The NHL offseason is heating up as teams eagerly await decisions on key free agents. Nikolaj Ehlers remains a central figure in the trade rumors, with no immediate contract expected. His agent, Andre Rufener, will potentially delay any announcement into Wednesday, keeping teams like the New Jersey Devils and others in a holding pattern. Bob McKenzie reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs, along with the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and Washington Capitals, are competing for Ehlers' signature, highlighting his value in the current market.

In other news, the Edmonton Oilers recently traded Viktor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins, opening up approximately $4.5 million in cap space for potential additions. The Montreal Canadiens have made an offer to Joe Veleno amidst interest from several teams including the Vegas Golden Knights and St. Louis Blues. As the trade tracker updates, teams are closely monitoring the free agent forward market as it could shift significantly based on Ehlers' decision.

The Boston Bruins have made a strategic move by acquiring winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2027. This transaction comes after Arvidsson waived his no-movement clause, allowing the Bruins to take on his full $4 million salary for this season.

During his tenure with the Oilers, Arvidsson struggled to find his footing, only scoring 15 goals in 67 appearances. His time there was marked by frequent healthy scratches during the Oilers' playoff run, which raised questions about his fit in Edmonton. In contrast, the Bruins view him as a potential solution for their need for middle-six scoring depth, especially as they look to rebound from a disappointing season without a playoff berth.

Viktor Arvidsson has officially been traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Boston Bruins, with the Oilers receiving a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in return. The 32-year-old forward had a solid performance last season, recording 27 points (15 goals and 12 assists) across 67 regular-season games, and contributed seven points (two goals and five assists) in 15 playoff games. Over his career, Arvidsson has accumulated 389 points (194 goals, 195 assists) over 613 regular-season games, along with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 87 postseason appearances.

Arvidsson comes with one year left on his two-year, $8 million contract, which he signed as a free agent with the Oilers in July 2024. This trade marks a strategic move for the Bruins as they look to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

The Edmonton Oilers are actively pursuing a new goaltender following their struggles during the Stanley Cup Final. Despite the thin goalie market, the team is considering options such as Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, who have been evaluated for a potential return. GM Stan Bowman has indicated that while improvements are needed, acquiring a new goalie is not guaranteed at this point.

Past targets like John Gibson and current discussions surrounding Jake Allen and Alexandar Georgiev reflect the Oilers' attempts to find a solution. However, with injuries complicating trades and the salary cap considerations, the Oilers may lean towards continuity if better options do not present themselves. The situation remains fluid as they explore their options.

The Edmonton Oilers have successfully re-signed Evan Bouchard to a four-year contract valued at $42 million, securing one of their top defensemen ahead of the free agency period. This deal averages $10.5 million annually and reflects Bouchard's significant contributions during his tenure, including two consecutive Western Conference titles. Last season, he notched 14 goals and 67 points over 82 games, while also tallying 23 points in the playoffs, despite facing challenges in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.

At just 25 years old, Bouchard has emerged as a versatile defenseman who plays on both the power play and penalty kill. His average ice time last season reached a career-high of 23 minutes and 27 seconds, showcasing his importance to the Oilers’ defensive unit. As a former first-round pick from 2018, Bouchard's development has positioned him as a crucial asset for Edmonton as they aim for continued success in the NHL.