Multiple UFAs Eyeing Oilers as Possible Free Agency Landing Spot

According to a number of sources close to players who are pending UFAs this offseason, the Edmonton Oilers have quickly risen up the ranks of teams that players who have a choice on where to play are looking at. The key factor being that riding shotgun to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has big advantages and that it could make for a nice spot to up your value.

Related: Flames Johnny Gaudreau Wants to Stay But Wants to Test Market, Too

Numerous reports, including ones from Elliotte Friedman, Bob Stauffer and Kurt Leavins are all saying the same thing, ‘Watch out for the Oilers as a place free agents are attracted to.’

Friedman notes, “One player said last week that the Leon Draisaitl/Connor McDavid playoff explosions changed the way people see the organization.” 

Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now is reporting the Oilers are definitely looking to bring back Evander Kane, but also that if things dont’ work out there: “Hearing that multiple pending UFA’s are watching the Evander Kane situation with the @EdmontonOilers closely. After what Connor McDavid (10-23-33/16 GP) and Leon Draisaitl (7-25-32) did in the playoffs, there is belief the Oilers are contenders.”

Kurt Leavins writes:

“The possible silver lining to the Kane conundrum: Other quality NHL players will have taken notice of Kane’s very successful run as an Oiler. The Oilers-Flames series on ESPN reached a lot of eyes, including players and their agents. More than a few of them would be willing to do the very thing that Kane succeeded so well at: Riding shotgun to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. I would add, however: You never know when something will work (or not). Kane/McDavid/Draisaitl works. It is now a known quantity. Just sayin’…”

Kane Has Been Sticking Around in Edmonton

Kane was at the annual Brick Tournament this week, which has to be a positive sign for Oilers fans as he hasn’t left the city. One would think if he’s written off the Oilers as a possible landing spot, he’d have departed already.

Still, if Kane eventually does leave and other free agents are wondering how they can best repeat the success Kane had in the second half of the 2021-22 season, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that being on the ice with two of the best players in the world will surely up your production. For players who aren’t getting that big deal they might be seeking, the Oilers will surely be a spot they look at in the hopes that one or two good seasons will make them attractive to more clubs.

Kane wasn’t wanted by anyone but the Oilers when he left San Jose. There are surely half-a-dozen teams now that will see what he did for the Oilers and give him serious consideration, and potentially overpay him on a long-term deal.

Next: Insider Says Jack Campbell and Edmonton Oilers Likely a Fit