The Edmonton Oilers added to their blue-line depth on Sunday while keeping valuable financial flexibility for the season ahead. The club announced on X that it signed defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.75 million and Spencer Stastney to a one-year extension carrying a $1.525 million cap hit.
The moves strengthen Edmonton’s defensive group without limiting its room to make future additions.
NHL analyst Tyler Yaremchuk noted on X, “Oilers now have 8 d-men signed and on the roster. Still $4.9m in cap space with just Colton Dach to sign in order to fill out the roster.”
Spotrac currently lists the Oilers with approximately $5.5 million in projected cap space for the 2026-27 season, reinforcing the idea that Edmonton still has room to maneuver before opening night.
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Oilers have defensive depth without sacrificing flexibility
The extensions continue a busy offseason directed by general manager Stan Bowman after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. Edmonton finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record before suffering a 4-2 first-round playoff loss to the Anaheim Ducks. That exit highlighted issues on the blue line, inconsistent goaltending, and a lack of reliable depth throughout the lineup.
Bowman’s response has been aggressive. The Oilers reshaped their defense by moving on from Darnell Nurse, added Ryan Shea on a long-term deal, rebuilt the goaltending tandem with Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi, and added experienced forwards to improve the bottom six.
Mukhamadullin and Stastney fit that approach. Neither signing is expected to dominate headlines, but both provide affordable depth and increase internal competition. Carrying eight NHL defensemen also gives the coaching staff options if injuries arise or younger players need time to develop.
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Cap space remains Edmonton Oilers’ biggest asset
Perhaps the more important takeaway is what Edmonton did not spend. Unlike previous summers, the Oilers are entering the season with meaningful cap space still available.
Bowman recently explained the shift in philosophy, saying, “We’re in a much different spot than we’ve been the two years I’ve been here, where we were right up against it… All year, you’re walking a tightrope… I think we’re going to have a lot more options this year.”
That flexibility could prove more valuable than another offseason signing. Cap space accumulates during the season, giving contenders greater buying power at the trade deadline. If Edmonton remains in the playoff race, those unused dollars could allow Bowman to target impact help without dismantling the roster.
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For a team that spent last season exposed by its lack of depth, Sunday’s extensions were less about making a splash and more about building a roster with balance, insurance, and the financial freedom to improve when it matters most.
