Another Monday means another Mailbag, friends. This is 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 discussing the Ryan McLeod trade, best and worst free agent contracts, the salary cap, and a whole lot 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 soon as we can.
1) Blake asks – What grade would you give the Oilers for what they were able to do in free agency, and which of the deals signed is your favourite?
Baggedmilk:
I’d give them a solid B grade for what’s been done so far. I’m curious to see what else is coming on defence, and also how the Oilers will be able to get under the salary cap given where they’re at and the contracts needed for Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Buffalo Sabres forward Matt Savoie (#93) during the Buffalo Prospect Challenge on September 15, 2023. (Photo from Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)
2) Harley asks – First thoughts on the Ryan McLeod/Tyler Tullio trade for Matt Savoie?
Baggedmilk:
I thought it was ballsy and confusing all at the same time. I’m going to miss Ryan McLeod — the kid is a one-man breakout factory — but the Oilers were also able to pull off a trade that adds a fantastic prospect to their depth chart while also shedding $2.1 million in salary. Some folks think that Matthew Savoie’s ceiling is significantly higher than Ryan McLeod’s, but only time will tell if this gamble paid off.
Apr 18, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) celebrates his goal scored against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at Crypto.com Arena.
3) David O. asks – The free agency signings got a lot of attention and kudos despite not addressing the defence. Do you think the focus on adding guys like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson was to appease 97+29 with more skilled forwards to play with in advance of their contract renewals, whether it was the ideal route for the team or not?
Baggedmilk:
I think they picked those guys up because the Oilers are in win-now mode. I think that both Arvidsson and Skinner signed in Edmonton because they feel like they have a chance to win. Whether or not these moves are just to make Connor and Leon happy, I’d bet that they are just because of the calibre of player coming to town on a team-friendly deals.
Oct 24, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils center Tyler Toffoli (73) waits for the play to resume against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
4) Yves asks – Way too early to tell, but what are the best and worst contracts from NHL free agency so far?
Baggedmilk:
I’m giving Tyler Toffoli’s contract the “worst” tag just because it doesn’t make sense. It’s almost like he signed in San Jose because he’s tired of always going to the playoffs and wants his season to end early for a change.
May 20, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Cody Ceci (5) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in game seven of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Arena.
5) Oilers fan in Van asks – How much more do you think the Oilers still need to do with their roster before the season rolls around? What is the most likely way they get cap-compliant?
Baggedmilk:
I have no idea what they’re going to do, and I think it’s fascinating. Are we going to get a Cody Ceci trade? Are we putting someone on the LTIR and cheating like so many of the champions before us? We’re only a week into free agency and the Oilers have surprised me a few times already, so I’m very much looking forward to watching whatever Jeff Jackson has in store for us.
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