Oilers Rumors: Edmonton Have Big Decisions To Make This Summer
According to Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal, a mix of expiring contracts, underwhelming performances, and cap pressures will force the front office to make some tough calls this summer — especially if the playoff run ends early.
Questions at Goalie, Defense, and Aging Veterans
Goaltending will be front and center in Bowman’s summer checklist. Calvin Pickard has been stellar in the postseason, even emerging as a playoff MVP candidate, while Stuart Skinner — once considered the future in net — has looked solid, struggled and been benched, all through not even two rounds. With the goalie market featuring veterans like Jake Allen and James Reimer, Edmonton may look to bring in competition or find a more reliable tandem.
The Worm and the Big Rig reunited 🪱 x 🚛
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) May 13, 2025
Corey Perry got to chat with his "favorite linemate" Pat Maroon before the Oilers hit the ice for Game 4 🤝 pic.twitter.com/dtRaEjJ3m4
Meanwhile, 24-year-old defenseman Evan Bouchard will need a new deal, and it won’t come cheap. His offensive skill is elite, but questions about his defensive game persist. Should the Oilers look to solidify the blue line through a big trade, Bouchard could be dangled as a high-value asset, especially if Edmonton explores options like Islanders blueliner Noah Dobson, as speculated elsewhere.
Aging Core and Cap Constraints May Spark Change
Veteran Corey Perry will be 40 next season, and while his playoff impact has been very impressive, Leavins believes any return must be on a value contract. Similarly, decisions loom on players like Connor Brown, Trent Frederic, and Jeff Skinner — all of whom have played meaningful roles but could be squeezed out if prospects Matt Savoie and Noah Philp crack the opening night lineup.
I just realized that, Jeff Skinner played 1,078 regular season games to finally reach the playoffs—only to be made a healthy scratch after his very first postseason game. 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/JMxaDO3ME1
— Alex (@ivandemigoal) May 8, 2025
The Oilers’ playoff performance will ultimately dictate the size of the shakeup. If they flame out early, Bowman may feel pressure to part with key names from the current core and retool for the future. As Leavins puts it, Bowman must filter out the “noise” and make the right call for the long-term direction of the franchise.
Photo Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
