3 Edmonton Oilers Players Who Could Sign 8-Year Contracts Next

Trent Frederic didn't quite live up to his billing in the playoffs and didn't fully deliver after arriving from Boston, but Edmonton is betting on him reaching his potential. The long term keeps his cap number down, a savvy move in a climbing cap climate.

Frederic will be replacing a lot of what Evander Kane provided to the lineup. He showed 20-goal potential with the Bruins, and if he is able to get that back, the deal will hold up well.

The plan, getting role players signed early for cap security, might not stay exclusive to Frederic. The Oilers could likely be using similar contracts on Jake Walman, Vasily Podkolzin, and David Tomasek, as per NHL Trade Talk.

'This strategy-locking in depth pieces early for team-friendly numbers-may not end with Frederic. Edmonton could look to apply the same thinking to three other key players: Jake Walman, Vasily Podkolzin, and David Tomásek.'

- NHL Trade Talk

Jake Walman, acquired at the deadline a year ago, was solid with his speed and ability to play significant minutes. He's in the last year of a $3.4 million deal. At 29, this could be his final six-figure salary.

Bob Stauffer Predicts a $6 Million AAV for Jake Walman

Insider Bob Stauffer suggested that the Oilers have the ability to lock him up long-term, maybe for around $6 million AAV.

Vasily Podkolzin, 24, was Edmonton's hardest worker last season. Despite minimal scoring, he outworked veterans Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson and earned himself a top-six position.

A long-term deal in the $2.5-$3 million range might be a bargain if he keeps growing.

David Tomasek is the biggest wild card. The 29-year-old Czech center was the league's leading scorer before signing a one-year deal with Edmonton.

If he finds his form, the Oilers might seek to sign him to a term, although buying time on a cap hit into his late 30s carries risk with it.

Frederic's deal is only possibly the beginning of Edmonton's quest for long-term cap certainty.