As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for the next two seasons, the focus is clear: seize a Stanley Cup before superstar captain Connor McDavid enters free agency in 2028. McDavid, already considered one of the best players in the franchise's storied history, has committed to stay through 2028 via a recent two-year contract extension. With that timeline in mind, the Oilers are making moves to build a contender. Oilers Insider Allan Mitchell recently suggested the team might be eyeing New York Rangers forward Noah Laba as a potential target. A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Laba earned 74 games with the Rangers during the 2025-26 season. He established himself as a young, right-handed center with untapped potential.
Laba's potential and development
Mitchell praised Laba for combining physical size, skating ability, and enough technical skill to project as a middle-six center. He noted that Laba could develop into a top-six role. Though the 21-year-old Colorado College product only tallied nine goals and 15 assists last season, his breakout NHL campaign drew significant interest. Analyst Peter Baugh from The Athletic noted Laba as a key piece for the Rangers' future. Yet New York failed to qualify for the playoffs and may be reworking their roster. That could open the door for Laba to become available if the Rangers decide not to carry him on a second line. Given his limited offensive production so far, this could happen. Mitchell believes Laba is more of a third-line threat at this stage but sees room for growth in the coming season.
Laba’s current contract adds to his appeal. He’s under a deal for one more year with a manageable $945,000 cap hit before heading into restricted free agency. This cap-friendly arrangement makes it easier for teams to bring him in, and the Oilers, under General Manager Stan Bowman, are clearly rethinking their forward group. They're looking to add affordable talent that can contribute in the short term and grow with the team, especially with a tight window to secure a championship.
Oilers' major off-season changes
The Oilers have already made significant moves this off-season to reshape their team. Most notably, they’ve replaced their previous coaching staff of Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart with the experienced duo of Mike Babcock and D.J. Smith. Babcock, cleared to coach after an investigation into his conduct while with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, brings a seasoned hand to the bench. The Oilers also added depth in net by acquiring Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi, while trading longtime defenseman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks, a divisional rival. Nurse’s departure signals a larger shift in defense, and with a new coaching staff in place, the Oilers are building a team that prioritizes speed, skill, and youth.
The team’s pursuit of Laba fits into this broader strategy. By targeting a forward with Laba’s potential, the Oilers are looking to add a player who can immediately contribute on the second line. They also want the player to fit into their long-term vision. If the move materializes, it would show how teams are now focusing on acquiring young, versatile forwards. These forwards can grow into core roles. For Edmonton, Laba represents a smart, low-cost option in a two-year stretch. They have high hopes of capturing a long-sought Stanley Cup.