BREAKING NEWS: Oilers Defeat Maple Leafs in Battle to Sign Key Free Agent Forward
In a major shakeup during this NHL offseason, the Edmonton Oilers have pulled off a stunning move by signing one of the league’s most coveted unrestricted free agents, effectively beating out the Toronto Maple Leafs and several other contenders. The Oilers have inked star forward Jake Guentzel to a multi-year deal reportedly worth $63 million over 7 years, averaging $9 million per season. This signing marks one of the boldest free agency moves in recent franchise history and signals Edmonton’s intent to go all-in during the Connor McDavid–Leon Draisaitl championship window.
High-Stakes Bidding War
The pursuit of Guentzel, a proven playoff performer and top-line winger, was one of the major storylines heading into free agency. Multiple teams were reportedly involved, including the Maple Leafs, who saw Guentzel as the ideal complement to their star-studded core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. However, it was the Oilers—coming off a bitter Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers—who emerged victorious.
Guentzel, 29, finished the 2024–25 season with a combined 73 points (32 goals, 41 assists) in 76 games between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes, where he was traded mid-season. His ability to elevate his game in the postseason made him especially attractive to playoff-hungry teams like the Oilers and Leafs. Over his career, Guentzel has amassed 67 points in 69 playoff games, including a remarkable 2017 run to the Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh.
The Oilers’ Perspective
For Edmonton, this signing is about more than just adding another skilled forward. It’s a declaration of intent. After falling just short of the Stanley Cup, GM Ken Holland—who may be in his final year at the helm—has pushed his chips to the center of the table. Guentzel is expected to slot in on the left wing alongside either McDavid or Draisaitl, giving the Oilers arguably the most dangerous top-six in the NHL.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised the acquisition, stating:
“Jake brings speed, scoring, and a relentless playoff mentality that fits exactly what we need. He’s been there before, he knows what it takes, and we believe he’ll thrive with our group.”
The Oilers have had no shortage of firepower in recent seasons, but consistency on the wing and depth scoring have been intermittent issues. With Guentzel’s arrival, the top line could feature McDavid, Guentzel, and Zach Hyman, while the second line may now boast Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane.
Toronto’s Missed Opportunity
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, missing out on Guentzel is a frustrating blow. After another early playoff exit, new GM Brad Treliving was reportedly targeting Guentzel as a high-priority signing to add playoff pedigree to his roster. The Leafs were believed to be offering a similar AAV (Average Annual Value) but were hesitant to go the full 7 years, which ultimately gave Edmonton the edge.
Toronto now faces the pressure of pivoting quickly to Plan B. With cap space still available, options like Tyler Toffoli, Vladimir Tarasenko, or even a trade for a player like Nikolaj Ehlers may be explored. But none bring the blend of playoff reliability and offensive firepower that Guentzel offers.
Toronto fans, already anxious over the team’s postseason shortcomings, took to social media to express disappointment. Many view this as yet another example of the organization falling short in crucial offseason battles.
League-Wide Reaction
The league’s response has been swift. Analysts have applauded Edmonton’s aggressiveness and ability to close the deal. Former players and current media voices like Kevin Bieksa and Elliotte Friedman highlighted the Oilers’ perfect timing and the appeal of joining a Cup-ready team