Are the Oilers becoming a popular destination for free agents?

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Ryan Hall
June 4, 2023 (11:44)

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Many NHL fans throughout the league feel that the team they cheer for is a desired location for many free agents looking for new homes and seeking out that high payout granted with their age. Some players look for a tax haven to shelter their money and expect a higher payout, others look for better weather in the South like the Florida Panthers or the San Jose Sharks. Other players seek the desire to win the Stanley Cup.

It seems that the Edmonton Oilers have become a topic that key NHL players would like to sign their names to the Oilers organization and have a chance to play alongside two of the best players on the planet currently. There is no doubt in my mind that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the main attractions for other NHL players to come to the Oilers and there are several reasons why.

The hockey culture in Edmonton is as strong as anywhere else in the NHS. This organization has had excellent success throughout its history especially in the 1980s when it had it's 5 Stanley Cup wins. Having greats like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier in their lineups and how many of their past players revered as heroes certainly gives NHL players a reason to look at Edmonton as a stop.

The Oilers are in a win-now mode. General manager Ken Holland is trying to bring The Cup back to Edmonton and he has taken several steps in the past couple of years to try to make that happen with McDavid in the lineup.

In the last few seasons, they have been knocking at the door for a Stanley Cup final even though this year they only were able to get to the second round. It's encouraging to know that the Oilers are getting close and unrestricted free agents could be the answer to put them over the top.

With the offseason in plain sight and Holland looking to pick the next direction for the team as he has numerous decisions to make especially when it comes to unrestricted and restricted free agents that he has the fact that he only has $5.97 million right now to work with, I expect Mr. Holland to make changes to this team, especially on this bottom 6 and part of its defence core and goaltending.