The Edmonton Oilers have now suffered back-to-back defeats in the Stanley Cup Final and could be poised to make significant changes this offseason.
With limited salary cap flexibility, the team faces key decisions—particularly with Evan Bouchard needing a new contract as a restricted free agent and Connor McDavid heading into the final year of his deal. According to NHL insider Marco D’Amico of RG.com, teams are expressing interest in veteran forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
“The Oilers aren’t actively shopping Nugent-Hopkins, but word is they might consider moving him to free up cap space,” D’Amico wrote. “Clubs continue to reach out.”
Drafted first overall in 2011 by Edmonton, Nugent-Hopkins is currently in year five of an eight-year, $41 million contract. He remains a vital secondary scorer and would draw strong interest across the league as a potential second-line center if Edmonton does decide to explore a deal.
This past season, Nugent-Hopkins posted 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) in 78 games. In the playoffs, he tallied 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 22 games.
Injury Impact During Cup Run
Despite being a key contributor, Nugent-Hopkins played through a serious injury during Edmonton’s playoff run. He was often absent from practice, and after the Oilers’ Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers, captain Connor McDavid revealed that Nugent-Hopkins had been playing with a broken hand.
“Nuge playing through that was something special,” McDavid said. “It was tough to watch him go through it, but he still found a way to contribute.”
Even with the injury, Nugent-Hopkins managed 1 goal and 1 assist in the Cup Final series.
GM Open to Big Offseason Moves
General manager Stan Bowman confirmed that the Oilers are weighing all options to strengthen the roster, especially with McDavid’s contract status looming. Bowman made it clear that while the team isn’t desperate to make a blockbuster move, they’re prepared if the right opportunity presents itself.
“You don’t want to chase something just for the sake of it,” Bowman said following the NHL Draft. “But we’re certainly open to exploring all possibilities. Once free agency opens, we’ll see what’s out there.”
He added that decisions will depend on cap space, contract terms, and the overall fit, but the team has no hesitation about pursuing a high-profile acquisition if the circumstances align.
As of now, the Oilers have approximately $12.3 million in available cap space heading into the offseason.
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