The Edmonton Oilers are at a crucial juncture as they eye a deeper playoff run. To elevate their chances, they require more from their forwards—think speed, aggression, size, and strategic finesse.

However, the Oilers face a challenge: limited salary cap space. Management has some regrets after last summer’s roster decisions, notably overlooking power forward Dylan Holloway and opting to recruit Viktor Arvidsson instead of retaining Warren Foegele.

Imagine how strong Edmonton’s lineup would be if Holloway and Foegele were still around—there's no denying they would be in a much more advantageous position.

New GM Stan Bowman has managed to partially offset these losses by bringing in the young, powerful Vasily Podkolzin. There's also hope for Kasperi Kapanen to deliver consistent performance akin to his flashing potential in the postseason. Trent Frederic might lend a hand, despite his own playoff struggles from injuries, and the new addition of Curtis Lazar could further bolster the team.

One Key Contract to Cut

Yet, there's a significant move that Bowman must consider—one that should have been made midway through last season. By cutting one key player, the Oilers could create room for impactful changes.

The player in question? Mattias Janmark.

At 32, Janmark has been a solid contributor for the Oilers over the past three seasons, shining particularly during the 2024 playoffs, where he excelled with a strong penalty kill and aggressive play. His performance earned him a three-year contract worth $1.45 million per season.

Unfortunately, Janmark’s defensive prowess has dwindled. Going from exceptional to merely adequate, his defense has not met the standards necessary for a Cup-contending team. With goal outputs of 10, 4, and then just 2 in successive seasons, it’s clear he’s not providing the offensive spark the team desperately needs.

The time has come for the Oilers to make a decisive shift. Moving on from Janmark—not just for better numbers but for the future of the franchise—is essential if they hope to realize their championship aspirations.