Welcome to this Monday edition of Locked On Oilers with your host, Nick Sarras! In today’s dead zone of the hockey calendar, we are diving deep into the remaining NHL free agency market to find the perfect additions for the Edmonton Oilers. With a little more than $4 million in cap space, Edmonton has the financial flexibility to add an extra forward to the mix. Nick discusses the team’s need for “Ike Howard insurance” and explores how a late-window signing could provide the necessary offensive punch to the bottom six.
Free Agent Targets Breakdown:
This episode thoroughly breaks down three specific forwards who could instantly upgrade the Oilers’ forward depth. First, we evaluate the veteran Vladimir Tarasenko, a multiple Stanley Cup champion and shoot-first winger who could thrive in a specialized third-line role on the right wing. Next, we look at 27-year-old Eeli Tolvanen, a former first-round pick who was placed in difficult defensive matchups in Seattle last year but possesses the upside to be a 15-to-20 goal scorer on a one-year, prove-it deal. Finally, Nick examines Michael Bunting, a left-handed forward who brings a unique, old-school net-front presence and the ability to open up space for Edmonton’s other shooters.
Roster Implications:
Adding another forward means making tough decisions with the current roster. Nick details the potential downstream effects of these hypothetical signings, including what it would mean for Kasperi Kapanen’s deployment and why the team might consider waiving Trent Frederic for $800K in cap relief.
05:33 Discussing Kapanen and Tarasenko
06:23 Discussing left-handed hockey players
11:30 Tarasenko’s free agency situation
14:07 Tolvanen’s Lineup and Performance Concerns
18:08 NHL contract strategy for Tolvidan
23:01 Analyzing Bunting’s Trade Impact
24:46 Oilers’ roster challenges and future plans
Edmonton Oilers Free Agency Targets: Should They Sign Tarasenko, Tolvanen, or Bunting?
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Keep up the good work big dog
From a Panthers fan (consistent Locked On Oilers listener, you’re awesome), I would also add to your discussion of Tarasenko that he almost amplified the play between Barkov and Reinhart on the first line playing on the LW and first PP. He was slotted there from the time he first put on the Panthers sweater until the middle of the 2024 ECF against the Rangers, being demoted to the third line RW with Lundell and Eetu. Even then, he fit perfectly well as that veteran forward for those two young Fins, and took that an extra step by doing the little things that Maurice asks from all his skaters. He was the perfect deadline addition that only strengthened our depth and made all three of top 9 lines that much more dangerous.
I would also venture to say; Vlad is one of the more productive 5v5 scorers you can have in the league in a middle six role, being able to score from most places and in any situation you put him in. He had 16 5v5 goals playing under 15 min a game, then having a 5v5 goal differential of 0 (35-35). Even more impressive commonly playing with defense first forwards like Trenin, Hartman, and the Foligno bros.
Thats just my sprinkle of insight into your argument for Tarasenko, and with the track record he’s had for a long career, it’s a can’t miss opportunity if you’re able to get for short term and reasonable cash. You’re great as always Nick!
the Nuge. is not a first or second line player on a Stanley Cup winning team
There is a decent chance Babs will make clear to Frederick what is required of him.