If you’re reading this intro, it must be Monday again. That means I’ve got a fresh Mailbag where I take your questions and send them off to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we’re talking about offer sheet decisions, the Leon Draisaitl negotiation, and much more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at baggedmilk@oilersnation.com or hit me up on Twitter at @jsbmbaggedmilk, and I’ll get to you as quickly as possible.
Jun 21, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Dylan Holloway (55) controls the puck during the warmup period against the Florida Panthers in game six of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place.
1) Oilers fan in Van asks – How would you grade the Oilers’ response to the St. Louis offer sheets? We now know that the team wouldn’t match on either player, but do you believe that was the right approach given the circumstances the team is in?
Jason Gregor:
Yes. Cap wise (for the next two years) it isn’t make sense. However, long term it might really sting if both players keep developing and become more than what hey are now. The Blues feel they will.
Liam Horrobin:
I’ll give it a B+. They explored all options and managed to come away from the week with two players with potential in Vasily Podkolzkin and Ty Emberson.
Baggedmilk:
I’ll go with a B, I guess. I think it was probably the right move when you consider that the Oilers have Draisaitl, Bouchard, and McDavid extensions coming over the next two seasons. That said, losing both of those players hurts. I liked both players and it sucks to have them stolen from us for money that doesn’t make sense that this point in their careers.
2) Ed M. asks – Bowman quote from the Zoom call: “It was nice to see that the Oilers are a destination for players that are more focused on trying to win a championship. It was obvious that the players that chose to come to Edmonton likely (left) money on the table.”
Do you think that part of the motivation to not match was the impact on the LD negotiations?
Jason Gregor:
Not really as his deal doesn’t kick in until next season. And it is easy for vets who have made $50m to “take less” than it is young players who haven’t made any yet.
Liam Horrobin:
Yes, the Oilers need to sign Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard this year. Having extra money tied up in Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg wouldn’t be helpful.
Baggedmilk:
Whether or not it’s something the team thinks about, taking less to stay here is something we’re all thinking about. And let’s be honest, even league minimum in the NHL is more money than most people will ever see in a single calendar year.
3) Bryson asks – Do you think the Oilers are done making moves before training camp outside of PTO invites?
Jason Gregor:
Yes. A PTO could make sense but I don’t see them signing another player before camp.
Liam Horrobin:
Yes, I think they’ll PTO a defenceman and maybe a forward but that’ll be it.
Baggedmilk:
I’d like another trade. I don’t know what that trade would be but I always like to see movement and new toys coming to town.
UFA Update: #Oilers are perusing the market for right-shot D, including Justin Schultz, Tyson Barrie and Kevin Shattenkirk, among others.
Also, Max Pacioretty has firm offers in-hand from at least three teams, the veteran forward expected to make a decision soon.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) August 23, 2024
4) Roger asks – Frank Seravalli tweeted on Friday that the Oilers are expressing interest in Justin Schultz, Tyson Barrie, and Kevin Shattenkirk. Given where those players are at in their careers, do you see any of them as a fit in Edmonton?
Jason Gregor:
I do not.
Liam Horrobin:
I don’t think any of them are more than a bottom pairing or extra defenceman. I wouldn’t touch Tyson Barrie but I do think Justin Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk have something to offer. With saying that, the Oilers need a left shot defenceman not a right shot.
Baggedmilk:
I was actually stunned by Frank’s tweet because the Oilers don’t really need depth on the right side. They need LHD, so I don’t know how any of those guys make sense outside of doing it for the vibes.
Oct 12, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Ty Emberson (6) skates on the ice before the game against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
5) Randeep asks – How comfortable are you with the current state of the Oilers roster? Are they deep enough on forward and on defence to make another push for the Stanley Cup?
Jason Gregor:
Current roster won’t be the same as the one who starts the playoffs. They will make some changes during the season.
Liam Horrobin:
100%. The forward group is better than last year with the additions of Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson. Connor Brown will be a different player this year too. Obviously, the blue line needs some help but let’s not pretend that the Oilers won’t address that at some point.
Baggedmilk:
I think Bowman will add before the playoffs, but I am nervous about the defence yet again. Evergreen, though, I suppose.
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