Warren Foegele and Sam Carrick Leaving Oil Looks Inevitable, Pundit Claims – Hockey Writers –

The Edmonton Oilers are very close to winning their first Stanley Cup since 1990 this season after going to Game 7 against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals. While the grief continues for many fans, there isn't much time before the season starts. The 2024 NHL Entry Draft is today (June 27) and free agency begins on July 1, so the Oilers don't have much time to decide where their draft will be headed for the 2024-25 season. In a recent article from respected expert, Jason Gregor, he says that Warren Foegele and Sam Carrick are unlikely to re-sign with the Oilers and will hit the open market.

Foegele and Carrick both helped the Oilers in different ways during their tenures. Foegele was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Ethan Bear trade a few seasons ago, and that deal worked out well for the Oilers who got a solid forward who can play anywhere on the roster. Carrick was acquired at this year's trade deadline in a deal that included Adam Henrique for a package that included a 2024 first-round pick. He had an immediate physical impact and was able to provide solid depth as a fourth-stringer, but he was often healthy as head coach Kris Knoblauch opted to use Derek Ryan instead.

It is safe to assume that Gregor's beliefs are accurate. The Oilers may be interested in bringing Foegele back as he has proven to have chemistry with many of his teammates since joining the team, but he may have priced himself out of Edmonton. The Oilers don't have much cap space to work with this offseason unless they can shed some salary and even then, Foegele may still be interested in exploring the open market. Carrick choosing to test the free agent market shouldn't come as a surprise, as he hasn't been used much by the Oilers and could get more playing time if he signs elsewhere in the 2024-25 season.

Foegele and Carrick Can Be Replaced

Losing two top players will be disappointing, but they can be replaced. Whether the Oilers choose to take a swing at free agency and bring in someone like Jake DeBrusk or Patrick Kane, or if they look to the trade market to try to bring in Foegele's replacement, it should be easy to replace him. Carrick's role has been filled, and there is no place for him on next season's roster as Raphael Lavoie is fighting for a full-time roster spot. With Dylan Holloway possibly coming back, it doesn't make sense to try to bring him back.

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At 28 years old and coming off a season in which he played a major role on a championship-contending team, Foegele could get a big salary and a lot of interest from the NHL. With 163 points in 431 NHL games, Foegele's production isn't impressive, but his two-way game is definitely solid. Despite his ability to play well anywhere in the lineup, his versatility could lead to a bit of a bidding war for his services next season.

I would predict that both Foegele and Carrick get new deals as soon as they hit the open market. I think Foegele will get a four-year contract worth between $3.25-$4.5 million per season. Carrick, on the other hand, will likely receive a one- or two-year contract worth $825,000-$925,000 per year. Both are solid players and will be popular with their new teams, but unfortunately, it appears that their time with the Oilers is over.