The Edmonton Oilers will be a team to watch down the stretch as fans debate whether or not general manager Ken Holland did enough to boost their chances of a long playoff run. The Oilers added Evander Kane earlier on in the season and then Holland went out at the trade deadline and picked up veteran forward Derick Brassard and rugged defenseman Brett Kulak. It could be a make or break season for this group and changes could be on the way in Edmonton if they don't secure a playoff position in the western conference. Let's take a look at two Oilers who are likely on the way out this summer:
Tyson Barrie
Some were surprised Holland didn't move Tyson Barrie at the trade deadline as Evan Bouchard has really taken over the hearts of Oilers faithful. The 30-year-old Barrie is signed for two more seasons at $4.5 million and with the development of Bouchard over the past two seasons, expectation is the team will listen to offers on Barrie this offseason. Edmonton needs a 'goalie of the future' and they need one for the present, moving Barrie in a package could help fetch back some serious talent. The mobile defenseman can still get it done and has recorded 30 points in 56 games. His contract does not hold any trade protection so it will all come down to Holland's interest in moving on from the right-handed defenseman. Needless to say, there will be a ton of suitors for Barrie's services, it will all come down to what needs management wants to fill to find the perfect match.
Jesse Puljujarvi
The pending restricted free agent is enjoying a career season with 31 points in 51 games and due to the Oilers cap constraints, someone like Jesse Puljujarvi could be dealt this summer. At only 23 years old it would certainly be a hockey deal and one where Holland would prioritize goaltending or defense in return. The only issue is the Oilers have a few holes throughout their lineup and losing Puljujarvi out of their top-nine forwards would create another. It's much more likely we see Barrie moved of these two as the Oilers have a cheaper internal option to take the ice-time. That's not the case here and the fan base is hopeful the young dynamic forward would price himself off the team. If Puljujarvi demands a serious raise off the $1.17 million from 2021-22, management could have some serious work to do to fit everyone in under the cap.
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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