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 Edmonton Oilers have made significant moves in the offseason, re-signing standout defenseman Evan Bouchard to a lucrative four-year, $42 million contract. Known for his powerful shot referred to as the 'Bouch Bomb,' Bouchard's impressive performance, including 18 goals and 64 assists last season, made him a key player as the Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice. His new contract secures his status as the fourth-highest paid defenseman in the NHL.

Additionally, the Oilers have re-signed winger Kasperi Kapanen for one year at $1.3 million and center Noah Philp for $775,000. With a solid roster building around their star players like Connor McDavid, the Oilers are positioning themselves as strong contenders for the upcoming season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made headlines by acquiring winger Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth, trading a conditional third-round pick in the 2027 draft. Maccelli, 24, is coming off a lackluster 18-point season but previously had a solid 2023-24 campaign with 57 points, including 17 goals and 40 assists.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers secured Kasperi Kapanen with a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Kapanen, who was claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Blues last November, recorded 14 points in 67 games during the 2024-25 regular season and contributed an overtime goal in the playoffs.

The Vancouver Canucks also made moves, re-signing four depth players who helped their AHL affiliate clinch a championship. Forwards Aatu Raty and Arshdeep Bains inked two-year contracts, while Guillaume Brisebois and Max Sasson secured one-year deals.

As the free agency window approaches, star players like Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand, and Brock Boeser are expected to test the market.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are parting ways with superstar winger Mitch Marner, sending him to the Vegas Golden Knights in a blockbuster deal ahead of NHL free agency. Marner's new eight-year contract totals $96 million, a strategic move as he would have been limited to a seven-year deal if he had tested the market. After a stellar nine-year run in Toronto, where he registered 741 points in 657 games, Marner leaves behind a mixed playoff legacy, struggling in critical postseason moments.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are securing their future by extending defenseman Evan Bouchard with a four-year, $42 million contract. Bouchard has emerged as a key player for the Oilers, known for his powerful shot, contributing significantly in both regular and playoff performances. Other notable moves include the re-signing of winger Kasperi Kapanen and the acquisition of Matias Maccelli by the Maple Leafs, showcasing the frantic activity leading up to free agency.

The Edmonton Oilers continue to shape their roster ahead of NHL free agency by re-signing center Noah Philp to a one-year, two-way contract valued at $775,000. Philp, 26, contributed two assists in 15 appearances for the Oilers last season while showcasing his offensive prowess with 35 points, including 19 goals, in 55 games with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors.

In addition, the Oilers have inked winger Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. Kapanen, 28, had a modest scoring season with 13 points over 57 games, but he demonstrated his ability to elevate his play during the playoffs, adding six points in 12 appearances. With several key players, including Corey Perry and Connor Brown, set to hit the free-agent market, the Oilers are positioning themselves for a competitive season.