Ryan McLeod's hearing may be a tipping point for the Oilers cap space

Though injuries shortened his season, he was on track to earn over 35 points. The outcome of the arbitration may favor McLeod due to this point.

Philip Kurashev, a young forward, was awarded a $2.25 million AAV, but it remains to be seen how McLeod's case will fare.

The Oilers hope to sign McLeod to a team-friendly deal, in order to secure more talent, and they will argue that he will have a chance to contend.

Despite not reaching his full potential, McLeod earned a raise this past year. He played 14:11 TOI, participated in the power-play and penalty kill, and outscored his opponents 5v5. Both McLeod and the team will need to consider their viewpoints, as arbitration can often damage relationships.

Granting McLeod's request for an extension may lead to unlocking more of his potential, but it could also have negative effects on the team's salary cap. Currently, the cap stands at $5.6 million, which may not be enough to allocate funds as generously as desired.

The team faces a dilemma as they attempt to find defensive help while also locking down other RFAs. While winning a cup may not be everything for McLeod, it can be a selling point for veterans.

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