Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers appeared to finally have momentum on their side this season. When COVID-19 shut down the NHL, the Oil were second in their division and fourth in the conference. While potentially missing their opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup, they could also lose several players to free agency this offseason.
Gaëtan Haas
Gaëtan Haas could be the first player the Oilers let walk. After playing ten seasons for Biel HC in Switzerland, Haas moved to North America at the start of the season.
He played two games for the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL and then 58 for the Oilers. He wasn’t able to secure consistent minutes in the NHL and could very likely go back to the Swiss League next season.
Riley Sheahan
Edmonton’s third-line center Riley Sheahan hasn’t been spectacular this year. In just under 13 minutes a night of ice time, he managed to pop in 15 points on eight goals and seven assists through 66 games. Being paid just $900k this year, it’s possible that he returns to Edmonton at another cheap price point.
Tyler Ennis and Patrick Russell
Tyler Ennis and Patrick Russell are two more players with small tickets. Ennis is making $800k and Russell, $700k. After a great season from Ennis, he should be looking at a raise.
The former Toronto Maple Leafs center and left-winger did well in Ottawa, recording 14 goals and 19 assists in 61 games. He was then traded to the Oilers where in nine games he scored two goals and two assists.
For Russell, this season marked his first full time jump into the majors. He had previously spent three seasons playing for the Condors.
After suiting up for six games last year, he managed to play 45 of them his season. Wherever he lands next year, it will be to add depth to their roster on what will likely be a two-way contract.
Mike Green
Ennis wasn’t the only pending UFA that the Oilers traded for this season. They also acquired Mike Green from the Red Wings, giving back Kyle Brodziak and a conditional fourth-round 2020 draft pick to get him.
Green isn’t the offensive juggernaut he was when he played for the Washington Capitals. He can no longer quarterback a powerplay and he isn’t surprising teams anymore by jumping up into the rush. Green is now a bottom pairing defenseman who struggles to boost his offensive numbers.
Mike Smith
A decision will also need to be made for goaltender Mike Smith. When the offseason hits and he becomes a free agent, the 38-year-old will need to decide whether it’s time to hang up the pads or chase another one-year deal. He was paid $3.75 million this season in Edmonton and had decent numbers as the club’s backup. It would not be surprising to see Smith remain in the NHL for another campaign.