Oilers forward hints that team doesn't want to re-sign him

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Liam McCormick
June 27, 2024 (4:11 PM)

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The Oilers have plenty of expiring contracts to address this offseason, either deciding to retain the player or try to make an upgrade. For Warren Foegele, he's not sure what the team wants.

Foegele expressed his love for the City of Edmonton and being a part of this Oilers squad, practically declaring that he'd love to stay - but also added that it's a two way street. With initial reports sounding like the Oilers would rather spend the money elsewhere, Foegele seems to be hinting that the interest in a return isn't mutual.

I've always loved my time here, I've created so many great friendships, I loved the city, the fans have been great to me. Obviously I'd like to stay here, but I also know it's a business. They also need to want to have me, it's not just a one way street. Nothing but love for my time here, and I hope everyone knows when I was out there I always worked my bag off.
- Warren Foegele

Speaking in the past tense and nearly saying goodbye to fans near the end of his statement, Foegele pretty much admitted that he will not be back for next season. The 28 year old UFA is expected to get around $4M a year for 4 years on the open market, and the Oilers don't seem intent on committing that amount of cash to him. Like Foegele said, it's not a one way street - it sounds like the Oilers do not have interest in signing him.

Through this year's playoffs, the Oilers had nearly an entire fifth line of NHL ready forwards. They'll be in the free agent market to try to replace a few departing free agents like Foegele, but may also hope to get full time contributions from Dylan Holloway and potentially other rookies like Raphael Lavoie.

The Oilers acquired Foegele in a one for one trade for Ethan Bear back in 2021, and he went on to play 3 seasons with the team. Foegele brought incredible speed and had his best offensive season this year with 20 goals and 41 points, but Foegele's offensive game isn't very consistent. If this is it for Foegele and the Oilers, fans will wish him well on his next team.

Source: Zach Laing

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