The Edmonton Oilers have spent the last few weeks searching for the right veteran pieces to strengthen a roster that fell *well* short of expectations. Among the names linked to the team, Claude Giroux stood out as a natural fit because of his experience and offensive versatility.
However, the picture has become much clearer as the market continues to unfold, leaving Edmonton to rethink part of its plan.
Oilers Free Agency Watch: Claude Giroux Out of the Running
Giroux is no longer expected to land in Edmonton, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, who shared the update during the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast.
While the Oilers made a legitimate push to bring in the former Ottawa Senators veteran, Friedman confirmed that the pursuit has come to an end as Giroux remains patient before deciding where he wants to play next.
Friedman made it clear that Edmonton was involved in the process before circumstances changed. “They were in on Giroux. They’re not going to get him, but they were in on him,” he said.
Friedman then floated Vladimir Tarasenko as a player worth watching, suggesting the veteran winger could become Edmonton’s next target if the team decides to continue adding experience to its forward group. Tarasenko had 47 points last season, two points less than Giroux, but banged in 23 goals.
The Oilers are in a position to explore that possibility because they recently cleared significant cap space by trading Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks.
The move not only removed Nurse’s $9.25 million cap hit but also brought back defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin, who has already signed a 2-year extension, along with prospect Zachary Sharp.
Even with this flexibility, general manager Stan Bowman must still account for restricted free agent Colton Dach before making another major commitment.
Friedman on Mike Babcock’s Potential Impact on Oilers
Friedman’s discussion also extended beyond free agency, focusing on the atmosphere inside the Oilers after last season’s disappointing finish. He believes the organization hired Mike Babcock because management wanted someone willing to challenge an accomplished roster rather than simply manage it.
“They needed a break. They were at the end last year,” Friedman said, describing a team that had lost its edge by the closing stretch of the season.
This message reportedly reached the leadership group immediately. Friedman noted that Babcock told the team’s core, “You guys are as much the problem,” setting a different tone from the outset.
He also believes that approach will shape Edmonton throughout the season because Babcock has never been reluctant to hold star players accountable.
“If they want to be challenged, they’ve got a guy who’s not going to be afraid to challenge them,” Friedman added, pointing to situations where the coach could make bold in-game decisions regardless of reputation.
DON’T MISS: Oilers Blueliner’s Agent Picks Beef With NHL Insider
Missing on Giroux is undoubtedly a setback, but it does not leave Edmonton without options. Between available cap space, alternative veterans such as Tarasenko, and a new coach determined to reshape the team’s culture, the Oilers still have opportunities to strengthen their roster.
The challenge now is turning those moves into the response they were hoping to find this summer.
