In Edmonton, the team`s summer objectives differ slightly from those of most other NHL teams.
Whereas promising a Stanley Cup Final appearance would thrill fans in most NHL cities (excluding Florida, of course), for Oilers GM Stan Bowman, the focus this summer is on finding the crucial edge the team has sought since their seven-game loss in the 2024 Final.
The team saw depth forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry depart in free agency, and Jeff Skinner was not retained. However, Bowman has kept nine of the top-12 forwards from the Final, elevated promising winger Matt Savoie, signed established free agents Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar, and brought in lesser-known European player David Tomasek.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch`s deployment of new signing Trent Frederic will bring more change. Frederic could be used as a depth forward on the second line, similar to Vasily Podkolzin last year, or as a third-line center or winger. All options are open for Frederic, who is now committed to the Oilers long-term.
Potential line configurations include Ryan Nugent-Hopkins centering the third line, Adam Henrique playing left wing with Connor McDavid, or Podkolzin reclaiming his spot on Leon Draisaitl`s left side.
The defense corps remains unchanged. After exploring the goalie market throughout the summer, it appears the goaltending tandem will also stay the same.
Projected Depth Chart
Forwards
Nugent-Hopkins — McDavid — Hyman
Mangiapane — Draisaitl — Savoie
Henrique — Frederic — Tomasek
Podkolzin — Janmark — Kapanen
Lazar
Jones
Defense
Ekholm — Bouchard
Nurse — Walman
Kulak — Stecher
Emberson
Goaltenders
Skinner
Pickard
This projection places Frederic at third-line center, likely paired with veteran Adam Henrique. If Frederic proves capable, he and Henrique could share third-line center responsibilities this season, positioning Frederic as the long-term replacement after Henrique`s contract ends. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is also a potential option for the third line center role.
Regarding the second line, Mangiapane reportedly prefers playing right wing. If Savoie is comfortable on his off-wing (left wing), they could switch sides, potentially providing Draisaitl with wingers whose skill level better matches his own.
Curtis Lazar and Max Jones offer veteran depth as extra forwards (center and winger, respectively) who can fill in as needed. The only roster competition on defense appears to be for the sixth and seventh spots, contested by Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher.
Duncan Priestley