The idea of the Edmonton Oilers potentially landing a $55,500,000 superstar forward in free agency has sent waves through the hockey world. With the franchise already boasting a roster that includes Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—two of the best players in the world—the possibility of adding another superstar to the mix could elevate the team to new heights. NHL insiders have been abuzz with the thought of such a move, especially when considering the salary cap dynamics and the players coming off the books in the near future. But what does this mean for the Oilers’ future, and how could this deal come to fruition?
The Edmonton Oilers’ Current Cap Situation
As of the 2024-2025 NHL season, the Oilers find themselves in an enviable position. McDavid and Draisaitl are under long-term contracts that are often the subject of conversation when discussing the team’s cap space. McDavid’s $12.5 million AAV and Draisaitl’s $8.5 million AAV are significant portions of the salary cap, but their on-ice production justifies these figures. However, beyond these two superstars, the Oilers have a number of contracts that offer both opportunities and challenges in terms of roster flexibility.
One of the primary concerns in the Oilers’ salary cap structure is the overall balance of money spent. While McDavid and Draisaitl generate enormous value for the team, other significant contracts, such as those of Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, add to the financial pressure. However, with the salary cap expected to rise in the coming years, the Oilers might find themselves in a position to pursue top-tier free agents. The prospect of acquiring a superstar forward who commands a hefty salary—like the $55.5 million figure mentioned by insiders—requires some financial wizardry and timing.
Who’s Coming Off the Books?
An essential factor in the Oilers’ ability to land a superstar forward is the players coming off the books in the next few seasons. Let’s take a closer look at the contracts that could potentially open up significant cap space:
- Zach Hyman (Signed through 2029): Hyman’s contract carries a $5.5 million AAV, and while he is a vital contributor to the Oilers’ forward group, his contract is among the more manageable ones on the team. Given his importance, it’s unlikely the Oilers will move on from him, but his deal may eventually be a tradeable asset down the line if they need to make room for another star player.
- Evander Kane (Signed through 2027): Kane’s $5.125 million AAV could become an area of flexibility if the Oilers wish to acquire a high-priced superstar. While Kane’s physical style and scoring ability make him a key player for the team, his contract could eventually become a movable asset as the Oilers look to bolster their depth.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Signed through 2026): Nugent-Hopkins, with a $5.125 million AAV, has been a reliable presence for the Oilers. His two-way game and leadership are invaluable, but with the Oilers likely to be aggressive in the free-agent market, his contract could be in play for trade or potential cap relief.
- Darnell Nurse (Signed through 2027): Nurse’s contract, with an AAV of $9.25 million, is one of the largest on the team. As a top defenseman, he’s a key piece of the Oilers’ blue line, but it’s conceivable that Edmonton could explore moving a player like Nurse to free up significant cap space. The potential to move Nurse would be an easier decision if the team were able to add another star forward to the lineup, thus strengthening their offensive firepower.
- Jack Campbell (Signed through 2027): Goaltender Jack Campbell’s contract has been a source of concern for the Oilers in recent seasons. With a $5 million AAV, Campbell is the team’s backup, and the Oilers might be inclined to explore moving him or seeking another option in goal. A trade involving Campbell could free up additional cap space for the Oilers to pursue a superstar forward.
The combination of these contracts coming off the books, or potentially being moved in trades, gives the Oilers flexibility as they look toward the future. The idea of a blockbuster free-agent signing might seem far-fetched at first glance, but when you consider the future financial landscape of the team, the concept becomes more plausible.
Potential Superstar Forward Targets
If the Oilers are truly considering acquiring a $55,500,000 superstar forward, it’s important to think about the types of players who might command that kind of money. A total salary of $55.5 million could be spread across several years or could be the value of a particularly large annual contract. Some names that come to mind include the NHL’s most elite forwards—players whose contracts often push the limits of the salary cap.
1. Nathan MacKinnon
Nathan MacKinnon, currently with the Colorado Avalanche, is one of the best all-around forwards in the NHL. His speed, physicality, and ability to dominate both ends of the ice make him a perfect fit for a team like the Oilers. MacKinnon signed an eight-year, $100.8 million contract in 2023, which carries an AAV of $12.6 million. With the Oilers in need of another elite forward to complement McDavid and Draisaitl, MacKinnon’s name has frequently come up as a potential target for teams looking to add a game-changing player.
The question would be whether the Oilers can afford to acquire a player of MacKinnon’s caliber. His contract would take up a significant portion of the salary cap, but the team could make it work by shedding some of the aforementioned contracts in the coming seasons.
2. Austin Matthews
Austin Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ star center, is another player who could be in line for a massive payday in free agency. Matthews is expected to command a similar salary to the top earners in the league, and his goal-scoring ability is unparalleled. As the Leafs navigate their own cap challenges, there may be a scenario where Matthews is available on the open market in the next few years, especially if he feels he’s not getting the support he needs in Toronto.
The Oilers would undoubtedly be interested in adding a player of Matthews’ caliber, and with McDavid and Draisaitl already on the roster, he could thrive alongside two of the most dynamic players in the game. A top line featuring McDavid, Matthews, and a high-level winger would be virtually unstoppable.
3. Leon Draisaitl’s Contract Extension
While Draisaitl is already under contract for several more years, there’s always the possibility that he could negotiate a massive extension that brings his cap hit closer to the $12 million range. This would create an even larger gap between Draisaitl’s salary and the rest of the roster, and the Oilers might need to make some tough decisions to accommodate such a significant financial commitment.
That being said, if the Oilers were to add another high-end forward, the balance of the roster would shift even more in the direction of their star players. The question then becomes whether the team would be able to afford such a luxury, especially given the potential salary cap constraints in the future.
A Bold Strategy for the Oilers’ Future
The Oilers are in a unique position. They already have two of the best players in the world in McDavid and Draisaitl, and they are one of the most exciting teams in the league. But to truly push their roster to the next level, they may need to make bold moves—whether that’s through free agency, trades, or restructuring their salary cap.
A $55,500,000 superstar forward would certainly make the Oilers even more formidable, but the team would need to be strategic in their decisions. The ability to land a player of that magnitude will require careful planning, flexibility, and timing. As the cap continues to rise and contracts come off the books, the Oilers could be poised to make a splash in the free-agent market and acquire a player who could solidify their position as one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL.
