3 free agents the oilers can target on top UFA list

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Joshua Deeds
May 19, 2023 (11:38 PM)

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The Athletic has recently compiled a list of the top 50 NHL unrestricted free agents for the upcoming off-season. Ken Holland, after a second-round exit, is undoubtedly seeking to bolster his roster with more talent. Here are three free agents who could provide significant depth and firepower to the team.

For goaltending, Joonas Korpisalo is an affordable and reliable option who has proven himself in two different systems, notably making 85 saves and enduring five overtimes against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the bubble.

His projected contract is $2.6 million AAV for two years, making him a valuable addition to the team if Campbell's contract can be shed.

For defense, I would be searching for a value-based and shutdown-style player, as the defense struggled this season.

Bertuzzi, though, is a game-changer in the middle of a contending lineup. The perfect second-line winger that can score the greasy goals necessary to come out ahead in a playoff atmosphere. The Bruins may have lost in the opening round, but that was through no fault of Bertuzzi's, whose first taste of playoff action was a huge success. He scored five goals and 10 points in seven games and looked like a beast on every shift.

Top 50 NHL unrestricted free agents: From Ryan O'Reilly to Tyler Bertuzzi and more

Carson Soucy of the Seattle Kraken fits this description and will be available. He is a defensive defenseman who can partner with Evan Bouchard or Vincent Desharnais to help them build their confidence. His next projected contract is $2.4 million for two years.

As for offensive help, Tyler Bertuzzi is the top forward in the 2023 UFA class and would make a great addition to the team. Despite being weak on the puck defensively, he is a great play driver and scored 62 points in 68 games with the Detroit Red Wings, while also performing well in his first playoff run. Shedding salary to acquire Bertuzzi may be necessary, but it will be worth it in the long run.