NHL teams taking advantage of Edmonton Oilers offer sheet situation in trade talks

Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway signed contracts with the Blues much higher than the Oilers wanted to pay them, throwing a major wrench in their salary cap construction.

Several reports this week have indicated that the Oilers are advertising Cody Ceci and Brett Kulak in trade to clear some salary cap space. However, according to TSN's Bruce Garrioch, NHL teams are asking for a first or second round draft pick from the Oilers to help with their cap problem.

If the Oilers are able to trade both of Brett Kulak and Cody Ceci, they'll clear exactly $6M of salary. As per PuckPedia, Cody Ceci makes $3.25M until the end of this year, and Kulak $2.75 for two years.

Even if the Oilers pay a premium price to trade these players, they'll still have to send a player down to the minors to be cap compliant at the beginning of the year. If they traded both defenceman, their defensive group may also get worse with Broberg, Troy Stecher, and Josh Brown having to play regular minutes.

The Oilers have four days left to take an action to either match the offer sheets to their RFAs, or let them go. Holloway and Broberg's fate with the Oilers will depend on the roster moves in the few days.