The Edmonton Oilers might be done making trades and they likely aren't signing any more unrestricted free agents this summer. Outside of getting their own players inked to new extensions, that means PTOs (professional tryouts) take center stage.
Not surprisingly, reports are starting to surface that the Oilers are examining their options on that front.
As per a report by The 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast:
"We are hearing that the @EdmontonOilers are looking at 3 PTO options. It sounds like 2 forwards & 1 goalie. The #LetsGoOilers current like their depth on the blue line going into the season. "-
We are hearing that the @EdmontonOilers are looking at 3 PTO options.
— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) August 13, 2025
It sounds like 2 forwards & 1 goalie.
The #LetsGoOilers current like their depth on the blue line going into the season.
There is no mention of who the Oilers might be looking at, but it's not too difficult to make a logical guess as to the names that might be on their radar.
According to PuckPedia, the list of still unsigned free agents includes the following:
Goaltenders:
The goaltending group includes Alexandar Georgiev, 29, who last carried a $3.4 million AAV, and veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, 40, at $2.5 million (who has officially retired).
Ilya Samsonov, 28, would add depth coming off a contract with the Vegas Golden Knights at $1.8 million, while James Reimer, 37, provides experience at not much more than his previous $1 million cap hit.
Rounding out the roster is 25-year-old Georgii Romanov.
Related: Multiple Rankings Argue Oilers’ Defense Corps One of NHL’s Best
Forwards:
There are several notable forwards could be available on professional tryout (PTO) deals.
Among the top candidates are centers Robby Fabbri, 29, who last carried a $4.0 million AAV, Jack Roslovic, 28, at $2.8 million (more likely to sign a contract in the next couple of weeks.) Another center is Luke Kunin, 27.
The Oilers are likely set for centers with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Henrique, and Curtis Lazar all options up the middle this season.
Left-wingers include Brock McGinn, 31, and Tomas Tatar, 34, are also on the radar, while veteran Max Pacioretty has been linked by Edmonton Journal columnists already this summer.
Christian Fischer, 28, Kevin Rooney, 32, and left-winger Victor Olofsson, 30, round out the list.
These players combine versatility, NHL experience, and scoring ability, making them attractive options for clubs seeking low-risk additions ahead of the regular season.
3 Oilers, 3 New Deals — And the Changes They Need to MakeWith new contracts come new expectations. For three Edmonton Oilers, this summer brought (or will bring) big money and in exchange, the Oilers should have an ask.
The Most Likely Option for the Oilers: Klim Kostin
Kostin could be a fit to return to Edmonton.
Kostin struggled offensively with the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks but remains a physical, 6-foot-4 presence with past success on the Oilers roster. Likely to sign a league-minimum deal, Kostin could provide affordable depth in the AHL or a fourth-line role, making a return to Edmonton a low-risk, high-upside move for the Oilers.
Perhaps most appealing about the player is how much he loves Edmonton. He has actively kept tabs on his old team, followed them closely during their previous playoff runs, and even attended games as a fan, while a member of another NHL roster.
The Oilers lost some size and grit when they let Evander Kane go via trade, then lost Corey Perry to free agency. Kostin won't provide the scoring either of those two players did, but he is capable of double-digit goals and will bring an edge to the roster the Oilers might need this season.
When Will These PTOs Be Announced?
With Jack Johnson having already signed a PTO offer with the Minnesota Wild, expect that other teams will start announcing names that are being invited to camp for a tryout. Some of the available players may choose to wait in the hopes that a team will offer a contract and not just an opportunity. However, for some, it's likely becoming a reality that their best shot at an NHL roster is an appearance at camp and some pre-season games to try and make a roster.
The Oilers have a potential advantage over several teams. First, they are Stanley Cup contenders. Second, they have elite offensive players that can make bubble NHLers look good and potentially elevate their numbers.
Remember, for someone on a PTO, they aren't just showing what they can do to the team who brings them in. A player can sign with any club after agreeing to a tryout. If someone comes in a lights it up with the Oilers, but another NHL franchise takes notice and offers a guaranteed deal, that player can take it.
Expect some PTO options to start presenting themselves for the Oilers over the next week or two.
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