Oilers in talks to re-sign Dickinson, Murphy — The Fourth Period
As the Edmonton Oilers work towards making Mike Babcock their next head coach, management is also focused on its roster construction for the 2026-27 season.
TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on Friday on OilersNation Everyday that forwards Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique will be testing the free agent market in July.
Forwards Kasperi Kapanen, Curtis Lazar, Jason Dickinson and Max Jones, defenceman Connor Murphy, and goaltender Connor Ingram are also set to become unrestricted free agents July 1, though it appears the Oilers are trying to keep at least two of them.
According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, the Oilers are engaged in “ongoing discussions” with both Murphy and Dickinson and noted talks with the veteran centre are getting closer “towards reaching a deal.”
Dickinson and Murphy were acquired in separate trades from the Chicago Blackhawks in March this season and both players have expressed their interest in staying with the Oilers.
The Oilers have around $15 million in salary cap space and could create more when they trade defenceman Darnell Nurse, another piece of business GM Stan Bowman is working on following the veteran’s trade request.
Meanwhile, Pagnotta has also reported that former Los Angeles Kings head coach D.J. Smith may join Babcock as part of his coaching staff.
