Once the Stanley Cup Final ends, we get immediately thrown into the silly season conversations. Edmonton is going to make changes this summer, but there are also a couple of notable contracts that need to be signed. Here’s a quick look at what insiders have said about the Oilers’ off-season plans from over the weekend.
Connor McDavid Update
Connor McDavid spoke with the media last week, and the rumours haven’t stopped since. The latest reports from Chris Johnston and Pierre Lebrun suggest the Oilers captain might not sign for the max term of eight years. Instead, he’ll opt for a shorter-term deal.
Johnston stated on his podcast that it could be an option, given the cap increase, which would allow McDavid to earn money sooner. He also commented that it’d keep Oilers management on their toes – not that they’re not already, he continued.
LeBrun made a similar comment in his article at The Athletic. Furthermore, he stated that if McDavid were to leave in the future, the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers and Dallas Stars would be possible destinations.
Evan Bouchard Contract
While conversations about McDavid’s future are making all the headlines, Evan Bouchard is seeking a new deal this summer, too. The latest update comes from Chris Johnston on his podcast, suggesting that Edmonton could opt for a one-year contract and revisit the situation next summer.
It’s expected that if Bouchard signs long-term with the Oilers, his average annual value could be $10,000,000 or higher. A one-year deal could get the figure closer to $7,000,000, giving Stan Bowman more flexibility this summer.
The Goaltending Search
David Pagnotta reported that John Gibson would waive his no-trade clause to move to Edmonton. At last season’s NHL trade deadline, reports suggested that Gibson didn’t see Edmonton as a destination if he had to play in a tandem with Stuart Skinner. Gibson has spent the past couple of seasons sharing the net in Anaheim with Lukas Dostal, playing 75 games.
Gibson, 31, has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. The American-born goaltender missed the opening 12 games of last season, recovering from an appendectomy, then three more in February due to an upper-body injury. He got banged up a final time with a lower-body injury, which forced him to miss seven more games.
He appeared in 29 games for the Ducks, posting a 0.912 save percentage, a 2.73 goals against average and 11 wins. Gibson has a $6,400,000 cap hit with two years remaining.
If Gibson still isn’t willing to play in a tandem, you wonder what the future holds for Stuart Skinner. Maybe he could be part of the return to Anaheim and the Ducks get another goalie they can flip to a playoff contender.
