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

The free agent signings in the NHL have ground to a halt as teams enjoy the last few weeks of summer and prepare for training camp; that doesn’t mean there isn’t still some excitement in store. Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman recently talked about how the team would likely hold on to their remaining cap space to start the season, but if they were to add, it would be a forward. Lucky for him and the Oilers, there are still some solid candidates out there.

If Edmonton does decide to add to its forward core, it could be before the season or in training camp, or it could even be while the season is underway. Regardless of when, Bowman has options of a few forwards who I believe fit the bill of what the Oilers could need this season.

Vladimir Tarasenko

The Oilers lost a couple veterans in Darnell Nurse and Adam Henrique this offseason, so why not add one back with a little more offensive upside? Vladimir Tarasenko is still available, and although he could be on the pricey side, he appears to be worth it. He scored 23 goals and 47 points with the Minnesota Wild last season and is a former All-Star.

Tarasenko’s aggressiveness on offence can get him in trouble on defence and skews some of his stats, but he still contributes. He is also a multiple-time Lady Byng Trophy nominee and a Selke Trophy nominee. He plays a clean and fast game with a wicked shot that could be helpful in the middle of the Oilers’ lineup if they’re looking.

Reilly Smith

Speaking of veteran experience, how about a Stanley Cup champion with a goal-scorer’s touch? Reilly Smith has given the Oilers fits in the past as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights, but they could make him an asset. He turned 35 in the spring, but he can still play at a very high level, scoring 16 goals and 26 points in 69 games last season. He is an efficient shooter, and despite playing bottom-six minutes the past few seasons, he more than does his part.

As mentioned, Smith is a Cup winner and has garnered high praise from past teammates. A pedigree like his is always valuable in a locker room looking to get over the hump, and we saw that in past seasons when the team had someone like Corey Perry. A veteran who can score at a regular pace and provide leadership is always handy.

Eeli Tolvanen

Eeli Tolvanen is a bit of a surprise to see available on the free agent board in mid-August. He posted 36 points last season and has been fairly consistent over the last few seasons, whether with the Seattle Kraken or Nashville Predators. He not only blocks his fair share of shots, but he’s an absolute hammer and menace for other teams to deal with. He recorded 187 hits last season, 237 in 2024-25, and 210 the season before that.

Tolvanen utilizes his speed and small, yet solid frame to create plays and cause havoc. He will certainly be playing hockey on a team this season; it’s just a matter of where. I would guess he’ll be the most expensive of the three players here given his even play over the years, his younger age (27), and the potential in different lineups. If Edmonton can swing him on an affordable deal, it would be interesting to see what he could do with all the talent around him.

Curtis Lazar

A reunion could be in store if the Oilers are looking for some depth this fall. Curtis Lazar played 45 games for the team in 2025-26, recording six points. This would be a much smaller signing in terms of offensive talent for Edmonton compared to the other three here, but Lazar isn’t really known for his scoring, and the team has seen what he provides to their lineup.

In limited ice time, Lazar proved to be an excellent faceoff man and a good energy guy. While it wasn’t an ideal first season, bringing him back at a low cap hit could allow him to work in on the fourth line with little pressure and give him more time to play with some of the Oilers’ depth guys. I really liked what I saw on the surface from Lazar, and I think if he takes another step in 2026-27, he could be a real asset for a playoff run.

We’ll see how Bowman handles his remaining cap space with time winding down in the offseason. These guys certainly deserve a look if he does decide to spend.