Before Toronto Deal, Edmonton Oilers Reportedly Explored Adding New Maple Leafs Forward as Forward Market Continues to Shift Rapidly
As NHL free agency and the offseason trade market continue to reshape rosters around the league, the Edmonton Oilers have once again found themselves tied to a developing storyline involving a player they didn’t land — but reportedly had their eyes on. According to multiple league sources, the Oilers expressed interest in one of the newest members of the Toronto Maple Leafs before he ultimately ended up signing or being traded to the Original Six franchise. The move that didn’t happen offers valuable insight into Edmonton’s offseason thinking, their roster priorities, and the broader dynamics at play in the always-competitive Canadian hockey landscape.
The forward in question — whose name has not been officially confirmed by either team, but widely speculated to be Max Domi — was on the radar of several contending clubs, including Edmonton, prior to agreeing to terms with the Maple Leafs. Domi, known for his versatility, gritty two-way play, and offensive upside, fit the profile of what Edmonton was believed to be pursuing: a middle-six forward who could contribute offensively, bring edge, and help anchor a deeper, more balanced forward group.
The Oilers’ interest reportedly peaked during the early stages of free agency, when Domi was evaluating his options after finishing a solid season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was clear the forward market was going to move quickly, and Edmonton, facing limited cap space and a tight window to compete, had to be selective in its pursuits. Though the Oilers made contact and did internal evaluations, Toronto’s aggressiveness, as well as Domi’s existing familiarity with the team and city, ultimately led to his return to the Leafs.
For Edmonton, missing out on Domi isn’t necessarily a setback, but it highlights an important theme in their offseason approach: the search for high-impact, value-conscious forwards who can elevate the team’s secondary scoring. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continuing to dominate headlines, the Oilers’ success in 2025 and beyond will depend on their ability to surround their stars with consistent contributors up and down the lineup.
Last season, Edmonton once again made a deep postseason run, but their weaknesses — especially in terms of bottom-six scoring and puck possession in critical moments — were exposed. The team has since been rumored to be pursuing multiple forwards capable of playing in the top nine, with an emphasis on players who can adjust quickly to the Oilers’ high-tempo, puck-dominant style of play.
The appeal of a player like Domi — or someone with a similar skill set — makes perfect sense in that context. He can play center or wing, chip in offensively, and isn’t afraid to get physical, which would have made him an ideal complement to more skilled linemates like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Evander Kane. Domi’s playoff experience, combined with his edge and versatility, reportedly made him one of the Oilers’ preferred targets in the second tier of the free agent market.
So why didn’t it happen?
Cap space, familiarity, and timing likely played key roles. The Oilers were operating with very limited financial flexibility heading into the offseason and had multiple areas of need to address — including goaltending depth, defensive depth, and re-signing key internal pieces. Domi, for his part, was seeking both term and role security, which Toronto was able to offer more quickly and perhaps more confidently. Additionally, Domi’s strong relationship with Leafs head coach Craig Berube and the opportunity to stay close to his family reportedly played into his decision to remain in Toronto.
From Edmonton’s standpoint, they had to weigh the potential impact of signing Domi against the potential opportunity cost of not being able to address other areas of need. Sources familiar with the Oilers’ front office approach say GM Jeff Jackson was wary of overcommitting early in free agency, preferring to let the market settle and explore potential trade routes before locking into any specific player. This strategy, while financially sound, may have contributed to them missing out on Domi and possibly other forwards who signed quickly in the early wave of July movement.
That being said, the Oilers have not stood pat. They have made smaller, under-the-radar moves to shore up depth, including evaluating players coming off entry-level deals, exploring professional tryout options, and fielding trade inquiries for players currently under contract. Edmonton is also believed to be shopping winger Warren Foegele, whose $2.75 million cap hit could be moved to free up room for another addition.
What makes the missed opportunity with Domi especially interesting is the broader context of the Canadian rivalry. The Maple Leafs and Oilers, two of the most scrutinized franchises in hockey, are both in win-now modes — albeit in different stages. Toronto has continued to retool under new management, bringing in names like Domi, Chris Tanev, and possibly adding more before the puck drops in October. Edmonton, meanwhile, is laser-focused on maximizing its championship window before Leon Draisaitl becomes a free agent in 2025 and Connor McDavid hits UFA status in 2026.
The forward market remains fluid, and the Oilers are not without options. Players like Tyler Johnson, Daniel Sprong, and even aging veterans such as Derek Stepan or Zach Parise have been loosely connected to Edmonton as low-cost, short-term options. There are also trade possibilities — especially involving teams looking to shed salary in advance of the season. Edmonton’s front office is believed to be keeping close tabs on teams like the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets, who may be willing to part with experienced forwards for futures.
Additionally, the Oilers are reportedly still exploring internal development. Young players like Dylan Holloway and Raphael Lavoie are expected to compete for full-time roster spots, and the team hopes that further growth from those individuals will provide the kind of cost-controlled depth needed to sustain a contender.
Still, the Domi saga — brief and speculative as it may have been — underscores a truth about Edmonton’s current predicament: they are no longer a team that can afford to swing and miss in free agency. Every signing, every trade, and every missed opportunity will be magnified under the microscope of a shrinking championship window.
For now, Toronto gets the player, and Edmonton is left to look elsewhere. But the Oilers’ reported interest in Domi shows just how aggressively they are exploring ways to build a more complete, balanced team. Whether through free agency, trade, or internal promotion, expect more moves to come from Edmonton before training camp opens.
The story also reflects the growing pressure within the Oilers organization. With every passing year of postseason disappointment, the urgency ratchets higher. McDavid and Draisaitl are generational talents, but even they can only carry a roster so far without the right pieces around them. If Edmonton wants to finally break through and win a Stanley Cup, they’ll need to find more than just star power — they’ll need reliability, depth, and smart, timely moves.
Domi may be wearing blue and white next season, but his name will likely come up again in Oilers circles — as a symbol of what the team is searching for, and what might have been. Whether the Oilers find another player who fits that mold remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that Edmonton isn’t done trying to retool its forward group. They can’t afford to be. Not now. Not with the stakes this high.
