The signing window for college and European free agents is beginning to open over the next few weeks, and Oilers analysts expect Edmonton to be extremely active with at least 5 free agent signings.
The Oilers have been connected to a number of names for college prospects and KHL free agents already, and soon they'll need to begin putting pen to paper.
Edmonton Oilers expected to sign several free agents in next few weeks
According to a recent article from Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell, he expected the team to sign no less than least 5 free agents to re-stock the team's prospect pool without draft capital.
If there's a serious effort planned by Bowman and his management group, Edmonton fans should expect at least five significant signings by this organization. Some of those signings should come soon.- Allan Mitchell
The Oilers can start with these signings by retaining their own prospects whose rights are about to expire.
On defence, the Oilers should be looking to sign the 6'3 German defenceman Luca Munzenberger, currently playing with the University of Vermont. The Oilers selected him in the third round of the 2021 draft, and he's since developed into a player ready for the AHL - and desperately needed by the Condors.
On forward, the Oilers currently have the rights to KHL forward prospect Maxim Berezkin, who will be eligible to be signed in May 31st when his KHL contract expires.
Drafted in the 5th round by the Oilers, Berezkin has developed into an impressive power forward with scoring ability. With hundreds of games played in the KHL, the 23 year old right shot winger is considered NHL ready.
Other free agent prospects Oilers should be targeting
Additionally, Mitchell identified Grigori Kuzmin, Mac Gadowsky, and Marc Lajoie as more options for the Oilers to sign in the coming weeks.
Kuzmin is another skilled KHL forward who's scored at an impressive pace for Ska St. Petersburg this season for such a young and small player. At 5'8 and 21 years old, scoring 21 points in 37 KHL games are results that's turning heads in the NHL.
Marc Lajoie is a player the Oilers have had in their backyard for a while, and is the most likely player to get signed. The 21 year old St. Albert defender has played very well with the Golden Bears this year, and has already been signed to a Condors tryout last year.
Gadowsky is an impressive college defender with the Army, scoring 16 goals and 42 points in 38 games and is being considered for the Hobey Baker award.
If the Oilers are serious about improving their prospect pool, they'll need to acquire some of these free agents. Stan Bowman has had a history of success signing KHL players - like Artemi Panarin - and can hopefully continue that success with Edmonton.
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