The Edmonton Oilers are expected to lose two forwards when their free agency opens next month. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, both Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique are not expected to return for the 2026-27 season.

Roslovic joined Edmonton on a one-year deal last summer. This was after he made 22 goals in the 2024-25 season. He finished 2025-26 with 21 goals. He proved himself to be reliable to the Oilers throughout the year by being consistent.

Edmonton has its own internal options to fill in, but replacing a 21-goal forward will be a harder problem than replacing a fourth-line piece. The Oilers will need to match that standard either in free agency or via trade.

Henrique arrived via trade from the Anaheim Ducks at the 2024 deadline. He scored 51 points in that season, but his form fell off since then. He played just one game in Edmonton's 2026 playoff match against the Ducks. 

But he still brought a good amount of experience to the Oilers locker room. He did add a lot of value during their two trips to the Stanley Cup Final. Edmonton has other younger players and minor-league options who can cover his role.

But both the speculated departures come after a disappointing season. After their back-to-back Stanley Cup Final matchups, the Oilers lost in the playoffs' final rounds. They were eliminated in the first round by Anaheim. 

With both players expected to leave, Edmonton's front office keeps itself busy this July. They were set to reshape their roster before heading into next season.

Oilers set to move forward with Mike Babcock

Edmonton's coaching search is another issue they need to handle soon. The Oilers have openly expressed their interest in Mike Babcock. But that had been on hold while the NHL conducted a formal investigation into the 2023 exit from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Babcock resigned as Columbus head coach in September 2023; it was just a few months into the job and before coaching a single game. There were allegations that he asked players to show him personal photos from their phones during one-on-one meetings. 

These claims were first reported on a podcast and immediately drew sharp criticism, even though Babcock and the captain back then, Boone Jenner, denied them. 

The NHLPA requested a fresh investigation when they found out the Oilers were interested in Babcock, and the league put their hiring on hold till then.

The NHL announced this past week that the investigation is now complete and that Babcock can return to coaching. 

With the league's review now done, Edmonton is expected to begin drafting its formal contract and start its talks with Babcock in the coming days.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Ankita Yadav