Signing Gagner to a $5 million extension makes no sense

Regardless of where you stand on the Sam Gagner front, there is no questioning the fact the Edmonton Oilers centre has turned himself into a legitimate top six NHL forward. While he is somewhat of a one dimensional player and has yet to register a 50 point campaign during the first six years of his career, the twenty-three year old is set to make some serious money come 2014-15.

Signing Grebeshkov could guarantee Klefbom time in OKC

Since taking over as the Edmonton Oilers general manager, Craig MacTavish has repeatedly gone on about wanting to add depth to his lineup at the NHL level. With the signing of blueliner Denis Grebeshkov to a one year $1.5 million deal on Thursday afternoon, the Oilers now have nine defencemen under contract for the 2013-14 season.

Joensuu will be given a real shot at earning a top nine spot

Of all the moves Craig MacTavish has made during his first off-season as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, none have been more surprising than the signing of Jesse Joensuu. While bringing in the likes of the former second round pick of the New York Islanders is by no means a shocker, inking him to a 2 year/$1.9  million deal, raised more than a few eyebrows.

Oilers will need big seasons from both Belov and Ference

Edmonton Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish had himself a fairly large to-do list entering the off-season. At the very top of that list, was upgrading the club's blueline at the NHL level. While he was unable to acquire the top pairing defenceman this team desperately needed, at least to this point, he most certainly improved the groups overall depth with the additions of Anton Belov and Andrew Ference.

Hemsky for Ward swap, would benefit both the Oilers and Capitals

With the month of August quickly approaching and many NHL teams having already filled out the vast majority of their rosters via trade and/or unrestricted free agency, Edmonton Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish has been unable to find Ales Hemsky a new home. While no one would ever question the veteran winger's talent, finding someone willing to take on his $5 million cap hit, has proved to be rather challenging for the rookie GM.