The Edmonton Oilers have never fared all that well in free agency. Just look at the two-year, $7.2 million Andrew Mangiapane contract general manager Stan Bowman handed out last year.
However, there’s value to be had this year despite it being a slim pickings class of free agents. Per multiple reports, the Oilers had interest in a faceoff-winning center who moved to the Minnesota Wild on deadline day, but if they were harboring any hopes of targeting him in free agency, they might want to look elsewhere.
Oilers Free Agency: Michael McCarron Likely Returning to Minnesota Wild
After the Oilers were bounced out of the playoffs in six games by the Anaheim Ducks, management alluded to a plan to have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl play on the same line.
That little change would have necessitated a need for a center, and with that plan in mind, Michael McCarron has often been linked as a free agency target for Edmonton.
But McCarron, who has never made more than $900,000 in a season, appears to be leaning towards a return to Minnesota.
“The Wild’s No. 1 internal target to re-sign is Michael McCarron, and he’s closing in on re-signing on a long-term contract, per league sources,” The Athletic’s Minnesota Wild reporters revealed this week.
At his end-of-season interview, the 6-foot-6, right-shot center made it clear that he was grateful for the Wild taking a chance on him, but he also needed to ensure some financial stability with his next deal.
“I think I’m at a point in my career where I haven’t really taken that next step financially, or had quite the security, I’d say. I guess that’s what I’m looking for,” the Wild center said.
McCarron is expected to land a contract not exceeding $2 million in AAV, and at 31, that deal could fall into the 4-5-year range. If that’s the price, it would represent an excellent investment for teams like the Oilers, who are on the lookout for proven talent on the cheap.
However, given the dearth of centers this year and the sheer number of teams looking to add depth at the position, McCarron could entertain a bidding war before eventually getting the Wild to match.
Given the fact that Minnesota has also been linked with a trade for Dylan Larkin, it remains to be seen how much wheeling and dealing GM Bill Guerin can manage this summer.
KEEP READING: ‘Makes Less Than Zero Sense’: Canucks Insider Demolishes Idea of Oilers’ $74M Darnell Nurse Cap Dump
But when it comes to the Oilers, Stan Bowman may want to line up backup options. The trade market, for starters, might be one to keep an eye on after they get their free agency re-signings done and dusted.
At present, the Oilers’ priority will likely be re-signing Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Kasperi Kapanen to team-friendly contracts. All three players impressed this season, with Dickinson and Murphy joining the team prior to the trade deadline in a move that dumped Mangiapane’s contract to the Chicago Blackhawks.
But before they even get to that point, there is the little matter of sorting out what to do about Darnell Nurse and his $9.25 million cap hit.
