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.
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.
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.
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
— 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”