{"id":131727,"date":"2022-08-25T09:00:06","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T13:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=131727"},"modified":"2022-08-24T14:36:00","modified_gmt":"2022-08-24T18:36:00","slug":"edmonton-oilers-best-worst-post-salary-cap-signings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/08\/25\/edmonton-oilers-best-worst-post-salary-cap-signings\/","title":{"rendered":"Edmonton Oilers Best and Worst Free Agent Signings"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to Last Word on Hockey\u2019s 2022 summer series, exploring the best and worst free agent signings for each NHL team of the post-lockout, salary cap era. With this past offseason seeing some big splashes (and potential gambles) like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gaudrjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Johnny Gaudreau<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/giroucl01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Claude Giroux<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/klingjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Klingberg<\/a>, and others, it\u2019s time to take a look at how teams have boosted and stunted their progress in recent history. Today, we take a look at the Edmonton Oilers free agent signings history.<\/p>\n<h2>Edmonton Oilers Free Agent Hits and Misses<\/h2>\n<p>The Edmonton Oilers management has always been smart with their money, even before the salary cap era. This has been the case since the late 90s. They would sign names like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/smythry01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Smyth<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marchto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Todd Marchant<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/josepcu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Curtis Joseph<\/a> to reasonable contracts to help the team to be perennial playoff contenders. While the team would make the playoffs, they were never true cup contenders. Still, the Oilers management has shown to be successful when dipping into the free agent waters.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Signing: Evander Kane<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Evander Kane has reached a verbal agreement to sign with the Edmonton Oilers for the rest of the NHL season.<\/p>\n<p>The agreement comes as the NHL cleared the veteran winger of potential violations of COVID-19 protocols on Thursday. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/u4MX0JnfYZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/u4MX0JnfYZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SportsCenter\/status\/1486859488858710018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 28, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kaneev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evander Kane<\/a> is the best of the Edmonton Oilers free agent signings since the salary cap era began some 17 years ago. Kane is a remarkably skilled athlete. He displays power, speed, and finish to find himself amongst the NHL scoring leaders year-over-year. The Oilers deal was a one-year, $1.375 million offer in January of this year. Needless to say, Kane did not disappoint. First of all, he put up 39 points, in 43 regular season games. He added a more than respectable CF % Relative of 7.4. This shows that he came to the team in sufficient game shape. Next, his post-season performance supplanted him as being on top of his craft. Playing the wing with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a>, Kane tallied a tie, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a>, for the playoff lead in goals in 13. MacKinnon achieved this total in five more contests than did Kane, with 20 games played compared to 15.<br \/>\n<a id=\"iM9oZJxyRnZKFGQKp3g8fQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1400347370\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'iM9oZJxyRnZKFGQKp3g8fQ',sig:'S0icPWwlYXKI5E1xbpcW_kY7llqan-D6UdSRpzmZG8o=',w:'594px',h:'399px',items:'1400347370',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><br \/>\nFor many in NHL circles, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/07\/13\/evander-kane-re-signs\/\" target=\"_self\">Evander Kane<\/a> signing with quite a controversial one. He has had a number of off-ice distractions. However, with the Oilers promising him north of $20 million over the next four years, this is his chance to clean up his image, on and off the ice. If he can focus on hockey, and prioritize his family responsibilities his ability to contribute to philanthropy will help align his personal legacy. He might be on the right track. This was exemplified by the tumultuous 2021-22 campaign for himself his five games in the AHL showed he is motivated. One final note on why he was the best free agent signing for the Oilers since 2005-06, was that he was able to turn a meagre $1.375 million paycheque into a $20 million bode of confidence from the ingenious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hollake01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ken Holland<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Best Signing Honourable Mentions<\/h3>\n<p>As a <a href=\"https:\/\/oilonwhyte.com\/2022\/07\/12\/holland-best-worst-signings-oilers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">runner-up for best signings, Ken Holland\u2019s<\/a> work once again is on display. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hymanza01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Hyman<\/a> was a gritty presence up front for the Leafs however they were unable to retain his services. Therefore, Holland saw the opportunity and jumped at it. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/edmontonoilers\/status\/1420466345666236419?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">He presented Hyman<\/a> with stability for seven years, at the tune of $38.5 million. Hyman has done nothing but impresses his new club. He put up career highs in goals, assists, and points, with 27 goals, and 27 assists for 54 points. He added 16 points in 16 playoff games. In addition, his CF % Relative of 2.7 was the best of his career. So far so good for Hyman and the Oilers, as the club looks to build upon the 2022 playoff run.<\/p>\n<h3>Worst Signing: Nikolai Khabibulin<\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">2009: Nikolai Khabibulin signed as free agent with Edmonton Oilers. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/CbuZStZTaD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/CbuZStZTaD<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pFG75lrUYq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/pFG75lrUYq<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Doug Norris (@GoalieHistory) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GoalieHistory\/status\/1410775229236842500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 2, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\nIn terms of the worst Edmonton Oilers free agent signings in the salary cap era, this designation belongs to the one and only, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/khabini01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikolai Khabibulin<\/a>. Sticking with the theme of smart signings for the Oilers, it was not a horrible deal big picture.\u00a0 The &#8220;Bulin Wall\u201d inked a 4-year $15 million contract, playing with the Oilers from 2009 until 2013. What makes his signing the worst, is the fact he compiled a lacklustre 33-67-14 over his tenure. However, the Oilers did not have high expectations during this time, finishing 30<sup>th<\/sup> and 29<sup>th<\/sup> overall, respectively in 2010-11 and 2011-12. These poor seasons did allow for two first-overall picks, 2011 was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nugenry01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins<\/a> and 2012 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/y\/yakupna01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nail Yakupov<\/a>. These picks may reflect on Khabibulin\u2019s poor record, as neither turned out to be bonafide superstars, as was the expectation.<br \/>\n<a id=\"TCbOwHzaRqBgn_5bEJd9Wg\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/138758103\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'TCbOwHzaRqBgn_5bEJd9Wg',sig:'trylwaMlyRZR-_KRBwSGRaOYyBiLjg8vSGiMIOb8EVU=',w:'594px',h:'370px',items:'138758103',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Worst Signing Honourable Mentions<\/h3>\n<p>It is evident Edmonton had strong management, by the lack of disappointing signings. Two other notable poor choices were the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sekeran01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrej Sekera<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pennedu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dustin Penner<\/a> signings. Sekera was one of <a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/oilers-chiarelli-worst-moves\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Peter Chiarelli\u2019s worst signings<\/a>, a six-year $33 million deal. In his first two seasons for Edmonton, he managed 80 games each, and played decent, including helping in the 2017 playoff run. However, he never really approached his potential ceiling. He would fail to play another full season with Edmonton before being bought out in 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Another signing where the player did not meet expectations was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/loweke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Lowe<\/a>\u2019s 2007 offer sheet to a then 24-year-old Dustin Penner. After the 2006-07 campaign on a strong cup-winning Ducks team, Penner\u2019s 29-goal output, made people believe he could develop into a regular 35+ goal man. That was Lowe\u2019s thought process with the five-year $21+ million contract. Unfortunately, Penner seemed to fall out of favour after his second full season with the Oil, where he contributed only 37 points. He did bounce back the following year, registering 32 goals and 63 points in 2009-10. Despite that resurgence, he was unable to win back the fan\u2019s loyalty. He was shipped off to the Los Angeles Kings in 2011.<\/p>\n<h3>Salary Cap Era Free Agent Signings Summary<\/h3>\n<p>Since the salary cap era began, the Edmonton Oilers have continuously spent their money wisely. They are not always able to attract the league\u2019s top talent to sign, but when they do dip into the free agent pool, they generally do not overcommit. Of their major landings since the 2005-06 cap era, the biggest acquisition was made this year. If Kane can perform to his abilities, his signing will only pay dividends. Moreover, their current roster does not have much in terms of poor signings. In fact, we had to go back 13 years to find their worst during the span. Given their current string of draft luck, if they continue to only spend when it makes sense, McDavid might just reach the ultimate goal, of a Stanley Cup title, sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to Last Word on Hockey\u2019s 2022 summer series, exploring the best and worst free agent signings for each NHL team of the post-lockout, salary cap era. With this past offseason seeing some big splashes (and potential gambles) like\u00a0Johnny Gaudreau,\u00a0Claude Giroux,\u00a0John Klingberg, and others, it\u2019s time to take a look at how teams have boosted [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4222,"featured_media":131739,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23,4547,4548],"tags":[726,571,662,4832],"class_list":["post-131727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-oilers","category-hockey","category-nhl","tag-evander-kane","tag-ken-holland","tag-nhl-free-agency","tag-nikolai-khabibulin"],"modified_by":"Connor Lapalme","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4222"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131727"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131727\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/131739"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131727"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}