As the dust settles on another heartbreaking Stanley Cup Final defeat for the Edmonton Oilers, the franchise finds itself thrust immediately into the chaos of the NHL offseason. With emotions still raw and the sting of falling short to the Florida Panthers for a second straight year, the Oilers have no time to dwell on their disappointment.

The NHL Draft looms just days away, and free agency is set to open, forcing management into a whirlwind of critical decisions that could reshape the roster. Already, the rumor mill is in full swing, with insiders reporting that the Oilers may be preparing to make significant moves to free up cap space. The futures of key players are suddenly in question, and the team’s direction appears uncertain as speculation intensifies. For fans and players alike, it’s a harsh reminder that in the world of professional hockey, there is little time to grieve—only time to prepare for what comes next.

Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) reacts after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

The Edmonton Oilers fell short in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, once again losing to the Florida Panthers.

The harsh reality of the NHL is that they don’t even have time to process the emotions before the rumors begin.

Believe it or not, the NHL Draft is just over a week away, and free agency opens very soon as well (July 1st).

Big decisions will have to be made quickly, and trades are already on the table.

On that note, insider David Pagnotta has just reported a rumor involving two Oilers players.

A Rumor Indicates That Two Oilers Players Have Already Been Placed on the Trade Market

Here’s the more specific information he shared:

“Also on Oilers, in an effort to create additional salary cap space, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the names of Evander Kane (16-team trade list) and Viktor Arvidsson (full NMC) pop up in the trade market this month.”

– David Pagnotta

It seems reality could hit hard-and fast-for the Oilers. Could the team be clearing cap space to make a move for help in goal?

Only time will tell.

Now 32 years old, Arvidsson-a 5-foot-10, 185-pound winger-recorded 27 points in 67 games this season with the Oilers (plus 7 points in 15 playoff games).

In previous seasons, he posted 15 points in 18 games, 59 points in 77 games, and 49 points in 66 games.

He’s under contract at $4 million per year through 2026.

As for Evander Kane, the 33-year-old forward stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 218 pounds. He posted 12 points in 21 playoff games in 2025 after missing the entire 2024-25 regular season.

He carries a 5.125 million cap hit through 2026.