Though the playoffs are rolling along, most of the NHL is firmly focused on the offseason ahead.
Let’s take a look at some of the buzz concerning the Edmonton Oilers in this week’s rumour roundup.
Targeting Cassidy as a coach
By far the favourite to take on the Oilers vacant head coaching role is Bruce Cassidy. Cassidy has expressed a desire to coach for a contender, but also to coach in Canada as well. Based on these signs alone it is natural that the Oilers seem to fit the description.
There are, of course, other options, but Cassidy represents a lot of what the Oilers are hoping to become. With a wealth of playoff experience and a strong reputation, it’s easy to see why the Oilers would be interested in Cassidy as well. While a thorough search could take some time, there appears to be a good fit from both sides.
The same might be said about Craig Berube. Some have even pondered about the return of Jay Woodcroft, though this seems less likely despite his potential to land a job elsewhere. At least for now, with a head start on the open market, Cassidy remains as the most likely.
Young goalies to keep an eye on
With the state of the Oilers crease still unsettled, it will be another offseason of speculation for the team. Especially considering rumours that the Oilers will look to offload Tristan Jarry, and the free agent status of Connor Ingram, some movement is to be expected.
There might be younger goalies around the league that are pushed out of favour. While veterans like Sergei Bobrovsky or Filip Gustavsson might be available, there will also be a market for younger options. Sebastian Cossa of the Detroit Red Wings and Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres might be deemed expendable by their current teams. Others, like Dennis Hildeby of the Toronto Maple Leafs or Pyotr Kochetkov of the Carolina Hurricanes might fall into this category as well.
In a sense this is a risky proposition for the Oilers, relying upon an unproven option. At the same time upside is present in these unproven goalies, through projected performance or pedigree. The risk is immense given the Oilers Stanley Cup aspirations, but the cap cost for unproven options is generally lower.
Cossa, in particular, has been linked to the Oilers before. With John Gibson as the starter, pending UFA Cam Talbot as backup, and top prospect Trey Augustine on the rise, Cossa might be the odd man out. Cossa authored his third straight strong season in the AHL proving that he might be ready for more.
Meanwhile, the Oilers have some young goalies who are deserving of greater opportunity as well. Connor Ungar, Samuel Jonsson, and Nathaniel Day all performed well this past season, and deserve more responsibility in the organization next season. One way or another the Oilers reluctance to trust young goalies will be tested.
Giving Kesselring a second chance
The playoffs can be revealing in more ways than one. In particular, some players will be surprise scratches in the postseason. This might point to dissatisfaction from the team or player, enough that these scratches often become trade targets.
For now it seems to be the case for Michael Kesselring. Formerly an Oilers prospect, Kesselring’s career took off after joining the Arizona Coyotes. Traded to the Buffalo Sabres last offseason, there was an expectation that Kesselring would help solidify a talented blueline in need of right shots.
This has not been the case, Kesselring now finding himself on the outside looking in. Despite falling out of favour, Kesselring might still have a lot to offer. The right shot has size, skating, and a sneaky shot from the point. Some systems do not agree with certain players, and so the Oilers would have to believe that Kesselring still has some better hockey ahead of him to consider a move. With an affordable cap hit, a tanking trade cost, and some familiarity, the Oilers could be among the teams most interested in Kesselring.
DeBrusk and Edmonton’s connection
Another potential trade target is Jake DeBrusk, who has long been tied to the Oilers as a potential fit. With his personal ties to Edmonton and the Oilers, DeBrusk might also be a great fit on the ice. His power forward style of play would seem to fit well in an Oilers lineup with a contingent of smaller young forwards trying to assert themselves. For many of the same reasons, pending UFA Bobby McMann is a potential target for the Oilers.
The Vancouver Canucks, meanwhile, went into rebuild mode this season. The altering landscape might be enough for DeBrusk and the Canucks to rethink their commitment to each other.
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