Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy, acquired by the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline, have expressed a strong desire to return to the team next season, citing the organization's treatment, the city's atmosphere, and the chance to play alongside stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
"Loved it here. The crowd was amazing, the organization treats us fantastic, the city feels like home... I said to my wife it just feels like we're driving around home and playing hockey. Everything feels so natural here," Dickinson said.
Cap Space Constraints
The Oilers face a tight salary cap situation with only $16.5 million in projected space for 2026-27, needing to sign eight unrestricted free agents and two restricted free agents. Both Dickinson, a third-line centre, and Murphy, a right-shot defenceman, are UFAs. The cap is expected to rise to $104 million.
General manager Stan Bowman must decide how to allocate resources. Dickinson, 31, broke his ankle late in the season after being hit by a shot from Murphy. Despite the injury, he played through the playoffs, scoring three points including two goals in Game 1 against Anaheim.
Murphy's Role
Murphy, 33, averaged 21:17 per game against the Ducks, playing a shutdown role and killing penalties. He replaced Brett Kulak after Kulak was traded to Pittsburgh with goalie Stuart Skinner to acquire Tristan Jarry. Murphy expressed support for Dickinson's struggles: "It was hard seeing what he was going through because I did it. It feels horrible. I hit him with the shot in San Jose and took him out."
Both players are keen to stay in Edmonton, but the shallow free-agent market could drive up their price. "We were trying to feed off each other coming in. You want to see your friends succeed," Murphy added.
Dickinson, who missed Games 2 and 3 of the series, described the frustration of playing injured: "Really frustrating… I came here with one goal in mind and one thing I wanted to achieve and to go into the playoffs not feeling my best sucked."
