The winds of change are swirling in Edmonton as the Oilers prepare for what promises to be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. Coming off another promising yet ultimately unfulfilled postseason run, the franchise is at a crucial crossroads. The front office appears poised to make bold decisions to reconfigure the team’s identity, and according to multiple reports, two key players are not expected to return as the free agency window approaches. It’s a development that has sent shockwaves through the fan base and could mark a dramatic turning point in the Oilers’ pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
The two names most likely to be shown the door? Veteran defenseman Cody Ceci and forward Warren Foegele. Both players were contributors throughout the regular season and playoffs, but neither seems to fit the long-term vision General Manager Ken Holland and the Oilers’ brain trust are crafting. With the NHL salary cap rising only modestly and multiple core players demanding significant cap space, Edmonton is in a bind that will force difficult but necessary sacrifices.
Cody Ceci, 30, has been a staple on the blue line since signing with Edmonton in 2021. A right-shot defenseman known for his steady (if unspectacular) presence in the defensive zone, Ceci provided a sense of stability at times but also struggled with inconsistency, especially during the playoffs. Throughout the regular season, he played in most games, logging second-pair minutes and contributing a modest number of points. But by the time the Oilers hit the playoff grind, it became increasingly clear that Ceci was becoming a liability against elite competition.
His possession metrics dipped, and turnovers in critical moments proved costly—culminating in a difficult Western Conference Final that saw Edmonton’s defense exposed repeatedly. Ceci’s $3.25 million cap hit through the 2024-25 season no longer seems justifiable, especially as younger, cheaper options begin to rise through the ranks. Rumors suggest the Oilers are exploring trade options for Ceci but could resort to a buyout if no viable market materializes. While not a flashy move, shedding Ceci’s salary would offer financial breathing room needed to make more impactful additions.
Then there’s Warren Foegele, a player whose value lies in his versatility, forechecking tenacity, and middle-six offensive production. Foegele had arguably his best season as an Oiler, registering career highs in goals and points while frequently shifting between the second and third lines. His north-south style of play made him a fan favorite at times, especially during key stretches when his line sparked momentum with high-energy shifts.
But as the Oilers seek more elite talent to surround their core of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, players like Foegele become expendable—not because they lack skill, but because they command cap space better allocated elsewhere. Foegele’s $2.75 million contract expires this summer, and early signs point to the team letting him walk rather than attempt to re-sign him. Several league insiders suggest that Foegele could attract interest from contending teams seeking depth scoring at a reasonable cost, and that his camp may already be gauging options outside of Edmonton.
The anticipated departure of Ceci and Foegele is emblematic of a broader strategic pivot for the Oilers. With McDavid and Draisaitl still in their prime—and with Draisaitl’s contract situation looming large—the organization is keenly aware that the window for a Stanley Cup is open but not infinite. That urgency is driving the Oilers to make tough calls now in order to recalibrate the roster around their franchise pillars. Edmonton’s front office appears ready to be aggressive in free agency and the trade market, and clearing cap space is the first—and perhaps most painful—step in that process.
Another layer of complexity lies in how these departures will affect team chemistry. Ceci and Foegele were both well-liked in the locker room, and while not superstars, their contributions were valued internally. Moving on from them risks disrupting a delicate balance, particularly when so much of the team’s success hinges on continuity and buy-in. But as is often the case in professional sports, sentiment must take a back seat to strategy.
What complicates matters further is the Oilers’ limited prospect pool and lack of affordable, NHL-ready talent ready to step into key roles. This means that whatever cap space is freed must be used wisely, with a focus on immediate impact. The Oilers can’t afford to roll the dice on reclamation projects or overpay for mid-tier free agents. Every dollar counts in the McDavid era, and the margin for error is vanishingly thin.
Names like Brett Pesce, Brandon Montour, and even Nikita Zadorov have been floated as potential replacements or upgrades on the blue line, though none will come cheap. Up front, there’s speculation that the Oilers could pursue a cost-effective winger with speed and scoring touch, perhaps someone like Anthony Duclair or Daniel Sprong. Whatever the final choices, the vision is clear: surround McDavid and Draisaitl with players who can elevate their game in high-pressure moments—not merely survive them.
The looming departures also offer a chance for younger players to make their mark. Defensively, the Oilers will look to players like Philip Broberg and Markus Niemeläinen to take the next step. Broberg, in particular, has long been touted as a high-upside defenseman with elite skating ability but has yet to solidify a top-four role. With Ceci out of the picture, Broberg could be thrust into a make-or-break opportunity next season. Similarly, up front, players like Dylan Holloway and Raphael Lavoie may find themselves with increased responsibility—and expectations.
The Oilers’ approach reflects a philosophical shift toward high-reward risk-taking. They’re no longer content with merely making the playoffs or reaching the conference finals. This is a team with eyes on the ultimate prize, and if that means parting ways with reliable contributors like Ceci and Foegele, so be it. Such moves won’t be without criticism, particularly if replacements fail to live up to the hype. But they also signal a newfound decisiveness that’s been lacking in years past.
