Five Team Canada players cleared of charges become eligible to sign in October, with Dec. 1 readiness on the line. Alex Formenton has already headed overseas; Cal Foote, Dillon Dube, Michael McLeod and Carter Hart are eyeing their next steps, Hart attracting the most attention as a possible Edmonton Oilers addition. Edmonton must balance a potential goaltending boost from Hart against fan backlash, plus a two-year layoff that complicates immediate contribution behind Skinner and Pickard.

Stuart Skinner’s extension debate is the marquee NHL storyline in Edmonton as the Oilers weigh a long-term marry-the-arc plan. Zach Laing’s five-year projection at a 6.817 million cap hit carries a mature edge: a high-ceiling bet on Skinner through his prime, tempered by a 22% chance the model assigns to hitting that exact outcome.

Skinner’s postseason numbers dipped to a 2.99 GAA and .889 SV% across 15 games in 2024-25, a contrast to the spring when he lifted Edmonton in back-to-back Cup Final runs. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky outdueled the Oilers’ tandem in the Final, while GM Stan Bowman defended his goaltenders and Kris Knoblauch rode Skinner in must-win Game 6. For fantasy, a long-term Skinner in Edmonton could stabilize a once-volatile position, but the playoff skid injects risk into any price tag. The piece also frames rival stoppers—Kuemper, Hill, and Oettinger—as benchmarks to contextualize Skinner’s ceiling and downside as the Oilers navigate this contract crossroads.

Stuart Skinner, a promising goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, is expected to command a significant salary in his upcoming contract negotiations. Currently earning $2.6 million, his performance, particularly during the playoffs, suggests his market value could exceed $6 million per year, similar to Lukas Dostal’s recent contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers will need to weigh their options carefully, especially as Skinner approaches unrestricted free agency.

Meanwhile, the team is exploring the possibility of adding depth players, such as gritty wingers Brett Leason and Klim Kostin, and a left-handed defenseman like Jon Merrill, as they prepare for the season ahead. The financial implications of these decisions will be critical as the Oilers aim to maintain competitiveness while managing the salary cap.

With substantial changes ahead, the Edmonton Oilers have restructured their coaching staff, aiming for a more consistent output next season. Paul Coffey transitions to a special adviser role, while Paul McFarland joins as a power-play specialist, looking to rejuvenate a once-prominent aspect of the team. Goalies will now be trained under Peter Aubry, who replaces long-standing coach Dustin Schwartz. Assistant coach Mark Stuart's extended contract reflects confidence in strengthening the penalty kill after a lackluster performance in the last playoffs.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch, entering his second full season, acknowledges the importance of Coffey's insights as the team adjusts to new personnel. The revamped coaching team is expected to enhance player performance across different facets of the game, especially in the power play which has historically been a strength for Edmonton, led by star Leon Draisaitl.