The Oilers Get a High Grade For Free Agency — One Box Remains Unchecked

Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman received high marks for his free agency activity, headlined by successfully trading Darnell Nurse's full salary in exchange for defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and prospect Zack Sharp. Bowman also signed defenseman Ryan Shea to a five-year deal, re-signed forwards Kasperi Kapanen and Max Jones, and added Mathieu Joseph while reshaping the goaltending situation. Despite the strong overall haul, analysts note that a lack of top-six scoring depth remains the one unresolved issue for Edmonton heading into the next season.