The Edmonton Oilers are definitely looking to improve their roster between now and March 8, the National Hockey League (NHL) trade deadline, and some changes may occur due to financial constraints.
The Alberta team sits in third place in the Pacific Division with 72 points and is reportedly considering reinforcements at the front and back. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, St. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich is on general manager Ken Holland's radar. However, to offset the Russian's $5.8 million annual crowd impact, he will have to sacrifice elements, as the available space is just over $500,000, according to trade site CapFriendly.
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As a result, players on the current roster risk a move if Holland needs to make room to get their hands on an expensive hockey player. Among the skaters expected to leave Edmonton, Pagnotta listed former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Brett Kulak, as well as Cody Ceci and winger Warren Foegele.
This season, Kulak is entering the second year of a four-year, $11 million contract. In 57 games, he scored two goals and seven assists and posted a +4 rating. That costs more, but his four-year, $13 million contract ends in 2025. The guard has 17 points in 57 games. Foegele scored a total of 29 points in as many games. He will be eligible for full autonomy this summer once his $2.75 million-per-year contract is finalized.