The key to the Oilers offseason I firmly believe will be targeting Free Agents that won't cost the team much in terms of cap but could greatly compliment the existing roster. Adding a Hellebuyck or a Konecny make for fun headlines but the main core is here for the Oilers and in their prime.
Here are some players that Edmonton could target in free agency. The players I have listed below are players that I believe will cost less than 2.5 million per season in cap.
CONOR SHEARY Sheary may be at the higher end of this spectrum but we still see players with decent production end up getting less than anticipated in Free Agency as teams start looking elsewhere for production (Evan Rodrigue last season is a perfect example).
Sheary has produced at roughly a 15 goal pace over his career and has shown well in both a top six and a top nine role. While a left shot, Sheary has played both the left wing and the right wing, giving the Oilers some flexibility on where they could use him.
ZACH PARISE What does Parise have left in the tank? That is the first question that needs to be answered for Holland to consider offering him a one year deal. At 38 years old, Parise has been around forever and even in his late 30's has shown to be able to produce (21 goals in 82 games with the Islanders last season - 16 goals at even strength).
Parise could play anywhere in the Oilers top nine and having him on a third line with a younger player like McLeod, particularly because McLeod doesn't finish as many chances himself could work great.
Again, the issue with Parise, aside from his age, is he is a left winger and Edmonton already has ample options on that side. Still, at a price tag of a million or less there could certainly be value there for the Oilers.
JESPER FAST Finally we have a potential decent value true right winger to look at. Fast, like much of the Hurricanes roster is an analytics darling who excels at being on the right side of the puck when he is on the ice. In 21/22, Fast was 17th in Selke voting. All 10 of the goals that he scored and 16 of his 19 assists came at even strength. Edmonton needs more players in their top nine who can help create chances at 5 on 5.
This to me is a perfect player for Edmonton to target, a player that at his worst is likely a solid third line player who can provide antiquate offense but has the potential to chip in more and be a piece that can outshine any line at 5 on 5.
CONNOR BROWN
Another piece I think the Oilers will take a long look at. Connor Brown was almost traded to the Oilers last offseason when the team was trying to trade Puljujarvi at the same time. The deal did not happen and instead Brown went to the Capitals.
Brown played four games for the Capitals before suffering a torn ligament in his knee and was out for the remainder of the season. The right winger had moderate success in Ottawa and Toronto prior to the trade, scored 20 goals twice in his career and had 39 points in 64 games in his final season with the Sens.
Brown could be a perfect Yamamoto replacement who would cost the team a fraction of the price. What is the market going to be for a player who missed the entire last season with an injury? Brown at 29 years of age is going to take a one year deal with a team, bet on himself and try and get one more big contract in his career. Having the chance to produce alongside McDavid or Draisaitl in the Oilers top six would be a decent bet on himself.
SCOTT MAYFIELD
Another player that might push my 2.5 million dollar number. Mayfield is coming off a 5 year deal that paid 1.45 million per season. Mayfield since has become a strong defensive defender who is capable of top pairing or top four minutes on a shutdown line.
Mayfield is my prime Ceci replacement if the Oilers can find a willing trade partner. He could help to settle down Darnell Nurse's game and provide the Oilers with another bigger body on their backend.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Corey Perry, Andrew Cogliano, Sam Gagner, and Alex Galchenyuk are some other options I would be open to in terms of bottom six players or guys who could play in the AHL and be slightly higher than serviceable options to add depth to the roster.
Thanks for reading.