Jake Debrusk (UFA)
Jake Debrusk, a left-winger, has been a standout player with the Bruins for seven seasons. In the 2024 playoffs, he led the team with five goals and six assists, totaling 11 points. His contract is ending this year, and he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. There’s a strong possibility that Jake could join the Edmonton Oilers, following in the footsteps of his father, Louie Debrusk, who is a member of the Edmonton Oilers’ broadcast team for Sportsnet and a former Oiler. Joining the Oilers would be a homecoming for Jake, and he would have the opportunity to play alongside top stars like Hyman, McDavid, Draisaitl, RNH, and Bouchard, making it an attractive prospect. Additionally, the Oilers are likely to lose one or both of the forwards, Adam Henrique and Warren Foegele, and Jake could be a good fit for filling that position.
Steven Stamkos (UFA)
The Lightning reportedly want to pay Steven Stamkos $3 million AAV, but Stamkos and his agent believe he is worth more than that, which he is, in my opinion. If a deal is not reached, Stamkos could potentially leave the team he has been with since being the 1st overall selection in the 2008 NHL Draft. With Jake Guentzel reportedly heading to the Lightning now, there won’t be any cap space left for Stamkos to remain in Tampa.
To make room for Stamkos, the Oilers would need to clear cap space through trades or buyouts. Potential trade candidates from the Oilers could include Evander Kane, Jack Campbell, Cody Ceci, and Darnell Nurse, with Campbell being the most likely to be traded. Even though this is a long shot, Stamkos and Draisaitl on the same line could be deadly.
Viktor Arvidsson (UFA)
Oilers fans are familiar with Viktor Arvidsson from the playoff rivalry between the LA Kings and Edmonton for the past three years. Arvidsson has an impressive scoring record, having reached 30 goals twice in his career and 29 in another season, with a career-high of 34. He has also achieved 61 points in a single season twice. Arvidsson is a hardworking player proficient at both ends of the rink with great speed. Although he is primarily an offensive player, his aggressive checking without the puck ensures he is not a defensive liability. If Foegele were to leave, Arvidsson could be a great addition to fill his role on the wing with Draisaitl.
Sean Walker (UFA)
Sean Walker is an excellent puck mover and offensive player who could work well with breakouts of the defensive end. The Oilers might be interested in pursuing the 29-year-old and spending resources on him to join their competitive team, who just recently lost in the Stanley Cup. He plays as a right defenseman and could partner with Darnell Nurse, but is this necessary given Phillip Broberg’s recent strong performance? Personally, I believe the team needs to acquire another top 6 forward, but if they were to pursue a defenseman, I think Walker would be a great fit. Expect competition for Walker, though, as many teams are already expressing interest ahead of July 1st.
