Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton: two forwards who could interest the Oilers

It’s clearer than ever that the Edmonton Oilers want to take the next step. For the past few years, Connor McDavid’s team has been able to reach the playoffs with relative ease, but by the time the spring tournament rolls around, it’s much harder.

Team GM Ken Holland is doing everything he can to improve the club, but to no avail. A true number-one goalie should be a priority…

Holland is also interested in Jonathan Toews, but he doesn’t know if he wants to play in 2023-2024. What’s more, his agency hasn’t put his name on the list of free agents.

Two other forwards have been linked to Edmonton. They are Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton of the Flyers.

Obviously, the Oilers and Flyers are two franchises heading in completely opposite directions. On the one hand, Edmonton wants to win, and on the other, Daniel Brière’s team wants to rebuild.

Konecny will cost more than Laughton, that’s for sure, but both have a different style, which could greatly help the Oilers.

On the one hand, Konecny, a 26-year-old forward, is known for his offensive game. Last year, he collected 61 points in 60 games. He could be an interesting addition to a top-6 already made up of McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evander Kane.

In his Philly career, the diminutive forward collected 332 points in 488 games. Remember that in Philadelphia, there’s no one untouchable except Cutter Gauthier – and surely Matvei Michkov, drafted since DG Brière’s declaration. But things may have changed in recent days…

Laughton is also an interesting case, because despite not being a great offensive player, he’s capable of getting points. But his main asset is really his defensive play. And the Oilers are in dire need of good defensive forwards.

In 78 games last season, Laughton collected 43 points, including 18 goals. As I mentioned, he excels defensively, and as the center of the third trio in Edmonton, he’d be a more than welcome addition.

With the departure of Kailer Yamamoto, Holland’s salary has been freed up. He now has just over $5.5 million under the salary cap. Konecny has a $5.5 million payroll for the next two seasons, and Laughton has a $3 million payroll for three more seasons.

Remember that during the summer, teams can exceed the cap by 10%. Could Holland even acquire both forwards?

Breaking news

– Read more.

Today’s #GoHabsGo Daily:

– By using comparable contracts we have a good idea of how much the Alex Newhook extension will cost the Montreal Canadiens.

– Former Habs players are finding limited options in free agency.

Plus more NHL news:https://t.co/qjVBaDNrPZ

– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) July 10, 2023

– Of course.

– Good news.