The Edmonton Oilers face crucial decisions this offseason as they aim to rebound from an ‘average’ season, with Connor McDavid signed for two more years. With a projected cap space of $16.5 million and key draft picks in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th rounds for 2026, the Oilers are expected to seek team-friendly contracts and potentially move out a significant contract not involving their star players, McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings are contemplating their strategic direction. A full rebuild appears unlikely, as the team strives to maintain competitiveness while clarifying their long-term vision. With defenseman Drew Doughty entering the final year of his contract and expressing a desire to play until age 40, the Kings might explore trade options this offseason if they decide on a different path post-contract. The team’s blue line requires adjustment, with Mikey Anderson, Brandt Clarke, and Cody Ceci likely remaining. This suggests Doughty, Brian Dumoulin, or Joel Edmundson could be moved. Angus Booth is considered the most NHL-ready defenseman prospect in the AHL.
The Kings also need reinforcement down the middle and are expected to operate with an internal budget and limited assets for acquisitions. Acquiring a center like Robert Thomas (Blues) or Auston Matthews (Maple Leafs), or even Brady Tkachuk (though not a center), would be challenging, likely requiring prospects like Quinton Byfield, Clarke, first-round picks, and young goaltenders. There appears to be mutual interest between the Kings and Scott Laughton.
Despite the NHL salary cap projected to rise to $104 million, the Kings may aim for a team salary closer to $94 million. To facilitate any new acquisitions, salary cap relief will be necessary. If the team is comfortable with Anton Forsberg and Erik Portillo in net, they could consider trading Darcy Kuemper and his $5 million contract.
English Translation:
The Edmonton Oilers are facing critical decisions in the offseason as they aim to recover from an ‘average’ season, with Connor McDavid under contract for two more years. With an estimated $16.5 million in cap space and significant draft picks in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th rounds for 2026, the Oilers are anticipated to look for team-friendly contracts and might consider trading away a substantial contract not involving their star players, McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Concurrently, the Los Angeles Kings are deliberating their strategic path. A complete rebuild seems improbable, as the team endeavors to stay competitive while defining their overarching goals. With defenseman Drew Doughty entering the final year of his contract and having stated his intention to play until he is 40, the Kings may investigate trade possibilities this offseason if they opt for a different direction after his current deal concludes. The team’s defensive corps necessitates changes, with Mikey Anderson, Brandt Clarke, and Cody Ceci likely to remain. This implies that Doughty, Brian Dumoulin, or Joel Edmundson could be traded. Angus Booth is viewed as the most NHL-ready defenseman prospect in the AHL.
The Kings also require reinforcements down the center and are expected to operate with an internal budget and limited assets for acquisitions. Obtaining a center such as Robert Thomas (Blues) or Auston Matthews (Maple Leafs), or even Brady Tkachuk (though not a center), would be difficult, likely demanding prospects like Quinton Byfield, Clarke, first-round picks, and young goaltenders. There appears to be mutual interest between the Kings and Scott Laughton.
Despite the NHL salary cap’s projected increase to $104 million, the Kings might target a team salary closer to $94 million. To enable any new acquisitions, salary cap relief will be essential. If the team is content with Anton Forsberg and Erik Portillo in goal, they could explore trading Darcy Kuemper and his $5 million salary.
