NHL Rumors: Edmonton Oilers interested in Brett Connolly
According to the latest NHL rumors, the Edmonton Oilers and soon to be UFA forward Brett Connolly have mutual interest in a deal.
The Edmonton Oilers are going to be aggressive on the market this summer. They’re looking to add wings, as their depth really looks bad after you look past Leon Draisaitl and Zack Kassian. According to the latest NHL rumors, one of the free agent wings they have talked to is Brett Connolly.
This report comes from 630 CHED radio host Reid Wilkins. Connolly’s agent, Gerry Johannson, confirmed this on an episode of Oilers Now. He’s coming off the best season of his NHL career, as he scored 22 goals and had 46 points, both career-highs for the sixth overall pick of the 2010 draft.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Connolly is a very good shooter, as evidenced by his 52 goals in three seasons with the Washington Capitals. He had an 18.1% shooting percentage in Washington and he scored most of his goals in Washington at five-on-five.
The Oilers really need wings who can score and Connolly is one of the best on the market. Of course, his price matters. But if the Oilers can keep around below $3.5 million, it could work for them.
Connor McDavid doesn’t need great linemates to put up points. He’s proven this. Connolly is one of the best shooters in the league. Putting him with McDavid could definitely work. Though Connolly was primarily a third-line wing in Washington, he didn’t look out of place when injuries forced him into the top-six.
The Capitals would like to re-sign him and he has expressed interest in returning to Washington. However, the Caps are up against the salary cap and likely can’t afford to offer him what teams like the Oilers can.
Edmonton has about $8 million of cap space and needs to add three or four forwards, plus a backup goalie. This means they can’t go after the best free agents, such as Artemi Panarin. However, Connolly, as long as the Oilers don’t go too high on the term, could be a nice little bargain for the Oilers.
Next. Grading Each Team's Draft Class. dark
They need wings who can score goals. Connolly’s one of the best on the market. Yes, he’s a bit of a one-trick pony. But his one-trick is goal scoring, which is an incredible skill to have. Connolly has been able to put pucks in the net in Washington while having Lars Eller as his primary center. He’d be a perfect fit alongside McDavid.