The Edmonton Oilers are set up the middle for the coming season. If a goalie trade appears, that will impact the roster, but this area of the team is surrounded. At center, it’s Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and (I believe) Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the third unit. Acquiring Andrew Mangiapane for the McDavid left-wing was an astute move, and I expect he’ll run all winter on the top line. Most of the game will see these three centers on the ice this year.
On defense, it’s the strongest opening night until in a long time. Mattias Ekholm with Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse with Jake Walman, Brett Kulak with one of Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher or Alec Regula.
I love the center depth on the team. McDavid, Draisaitl, Nuge plus Adam Henrique. Mattias Janmark, Vasily Podkolzin and Noah Philp all took faceoffs last season, hell Matt Savoie won four of six on the dot. Trent Frederic will take a bunch of faceoffs, hell Curtis Lazar is a good face-off man.
I like this year’s wingers in a big way. Why? Skill. Zach Hyman and Andrew Mangiapane combine experience and real skill, while Trent Frederic and Vasily Podkolzin give the team complementary skill with a physical presence. Maybe Max Jones joins the party, too.
The two rookie wingers, Matt Savoie and Ike Howard, offer the organization two players with great potential. There’s every chance both will have increase value by spring.
I have mentioned this many times, but want to do it again because it’s important. Do not get attached to any Oilers prospect, between this day and the final game of the Glimmer Twins together in Edmonton. Every damn one of them is vulnerable to trade, whether it be at the deadline or before a salary increase. This is the nature of the Oilers in an era when winning is everything.
Ryan McLeod got traded, Sam O’Reilly was dealt, Reid Schaefer was traded inside a year after he was drafted. So, when we talk about Savoie, Howard, Maxim Berezkin, Samuel Jonsson or Ty Emberson’s Oilers future, we need to keep in mind these men may not be here for long.
On the Lowdown today, we’ll talk about some of the fringe types who could make the Oilers, and about the coming Connor McDavid contract. Connor Halley will be the feature guest, and we’ll talk Elks, MMA and Jays. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440.
Does Max Jones have a shot at a roster spot on the Oilers this year?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6572448/2025/08/25/edmonton-oilers-max-jones-roster-nhl/
Good question. His first couple of games with the team he played a high energy, physical game and was noticeable. After that he kind of disappeared and did not consistently bring that effort and style of play. Probably the reason he has not been able to stay in the line up. Guess I am saying not likely???
It’s interesting how some players look like they belong with the tool set they were giving then they disappear as fast as they came. If Jones plays anywhere near the intensity and effectiveness he showed his first 2 games here he’s a regular for years to come.
No. And he’s not particularly close actually. Unless he’s changed his game, big time. Many people in his way and PTO options who are better.
The numbers with Henrique are very interesting. I can’t recall who Jones played with in those couple of impressive first games with the Oilers. Whatever happens in training camp, it would be very instructive to see if the chemistry from 23-24 is still there between these two.
Thanks for digging that up.
Truly, this camp could be a serious head-scratcher of the coach, in a very good way.
waaay too crowded.
everyone ahead of him is straight up better. I’ll say that of the euro pros sight unseen.
Even if they move Janmark and another body I see no room for him.
For me, a 100%, no.
Jones is likely battling Hamblin for 16F and this doesn’t take in to account that, after getting 6-8 weeks of games in the AHL, he’ll be passed by Jarventie.
The Oilers will already need to cut 2 forwards well ahead of Jones (one for sure and two if they want meaningful accrual which is the speculation). Its looking like one will be Janmark who is over-capped by close to $700K and one of Tomasek, Philp, Lazar or Kapanen is also at risk.
Jones had a fantastic opportunity last season. He came from the AHL affiliate of a bottom feeder and got himself in to 19 games on an elite team that had a role for the exact player type he “is supposed to be” – a big forward, who can skate and will get in on the forecheck and bang bodies and stand up for teammates and make the odd skill play.
He had one good game, one mediocre game and 17 zero-impact games.
9 years post-draft and 284 games have provided all the evidence we need that he’s not an NHL level player.
It’s been a long 2 plus seasons for the core Bowman realizes this he’s brought in some fresh horses in Savoie-Howard-Frederic-Tomasek-Mangiapane-?Jarventie a couple of additional puck movers in Walman ?Regila. Coach K.K needs to give these players rope as it’s imperative we get out of the gate no matter how shaky Skinner is if he’s still here.
This is true, and its fair, but its tough for me to see either Howard or Savoie traded. They are indeed prospects but that tag should be gone soon as they become established roster players (one with 2 years of ELC left and the other with 3 years).
If they aren’t, well, their trade value will be plummeting in real time.
The ELC term left is huge value to this org.
Sure, Berezkin could get dealt but what’s the trade value there? In my opinion MUCH less than the reasonable likelihood that he steps in to next year’s roster as a legit middle six player on an ELC.
Maybe Stan swings for a premier goaleur and that’s part of the ask. Think we’re truly sojourning in the land of anything possible, and will be until McD grips Stanley.
A goalie is coming Skinner and Pickard had there chance and whiffed out in the Final.
The org has not yet played Nuge at 3C – generally when he’s been center, its been as 2C when they go nuclear. I agree that this is the season that we see Nuge start to play some 3C in behind Connor and Leon.
I do think that Henrique will play more wing but we’ll see Frederic in the mix at 3C.
Wildcard being Tomasek who I do see at right wing but is a natural center and a right shot and good on faceoffs (at least he was in the AHL).
I have little doubt he starts in the top six and hopefully he excels but, at the same time, except for his one-off 35 goal season, he’s been a 14-18 goal scorer his entire career. I think he should settle in on the 3rd line in due course, hopefully passed in the top 6 on merit by some younger skill players looking to pop – hopefully.
Do you mean Philp instead of Tomasek?
Nope, Tomasek, who led the SHL in goals and then points and is a natural right shot center who was good on faceoffs in Sweden.
My apologies man, when I read AHL, kinda confused me.
Tomasek has never played in the AHL.
I was aware of that, OP’s typo threw me for a loop. Reading comprehension was late to reveille this morning.
And never will. Either he’s NHL ready with Oilers or another team are it’s back home.
If he is asked to go to the AHL for a period of time to get used to the ice and the style of play or whatever, you think he’s going home and giving up U.S.$1.2MM?
The AHL is for young prospects not for 29 year-old rookies. Holland&Sons is gonzo and they’re not coming back.
So, you think he gives up $1.2MM (USD) if an adjustment period is needed?
Interesting that you state the AHL is for young prospects but note the potential that a 21 year old rookie pro playing a few games out there is outlandish.
AHL is for developing the Buchberger-Yamamoto- Clattenburg-Clearys fringe NHLers. Really good plsyers like Issac teammates Cooley-Nazar-Hutson-Cutter-Smith-Perrault-Snuggerud-Hagens will jump straight to the NHL and not look back. I remember you picking Howard for around 15 that’s all fine and dandy I have a lot more higher hopes for him than him being a Yamamoto type. This kid doesn’t have stone hands in fact he’s closer to a Kyle Connor than a Yamamoto who actually scored 20 playing with Leon. I believe this is the first time we’ve had the pleasure of a Hobey Baker Winner play his Rookie year in Edmonton and he has Leon and Connor as his mentors. 15 goals sounds like a slap in the face from where I’m standing.
Dude, we are talking about Tomasek, not Howard
What I’m trying to say is I can’t see Tomasak agent agreeing for his client to play the year in the lovely City of Bakersfield. Apparently Edmonton was not the only team vying for Tomasek services I’m gathering Edmonton was the best fit. Janmark will be waived or traded Booook it……..
Again, there you go, one extreme or the other, no room for anything in the middle.
How does one equate “an adjustment period in the AHL” with “agreeing to paly the year in the lovely city of Bakersfield”? Like how if one is actually reading or discussing with honestly?
Also, U.S.$1.2MM is likely a read consideration.
I have been saying for a month now that all the soft intel has Janmark not on the opening night roster.
Lets not forget, if they want any real accrual of cap space, a 2nd forward is likely off the opening roster as well.
Who’s going to play If Tomasek-Howard- Savoie are all marinating in Bakersfield? We don’t even know If Hyman will be ready for game one and there’s always other injuries that pop up. Is Bowman going to bring Ryan and Erne out of retirement so we can season Howard-Tomasek-Savoie in Bakersfield. This is all poppycock of course Savoie-Howard-Tomasek are all on the team they would have to be brutal in training camp to warrant a demotion to Bakersfield.
Its clearly an act – continuing to argue against positions that will never taken……
Its really odd.
Tomasek played 2 seasons with Belleville Bulls so getting familiar with North American ice dimensions is a red herring.
While his league lead in scoring in the SHL was commendable, it was, at his age, likely a one off.
Bear in mind the KHL is a superior league and its scoring champion was 31 year old Josh Leivo.
I think Tomasek, who led the SHL in goal scoring in 2023-24 (and was 3rd in points) and was the league points leader last season, brings more than just scoring ability to the table.
He has a reputation of strong d-zone play and is a strong on the FO dot. As a RHS he could still line-up at center, but play on the wing.
Digging further into his stats, approximately 33% of his SHL goals over 2 seasons were on the PP. He did have a +20% shooting percentage in each season, but that isn’t seen consistently during his career, other than in the SHL, a notoriously defensively-oriented league.
He certainly is a mystery and with that comes many question marks, but I think he brings a lot to the table, moreso than Ty Rattie did during his Oilers opportunity (who finished 2nd in the 2023-24 SHL scoring race).
Leading the league in goals one year and then points the next – sounds more like a two-off.
Tomasek will get at least 20 auditioning NHL games to play is way on a one-way ticket to Prague if he sucks. If he is a automatic fit he may climb the pecking ladder faster then was expected. He’s a total mystery but the man can score let’s find out if he can do it with a half second less response time
My PTO shopping list:
Samsonov (and if not, then Reimer, then Georgiev)
Kostin
Roslovic
Kylington
Pacioretty
Would make things interesting if nothing else.
I’d really love for them to find a D who could come in at league minimum but was good enough to allow a trade from strength. We’ll see.
No need to bring any skater in on a PTO.
The Oilers have 15F plus Jones at 16G and Jarventie ready to pass him once he gets games in and maybe Hutson as well.
The Oilers have 7D plus Dinnen and Brown and Regula ready to pass them once he gets games in.
The Oilers have 3 locked in forward positions 1C, 2C, 1RW – they have so many players than can play all over the lineup, they have work to do to set some consistent lines.
They have the likes of Samanski and Leppanen and Hutson and Carfangan that need looks. They have guys like Petrov and Grubbe that need some reps. They have the likes of Hamblin and Jones that are going to steal reps.
They don’t need to add more.
They can if they want to.
Sure, they can if they want do – I don’t think they should want to but its not my camp.
Internal competition is never a bad thing. Young players may want their opportunity, but it’s not a bad thing to make them earn it.
The Oilers have plenty of competition at camp for spots already.
Adding in more noise is just that and there is opportunity risk.
I’d rather Jarventie get reps with some NHL players than Max P.
Seems like a good day to discuss this: Leon should be deployed as the #1C until and unless Connor proves he’s up and past him again in terms of performance.
He’s outscoring him, outplaying him the full length of the ice, and appears to be leading more directly than ever before.
The difference in competition might also let #97 focus on what he should – shooting to score on the ridiculous amount of chances he gets to do so.
Connor contends against gameplans tailored to thwart his talents. If he’s on the ice, he’s the 1C.
Which is why job #1 is to find wingers that can help him. Hyman can be the worker but a finisher that knows his own end of the ice would I think be an upgrade
I like Zach fine and he does get enough goals playing with Connor, but as a buddy who played higher level hockey thinks he has a bit of the tunnel vision. So at some point if Stan is doing well he might even see a bump down, and he is getting older
Maybe that’s why Hyman is effective with Connor because he goes off script and does his cycle bulldozer to the net that causes defensive chaos on occasions. I’m so pumped to see Howard flanking Connor. Ty Rattie-Yakapov -Neal when’s the last time Connor had a shoot first goal scoring winger? I don’t get all this doom and gloom about Howard he’s been playing men for years. He’s a skilled 21 year-old Winger what’s with this narrative of burying him in the AHL so he seasons nonsense. If he’s not ready to score from his first shift in game 1 as a Hobey Baker winner then they fuked up giving this award to him as well as the Oilers trading their best prospect for him.
Nobody is talking about Howard being buried in the AHL but you.
See you can’t say Howard without mentioning AHL.
I was paraphrasing you.
I think Howard will be decent offensively, hopefully better, but it’s away from the puck he will probably need time. Connor plays the other team’s best a lot after all. He’s played men but college is along ways off the NHL, at ON it was mentioned not young HB winners usually don’t make an impact in the NHL. We hope for the best, but he has a lot to learn
Howard can easily get babied as a winger. Everyone makes it sound like Howard is auditioning to become a Neurosurgeon. He’s been eat, sleeping and shitting hockey since he’s been 3 years old. Either his Hobey Baker game translates to the NHL or he’s a Jesse.
Just saying the first line may not be the place to start. It isn’t for even high draft picks on a balanced team
Howard’s a rock star he loves the spotlight we’ve been waiting patiently since Yakapov.
There isn’t any doom and gloom – you make that up in your head by attributing meaning to the comments of others that is not correct.
He’s been playing against 18-23 years olds. Its not quite the same “men” as in the AHL and NHL
The narrative is made up by you. There are very few that think its likely but more reasonable opinions have room for the potential that a rookie pro might need some development time – there is a non-zero chance he sees some time in the AHL. I don’t think its likely.
So much “wrong” with this statement I won’t even start.
Pick a side anyone can fence sit. I have $200 for charity if Howard doesn’t score 20. Bowman is what we call rebuilding on the fly. There’s a reason why we’re one of the favourites to win it all. I’ve witnessed in person Kurri 32 goals Anderson 30 goals same goes with Jason Arnott 6 foot 6 Centre scoring 33 what special season he had. I ‘ll never. Count B.J MacDonald and Brent Callahan as raw real rookies. Theres no reason if healthy that Howard and Savoie don’t score 20 the diapers have been removed they’re 21.5 this is the beginning of their prime years
I think Howard very well could score 20 goals – why would I bet against that.
Your “black and white” – scoring 25G or he’s a bust and the trade was terrible – its got to be an act.
If he’s the real deal he needs to show it immediately and whether you like it or not he’s getting a push. Bowman trying to win a Cup we need goals and what a coincidence Howard loves to score. Take a look at the last 10 fowards that have won the Hobey Baker Award either they are Stars are Duds we have about a 70% chance that Howard can and will score. Where do you think the scouts that were clamouring for Connolly-Vessey-Leblanc and Gaudette are right now?
Why would I not like it if he got a push? I fully expect him too and want him too.
Howard’s path and progression will be what it will be and the paths taken by Caufield or Gaudette or any other player in NHL history are inconsequential.
I am looking forward to watching the young man play – seems like a great kid.
Could it be that McDavid gets closer attention from the opposition than Draisaitl? Then of course when they play together McDavid looks for Draisaitl exclusively.
I hope to see Walman and Podkolzin signed by the end of the month. I’ve always liked Walman going back to his Detroit days. He’s noticeable in a good way boxes out players effectively and can move the biscuit quick. He’s also no wallflower at 220 pounds. Walman reminds me of Weager so lest give him Weager money and term as they’ll be roughly same age when the contracts expires. I also don’t think we’ve seen healthy Walman play so I expect a bounce cat to begin the year by Mr.Walman.
Once they sign Walman maybe it’s time to pump and dump Ekholm. If Ekholm still has the goods and want’s to sign a home town retirement package there’s also that possibility. Could Ekholm and Skinner be part of the deal that gets us a solid goalie that doesn’t need recalibrating every second week.
The DET trade still amazes. This is one area of procurement where Oil were lucky and Stan was good.
It’s obviously personal they scooted him out of town faster than Roman Polanski.
I think a key to this season is Nuge being able to centre (sharing with Frederic) a great third line. He hasn’t had the offense really to be Connor’s winger. His big season that line didn’t produce more, so no net benefit
Time to try new things
Nuge gets his Gravy on the PP. It’s time to bounce him to the 3rd line permanently. Give him his own line aka Bob Gainy. Howard and Savoie will be more effective in the top six. Speedy wingers with hands + Leon&Connor = two 20 plus goal scorers. Frederic-Nuge-Mangiapane looks like a Stanley Cup winning 3rd line. Play this line like a 2B or higher when Connor-Leon or having a bad night. Reward this so called 3rd line with open net time also push on the PK Oilers 5 SH goals is embarrassingly low for a Oiler team. This is all because of functional strategy. We should be producing 10 more SH goals also SH are actual daggers for the opposition. The threat of a SH also keeps the opposition more honest on their PP deployment and aggressiveness .
The best place for Howard if he makes the team right away is 3rd line I think, like Johnston in Dallas. I see more time to develop being needed for him, get used to the NHL game. Not sure what they do with Henrique, which is likely why Bowman inquired about his NMC
Bread Man (Mangi) has more jam to his game than Nuge I’d like to see him with Connor. When Hyman is back I think they would be a solid distraction to make some space for Connor. Lots of speed and a pain to play against
Howard will score 20 and they will try to feature his shot on occasion on the PP. Savoie-Howard-Tomasek-Podkolzin it’s time to see if this team was coaching itself the last 2 years or it was the coaching that won 6 out of 8 playoff matches.
— I’ll believe it when I see it after 20 games
— Every coach always has said they break up McDrai
— Nuge as 3c needed to happen seasons ago: develop complementary wingers and create aspirational Gainey Carbonneau Nilan shut down line that scores too. Or modern era Tkachuk – granlund- Frolik.
— It’s for sure an institutional fail and not sure how much is management coaching vs the players dictating : but over and over. Rinse and repeat.
— Some combo of McDrai + Nuge akin to my old Copenhagen dip addiction : “just one more pinch I need the buzz”
“We get up early and we work all day
Put our time in cause we like to stay up
all night long.
Keep a grinnin’ till the weekend comes,
just a pinch between your cheek and gum.
Start in the morning and get the job done.
Take care of business then have some fun.
We like a longneck and a good old song.
Turn it up and then we sing along.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo_8su4RLXE
Who doesn’t need to hear something from Urban Cowboy on occasion ?
With all the center depth the Oilers have. Why not play McDry together just for fun every now & then?
Because winning a Stanley Cup is the goal. The OIlers can/should win 2/3rds of the even strength time with McDavid and Draisaitl on separate lines.
— I wish press would just ask :”every year you talk about having mcdra on different lines and every year you coward out.
— Why don’t you have nuge C a line as he’s a C?
— what happens that makes it so that after a dry spell you don’t coach up the lines and come up with different strategies rather than go back to loading up?
— Why do you make it easy for elite teams to shut down McDrai and lose meekly
— all the years of McDrai playing mostly with each other hasn’t won a cup. Why do t you change it?
— What can McDrai do different individually to help make 2 balanced lines ?
— Would love to hear the insight
— Would love to hear what McDrai thinks about this.
I’m not sure the media being condescending to the coach is in the cards.
I think the problem has been the wingers. Too many just aren’t/weren’t productive enough in tough games. Then it’s easier to key on Connor and Leon, so the coaches use them together. They also give up leads and/or get behind and without enough gunslingers…
If the wingers were better, I think we’d see them apart more. And if the 3rd line could do anything and take pressure off, as Florida’s did for them. It’s been pretty blah IMO
It’s not as bad as all that. We’re starting to see four solid lines even with Connor & Leon playing together.
— I’m being condescending to the media
— they could frame these questions in a way to elicit a discussion or insight as to why they don’t break them up and or why it never lasts.
— Is is chicken and egg too t : are the wingers no good or os it because there aren’t enough D?
— what criteria do you judge for keeping Mcrdrai together mostly?
— Why did nuge go from. C on a top line to a winger on a top line rather than his natural position as a responsible C behind McDrai
— A bunch of tough questions.
Of note, in the playoffs:
McDavid without either Nuge or Drai: 4-5 goals
Leon without either McDaivd or Nuge: 5-7 goals
Nuge without either McDavid or Drai: 6-3 goals
All three off: 19-11 goals
In the SCF, McDavid/Drai together were 1-5 goals
———————
In the regular season, McDavid was 17-19 goals without Drai or Nuge (Leon was 32-26 without the other two and Nuge 18-22).