The Edmonton Oilers have taken a step towards addressing their key concern for the upcoming 2025-26 season by securing a short-term contract extension with their star captain, Connor McDavid.
Despite making it to the Stanley Cup final in the last two seasons, the Oilers are entering the new campaign with several uncertainties. Issues such as goaltending, team depth, defensive capabilities, and the composition of McDavid’s linemates continue to cast a shadow over the team, even after McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million US extension.
McDavid’s annual average contract value of $12.5 million is slightly lower than his teammate Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million deal, a figure that General Manager Stan Bowman mentioned was in line with McDavid’s desire to focus on winning the Stanley Cup.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized the team’s immediate goal of winning championships rather than building for the future. The Oilers’ performance in addressing these ongoing concerns will greatly impact their chances of securing a third consecutive Stanley Cup final appearance, akin to their recent losses to the Florida Panthers.
Finding suitable long-term linemates for McDavid remains a challenge, especially with Zach Hyman sidelined due to a wrist injury. Coach Knoblauch has been experimenting with various wingers during training camp, including Trent Frederic, Adam Henrique, Andrew Mangiapane, and rookie Matt Savoie.
The team’s goaltending situation, led by Stuart Skinner, has faced criticism from fans. Although the Oilers acquired Connor Ingram as a backup, the management reiterated their confidence in Skinner and Calvin Pickard as the primary goaltenders.
Defensively, the Oilers boast depth and experience in their top pairings, with players such as Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, and Jake Walman contributing to the team’s defensive stability. However, the team’s success will hinge on factors like player health, consistency, and performance improvements.
As the Oilers aim for another shot at the Stanley Cup, history shows that consecutive final appearances do not guarantee success. While the team remains optimistic, they are aware of the challenges ahead and the need for consistent, quality performances across all aspects of the game.
In a bid to enhance their roster, the Oilers are counting on the energy and potential of young players like rookies Matt Savoie and Noah Philip, alongside experienced additions such as Trent Frederic and Andrew Mangiapane.
The team will have to navigate the start of the season without Zach Hyman, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a dislocated wrist. Despite this setback, the Oilers are gearing up for the season with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all aiming to contribute to the team’s success on the ice.
