Edmonton’s front office is again probing the waiver wire and contemplating late-summer moves to deepen the roster after rolling the dice on Kasperi Kapanen and Alec Regula last season. The Oilers could pursue a handful of waiver targets or swing a September trade as insurance for depth at forward, defense, and goaltending.

Projected targets include goaltenders Mike DiPietro and Colton Ellis, plus forward options Samuel Fagemo and Matej Blumel, with William Villeneuve providing right-handed defensive depth. Matt Grzelcyk surfaces as the marquee UFA defenseman the Oilers could chase, potentially shaping a third pairing or power-play role. The piece also flags Colorado, Chicago, and Calgary as logical bidders should Grzelcyk hit the open market, while noting Edmonton’s cap constraints as it weighs deals and possible restructures.

The Dallas Stars experienced a significant loss in the free agency market as promising winger Matěj Blümel signed a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Boston Bruins. Joining the Bruins was a strategic decision for Blümel, who had been developing in the Stars’ organization since 2022, primarily with the Texas Stars. Last season, he showcased his potential by scoring 39 goals and providing 33 assists in 67 games at the AHL level, alongside a brief stint in the NHL where he netted one goal in seven appearances.

Blümel's move was influenced by the one-way deal from Boston, which guarantees his salary regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or AHL. This contrasts with his recent competition for a forward spot in Dallas, where he ultimately fell short despite a standout AHL season. With his departure, the Stars may now have new opportunities for other Texas Stars players this training camp.

The Texas Stars showcased an impressive performance in their final home weekend of the AHL regular season, securing a 5-3 victory over the Manitoba Moose. The Stars surged ahead with a dominant four-goal first period, featuring two quick scores from Kyle Capobianco, who demonstrated his offensive prowess with precise wrist shots. Cameron Hughes added another on the power play, while Justin Hryckowian capitalized shortly after a short-handed goal from Manitoba's Axel Jonsson-Fjällby.

Despite a resilient effort from the Moose, who managed to close the gap with goals from Ben King and Fabian Wagner, Hryckowian sealed the game with an empty-netter. Matej Blümel's stellar three-assist performance brought him within striking distance of the AHL scoring lead, marking a significant milestone in his season. With Magnus Hellberg in goal turning away 22 shots, the Stars are poised for their last regular season matchup against the Moose, seeking to end on a high note.

The Texas Stars secured a convincing 4-1 victory against the Grand Rapids Griffins, highlighted by a hat trick from Kole Lind. Lind opened the scoring early in the first period with a deft tip-in of a Michael Karow shot. Despite being outshot 13-5 in the second period, the Stars maintained pressure. In the third, Lind netted two goals, including one during a breakaway and another into an empty net, marking his first hat trick in a Stars uniform. Matej Blumel also scored an empty-netter to cap off the game, while goalie Remi Poirier secured the win with 17 saves.

The Texas Stars triumphed over the Cleveland Monsters with a 5-4 shootout victory, marking their fourth straight win on their road trip. Goaltender Magnus Hellberg shined, stopping all shootout attempts this season alongside Remi Poirier. Matej Blümel and Cameron Hughes scored in the shootout. The Stars displayed offensive prowess with goals from Kole Lind, Arttu Hyry, and Blümel, who tied the league record with his 37th goal. Despite Cleveland's Trey Fix-Wolansky tying the game late in the third, the Stars emerged victorious after a scoreless overtime.