In the unique ecosystem of Edmonton, Alberta, the goals during the summertime diverge somewhat from the standard National Hockey League objective. While many organizations would hail merely reaching the Stanley Cup Final as a resounding success – save for those rare few perpetually bathed in championship glory – the Oilers` recent experience dictates a more refined ambition. After falling just short in a seven-game final series in 2024, the mandate for General Manager Stan Bowman this summer is not merely to contend, but to identify and integrate the marginal gains, the elusive “extra five percent,” required to elevate the team to championship status.
Targeted Adjustments to the Forward Group
The offseason in Edmonton saw some calculated modifications rather than a sweeping overhaul. The forward corps, the engine room of the Oilers` attack, experienced several departures from its depth roles, notably Connor Brown, Corey Perry, and Jeff Skinner moving on via free agency. However, the core of the group remains intact, with nine of the top-12 forwards from the 2024 playoff run slated to return.
To complement this returning group, the Oilers have introduced new elements. Promising young winger Matt Savoie is anticipated to make the jump to a more prominent role. Veteran free agents Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar bring known quantities and specific skill sets to the roster. Adding a degree of intrigue is the signing of European forward David Tomasek, whose potential impact remains to be seen at the NHL level.
Unlocking the Puzzle: Potential Line Combinations
The arrival of new personnel, combined with the existing talent pool, presents Head Coach Kris Knoblauch with an array of tactical options for constructing the forward lines. A key focal point will be the deployment of newly acquired Trent Frederic. His versatility opens possibilities ranging from a depth role on the second line – a spot previously occupied by players like Vasily Podkolzin last season – to anchoring the third line as a center or playing on the wing. Frederic`s signing signals a long-term commitment, indicating he is expected to be a significant piece of the forward structure.
The coaching staff will also evaluate potential shuffles among established players. Could Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a versatile and integral forward, see time centering the third line to spread out the offensive attack? Might Adam Henrique, brought in to bolster the middle-six, take a turn alongside captain Connor McDavid on the top line? And will Vasily Podkolzin, who saw time with Leon Draisaitl, work his way back into a prominent role on the left flank?
Predicting the exact configuration before training camp resembles a highly educated guess, but a plausible starting point for the season opener might look something like this:
Projected Opening Night Forward Lines
Nugent-Hopkins – McDavid – Hyman
Mangiapane – Draisaitl – Savoie
Henrique – Frederic – Tomasek
Podkolzin – Janmark – Kapanen
Extras: Lazar, Jones
Under this configuration, Frederic is positioned as the primary third-line center, potentially sharing duties with Henrique as Frederic acclimates, with an eye toward Frederic assuming the role long-term after Henrique`s current contract expires. The second line features Mangiapane and Savoie flanking Draisaitl. If Mangiapane`s preference for the right wing holds, and Savoie is comfortable on his off-wing, this arrangement could finally provide Draisaitl with wingers possessing a skill level commensurate with his elite talent. Veteran forwards Curtis Lazar and Max Jones offer established depth, capable of stepping into the lineup as needed.
Stability on Defence and in Goal
In contrast to the calculated tinkering up front, the Edmonton Oilers blue line and goaltending situation appear remarkably stable heading into the 2025-26 season. Following extensive evaluation of the goaltender market over the summer, the team seems poised to proceed with the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, who proved capable during the previous playoff run.
The defensive pairings are also expected to remain largely unchanged:
Projected Opening Night Defensive Pairings
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Walman
Kulak – Stecher
Extra: Emberson
The primary competition on defence appears to be for the sixth and seventh roster spots, likely a battle between Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher. This continuity on the backend suggests the organization is confident in its established defensive structure and goaltending.
The Crucial Question: Is it Enough?
The summer moves in Edmonton reflect a precise approach: reinforce the forward depth, particularly in the middle-six, inject some new talent and versatility, and trust the established strength on defence and in goal. The question that lingers, and one that can only truly be answered when the puck drops in October, is whether these specific adjustments are the correct ones, and whether they provide the necessary uplift to conquer the final, most challenging step – winning the Stanley Cup. The pieces are largely familiar, with a few new variables added to the equation. The success of this summer`s strategy hinges entirely on whether these targeted shifts yield that critical, game-changing “extra five percent.”
