Leo Carlsson is the domino, and the Edmonton Oilers already have two different plans stacked behind him.
That's the word coming out of the Oilers Hub account on X Wednesday afternoon, and it's worth paying attention to given how tight Edmonton's cap situation already looks.
The whole thing hinges on Carlsson's offer sheet with Anaheim. If the Ducks don't match, Edmonton reportedly pivots hard toward Owen Tippett.
If Anaheim matches and keeps Carlsson, the Oilers shift gears entirely. Then it becomes about finding value on the wing, either a cheap Jake DeBrusk price tag or a one-year flyer on Vladimir Tarasenko.
None of this is confirmed by Stan Bowman himself. But the fact that fans are already mapping out contingency plans tells you how much pressure is on Edmonton's front office this summer.
Remember, this isn't a franchise coming off a bad year looking to blow things up. The Oilers finished 41-30-11, good for 93 points and second in the Pacific Division.
Babcock's arrival raises the stakes on every move
They closed the season on a heater too, winning six of their last eight games, including a 6-1 blowout of Vancouver in their finale.
That kind of form makes every offseason swing feel bigger. Mike Babcock just walked into the head coaching job on June 23, and he inherits a roster that already knows how to finish strong.
So does Edmonton need Tippett's speed on the wing, or is DeBrusk's familiarity with the room the safer bet? Depends who you ask.
Bringing in Tarasenko on a short-term deal is the kind of low-risk swing that could pay off if he still has gas in the tank. It's also the kind of move that can look desperate if it doesn't.
Here's the thing nobody's saying out loud: this entire plan depends on money Bowman doesn't fully control yet. Carlsson's camp and Anaheim's front office hold the real cards here.
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Edmonton can draw up as many contingency boards as it wants. Until the Ducks make their call on that offer sheet, Bowman is stuck waiting like everyone else.
Should the Oilers target Owen Tippett over keeping Jake DeBrusk in Edmonton?
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