Which Leftover Free Agent Makes the Most Sense for the Oilers?

With most of the offseason’s top talent already off the board, six notable names remain unsigned: Anthony Mantha, Patrick Kane, Patrik Laine, Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, and Eeli Tolvanen. As Adam Gretz of YardBarker writes, each brings something different.

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Mantha’s raw scoring upside, Laine’s elite shot when healthy, Kane’s playmaking pedigree, Tarasenko’s proven middle-six production, Bunting’s pest-and-forecheck game, and Tolvanen’s flashes of 20-goal potential are all attractive qualities. That said, all carry real questions. Whether it’s inconsistency, injury history, age, cost, or one-dimensional play, red flags are everywhere.

For the Oilers, coming off a first-round exit and now operating under new head coach Mike Babcock, who would make the most sense for Edmonton?

Tarasenko Stands Out as the Most Logical Fit

Unlike Kane or Laine, Tarasenko doesn’t need to be a focal point of the offense (or at least of the line or power-play unit he’s on). He’s shown he can be effective in a complementary middle-six role, which is exactly what Edmonton needs around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl rather than another ball-dominant scorer.

However, Babcock wants to spread out the offense a little, so the player Edmonton acquires needs the skill set to generate his own offense. Tarasenko’s 23-goal, 47-point season with Minnesota last year proves he still has scoring touch, and his playoff experience, including a Stanley Cup with St. Louis, adds a layer of postseason pedigree that fits a team still chasing its first championship since 1990.

Gretz’s concern is that Tarasenko tends to move on from teams after one year. That critique is fair. In Edmonton, however, that’s not an issue.

This is likely a one-and-done. The Oilers aren’t offering a long-term deal. They want a player on a one-year contract that will come in and produce. If they’re spending what’s left of their available cap space, it’s not over the long haul; it’s for a quick fix. With high-end playmaking talent, we still have to remember his age. He’s 34 years old. This is not a player Edmonton should invest in long term. Unfortunately, he doesn’t qualify for a bonus-structured contract. It’s one year, at a reasonable salary, or it’s a no-go.

Given his connection to the organization already through trade rumors this summer, a short-term, value-priced deal could give the Oilers exactly the secondary scoring depth they need.

Next: Oilers Sign Colton Dach to New 2-Year Deal