Oilers' Veteran Pursuit
Edmonton Oilers Reportedly Pursue Veteran Checking Centre Jason Dickinson for Re-signing
The Edmonton Oilers are zeroing in on veteran checking centre Jason Dickinson as a top free-agent target, according to Edmonton Examiner. Team insider Bob Stauffer floated the name on his radio show, saying Dickinson would be a "perfect fit" for the team's third-line centre vacancy. A deal could come as soon as July 1, when NHL free agency opens.
Stauffer, host of the Oilers Now radio program, also put a number on what a contract might look like: between $3.75 million and $4.25 million per year, according to Brantford Expositor. Dickinson turns 31 on July 4 and will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent after his two-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks expires.
Who Is Jason Dickinson and Why Edmonton Wants Him
Dickinson is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound centre known for two things: winning faceoffs and playing tough defence. His faceoff win rate has historically ranged between 50% and 54.5%, a big upgrade over Edmonton's current bottom-six options. In 2023-24, he posted 22 goals, 13 assists, and 35 points in 82 games with Chicago.
The Oilers have cycled through third-line centres for years — Nick Bjugstad, Riley Sheahan, Derek Ryan — without finding a long-term answer. Dickinson would likely anchor the penalty kill as the top defensive-zone centre, taking pressure off stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in high-leverage situations, according to Sault Star.
Stauffer's Words Carry Weight in Edmonton
In Edmonton hockey circles, when Stauffer talks, people listen. He is widely seen as a mouthpiece for the Oilers' front office — a way for the team to quietly test public reaction to moves before they happen. His June 15 mention of Dickinson on air was viewed by many insiders as a strong signal the team is serious, according to Shoreline Beacon.
General Manager Stan Bowman knows Dickinson well from his time running the Chicago Blackhawks organization. That familiarity could speed up negotiations. The Oilers are expected to make a formal pitch once the legal tampering window opens before July 1, per Whitecourt Star.
Cap Space, Risk, and the Age-31 Question
A deal worth $4 million per year would eat up roughly 4.2% of the projected $95 million salary cap for 2026-27. The Oilers have some room to work with, as several mid-level contracts are coming off the books this summer. But to stay cap-compliant, the team may need to move a depth player, according to Woodstock Sentinel Review.
The main risk is age. Analytics outlets warn that defensive numbers tend to fall off sharply after a player hits 31. A four-year deal at $4 million — totalling $16 million — could look like "dead money" by 2028 if Dickinson declines. Some analysts suggest a shorter two-year term would be the smarter play for Edmonton's long-term cap health, per Edmonton Examiner.
Chicago Moving On, Dickinson Seen as Best Available Third-Line Centre
The Blackhawks are deep in a rebuild centred around young star Connor Bedard. Letting Dickinson walk is seen in Chicago as a salary cap cleanup move, not a knock on his play. That makes him one of the most attractive free agents at his position this summer, according to Sault Star.
For Dickinson, this is likely his last shot at a major multi-year contract. A deal with a Cup contender like Edmonton gives him both security and a real chance at a championship. If the two sides agree on term and money, it could be one of the cleaner fits in the free-agent market this July, per Fort Saskatchewan Record.
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