Insider: Oilers to make ‘Very Bold’ Moves This Summer

Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl

The Edmonton Oilers are under the gun. Needing to prove to Connor McDavid next season that they're worth him sticking around for, the team will has some work to do this offseason to fix up some trouble spots that badly need filling.

And according to insider David Pagnotta, on the DFO Rundown, the Oilers front office has gotten the message loud and clear from their superstar, and will make some "very bold" moves this summer.

I believe that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had discussions with management last off-season about the direction of the team that factored into McDavid deciding to go two years (on his extension). I believe that both Connor and Leon chimed in with the types of assets that they would want on their team that would help move the needle and push this team forward. And I think the message was, 'We hear you, but we have no wiggle room to make this happen this season. You've gotta give us this coming off-season, (which is now), the opportunity to go bold.'
(So) I think the Edmonton Oilers are going to go very bold this summer... This summer is as important as ever with respect to the longevity of McDavid's future in Edmonton.

After their season came crashing to an halt after the first round of the playoffs, both McDavid and Draisaitl were very vocal about the team needing some changes, and GM Stan Bowman added in his season-ending news conference, “We do need some new players."

Among the moves that should be on the docket are landing a new starting goaltender, trying to convince Darnell Nurse to waive his no-trade clause and doing a retool on the blueline, and finding another top-six threat.

We'll be keeping a close eye on the Oilers, who will be at the top of the list of most intriguing teams to watch this offseason.