MONTREAL, QC - MAY 12: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid 97 waits for a face-off during the Edmonton Oilers versus the Montreal Canadiens game on May 12, 2021, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA MAY 12 Oilers at Canadiens Icon210512076
MONTREAL, QC - MAY 12: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid 97 waits for a face-off during the Edmonton Oilers versus the Montreal Canadiens game on May 12, 2021, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA MAY 12 Oilers at Canadiens Icon210512076
The Edmonton Oilers have a new-look defense for the upcoming NHL season. However, many former Oilers defensemen have signed big contracts with other teams. Together, they now earn more than Edmonton's current top six defensemen.
This has started a new discussion about how the Oilers developed these players before they left the team. Six former Oilers defensemen will have a total salary cap hit of $35.7 million this season. Edmonton's current top six defensemen have a total cap hit of $31.35 million.
Philip Broberg has the biggest contract after signing an six-year deal worth $8 million per season with the St. Louis Blues. Brett Kulak signed a four-year contract worth $4.5 million per season with the Colorado Avalanche. Vincent Desharnais signed a four-year deal worth $4.2 million per season with the Washington Capitals.
Edmonton, Alberta, Kanada. 24. Mai 2025. Die Flagge der Edmonton Oilers weht kühn vor dem wolkenverhangenen Himmel und symbolisiert den Teamgeist und die unerschütterliche Treue der Fans zu ihrer geliebten Eishockeymannschaft. Edmonton, Alberta, Kanada. 24. Mai 2025. Die Flagge der Edmonton Oilers weht kühn vor dem wolkenverhangenen Himmel und symbolisiert den Teamgeist und die unerschütterliche Treue der Fans zu ihrer geliebten Eishockeymannschaft. LicenseRM 23518496 Copyright: xZoonar.com/MarvinxSamuelxTOLENTINO-PINEDAx 23518496
Edmonton, Alberta, Kanada. 24. Mai 2025. Die Flagge der Edmonton Oilers weht kühn vor dem wolkenverhangenen Himmel und symbolisiert den Teamgeist und die unerschütterliche Treue der Fans zu ihrer geliebten Eishockeymannschaft. Edmonton, Alberta, Kanada. 24. Mai 2025. Die Flagge der Edmonton Oilers weht kühn vor dem wolkenverhangenen Himmel und symbolisiert den Teamgeist und die unerschütterliche Treue der Fans zu ihrer geliebten Eishockeymannschaft. LicenseRM 23518496 Copyright: xZoonar.com/MarvinxSamuelxTOLENTINO-PINEDAx 23518496
"In fact, the top six former Oilers d-men in the NHL, Darnell Nurse, Broberg, Adam Larsson, Cody Ceci, Kulak, and Desharnais will out-earn the top six Edmonton Oilers d-men this year," wrote David Staples of the Edmonton Journal.
Adam Larsson ($5.25 million), Cody Ceci ($4.5 million), and Darnell Nurse ($9.25 million) signed big contracts. These numbers show that several former Oilers defensemen became much more valuable after leaving Edmonton, while the Oilers built their defense differently.
Oilers believe current blue line is a better fit despite costly departures
The same Edmonton Journal report also compared the two defense groups. David Staples said the former Oilers defensemen are more physical because of players like Nurse, Larsson, and Desharnais.
However, he believes Edmonton's current defense is much better at moving the puck. Evan Bouchard, Jake Walman, Mattias Ekholm, and Ryan Shea fit the team's puck-control style, while Connor Murphy brings size and strong defense.
Staples also said Brett Kulak and Philip Broberg were the biggest losses. Because of that, Jake Walman and Connor Murphy must show they can replace them.
Some former Oilers are also playing in other leagues. Joel Persson had another good season with Växjö in Sweden. Dmitri Samorukov earned a bigger role with CSKA Moscow. Alex Petrovic, Jeff Petry, and John Klingberg are still playing in the NHL.
The Oilers believe their current defense is a better fit for the way they want to play. Now they must prove it with good results.
Can Edmonton's new defense succeed? Or will the former Oilers defensemen continue to show their value with other teams? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Read more at NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.
Know moreEdited by
Soheli Tarafdar