Looking on the roster as constructed at present, it’s truthful to ask if the Edmonton Oilers nonetheless have wants that ought to be addressed this offseason. Placing apart the truth that contracts nonetheless should be finalized for RFAs and Leon Draisaitl’s extension is a precedence, what’s the roster lacking?
The Oilers are stacked at ahead. The highest 9 consists of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, Evander Kane, Adam Henrique, Connor Brown, and different choices. There isn’t a actual want so as to add extra scoring, thus any rumors the Oilers is perhaps taking a look at forwards in free company or by way of commerce aren’t possible correct except there’s a monetary cap profit in transferring out one ahead for one more.
On protection, the Oilers are well-suited to make a run, even when they doubtlessly lack a stud defenseman who can persistently play 26 minutes per night time. This isn’t to say that Evan Bouchard isn’t an elite offensive defenseman, or that he can’t spherical out his defensive sport to grow to be that participant, however he’s not there but. Mattias Ekholm is nice at every part, however maybe not elite at something. Darnell Nurse will be fairly efficient when he simplifies his sport, Brett Kulak is fast and sensible, and Cody Ceci will be higher than good at occasions, and caved in at others. Altogether, it’s a unit that took the Oilers to Recreation 7 of the Stanley Cup Ultimate and if Philip Broberg continues to progress, ought to be capable to make life for the netminders comparatively stress-free.
Talking of the goaltenders, Stuart Skinner has confirmed himself greater than succesful in a beginning function and 2024-25 is perhaps the season he quiets any remaining naysayers. Calvin Pickard stepped up because the super backup, regardless of usually going weeks between begins.
So What Do the Oilers Nonetheless Want This Season?
When laid out as above, the Oilers look strong. If there are any holes to fill, they aren’t gaping ones they usually possible don’t should be addressed this offseason. Their greatest wager could be to try to discover an improve on protection, however that’s not a necessity within the offseason. A No. 4 or No. 5 defenseman who will be acquired forward of the commerce deadline will probably be new GM Stan Bowman’s precedence.

As for who and what’s out there? Names like Rasmus Andersson out of Calgary have been thrown round. Artem Zub was talked about in a current article by Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, the place he writes, “Zub is a right-handed defenceman who has delivered top-flight outcomes for the Senators over the past a number of years. A staff may win the Stanley Cup with Zub on the highest pairing, however that staff will not be Ottawa.” Might Erik Johnson be plucked out of Philadelphia on a one-year, retained wage deadline deal? If the Flyers are out, it’s an possibility. Adam Larsson left the Oilers for household causes, however would have make a closing run as a part of a playoff push as a rental?
In free company, Justin Schultz remains to be on the market, as is Tyson Barrie. If accidents strike or the necessity for extra offense from the again finish pops up, each could be attention-grabbing matches and have been in Edmonton earlier than.
Subsequent: Evaluating Dynamic Duos: McDavid-Draisaitl vs. Crosby-Malkin
