor Brown will surely be looking for a raise, and potentially some term after signing a 1 year, $1M deal with the Oilers last year.

As well as signing these three forwards, the Oilers are expecting to move out Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson. Jeff Skinner will surely be walking in free agency, and the team may not have the playing time to bring back Kasperi Kapanen.

Kapanen would be a younger, cheaper, and faster player to replace Connor Brown, but the Oilers veteran forward is clearly a key piece of the locker room.

Getting younger and faster in the bottom six forward group needs to be a priority for the Oilers this season, and signing Perry and Brown isn't the best start to achieve that goal. More work will be coming for the Oilers in the coming weeks to give this roster the tweaks it needs to make another Cup Final.