The Edmonton Oilers have spent the opening weeks of the offseason reinforcing areas they believe are critical to the team's success. Rather than letting two experienced additions test free agency, the organization has moved to secure them long-term and bring stability in key areas of the lineup.
Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy were rewarded with matching five-year commitments, reflecting the confidence Edmonton has in the impact they can make moving forward. The decision also prompted a detailed evaluation from one of the most respected figures in franchise history, offering a closer look at Edmonton's $40.5 million investment.
Speaking on a recent episode of Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer , Craig MacTavish shared his thoughts on the Oilers' decision to invest a combined $40.5 million in Dickinson and Murphy.
While MacTavish supported both signings, he made it clear that he views the two contracts differently.
Discussing Dickinson, who signed a $20 million contract, MacTavish acknowledged the veteran center's importance after arriving from the Chicago Blackhawks before the trade deadline.
"I think he was definitely a useful player," MacTavish said . "It's really hard for me to evaluate him at the end when he was so banged up in the playoffs. But obviously, he's a warrior."
MacTavish pointed to a few concerns regarding Dickinson's long-term outlook, particularly as he enters his 30s.
"The question mark about Jason is his age. He's getting older, 30 years old, I think, and injuries, and the production hasn't been there."
Even with these concerns, MacTavish credited Dickinson for helping stabilize Edmonton's lineup during a critical stretch of the season. "He's a valuable asset for us," MacTavish said. "I would say that he was very helpful when he came and almost turned our year around."
However, it was Murphy who received the strongest endorsement from the former Oilers captain, head coach, and general manager.
"I would evaluate him as helpful, and Connor Murphy, the other signing today, I think, as more essential," MacTavish said.
Edmonton Oilers defensemen Connor Murphy. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Murphy signed a five-year, $20.5 million extension after making an immediate impact on Edmonton's blueline. Following the trade, he settled into a top-four role and formed a reliable partnership with Darnell Nurse.
MacTavish admitted that Murphy exceeded his expectations.
"I really, really loved what he did when he came here and really solidified that second pair with Darnell Nurse," he said. "I was shocked he was as productive and effective. I didn't know the player all that well."
The Oilers legend also highlighted several traits that convinced him Murphy was worth the investment.
"He provides, he's a super smart guy, which is really essential back there to limit mistakes, a considerable amount of toughness, and he's got more touch on the puck than I thought," MacTavish explained.
He finished with perhaps his strongest endorsement of the day. "I was really happy to get Connor Murphy signed. I think that was a really good signing."
As for Dickinson, MacTavish remains optimistic despite some reservations about the later years of the contract.
"Jason Dickinson is going to be good for us, maybe not throughout the entire term of the contract, but he'll be good for us for quite a bit of it."
General manager Stan Bowman still has some work to do, however. There's the goalie problem to be solved, along with trading Darnell Nurse and bringing in some additional firepower for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers are also yet to announce Mike Babcock as head coach, though all signs point to that happening this week.
