Oilers Freeing Up Cap Space For More Deadline Trades
Sportsnet's Mark Spector reports that the Edmonton Oilers are scrambling to make another deal before the NHL trade deadline expires.
However, with limited cap space, any move will require a "money in, money out" approach. Spector suggests the Oilers are exploring trade options to offload contracts and free up flexibility.
Oilers can still be active, but it's got to be dollar in dollar out, per @PuckPedia tweet below.
— Mark Spector🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@SportsnetSpec) March 7, 2025
Kane ($5.1M AAV), Skinner ($3M AAV), Klingberg ($1.75 M AAV) all possibilities to create cap room. https://t.co/A79QoqLvZZ
Here’s a breakdown of the key players involved and what it could mean for the team:
Evander Kane ($5.1M AAV)
The Oilers seem to be operating under the assumption that Kane won’t return during the regular season. In their recent trade for defenseman Jake Walman, Edmonton absorbed his entire $3.4 million cap hit, signaling they’re preparing for life without Kane.
Spector notes that while the Oilers have been tight-lipped about Kane’s health status, they likely have clarity on his situation and are waiting until the deadline to make any announcements.
Jeff Skinner ($3M AAV)
Skinner’s situation is intriguing. Despite his no-move clause, there’s speculation that the Oilers are sending subtle hints that he won’t be part of their playoff plans.
Even as the team struggles post-4 Nations break, Skinner has been a healthy scratch, with less-proven forwards getting the nod ahead of him. Could this be enough to convince Skinner to waive his no-move clause?
John Klingberg ($1.75M AAV)
Klingberg’s one-year, prorated deal was a low-risk gamble for the Oilers to see if he could bounce back after a serious injury. While he hasn’t been a liability, he hasn’t exactly been the solution either. With the addition of Jake Walman, Klingberg now looks expendable.
PuckPedia notes, that after acquiring Walman, the Oilers have $301K Cap Space remaining in LTIR with 24 active players (13F/9D/2G). They also note that sending defenseman Cam Dineen, who played great in the Oilers overtime win over Montreal on Thursday, would bring their space up to $1.08M.
They also note that adding Trent Frederic to LTIR brings their space $1.65 million.
What's Next?
The Oilers are clearly in win-now mode, and every dollar of cap space matters. The big question is: which move will they pull off, and how will it impact their Stanley Cup hopes?
Image - Stephen Brashear-Imagn
