Oilers GM Stan Bowman shares plans after free agency roster overhaul

The Edmonton Oilers have reshaped their roster, but general manager Stan Bowman says the team’s work may not be finished. Following an aggressive opening to NHL free agency, Bowman indicated that preserving salary cap flexibility remains a priority, even with more than $7.25 million still available.

Speaking on Edmonton Sports Talk, Bowman explained why Edmonton is taking a different approach entering the 2026-27 season.“We’re in a much different spot than we’ve been the two years I’ve been here, where we were right up against it that first year,” Bowman said.MORE: Connor McDavid’s Oilers emerge among biggest winners of NHL free agencyHe pointed to the challenges of operating without financial flexibility throughout the season.

“Really no cap space,” Bowman said. “All year, you’re walking a tightrope, and that’s just difficult to ever be in a position to pivot in the middle of the year when players become available.“If you have no cap room, you just can’t get those players.

So I think we’re going to have a lot more options this year.”The Oilers dramatically changed their roster after opening free agency. Bowman moved Darnell Nurse’s $9.

25 million contract, rebuilt the goaltending group with Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi, and strengthened the defense by adding Ryan Shea and extending Connor Murphy. Edmonton also retained useful depth through affordable contracts.Cap flexibility could become Oilers’ biggest advantageFormer Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) raises the the Stanley Cup at T-Mobile Arena.

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesBowman confirmed that another signing remains possible, although he narrowed the focus to one position.“Yeah, we may add a player between now and the start of the year,” Bowman said.

“It would be a forward more than anything.”He added that the organization is satisfied with its depth elsewhere.“We’ve got the three goalies, and we’ve got eight solid defensemen, so I don’t think we’re doing anything the