That OS walks him directly to UFA

Sure, but Crosby's contract is up that year too, and he'll be 38. If the wheels have totally fallen off the team by then they can deal Thomas to a contender at the deadline to start the post-Crosby rebuild. Plus you've still got a relatively inexpensive young winger for 4 years as they grow into their prime. Thomas would have a pretty good incentive for signing that too - 4 years pumping your stats on Sidney Crosby's wing and at the end of it you immediately cash in on a UFA deal. Not a bad idea.

oilers are good
1. they wont have cap space
2. they solved there depth issue this summer and have no need for him

1. oilers would need me i i decided to play (never skated in my life)
2. it doesn't have to be edm any team that needs deapth

which is not edmonton