The Wish List

Photo credit:James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

4 years ago

With the free agency discussion period upon us, it’s time for an updated look at The Wish List. I have removed Gustav Nyquist, Kasperi Kapanen, Nik Ehlers from the list in favour of some more reasonable candidates as well as eliminating Brian Elliott after he signed with the Flyers on Thursday morning.

THE WISH LIST RUNDOWN

WISH LIST BREAKDOWN

1. Brett Connolly – UFA – RW/LW

Connolly was the number one target on the inaugural installment of The Wish List and certainly won’t be moving off the top spot until he signs elsewhere. There has been a lot of speculation that Connolly and the Oilers would be a good match. Connolly’s agent Gerry Johansson was on Oilers Now on Tuesday and said the Oilers would be a good fit for his client. I agree. Is four years at four million bucks per year too much?

2. Andre Burakovsky – RFA, Washington – LW

I haven’t heard much Burakovsky buzz as of late but I still think he would be an excellent pick up for the Oilers. I’m not sure what the asking price would be but I’d be happy to pick him up and leave him in the top six for the entire season.

3. Marcus Johansson – UFA – C/RW/LW

The one thing Johansson has going for him that Connolly and Burakovsky do not is that he can play all three positions up front. Johansson could start the year as the Oilers third line center but if another player emerges into that role he could very easily move to the wing on the second line.

4. Petr Mrazek – UFA – Carolina – G

Petr Mrazek would be the perfect fit to join Mikko Koskinen in Edmonton. In my opinion, Mrazek would be the best the Oilers could do right and now could most certainly come into Edmonton and steal the number one job from Koskinen. I just worry his price tag may be a little too much for the Oilers to handle.

5. Brandon Tanev – UFA – LW/RW

The Oilers have reportedly shown interest in Tanev and he would be a great fit in the bottom six. We would all need to realize that he doesn’t have top six upside but he would be the key piece on the Oilers third line.

6. Colin Miller – 3 Years, $3,750,000, Las Vegas – D

I know Ken Holland has said, on more than one occasion, that he likes his blueline but Miller could really be an upgrade on the right side. The Golden Knights find themselves in a spot where they are likely desperate to move Miller and his 3.75 million dollar cap hit.

7. Joonas Donskoi – UFA – RW

Worst case scenario Donskoi can play on the third line but I think he’s the type of player who would put up better numbers given some opportunity in the top six. If the Oilers strike out on Connolly I’d be going hard to get Donskoi.

8. Connor Brown – 1 Year, $2,100,000, Toronto – LW/RW

This move would have to come via trade but I still think it’s something the Oilers should explore. The Leafs are desperate for d-men and for the right price I’m sure Holland would be willing to move one of his. Benning for Brown almost makes too much sense for both sides.

9. Daniel Carr – UFA – LW

Maybe Daniel Carr is the ultimate tweener or maybe he’s a guy who just needs a legit opportunity. The Sherwood Park product torched the AHL this season putting up 30 goals and 71 points in just 52 games. He wouldn’t cost a lot and he may be able to get you 15 goals.

10. Brandon Pirri – UFA – W/C

Pirri has always been able to score goals when given the chance. He scored 12 goals in 31 games with the Golden Knights this season which pro-rates to a 31 goal season. At this stage of his career, I have to think all Pirri is looking for a full-time job in the NHL. If the Oilers sign him and it doesn’t work, oh well, on to the next one, but what if it does work? It’s worth a look at this point.