NHL Rumors: Edmonton Oilers Going After Some Big Names

The Edmonton Oilers will look much different next season as general manager Ken Holland is looking to make some changes to upgrade his roster. While there's certainly a focus in net, turns out the Oilers have some other big plans in the works. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Edmonton is one of the many teams interested in free agent Claude Giroux.

LeBrun mentions if the Oilers are unable to re-sign Evander Kane, which apparently is their first priority, expect to see the team turn to Giroux with a contract offer. He's versatile and could play down the middle which would open up a world of possibilities for the Oilers.

 Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Giroux spent last season between the Philadelphia Flyers and Florida Panthers and may want a do over as he decided to say no to a trade to the Colorado Avalanche before being shipped to the Panthers. He performed well down the stretch and looked at home with his new team after spending 15 seasons in Philly. Florida has only $3 million in cap space and needs several players so it appears heading back to the sunshine state is not in the cards.

Edmonton is shopping Jesse Puljujarvi and is sitting with $7.1 million in cap space heading into draft weekend. Giroux will demand north of $6 million annually so the team would need to shed some more salary in order to add the 34-year-old who put up 65 points in 75 games last season.

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