Pierre LeBrun Drops Huge Breaking Update on Edmonton Oilers’ Aggressive Offseason Plans to Reshape Roster After Stanley Cup Loss

The Edmonton Oilers came painfully close to achieving the ultimate prize this season, falling just short in the Stanley Cup Final. Despite an electrifying postseason run fueled by the brilliance of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and a resilient supporting cast, the Oilers’ campaign ended with disappointment as they lost Game 7 to the Florida Panthers. Now, less than a week removed from that crushing defeat, the offseason spotlight is fully on Edmonton. On Wednesday, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun delivered significant insight into the Oilers’ evolving strategy as the organization plots its next steps.

Speaking on TSN’s “Insider Trading,” LeBrun revealed that Edmonton’s front office, led by General Manager Ken Holland and CEO Jeff Jackson, is preparing for one of the most aggressive offseasons the franchise has undertaken in years. With contract negotiations, potential trades, free agency moves, and internal decisions looming, the Oilers understand they must strike while the championship window remains open—and time is of the essence.

LeBrun’s update began with the highly anticipated discussions surrounding superstar forward Leon Draisaitl. The 28-year-old center has just one year remaining on his current deal and is eligible for an extension as of July 1. According to LeBrun, there’s mutual interest between the Oilers and Draisaitl’s camp to get a deal done quickly, though the terms will likely reshape the NHL’s financial landscape.

Draisaitl, who has been instrumental to Edmonton’s success, is expected to command a contract that reflects his status as one of the league’s most productive players. Industry speculation suggests the German forward could seek an extension in the ballpark of $13.5 to $14 million annually, potentially making him one of the NHL’s highest-paid players. LeBrun noted that Edmonton is fully prepared to meet those demands, prioritizing long-term stability for their core players.

But the offseason plan extends far beyond Draisaitl. LeBrun highlighted that the Oilers are exploring multiple trade avenues to bolster their roster depth, particularly on defense and in the bottom-six forward group. While Edmonton’s top-end talent remains elite, their Achilles’ heel throughout the playoffs was inconsistency in secondary scoring and occasional defensive lapses. To address this, LeBrun reported that Holland has been actively working the phones with rival general managers, seeking trade partners willing to move proven NHL contributors.

One intriguing name linked to Edmonton is Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim. The 28-year-old blueliner has been on Edmonton’s radar for months, and LeBrun confirmed that preliminary discussions between the two clubs took place during the Stanley Cup Final. Sanheim, known for his puck-moving ability and defensive responsibility, fits the Oilers’ vision of strengthening their top-four defensive unit. Acquiring him, however, would require the Oilers to part with significant assets, potentially including draft picks or young prospects.

In addition to trade scenarios, LeBrun emphasized Edmonton’s intent to be aggressive when free agency opens on July 1. While cap space is limited, especially if a Draisaitl extension is finalized, the Oilers are expected to pursue cost-effective veterans and potential bargain signings to enhance depth. A source close to the situation indicated that several veteran forwards and right-shot defensemen have expressed interest in joining Edmonton, recognizing the team’s championship aspirations.

LeBrun also shed light on the Evander Kane situation, which has sparked considerable debate among Oilers fans. Kane, acquired from the San Jose Sharks in 2022, played a critical role in the team’s playoff run but has been dealing with ongoing injury concerns. LeBrun reported that the Oilers are weighing all options with Kane, including the possibility of exploring trade scenarios or a contract buyout depending on medical evaluations. His future remains uncertain, but Edmonton is prioritizing flexibility to maximize roster improvements.

Goaltending is another key focus area, though LeBrun suggested the Oilers are likely to stick with the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard barring an unforeseen trade opportunity. Skinner’s growth throughout the playoffs was encouraging, and management believes internal development will solidify the crease without necessitating a major acquisition.

One overarching theme from LeBrun’s update is Edmonton’s recognition that the championship window is firmly tied to their superstar core, particularly McDavid and Draisaitl. With McDavid under contract for two more seasons, the organization is operating with a clear sense of urgency. Sources indicated to LeBrun that conversations have already begun about how to position the team for long-term contention, with management fully aware that securing both Draisaitl and McDavid to extended contracts is the top priority.

The Oilers’ aggressive offseason blueprint isn’t limited to NHL talent acquisition. LeBrun revealed that the organization is also intensifying efforts to bolster its player development system and scouting operations. Following the promotion of Jeff Jackson to CEO and the addition of analytics personnel, Edmonton is aligning resources to ensure long-term roster sustainability. The front office believes that improving internal development will not only support cap management but also provide cost-controlled reinforcements for the NHL roster.

Another wrinkle in the Oilers’ plans involves the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. While Edmonton currently holds a limited number of picks after several win-now trades, LeBrun stated that management remains open to leveraging future assets in pursuit of immediate upgrades. This approach reflects a clear mandate from ownership: maximize the current window, even if it requires sacrificing draft capital.

LeBrun’s report also touched on the Oilers’ efforts to keep key pending free agents in the fold. Depth forwards such as Warren Foegele and Mattias Janmark, along with defenseman Vincent Desharnais, are set to hit the market. Edmonton hopes to retain some of these contributors on team-friendly deals but is prepared for the possibility of roster turnover. LeBrun confirmed that early negotiations have been “productive,” though financial constraints will dictate final decisions.

As the NHL offseason accelerates, the Oilers are bracing for a whirlwind few weeks. LeBrun’s update underscores just how pivotal this summer is for the franchise, with critical decisions on contracts, trades, and signings that could shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.

Fans and league observers alike will watch closely as the drama unfolds. Edmonton’s heartbreak in the Stanley Cup Final serves as both motivation and a harsh reminder that in today’s NHL, standing pat is not an option. With Pierre LeBrun’s insight shedding light on the Oilers’ aggressive ambitions, it’s clear the organization is determined to take bold steps in pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize.

The pressure is immense, the stakes higher than ever, and the Oilers’ front office knows the clock is ticking. Whether it’s locking in Draisaitl, reshaping the blue line, adding depth scoring, or preparing for the future, Edmonton’s offseason promises to be one of the most consequential in franchise history. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Oilers can transform heartbreak into redemption—or if their quest for Stanley Cup glory will once again be delayed.