The Edmonton Oilers are considering a bold strategy to weaken a key rival by pursuing a blockbuster offer sheet for Vegas Golden Knights star Pavel Dorofeyev. With the Golden Knights set to lose the Oilers’ 2026 first-round pick after declining a request to speak with former coach Bruce Cassidy, insiders suggest General Manager Stan Bowman could use that asset to strike a high-risk, high-reward deal.
Dorofeyev, 25, is entering the final year of his two-year, $7.34 million contract and is eligible to become a restricted free agent. The Russian winger has exploded onto the scene this season, posting a career-high 64 points (37 goals, 27 assists) in 82 regular-season games. He’s carried that momentum into the playoffs, tallying 12 points (10 goals, two assists) in 13 games.
According to insider Jeff Marek, the Oilers would need to commit to a max contract to land Dorofeyev. Marek wrote: “On The Sheet today we talked about a max chaos move the Oilers could pull off if they can get their first round pick back from San Jose – offer sheet Pavel Dorofeyev. $11.9 x 2 would cost two firsts, a second and a third.”
The projected deal would be a two-year contract worth $23.8 million, with an average annual value of $11.9 million. To fund such a move, the Oilers would likely need to reacquire their 2026 first-round pick from San Jose, perhaps via a trade involving defenseman Darnell Nurse.
Dorofeyev’s offensive upside fits Edmonton’s win-now window, especially with two-time Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid leading the way. The Oilers are expected to make a splash in free agency and the draft, and a blockbuster offer sheet would send a strong statement to the league.
The Golden Knights, meanwhile, could be left scrambling if Dorofeyev walks. With a 37-goal scorer on a one-year contract, Vegas could lose one of its most consistent offensive threats just as it builds toward a deep playoff run.
Bowman has shown no hesitation to take bold steps this summer. With the playoffs still in full swing and Dorofeyev’s status still uncertain, the Oilers have until July 13 to make a move before he becomes a free agent.
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