The Edmonton Oilers have some tough decisions to make this offseason, and the fate of resurgent forward Warren Foegele is near the top of the list.
Foegele is coming off a career year, hitting the 20-goal mark and posting 41 points. That kind of production from a hard-working, physical winger usually brings a raise, especially heading into unrestricted free agency.
Warren Foegele’s Breakout Season Sparks Trade Talk for Edmonton Oilers
Oilers insider Jim Matheson believes Foegele could be in line for a four-year deal worth around $3.5 million per season. While that’s not an outrageous ask for a player of Foegele’s caliber, it may be too rich for Edmonton’s blood given their salary cap constraints.
The Oilers already have a lot of money tied up in their forward group and have other priorities like re-signing some RFA’s and UFA’s and finding an upgrade in goal. Foegele, turning 28, is undoubtedly a valuable top-nine forward, but it might be time for the Oilers to move on.
Many Oilers fans seem to be clamoring for Boston Bruins pending UFA Jake DeBrusk. DeBrusk has struggled at times in Boston but has more offensive upside than Foegele. His finishing ability would be an asset alongside a playmaker like Leon Draisaitl.
This all leaves Oilers GM Ken Holland with a dilemma. Foegele has been a reliable and productive player but is a luxury the team may no longer be able to afford. If he walks, the Oilers will need to fill that void. DeBrusk could be an option, but there will be competition in the open market.
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