The Edmonton Oilers might be contenders in the race for a top unrestricted free agent (UFA) winger if they can free up sufficient salary cap space. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Oilers could be interested in pursuing Brock Boeser when free agency opens on July 1st, provided they can clear more cap space.
The Oilers have already begun making moves to create cap flexibility. They traded Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks and are reportedly trying to trade Viktor Arvidsson. The team needs cap space to sign Evan Bouchard to a new contract and potentially extend Connor McDavid's contract next summer. Connor Brown is also expected to test the free-agent market. The Oilers have re-signed Trent Frederic to an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $3.85 million.
If the Oilers successfully create cap space, they will likely pursue a top-six winger to play alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Brock Boeser is one potential target, but he is expected to command a salary of $8-$9 million per season and will likely have several interested suitors. To sign with Edmonton, Boeser might need to accept a slightly lower salary.
The Oilers' potential pursuit of Boeser raises questions about whether he is the right fit for the team. Some might wonder if Boeser brings what Edmonton needs or if he is simply a more expensive version of players like Jeff Skinner or Viktor Arvidsson. While Boeser's ceiling is high, he has struggled with consistency. It was recently reported that the Canucks made another attempt to re-sign Boeser, but they were unsuccessful, paving the way for him to enter free agency.
Connor Brown, who played the last two seasons in Edmonton, is expected to test the free agent market. Brown, 31, had 13 goals and 30 points in 82 games last season. In 20 playoff games, he added five goals and nine points.
The Oilers have approximately $15.6 million in cap space for next season. However, they still need to address Bouchard's contract extension and decide whether to re-sign other pending free agents.
