3 Free Agent Forwards the Edmonton Oilers Should Target – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers had a frustrating season, leading to a first-round elimination. As a result, roster changes are mandatory. They could go the trade route, but if they want to save assets, there are a few unrestricted free agents (UFAs) that make sense and would be good fits.

Unfortunately, the free agent class is weak, which means some players will get severely overpaid. However, the Oilers need to find value to improve the team. With free agency just under one month away, here are three UFAs the Oilers should target.

Eeli Tolvanen

Eeli Tolvanen could be an option in a middle-six role. He shouldn’t be the primary addition, but he would be a nice complementary piece for the forward group. The 27-year-old had a down season, recording 12 goals and 36 points in 78 games with a minus-18 rating, averaging 16:03 per game with the Seattle Kraken.

The Finnish forward scored just five goals at 5-on-5, but he had 17 the season prior. He also had 12 5-on-5 goals in 2022-23 and 12 in 2023-24. He has proven that he can score at even strength in the past, so it’s a good bet that he can do it again.

Tolvanen is a physical forechecker, recording 187 hits, ranking second on the team. He averaged 8.96 hits per 60 minutes. He also led the forward group in blocked shots with 81, averaging 3.88 blocks per 60 minutes. The 2017 first-round pick is versatile and can kill penalties. He spent 81:07 shorthanded last season, by far the most of his career. He’s a newer penalty killer, but he can fill that role if needed. The Oilers’ penalty kill has struggled, ranking 20th in the league, so a new face in the mix could be beneficial.

Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine is an intriguing option. He was limited to just five games last season after an injury-riddled campaign, registering one assist with a minus-3 rating, averaging 12:36 per game. He received clearance to play, but remained in the press box as a healthy scratch.

The Oilers should only bring him in on a cheap contract in the $1-1.5 million range, and if it’s anything more, they should stay away. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that he can sign a bonus-incentivized contract with a lower base salary due to his time on injured reserve, similar to Connor Brown before the 2023-24 season. Laine’s value is at an all-time low, so he could come to Edmonton to rebuild his stock, like what Jack Roslovic did last season. Therefore, a one-year deal makes sense.

The 28-year-old is a goalscorer, scoring 224 career goals in 537 games. He has a rocket and could be a fit on the second line alongside Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers need an impactful top-six winger, and he could be just that, on a great contract.

The only concern is his 5-on-5 production, because he does a lot of his damage on the power play. In 2024-25, 15 of his 20 goals were scored on the man advantage. The Oilers need even-strength offence, since their power-play unit is already established, or is it? What if Laine replaced Ryan Nugent Hopkins on the top unit? This could add another layer to an already lethal power play and provide different options. Laine is a right shot, and Draisaitl is a left shot. Therefore, they will have a one-timer option from each side, creating unpredictability. Plus, they also have Evan Bouchard’s bomb from the point. This new-look unit will provide endless possibilities and should be considered.

Bobby McMann

Bobby McMann was heavily linked to Edmonton before the trade deadline, until he was dealt to the Kraken. He’s from Wainwright, Alberta, approximately two and a half hours southeast of Edmonton. He could play closer to home.

The 29-year-old would be the most expensive addition, but he would be the best option for the top-six, and could also be a fit on the third line. He scored 29 goals last season between the Kraken and Toronto Maple Leafs, but only four on the power play. He scored 18 goals at 5-on-5, and that’s what the Oilers need. The undrafted winger has scored at least 15 goals in each of his first three full seasons in the league.

He also registered 165 hits, so he would add much-needed physicality to go along with his offensive touch. That is a great combination. He’s also incredibly fast, with his max skating speed at 24.25 miles per hour, ranking in the 99th percentile, according to NHL Edge. Adding speed to the forward group has been a top priority, and McMann fits that bill.

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