Edmonton Oilers Face Key Contract Decisions Impacting 2025-26 Roster

The Edmonton Oilers, after consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses, are focused on retaining key players like Connor McDavid, who is entering the final year of his current contract and is expected to sign a maximum salary extension. General Manager Stan Bowman faces challenges in improving the roster under salary cap constraints, particularly in goaltending where options like John Gibson are considered but would require significant salary moves. The team also needs to bolster its wings, with recent signings Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson unlikely to return, and potential targets like Brock Boeser and Jonathan Drouin being explored to enhance secondary scoring. Defenseman Evan Bouchard and forward Trent Frederic have pending contracts that could impact the salary cap, highlighting the complexity of the Oilers' offseason planning. Meanwhile, other NHL teams such as the Dallas Stars are expected to use the buyout window to clear cap space ahead of free agency, a dynamic that could affect trade and signing opportunities for the Oilers. Overall, while the core of the Oilers remains, strategic roster adjustments are necessary to improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.