In a thin upcoming free agency class, how much could pending centre Jason Dickinson get on the open market?

That’s a question looming above the Edmonton Oilers, who spent a conditional first-round pick and Andrew Mangiapane to acquire Dickinson and Colton Dach at the Trade Deadline.

There just aren’t that many good centres available on the open market this summer. With that in mind, insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period believes Dickinson will command a raise from his $4.25 million per year contract that is expiring.

Pagnotta was asked about his value on Oilersnation Everyday.

Centres with more offence in their game have started to come off the board.

Charlie Coyle, 34, re-upped in Columbus on a six-year contract worth $6 million per season. In a separate case on Tuesday, Evgeni Malkin re-signed with the Penguins for one-year at $5.5 million.

Dickinson turns 31 in July and is strong defensively, but doesn’t have that same offensive pedigree, scoring just one goal and four points as an Oiler in the regular season. Edmonton did miss him at full health, though, during the playoffs, as he provided two goals and an assist in the four games he played against Anaheim.

Top free agent centres who could test the market are older players like Claude Giroux and Jonathan Toews, who are both 38, or players like Boone Jenner, Colton Scissons, and Scott Laughton.

Just once in Dickinson’s career has he hit double-digit goals, a career year in 2023-24, where he potted 22 goals and 35 points. But he is also a valued penalty-killer, and the Oilers didn’t get him because of his offence.

With roughly $16.5 million in cap space, the Oilers will have a tough decision on their hands, determining whether Josh Samanski could provide a similar role to Dickinson at a much cheaper cost. They’ll also have to decide on Connor Murphy, Kasperi Kapanen, Connor Ingram, and Jack Roslovic.

LeaseBusters is Canada’s premier lease takeover marketplace, helping drivers get out of their current vehicle leases without costly penalties or negative equity. Instead of paying thousands to break a lease, sellers connect with qualified buyers ready to take it over—saving money and avoiding financial stress. Buyers benefit from shorter-term commitments and often better monthly payments, while dealerships retain a replacement customer and leasing companies keep contracts active. It’s a smarter, more efficient solution for everyone involved. Four parties, four wins—only with LeaseBusters. For more information, check out www.LeaseBusters.com.