Connor McDavid’s Oilers emerge among biggest winners of NHL free agency

The Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, were among the biggest winners of the NHL's 2026 free agency period, which opened on July 1. General manager Stan Bowman took an active and calculated approach, making multiple moves rather than isolated signings to bolster the team following a disappointing 2025-26 season. The flurry of activity positions Edmonton as one of the league's most improved rosters heading into the next campaign.