The Oilers offseason free agent signings were all logical at the time of signing, but looking back on how things turned out, Edmonton may regret letting three forwards walk and go on to have career seasons.
Edmonton, led by Jeff Jackson in the offseason, decided to prioritize pursuing veteran talent in free agency over retaining their own younger players - and it hasn't turned out.
Edmonton Oilers may regret letting three forwards walk this offseason
The three former Oiler forwards now having career seasons would all bring an element of youth, scoring, speed, and physicality that Edmonton is sorely lacking now in their bottom six.
The player the Oilers miss the most may be the young forward Dylan Holloway, who took an offer sheet with the St. Louis Blues.
The 23 year old Alberta native only scored 9 points in his time in Edmonton, but now has reached 21 goals and 48 points with the Blues already. Holloway had a great playoffs, leading the Oilers in hits, and somehow was let go for only a 3rd round draft pick. That looks like a big mistake in Jeff Jackson now.
Warren Foegele is a very interesting case of a player that's now reaching new heights in Los Angeles. Foegele was a solid player for the Oilers, but seen as replaceable for a better option despite coming off a career year.
Now with the Kings, Foegele will set career highs in goals, points, and is playing a major checking role while entering his prime at 28 years old. A big, fast, physical forward like him would still be a great fit for the Oilers.
Finally, Ryan McLeod is having a career year with the Buffalo Sabres as well. The Oilers did well to get Matthew Savoie back in trade, but the Oilers are surely missing his speed and tenacity in the bottom six.
In comparison, the Oilers veteran forwards all have struggled to have career-worst seasons. In retrospect, the Oilers should've held on to their home grown talent.
