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This in from NHL insider, TSN’s Ryan Rishaug of the Got Yer Back podcast, more confirmation that when it comes to a big move this off-season, the Edmonton Oilers aren’t likely to make one, that the strategy is to keep their powder dry until the NHL trade deadline next February.
But don’t count on it.
“Oilers fans are going to be, ‘What the hell?’” Rishaug said.
When it comes to the defence on the team, Rishaug said he’d be curious to see how Evan Bouchard and Vincent Desharnais develop next season, and also to see if Cody Ceci can return from (nagging) injury and play better this year. “I would probably press pause on any major moves on the blueline and just let ‘er go. This was the best team in the league from February on with that blueline. They didn’t get out-of-this-world goaltending and that was the same blueline that did that. So I wouldn’t necessarily over-react.”
The plan would be wait until the trade deadline in February, assess the team then, figure out exactly what the team needs then, and make your move with that knowledge at that moment, Rishaug said.
“I’m pretty positive that’s the way they’re going to go. I really believe it. Unless there is something that falls into their lap that is such a no-brainer. I think we’re going to be talking in training camp about, ‘Oh, wow, all the same faces.’”
My take
1. Rishaug’s comments are in line with what I’ve been saying ever since Oilers GM Ken Holland made it known ten days ago on Oilers Now that he does not envision any big moves this summer. As you will recall, host Bob Stauffer asked Holland if he would be willing to move another first round pick for a veteran at a good price point on term.
In other words, Edmonton might bring in an excellent veteran this summer, but it sounds like that will only happen if that player is willing to take a major, major haircut to play here.
2. What I expect is for Edmonton to sign four or five veteran forwards and d-men, but all in the $800,000 to $1.15 million range. Other than that the team will try to keep room under the cap this season, build up that cap space as the season goes along, figure out what it needs to best compete for the Cup, anyone from another goalie to a d-man to a winger, and go as big as possible at the trade deadline.
3. Is it possible I’m reading this wrong? Yes, but I doubt it. Rishaug is an insider who listens closely to all being said and has good sources. If he’s saying that’s the strategy, and Holland indicates as much, I accept that’s the strategy.
That said, Edmonton does have Brett Kulak and Philip Broberg who might be ready for Top 4 duty this season. If the right star player did become available this summer, just maybe Holland would be tempted to move out Cody Ceci for a draft pick, then use Ceci’s $3.25 million cap hit towards bringing in a top forward, maybe a sniper to play with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisai
Kulak, Broberg and the one or two veteran d-men signed by Holland this summer would then be expected to fill in for Ceci.
It’s not a crazy scenario.
It could happen.
I wouldn’t be against it, but I’m also not against what looks to be the current strategy, which is to keep your powder dry. I get having a Plan A of being patient and waiting for the 2024 trade deadline, but a Plan B of moving fast if the right player at a bargain price comes available in late June or early July.
Your take?
