The Edmonton Oilers acquired Sam Carrick from the Anaheim Ducks at the trade deadline, and he went on to play just 26 games with the team including regular season and playoffs, scoring 2 goals and 5 points. Carrick was signed to a very affordable contract of $850K last season, but is now signing a 3 year contract for $1M each season.
At 32 years old, Carrick just recently has stuck in the NHL after a career spent bouncing back to the AHL. He was likely looking for the guaranteed term of 3 years on a contract, and at a number of $1M, the cap-strapped Oilers likely wouldn't entertain that deal.
According to TSN's Ryan Rishaug, the Oilers will likely be bringing back Corey Perry, Connor Brown, and Mattias Janmark, but every other free agent is expected to leave. There's also been rumours the Oilers could move a player with salary like Evander Kane or Cody Ceci to clear cap space. The Oilers marquee trade deadline acquisition Adam Henrique is also expected to leave in free agency for a larger contract.
Without an official GM, the Edmonton Oilers still need to have a good free agency under Jeff Jackson to made the right additions to this team to make them stronger for a repeat long playoff run. This team is knocking on the door of a Stanley Cup, and the team deserves a solid addition to get them over the hump. Perhaps a real top 6 forward for Leon Draisaitl, a free agent like Jake DeBrusk, would be the Oilers best move today.
