The Edmonton Oilers had a Calder Trophy finalist in 2022-23, plus a couple of players who could last a decade to boot. Last season wasn’t a stellar year for Oilers freshman, but 2025-26 has real promise.
THE 2015-16 ROOKIES
Total Rookies of Interest: 10. Connor McDavid led in goals and points, Darnell Nurse in games played, Iiro Pakarinen, Anton Slepyshev and Jujhar Khaira hung around for a time.
2015 Draft Notes: Edmonton picked Connor McDavid No. 1 and everything changed. Despite a difficult rookie season (injury), there was absolutely no doubt about McDavid’s stunning talent.
Best Player as a Rookie: Connor McDavid. Only the one play against Philly’s Brandon Manning derailed a dream campaign.
Second Best Player as a Rookie: Brandon Davidson gets the edge, the young defender had a fantastic rookie season.
Oldest Rookie: G Anders Nilsson was 25. He was effective for the team in a backup role, actually getting most of the starts at early points in the year. Nilsson would be traded to St. Louis at the deadline.
Oldest Rookie Who Played a Lot: Nilsson play 26 games, that’s significant. Iiro Pakarinen, 24, also played quite a bit.
Most Unusual Story: Griffin Reinhart was acquired at great expense and the organization whiffed completely in regard to his being NHL-ready. He is no longer playing hockey.
Longest NHL careers. Connor McDavid will be fast at 50. His career is going to be a monster.
Anything Else? The sheer number of defensemen who arrived in a single season (Darnell Nurse, Davidson, Jordan Oesterle, Reinhart, Adam Clendening) was well above average. The quality of this crop was impacted by injury, but the fast defensemen (Nurse, Oesterle) are still going.
THE 2025-26 ROOKIES
Total Rookies of Interest: I count 8, with four names having a real chance to play 40+ games. Matt Savoie and Ike Howard lead the list, and one or both could push for rookie of the year consideration. Other rookies of note include Roby Jarventie and Quinn Hutson. Rookies who are unlikely to make the NHL this season but are still worthy of mention: Viljami Marjala, Beau Akey, Damien Carfagna and Samuel Jonsson.
Any interesting names too old to qualify for the Calder? Three fascinating names: Noah Philp, David Tomasek, Atro Leppanen.
Best Player as a Rookie: I think it’s fair to suggest we know Savoie and Howard are about even now in terms of opportunity, and we should wait to see how this rolls out. It’s going to be a fun year watching both talented young players find their way. I don’t think there’s a reasonable argument for one over the other at this time. I do believe it will be difficult for the coaching staff to give both the kind of push we’d like to see.
Oldest Rookie: Quinn Hutson is 23, and even though he is blocked at this time, injuries to others and a strong performance for the Bakersfield Condors could put him in a position to play NHL games. He’ll need to show well early to get into the conversation.
Most unusual story: Roby Jarventie signed a Liiga contract and then signed an NHL deal with the Oilers. That tells us that, at some level, Jarventie and or his agent would have believed the NHL option was no longer available. Another NHL chance has to be a very nice outcome for the young player.
New for The Athletic: Five Edmonton Oilers players who could get traded early or late in 2025-26
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6517169/2025/07/27/edmonton-oilers-players-trades-2025/
I’m curious, LT, whether you have a sense of Stan Bowman’s “standard operating procedure” as a GM, from his years in Chicago and this near-year with the Oilers? And if you do, how would you characterize Bowman’s SOP? And what might it suggest for your list?
I don’t see any “big early season trades” that would cost an asset along the line of Matt Savoie (or similar/greater value) and I would be shocked if Bowman traded Savoie away – shocked.
Just a few days ago on the 100% Hockey Pod, Bowman spoke about how much he loved Savoie’s season in the AHL and that he’s going to play a big role for the Oilers this season – talked about his offensive game, his now developed 2-way game and PK game and his ability to play so many roles.
He spoke about the express effort to get a bit younger this off-sesaon and its tough to imagine him trading away one of his two young high pedigree, high skilled, developed, all but NHL ready prospects with 2 and 3 years of ELC left.
2 and 3 years of ELC left is absolutely massive for this team and creates more value than any “veteran” with cap commitment that would be coming back, in my opinion.
I was mentioning this yesterday if one are both these Kids come flying out the gate what’s there value worth with the low cap hit. You could probably get a really good D-man or dare I say to you a better goalie then what we have. If Savoie pops and has 17-18 goals halfway through the season his value will skyrocket among the goal hockey G.M’s
If that’s the case, I keep that 21 year old rookie with another year of ELC and then 4 more years of team control. There are very few current goalie contracts I trade that player for (not to mention other moves off the roster to open up the cap room).
Could you imagine flipping the McLeod trade a year later for say a 1B cost controlled D-man.
What are you giving up off the roster beside Savoie to fit in the contract of this acquired d-man?
I have no idea but so far I’ve liked the way Bowman has calmly gone about his business of giving us a real chance at number 6.
That interview with Stan B. was very interesting and informative. Thanks for the reference.
No problem -you are welcome.
Stauff says he can see a scenario where extensions for Podz, Walman, Ekholm and McDavid are all done this off-season.
I’ll be very hesitant on Ek prior to seeing how he looks coming back from this groin injury – he’ll be 36 starting the season an extension kicks in.
Oh, Knob too for an offseason extension.
The more I watch of Howard as well as his mannerisms the more I get the Jeremy Roenick vibe. If this kid plays with the get the eff out of my way because I like scoring we are in for a special year. Come Connor sign for 8 years stay with your buddies and get the job done 2-3 times.
Not much love for what Clattenburg brings to the table in these parts. If Clattenburg can score the odd goal be disruptive and have his players backs it won’t be long before he’s a fan favorite in Bakersfield. He wasn’t the Captain on a OHL team for no reason this kid has game.
There has been a lot of positive discussion about him over the past week or so
I don’t think its about a lack of love but that more think this is a prospect that is just turning pro and is likely a few years away from being in the conversation if things go well.
His skill set will definitely lead to him being a fan favorite wherever he plays.
I just got my first “Awaiting for approval” on a comment I posted. I feel like Costanza when Elaine’s coworker was only dating him because she thought he was a bad seed!
It took you this long to pop your cherry. Think of the scene from Good Fellas.
Savoie having a full AHL season is an advantage imo. Playing both PP and PK there is important as well.
Savoie’s experience may make the most impact in regards for his defensive ability 5v5.
Knoblauch’s 5v5 TOI deployment seems to depends on his perception of a player’s 5v5 defensive ability.
Bruce Culock’s series that highlighted Savoie’s defensive ability in the AHL and Howard’s 5v5 defensive deficit in the lesser NCAA informs my opinion.
Haven’t looked the comments so apologize of this has already been mentioned.
Curlock does exceptional work. Really enjoyed his prospect ranking.
So I guess we’re down to cheering for Nicholl on London. What would be the path of this youngster? Would he play AHL next year if he signs a ELC contract. I’m sure he’ll see a more featured roll this year. How many goals and points would it take to get excited about this young fellow?
He’s an exciting player – a MAJOR pop last season in junior. Pracey and his staff identified a player that was “under-used” in his draft year and could take steps with more ice time.
I’m sure the plan is to get him signed in due course and he’ll start his pro career in Bako next season.
What numbers would get the organization excited? He came out the gate last year until a injury slowed him down for a long spell.
I have no idea – its likely got as much to do with continued development of overall game, playing in high leverage situations, etc.
Well I’m cheering for a 35 goals 45 assist season I’m sure he sees PP1 time with that nice shot he possess.
Last season 30 goals led the Memorial Cup Champion London knights.
I’m not delusional when it comes to Clattenburg or Nicholl but sometimes a youngster pops after late growth. I know I’m reaching but Nicholl looks like a poor man’s Jason Robertson with the shot he has. I wonder if London features that one-timer on PP 1 this could skyrocket his value.
I feel like the biggest difference between 2015 and 2025 is that, back then, we NEEDED at least 4 or 5 of these guys to pan out just to fill out the roster. I’d say we still need one or two of these guys to show up, but the odds are good this group covers that bet, and anything else will be gravy. I see competition up and down the roster and multiple different looks in terms of what lineups KK can throw out there.
I’d like to see more consistency in terms of lines and pairings, but I think we’re going to see a pretty consistent blenderizing of this team for at least the first 40 games. Will be interesting to see how KK works with the mix of rookies and veterans; up until now it’s really felt like his only job was to win, but this year I imagine development will be a prominent theme throughout the regular season.
Savoie-Howard are both chomping at the bit 21 year-olds. Both are ready they’re not wide eyed 18-19 year guinnies. 21 is the start of peak years for skilled wingers this is the age when skilled wingers that are worth their weight in gold pop. I expect If either one of these two get 20 plus then they’re well on their way to a Jordan Eberle like career.
I think Savoie is as close to a lock to play the whole season as you can get. Howard is up there as well, though isn’t used to the grind of the schedule, so could see him fading a bit down the stretch.
I think the real wildcards are Philp, Tomasek or Leppanen. If any of them can show well and grab themselves a regular spot in the lineup, that would be a big help.
Agree on Savoie and Howard. I’m not as confident on Howard as I haven’t watched him but its really hard for me not to see Savoie being a legit every day NHL player that can make an impact. Would be shocked if he’s not done with the AHL.
I’m going to add Jarventie as a wildcard – I have no idea about Tomasek but I’m convinced a healthy Jarventie is an NHL player.
I’d also throw Regula in there when talking about Leppanen.
I’ve got my money on Howard if he can find the soft areas and score from distance he may become our Brayden Point.
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I’m not sure its as much blocked as, well, he’s more of a distance bell than a can’t miss prospect who, if he does make it, it will probably be after real development time in the AHL.
At least that’s my current thoughts on Hutson.
I’m not discounting him, I’m just trying to be realistic on his chances of making it and potential timeline.
History tells us we shouldn’t expect an every day NHL player here but, of course, that is far from determinative.
I do look for him and Jarventie to be offensive drivers early in the year – at Hutson’s age, he needs to hit his first full pro year running.
I’m hoping that Stan Bowman can capitalize on the “deferred salary” clause in the current CBA to get McDavid to sign longer and keep his cap hit lower. This is the last year it can be done.
In 99.99% of the cases, deferred salary is NOT in the best interests of the player. Mario Lemieux would have lost tens of millions of dollars if he did not have wealthy friends to help him buy the Pittsburgh Penguins out of bankruptcy. A player is playing his agent a hefty fee to provide financial management services.
Deferred salary is just an owner friendly term for the player lending millions of dollars to the owner.
Do you lend your employer a big chunk of your salary?
The owners made it very clear in the new CBA that they are the employer and the players are the worker when they refused to share expansion revenue. Hence the NHLPA made the proper decision that players should not be lending their salary to the owners.
Players are doing it though. If the priority is to win, wouldn’t a player like to still get the money and help management build a better roster around him. I think Katz is good for it. It would be a major coup if Bowman could get McDavid done at a lower cap hit than his actual salary.
From my understanding, the way the deferral mechanism works, it would have to be tens of millions deferred for a significant of time post-contract to have a material difference on the cap hit.
Hopefully Connor-Leon (something in their contracts) will be the GM-Coach of the Oilers transitioning seamlessly immediately after they hang up the skates. I’ll be dead and gone but it would be funny to see the same younger crowd that enjoys peeing and pooping on the likes of Lowe-MacTavish having to defend Connor-Leon from young whippersnappers that never seen them play
We know Savoie will impact the roster and maybe be real impact players but I have both Jarventie and Regula as legit options.
All they need is to stay healthy and play a real stretch of AHL games, in particular Jarventie, who is legit (I don’t have eyes on Regula).
Waiver is a risk with each but, let’s not forget, neither have established themselves as NHL players and they have both missed essentially a full season (Jarventie a season and a half save two games) – it’s tough for any team to claim and use a roster spot on a tweener that hasn’t played in a year plus.
Matt Savoie is going to play a big role on the team next year.
Said Howard and Savoie will start on Pthe team for sure – they will give them the opportunity. If they aren’t ready they aren’t ready and they’ll adjust but they think they are ready to help.
Bowman super impressed with not just Savoie’s offence but his overall and 2-way play. Things he can help the team in a lot of ways and play many roles.
Talked about Howard being so excited to join the Oilers like really happy.
FYI – this was Hyman’s verbal (paraphrased) – not mine.
Ughh, Bowman’s verbal, not Hyman’s (or mine).
Bowman confirmed Nuge had a broken bone in his hand.
“It’s going to be the same 5 guys on the PP – but there will be some new looks, etc.” – Stan Bowman
Will talk about Bouch using his shot a bit more. That can be an improvement.
Ugh, that was getting a bit stale to my eye. Just like Leon in his office, everyone knew the BouchBomb was coming.
Its also been the best PP in the league over the course of a very long time including some of the best PP seasons of all times.
It was a bit of a down year last year and, until ALL the PP1 guys were out of the lineup was still 5th or 6th and it didn’t come up at big times in the playoffs, I acknowledge.
At the same time, there will be a new coach for the PP (and I’m watching his coaching seminar video’s, the man knows offence) and Bowman talked about new looks and ideas for sure.
I have full faith that Nuge and Hyman on the PP will be able to succeed along with the other three more than, say, rookie Howard/Savoie and Frederic.
Nuge’s productivity on the PP has declined over the last two seasons. Given his injury it seems possible that trend could continue.
Perry became an important part of the PP at key points and when Hyman was not available. The third string there for net front was Kane. With the Hyman injury it will be interesting to see who will play in that spot. Does Podkolzin see some time there early in the season?
Nuge’s P/60 on the PP last season aren’t really out of line with the majority of his career – down about 0.5-1 P/60 from the last number of years but higher than the pre-McDavid years.
I’m not sure his recent hand injury will be an issue going forward – nothing out there that would lead one to think he won’t return 100%.
Of course, and as Bowman mentioned, Nuge’s important on the PP includes him being exceptional on the zone entry – Bowman underscored the importance by referencing the 5 or so games he was out and how much harder their zone entry to set-up game was.
I could see Federic subbing in for Hyman if he’s out.
Down 0.5 in the McDavid years is a lot.
The comments from Bowman on the zone entry are strange to me. The breakout with zone entry is McDavid 80 percent of the time and Draisaitl 20 percent on the PP.
It would be interesting to see a right shot with a one timer in Nuge’s spot. Nuge has never been able to get a shot off before the goalie sets up. He’s never had a one timer. I seem to recall that Savoie has that ability and I doubt that the passing plays are above him.
One of their highest percentage zone entries used a lot is McDavid carries over the line driving down the left side, frequently dropping to Nuge on the left wall who then drops it back to Bouchard to set up. This is likely what Bowman was referring to. Nuge is great at both receiving the pass and timing the drop back often banking it off the boards.
About 80% of the time, the first touch after McDavid is Nuge and after he makes his puck play, the Oilers are fully set up in structure pretty much every time. When Nuge has not been available to take that first McDavid puck touch, its shown to be much more difficult to get in structure.
Nuge is an important part of their zone entry and set-up.
There are certainly arguments for other personnel, including a right show there but, from what we are hearing, that’s unlikely to be seen (at least to start – with the Hyman availability caveat but even if he’s out, I don’t think Nuge is coming off as well).
My hope was that Jeff Skinner would be that right shot option on the PP at least some of the time. Different look and all that. Too bad. I really think Skinner could have scored a lot from there.
I was surprised when I just checked to note that Jeff Skinner got as much as:
16:33 of PP time with Drai (3-0 goals) and 9:16 with McDavid (0-1 goals)…..
The coach’s desire for ‘usefull multi position players’ is a tell. He is so conservative he wants guys that can slide around where he wants, seeking safety
That to me is ass covering and timid. I want lines that know each other and can kick ass, to be blunt. Championships are hard to win, obviously. To the brave go the spoils, not to the librarians or mistaken as pastors
Frederic-Savoie
Bouchard was so unlucky how many shots hit Perry for example that would have been goals. How many of his shots just got ticked by a defender or the post. He easily could been a 20 goal scorer. I hope they employ more passes to him being the late man coming in as Bouchard possess a shot from distance that will start going in more.
Bouchard using his shot more last year hurt the powerplay. The Oilers powerplay does not have multiple guys crowding the net for point shots like other teams do, and should not particularly want to. Last year, it looked like most teams had figured out the Bouchbomb.
The GM thinks he didn’t use his shot enough and:
1) He did NOT use his shot more, his shot attemps/60 at 5 on 4 last regular season were lowest of his career.
2) You oversimplify what the point shot can do – its not just about scoring on that play but (a) its about having the opposition acknowledge the option and cheat up (which they do) and (b) its also about “causing chaos” – MANY PP goals are scored off a point shot with puck retrieval as that is when the PK is out of their structure and this talent takes advantage.
This means the opposite of what you think it means. It is a statistic artifact of the power play being worse, because the power plays were less efficient and lasting longer, because they were not scoring power play goals.
Statistics lie if they are not interpreted correctly.
I don’t believe that for one second.
See daniel’s post with links below. The PP has gone slowly downhill since Barrie left. PP#1 is not optimized when the point shot is emphasized or one of the primary options. PP#1 personnel do not crowd the net front. The point shot on the Oilers PP#1 as constructed should be opportunistic, not one of the primary options.
McDavid and Draisaitl and Bouchard are giving too much consideration for Bouchard’s shot on the PP. If they want Bouchard to shoot, then McDavid and Draisaitl should be crowding the net front on the shot, which they don’t do. And do you really want them to do that.
A point shot on the power play without a screen and traffic is a low quality shot, regardless of how good the shot is.
The PP has not gone downhill since Barrie left.
This past season was the only season that McDavid/Drai/Nuge had lower GF/60 than any Tyson Barrie season. The GF/60 that past two years were higher and, in the year they split, its was higher with Bouchard than Barrie.
Nobody suggests this shot.
You oversimplify what the point shot can do – its not just about scoring on that play but (a) its about having the opposition acknowledge the option and cheat up (which they do) and (b) its also about “causing chaos” – MANY PP goals are scored off a point shot with puck retrieval as that is when the PK is out of their structure and this talent takes advantage.
Bouch shot does cause chaos cause the rest of the team doesn’t crash the net as Godot is saying.
PP was stagnant last year. Don’t need numbers to see that movement and puck retrieval was not to the Oilers lofty standards. Part of the problem was that Bouch bomb was simply not work. Like at all. It’s why Bouch didn’t score his first PP goal till very late in the season if I recall correctly.
PP needs a change. Less reliance on Bouch bomb, and Nuge, are two options.
Another reason the PP was lacking was because McDavid become even less of a shooting threat. Why isn’t he leading the team in PP shots?
Given the GM’s express statement 2 days ago about wanting to use Bouch’s shot more and the PP1 personnel remaining the same, its looking like you might be a bit disappointed on this one.
Bouch had his lowest shot attempts/60 on the PP this year of his career so I don’t thin they were relying on it more.
As far a a change, I think you will see that with a new PP coach.
Been watching video’s of McFarland giving coaching seminars over the last number of years on coaching offence and scoring strategies.
The org sees something in this guy and he’s an offensive teacher.
I’m curious where that goes.
They need to have Bouch shoot from somewhere other than from the right point. The PP was stale because it was static, watching McDavid circle around the left side of the ice, with the other 4 guys in set positions. They became too predictable.
Leon and Bouch need to change their point of attack. Bouch only shoots from the right point. Leon from below the right dot. The shots on the PP were only coming from the right side of the ice. When the puck was on the left side, the opposition PK could just sit back and wait for the Oilers to try to swing it back to the right side of the ice, where they kept trying to force the shots from.
Get Bouch to set up the shot from the left point, where RH shots typically come from on a PP.
This is how I see it as well. The lack of a scoring shooter on the left side makes it a lot easier on the PK. They supposedly have plays, but if so they seem to not use them much when things are tight and tension high
With every defence, when they take something away they give something up. This is a veteran team and the core has been the same for a while. They should be able to run different tactics based on what they are seeing, and switch. It will make defending the PP even harder
They should also have that for 5v5 play. If teams play a more open style, no problem that suits the Oilers. But if they pressure or clog or both, they need to be able to switch tactics and have all of the players executing the change. After a few shifts they should have their rhythm again
Given who they currently have to worry about and beat, it’s essential. They aren’t great at playing against the Panthers system and as my first exhibit I’ll enter Connor’s extreme frustration he expressed after the final. LA was giving them a real challenge, and if Ken hasn’t neutered them too much, they need to be better against tight teams that have some nasty players. We should also expect in the lemming league that more teams will adopt the style after two Cups, so even more important
This is what defines the best teams in any sport, having the right tactics and being able to change when needed and execute. I am hopeful that McFarland can juice it up. Gully was well loved, but I thought things were stale and not creative enough, didn’t adapt. McFarland says he likes to think outside of the box and innovate, will try things that are different
That once worked very well for the team, also having the best player and elite players
McDavid should be the shooter on the left side. But since his 64 goals season, he hates shooting and scoring goals.
Increased shots from Bouchard correlate with a weaker version of this PP. Usually they are deferring to the point when they are unable to make a cross seam pass or another play.
As point activity has increased, xgf60 and PP% has decreased. Of the last three regular seasons, the best PP was during the season Barrie and Bouchard shared the blue line.
https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/shotLocOffPP/2223/EDM/wrap
https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/shotLocOffPP/2324/EDM/wrap
https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/shotLocOffPP/2425/EDM/wrap
On PP when they use the point to me it seems it’s because they can’t create chances down low. If you aren’t going to support the point shooter as you have said the odds of scoring drop right off
Some of it is the players. Perry to me was the best forward at attacking the net below the dots. He is always looking to get open at the right time, or make a play to a scoring position when a players gets open. It is purposeful and he doesn’t wait if he sees something, he goes after it
As a team I haven’t seen a consistent effort to play like this, which also involves real traffic and taking the goalie’s eyes away. It is essential because that is how you score in tight playoff games, outside of breakdowns or a great individual effort. But those tend to be limited, and often rush plays are limited (which plays against the Oilers’ strengths). Being able to hold the O zone but attacking quickly with a plan and purpose, instead of rimming around, forcing passes where there aren’t lanes, and eventually going back to the point when there aren’t usually good screens or even players there, is a needed tactical tweak
Bingo.
How is it going to be the same 5 guys for possibly the first quarter of the season with the Hyman injury. Is it possible Frederic get’s the Chaisson-Neal spot? Or maybe a new twist with that bomb of Howard being utilized?
We don’t know anything official about Hyman’s timeline.
They are not going to rush Hyman they want a look see at the 2 hot shot kids in the top 6.
1) We have no idea about Hyman’s timeline, not rushed timeline.
2) I think the org will be happy with Hyman in the top 6 with one hot shot kid and the other on the 3rd line. I think its unlikely both are in the top 6 at the same time to start, even if Hyman is out.
John Shannon: “Are Stu and Cal the two goalies going to camp?”
Stan Bowman: “yup, it looks that right now. You never say never but for now ….. We looked at a lot of options. There were a lot of good things we did last year. I understand the external focus on the goaltending. You respect the fans passion but it does got more attention than it deserves but that’s the nature of the beast. to change something just to change it, I’ve never been a fan of that. Have to be confident it’s an improvement and when we looked around at the options, there was nothing out there that made sense to give us a better look.
Bowman: Bouchard’s contract was not any more of a grind that Drai’s was. He takes too much criticism. Don’t think he makes any more mistakes than other guys. They get magnified for some reason. He does so many amazing things with the group. It’s emerged as Connor, Leon and Bouch as the three guys – those really are the three guys that make our team go.
The biggest thing about Bouch is his patience and confidence with the puck. He might have a tough start and turn the puck over and give up a goal but it doesn’t phase him – he just goes back out there and make good plays.
Hes an amazing athlete, in great shape and very durable.
He played though a ton of pain this playoffs. There were games where the doctor didn’t think he’d be able to go. People don’t know what he played though.
What was the Bouchard pain/injury? I missed that.
Bowman didn’t provide the nature of the injury.
Sounds like he’s doing a good job of not tipping his hand on the Goalie front.
I would prepare yourself for a Skinner/Pickard duo to start the season.
I have a feeling and just read a article with the same line of thinking that Bowman is just biding his time for now.
Which article was that?
I believe it’s NHL trade rumor.com it’s a July 24th article by Dave Jenkins
Which would mean the article has as much credibility as if I or you wrote it, right?
You are both repetitive and tiresome.
We’re talking hockey in the dog days of Summer. What’s your take on the goaltending situation? Will they upgrade or will Stan stand pat on his 17 with the dealer showing a 7?
Feel free to add some substance of a preferred topic of yours.