The Oilers need to sign both Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard to long-term deals this summer, but could they also fit in Mikko Rantanen?

The Edmonton Oilers are in town for a Western Conference matchup as the Colorado Avalanche continue their five-game homestand. The Oilers will play their second game of a back-to-back tonight after taking a 5-3 win over the Minnesota Wild.

This in from NHL insider Andy Strickland of St. Louis, his prediction on the Cam & Strick podcast that the Edmonton Oilers will sign Mikko Rantanen this summer. Rantanen, who is in the Top 10 NHL players,

The Edmonton Oilers are going to have some cap issues in their near future on top of the need to re-sign Connor McDavid who is eligible for a new contract extension on July 1st, 2025.

While the Oilers currently have $5 million of available cap space, Edmonton will need to re-sign McDavid and defenseman Evan Bouchard to contract extensions this and next summer. That, however, won't be a problem for the Oilers in Strickland's eyes.

Despite being a fan favorite and a key part of the Avalanche's recent success, the salary-cap reality forced their hand.

First Period_1, Colorado, O'Connor 6 (Kiviranta, Rantanen), 5:17. 2, Colorado, MacKinnon 16 (de Haan, Drouin), 10:04. 3, Colorado, MacKinnon 17 (Toews), 11:48. 4 ...

Edmonton Oilers (28-13-3, in the Pacific Division) vs. Colorado Avalanche (27-17-1, in the Central Division) Denver; Thursday, 9:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Avalanche -132, Oilers +112 ...

This in from NHL insider Andy Strickland of St. Louis, his prediction on the Cam & Strick podcast that the Edmonton Oilers will sign Mikko Rantanen this summer. Rantanen, who is in the Top 10 NHL players,

The NHL salary cap is expected to rise significantly in the next few years, and while more teams won't spend to the limit, the Edmonton Oilers will benefit by having the financial power to spend to the cap.

Elliotte Friedman reports that money was one significant factor (perhaps the biggest) in the Colorado Avalanche’s decision to trade Mikko Rantanen.

The Edmonton Oilers will face the Colorado Avalanche in this NHL matchup at Ball Arena on Thursday, January 16th.WATCH: Oilers vs Avalanche Live | Stream free on FuboThe Oilers are second in the Pacific Division with a 28-13-3 record.