The second the phrases got here out of Andy Strickland’s mouth, it was inevitable that the fan base of the Edmonton Oilers was going to leap all around the feedback. Strickland, who hosts the Cam & Strick Podcast and is a St. Louis Blues’ beat reporter, stated on his present, “You wish to know the place Mikko Rantanen goes to finish up? Edmonton. He’s going to Edmonton.”
His co-host Cam Janssens requested how the Oilers might afford Rantanen given their hefty contracts and wage cap state of affairs. Strickland responded:
” Cam, don’t ask me to interrupt down the cap. There’s some perception that they’ll make that occur. So that you gotta have a look at who’s coming off the books, and all that kind of stuff. Wage cap goes up, nevertheless they construction it. I imply, you simply talked about 5 groups (the place Rantanen may signal this summer season). How the hell are any of these different groups gonna pay him? You understand what I’m saying? Everybody’s up in opposition to the cap.”
He then added: “They’re going to have the ability to pay him #1. And I believe that there could be some curiosity from him.”
That was all it took for Oilers followers to go buck wild.
Oilers Followers Attempting to Wrap Their Heads Round Rantanen Becoming on the Books
Let’s first admit this seems like a number having enjoyable with the fan base he knew would go gaga over this. Second, let’s name it what it’s: even when there’s a hyperlink between Rantanen and the Oilers — it’s an extended shot. All that stated, can it work? Positive.
Stickland wasn’t incorrect when he talked about that Leon Draisaitl and Rantanen have the identical agent. In the event that they wish to have these conversations, there’s a straightforward solution to share that mutual curiosity.
Additionally, if the studies from Rantanen are correct that he would have taken much less to remain in Colorado and was shocked by the commerce, it’s logical to imagine he gained’t stand agency on $14 million per season to signal with a group he actually likes.
There may be, in fact, the choice of a deferred fee contract — as unlikely as that is likely to be. It could convey his annual cap hit down, with the Oilers then paying out the distinction when his contract is finished.
Lastly, the Oilers might transfer contracts out, thus making room for on the arguably finest forwards within the league.
Who Would Go from the Oilers?
The instant departure could be Jeff Skinner. The best way issues are going, he’s not coming again subsequent season anyway. From there, the Oilers must both let Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapanen, or John Klingberg stroll. In the event that they maintain them, it must be at equal or decrease worth offers than they’re all on now.
Edmonton would possible must persuade a participant with a no-trade/no-move clause to waive. That’s Evander Kane, Darnell Nurse, or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers might simply commerce Adam Henrique. He lacks commerce safety and groups would gladly tackle his $3 million contract.
It’s not inconceivable, nevertheless it’s rather a lot. After all, with each transfer or exit, Rantanen then has to take a look at the roster and ask how aggressive it’s.
Subsequent: Scribe Identifies New No. 1 Want for Oilers at Commerce Deadline
