The Edmonton Oilers are in full Stanley Cup mode, but there’s one major obstacle in their way—the salary cap. With limited flexibility, the Oilers need to get creative at the trade deadline, and one option that’s generating a lot of buzz is keeping Evander Kane on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to open up cap space for a big move.
But is this the right play, or is it crossing the line into cap manipulation?
Did the Oilers Plan for This Loophole?
Interestingly, the Oilers made some tough decisions last summer that may have set the stage for this very scenario. They chose not to match offer sheets for two key young players, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, who subsequently signed with the St. Louis Blues.
At the time, many wondered why Edmonton let two promising players go, but in hindsight, it could have been a calculated move to maintain cap flexibility. Now, with Kane’s injury situation, the Oilers have a potential opportunity to use the LTIR loophole—something recent Stanley Cup winners have taken advantage of.
How the LTIR Loophole Works
Several past champions, including the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights, have strategically used LTIR to gain cap relief. The trick? When a player is placed on LTIR, their salary doesn’t count against the cap, allowing teams to make additional moves.
Then, once the playoffs begin (when the salary cap no longer applies), that player can return without penalty. The most famous example was Nikita Kucherov, who missed the entire regular season for Tampa in 2021 but returned in the playoffs, helping the Lightning win the Cup.
If the Oilers use this strategy with Kane, it could free up enough space for a major trade deadline move.
Is Kane’s Injury Serious Enough?
Evander Kane has been battling injuries, but the extent of his condition remains unclear. If he’s truly unable to play, keeping him on LTIR is justified. However, if Kane could return sooner, the decision becomes controversial.
The NHL has been lenient on LTIR usage in the past, but if Edmonton pushes the boundaries too far, it could lead to scrutiny from the league and rival teams.
Win-Now Trade Targets: Who Could the Oilers Add?
If the Oilers go this route, they’ll likely target players with expiring contracts who fit their championship window. Some potential trade deadline targets include:
• Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay - LW) – A proven playoff performer who could slot into the top two lines.
• Sean Monahan (Columbus - C) – A strong two-way center who brings depth and experience.
• Noah Hanifin (Las Vegas - D) – A top-four defenseman who could solidify the Oilers’ blue line.
• Tyler Toffoli (San Jose - RW) – A versatile winger with a Stanley Cup ring and a knack for clutch goals.
• Chris Tanev (Toronto - D) – A shutdown defenseman who could be invaluable come playoff time.
Risk vs. Reward: Is It Worth It?
While other teams have successfully used LTIR to their advantage, the Oilers must weigh the risks. If Kane returns before the playoffs, they could find themselves in a difficult cap situation, forcing unexpected roster moves. Additionally, if the league suspects foul play, they could step in with an investigation.
What Should the Oilers Do?
So, should the Oilers keep Evander Kane on LTIR and take advantage of the loophole, or should they play it safe and work within their current cap constraints?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Would you be okay with the Oilers using LTIR to land a trade deadline upgrade, or do you think it’s too risky?
Sources:
• The Athletic – How LTIR Helped Vegas and Tampa Win the Stanley Cup
• Sportsnet – Oilers’ Cap Situation and Potential Trade Deadline Moves
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