'Both Sides Know It's Time to Move On': Oilers Set to Trade Forward Per Elliotte Friedman

The Oilers, coming off their second straight Stanley Cup Finals loss to the Florida Panthers, are unsurprisingly reeling. With generational talent Connor McDavid being eligible for an extension as of July 1st, and reports suggesting that extension may not be long-term have Oilers fans and management alike concerned.

McDavid's extension could cost upwards of $17 million annually, which will be difficult to afford, even with a rising salary cap.

Evan Bouchard, however, is a more urgent situation -- he is expected to sign a max-term contract, but it will likely be at an eight-figure mark, and the Oilers certainly can't afford both that and McDavid.

To make things worse, a big-time extension for Trent Frederic, who was acquired at the trade deadline, will be kicking in once officially signed.

With all of this in mind, the Oilers and 2024 summer free agent Viktor Arvidsson are set to part ways, via trade.

The 32-year-old is coming off a difficult 27-point season, but is still a more-than-playable middle-six forward. In such a tight market, he will certainly have suitors.

We will see how the trade market shapes up with the draft only four days away; the Oilers have to make some difficult decisions, and new GM Stan Bowman has to figure out what steps to take next; for Viktor Arvidsson, however, his fate is likely confirmed.