Oilers Face Tough Losses as Perry and Brown Join Rivals: What’s Next?

Edmonton, Canada - The Edmonton Oilers find themselves at a crossroads as they navigate the ebbs and flows of NHL free agency. With core forwards Corey Perry and Connor Brown moving on to new teams, the Oilers are faced with both challenges and opportunities. NHL analyst Gene Principe discussed this situation, stating that while the losses are significant, general manager Ken Holland is not overly concerned about their impact on the team’s future plans. According to Sportskeeda, Perry’s one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings and Brown’s four-year, $12 million agreement with the New Jersey Devils mark a significant shift for the franchise.

Perry, who brought a wealth of experience and a certain “gunslinger” attitude to the ice, scored 30 points during the regular season and made valuable contributions during the playoffs. His presence will be sorely missed, especially since his short-term contract made his departure feel more immediate. On the other hand, Brown also had a noteworthy season, contributing 30 points in regular play and notching 5 goals in the postseason. As Principe noted, his longer contract with New Jersey makes his exit a bit easier for Holland to accept.

A New Chapter

The Oilers have made some strategic moves to bolster their lineup amidst these losses. Recently, they signed forward Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year deal worth $7.2 million, adding depth that might make a difference in the upcoming season. Mangiapane, coming off a solid year with the Washington Capitals, is expected to enhance the Oilers‘ offensive capabilities. As CBC News reported, he scored 14 goals and contributed 14 assists last season, proving he can handle a significant role as the team prepares for another playoff run.

Additionally, the Oilers secured defenseman Evan Bouchard to a substantial four-year, $42 million deal, reflecting the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. Bouchard’s breakout performance last season—18 goals and 64 assists—has set him up as a key player in the team’s future plans. As he continues to grow, this contract could prove instrumental for Edmonton pursuing the elusive Stanley Cup.

Shaping the Roster

Despite these transactions, questions linger around the Oilers‘ goaltending situation and the future of superstars like Connor McDavid. According to The New York Times, both goalies, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, have had their struggles, prompting discussions on how to improve the team’s defensive reliability. Furthermore, with over $10 million in cap space, Holland has the flexibility to explore additional roster enhancements, particularly at the middle-six wing positions.

The Oilers are also keeping an eye on Viktor Arvidsson, who may be moved to create further cap space or gather additional assets. His previous performance—15 goals and 12 assists in 67 games—proves he has value, but whether he fits into the Oilers‘ long-term strategy remains to be seen.

As the offseason progresses, the Oilers‘ future will hinge on the effectiveness of their signings and the ability to adapt to these changes. While the losses of Perry and Brown weigh on team morale, there’s optimism that Holland can cultivate a roster potent enough to compete for the championship, echoing Principe’s sentiment that the team’s ambitions remain unscathed. Only time will tell how these adjustments will translate into performance on the ice, but one thing is for sure: fans can expect a thrilling season ahead.