For NHL teams looking to address their roster needs through free agency on July 1, the market proved disappointing. It seemed to finish quickly, with few desirable options available from the start.
The limited options began early, with significant players like Mikko Rantanen moving in trades well before July 1st.
The reigning champions, Florida, also secured key players Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad, removing more top free-agent possibilities.
Additionally, the biggest potential free agent, Mitch Marner, was traded to Vegas before free agency even opened.
Consequently, by the time free agency officially started, the top players were unavailable, and even solid alternatives quickly signed elsewhere.
This situation left several teams in a difficult spot. Teams needing significant roster changes found their needs unmet due to the lack of free-agent talent, leaving roster gaps with no easy fixes.
Considering this, some teams may now have to rely on trades to acquire the players they couldn`t sign as free agents.
Edmonton Oilers
After reaching the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers` off-season strategy seemed obvious: bolster the forward depth behind their star players and evaluate goaltender Stuart Skinner.
However, their off-season has seen their forward group diminish. Corey Perry, a key playoff scorer, departed for Los Angeles, along with depth players Connor Brown and John Klingberg. Trades also sent forwards Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson away.
General Manager Stan Bowman did acquire Andrew Mangiapane, a former 35-goal scorer known for playing against the Oilers in the Battle of Alberta before a short period in Washington.
Duncan Priestley