5 PTO Candidates the Oilers Should Consider

The 34-year-old finished last season with 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games, proving he can still contribute offensively despite no longer being the elite sniper he once was. His biggest selling point is simple: the Oilers still need another winger capable of finishing scoring chances created by Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Tarasenko has made a career out of finding soft areas in the offensive zone and owning one of the NHL’s quickest releases.

Defensively, there are concerns. His skating isn’t what it once was, and his two-way play has declined with age. However, Edmonton doesn’t necessarily need him to kill penalties or shut down opposing stars.

A PTO would allow the Oilers to evaluate whether he still has enough speed to keep up with their elite centers before committing to a contract. If he proves he can, Tarasenko may be the highest-upside option available.

Evander Kane Reunion Isn’t Impossible

Sometimes a reunion makes sense. Evander Kane struggled offensively last season, recording just 13 goals and 31 points in 71 games, but Oilers fans know exactly what he can bring when healthy and motivated.

He remains a physical power forward who isn’t afraid to battle around the crease, something Edmonton lost at times during last season. His familiarity with McDavid, Draisaitl and the organization’s systems would eliminate much of the adjustment period most PTO candidates face.

The biggest concern is whether his overall game has declined too much. His underlying numbers have trended downward over the past few seasons, and another injury-plagued campaign could quickly end his comeback attempt.

Still, if Kane is willing to earn a contract through camp, the Oilers would likely welcome the opportunity to see whether there’s anything left in the tank.

Michael Bunting Could Bring Grit and Secondary Scoring

Michael Bunting may not generate the same excitement as some of the bigger names on this list, but he could quietly be one of the better fits. The 30-year-old posted 14 goals and 33 points last season after several productive years earlier in his career. What makes Bunting intriguing is his versatility.

He plays with an edge, gets under opponents’ skin, willingly battles in front of the net and has shown he can complement skilled linemates. During his best seasons, he proved he could produce while playing alongside elite talent. The Oilers have had success surrounding Draisaitl with hard-working wingers capable of retrieving pucks and creating space.

Bunting fits that description perfectly. While his offensive ceiling likely isn’t as high as Tarasenko’s, he may provide a more complete 200-foot game and could become a dependable middle-six contributor if he rediscovers his previous form.

Patrik Laine Offers the Highest Reward

No player on this list has more pure offensive talent than Patrik Laine. The former second-overall pick has one of the league’s most dangerous shots, but injuries have derailed much of the last several seasons. Last year, he appeared in just five games before another lengthy absence limited him to one assist. That uncertainty explains why a player who once scored 44 goals is still searching for a contract.

For Edmonton, though, this is exactly the type of gamble worth considering. The Oilers have built an environment where skilled players can thrive alongside McDavid and Draisaitl. If Laine is healthy, even a fraction of his former scoring ability could transform Edmonton’s second power-play unit and provide another legitimate finishing threat at even strength.

Of course, there’s significant risk. Health remains a major question, and after missing so much hockey, there’s no guarantee he’ll regain his previous form. But that’s precisely why a PTO exists. The Oilers could evaluate his conditioning and health throughout camp before making any financial commitment.

Eeli Tolvanen Could Be the Smartest Long-Term Fit

While Tarasenko and Kane bring name recognition, Eeli Tolvanen may actually be the most intriguing hockey fit. Still only 27 years old, Tolvanen scored 12 goals and 36 points last season while showing flashes of the heavy shot that made him one of Europe’s top prospects earlier in his career.

Unlike several players on this list, Tolvanen still has age on his side. He’s responsible defensively, skates well enough to keep pace with Edmonton’s transition game and can play throughout the lineup. Whether it’s third-line minutes or moving into a top-six role because of injuries, he offers lineup flexibility.

Perhaps most importantly, there’s still room for improvement. Unlike older veterans hoping to rediscover previous production, Tolvanen may still have another level offensively if placed alongside elite playmakers. That makes him an especially intriguing investment beyond just one season.

Best Fit for Edmonton

Each player offers something different. Laine has the highest offensive ceiling. Kane brings familiarity and physicality. Bunting offers grit and versatility. Tolvanen provides youth and two-way reliability. But if the Oilers could choose only one PTO candidate, Tarasenko stands out as the best overall fit.

Edmonton doesn’t necessarily need another checking forward—they need another proven finisher who can capitalize on the countless scoring chances created by McDavid and Draisaitl. Tarasenko has consistently demonstrated that ability throughout his NHL career, and after still producing 23 goals last season, there’s reason to believe he has meaningful hockey left.

If the Oilers want a safer, younger option with longer-term potential, Tolvanen would be an excellent alternative. With training camp just weeks away, don’t be surprised if Bowman waits for the market to come to him once again. One of these five veterans could end up becoming Edmonton’s next low-risk, high-reward addition.