The Edmonton Oilers saw their 2025-26 season come to an abrupt end Thursday night, falling 5-2 to the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of their first-round series. It was a disappointing finish for a team that entered the year with high expectations after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
With pressure mounting for significant roster changes, and the clock already ticking on Connor McDavid’s new extension, the Oilers head into a crucial offseason, with several players set to hit unrestricted free agency.
Edmonton Oilers’ 2026 UFA Outlook
1. Connor Murphy (D, 33): Murphy is the highest-paid UFA on this list, previously earning a $4.4 million AAV. Priority: High. His veteran presence and right-handed shot are difficult to replace, making him a top retention target for a defensive unit in need of stability.
2. Jason Dickinson (C, 30): A left-shooting center, Dickinson is coming off a $4.25 million AAV contract. Priority: High. His defensive utility and ability to play heavy minutes in the bottom six are vital for the Oilers’ structural identity.
3. Adam Henrique (C, 36): At 36, Henrique is the oldest veteran on the list and previously carried a $3 million AAV. Priority: Low. While his leadership is valued, the team likely needs to move on to find younger, faster options for their middle-six forward group.
4. Connor Ingram (G, 29): Ingram is a 29-year-old goaltender who recently earned a $1.95 million AAV. Priority: High. Keeping an established goaltender at a sub-$2 million price point provides necessary insurance and stability in net.
5. Jack Roslovic (C, 29): Roslovic is a right-shooting center with a previous AAV of $1.5 million. Priority: Moderate. He provides valuable offensive depth, but he should only be retained if the price remains close to his current cap hit.
6. Kasperi Kapanen (RW, 29): Kapanen is a right-wing veteran with a $1.3 million AAV. Priority: High. His six-point playoff showing boosted his value, and the Edmonton Oilers are expected to push for an extension.
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7. Calvin Pickard (G, 34): A 34-year-old veteran backup, Pickard earned $1 million in his previous deal. Priority: Moderate. He is a safe, low-cost option to maintain as a backup, though the team may explore internal prospects for this role.
8. Max Jones (LW, 28): Jones is a 28-year-old left-wing coming off a $1 million AAV. Priority: Moderate. His physical style of play is an asset for the fourth line, making him a strong candidate for a short-term, low-cost extension.
9. Cam Dineen (D, 27): Dineen is a 27-year-old defenseman who earned the league minimum of $775,000. Priority: Low. He primarily serves as organizational depth and can likely be replaced by an incoming rookie from the AHL.
10. Samuel Poulin (RW, 25): Poulin is the youngest UFA on the list at 25, with a $775,000 AAV. Priority: Low. He has yet to cement a full-time NHL role and may be allowed to test the market for a fresh start.
11. Curtis Lazar (C, 31): As a veteran center, Lazar earned $775,000 in his previous contract. Priority: Moderate. He is an affordable “energy” player who provides reliable fourth-line minutes and leadership at a minimal cap hit.
12. James Hamblin (LW, 27): Hamblin is a 27-year-old left-wing currently at a $775,000 AAV. Priority: Low. While a solid professional, this roster spot is likely better utilized by a player with higher offensive upside or a more physical profile.
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With several key decisions ahead, Edmonton’s offseason could quietly shape the direction of the franchise, especially as they try to maximize the prime years of Connor McDavid.
