Oilers Make Qualifying Offers to 4 Players, Release 3 Others

The Edmonton Oilers handled some business over the weekend as they have handed out qualifying offers to a number of players including Jesse Puljujarvi, Kailer Yamamoto, Ryan McLeod and Tyler Benson.

The Oilers then decided they would be comfortable walking away from the likes of Brendan Perlini, Filip Berglund and Ostap Safin. Three players who did not play a big role in Edmonton at any point and time during the tenure.

As for the qualified group, the QO's may not be exactly what they are looking for when it comes to annual salary, so expect to see a player who two reject the offer. For instance, Puljujarvi's offer was for $1.41 million, a number that is less than market value for the player. His name has popped up in trade rumors after Oilers general manager Ken Holland admitted after last season, he needed to figure out something to do with Puljujarvi.

The deadline for qualifying offer submissions is on Monday, with free agency set to begin on Wednesday. The Oilers are one team to watch as they've been linked to some free agents, and are expected to be active on the trade market as they tinker with their roster ahead of next season.