Lots to look forward to this afternoon and evening for Oilers fans. The waiver wire news will hit at noon. There’s very little chance we see a claim, but it’s worth paying attention to every day now. Some good talent is on the wire today. I’ve always maintained NHL teams, especially the terrible ones, don’t use it enough.
You should see what Punch Imlach did with the expansion Buffalo Sabres and waivers. He claimed an absolute pile of NHL veterans, and used the Intra-League Draft (that was basically waivers but held on one day. It was beautiful) to his advantage. One time he drafted the great Rene Robert in the IL draft, but then exposed him and Pittsburgh put in a claim. Imlach had to give up a pretty good player (Eddie Shack) to get the third piece of the French Connection.
This year’s Oilers are figuring out what’s what on the roster and I think we can see it from here. Max Jones and Damien Carfagna are injured, so their tickets to Bakersfield may come later. That could impact opening night, but I doubt it’ll be too much worry for the Oilers. One player who is not waiver eligible could get squeezed, but if Ike Howard plays for the Condors in October the world will not come to an end.
I’m mostly looking forward to a strong game from Connor McDavid, Leon Draisiatl and Evan Bouchard. Their debuts were not strong. Here’s a look at the current state of the roster.
DISTANT BELLS
You can see the next round of cuts in this group. I think it’s impressive that both Josh Samanski and Quinn Hutson are still here, but they’re bound for Bakersfield as sure as Buck Owens. The extra goalies and defensemen are likely to be sent out when everyone is healthy (Jake Walman is day-to-day) but I don’t see anyone on this list who is likely to make opening night unless there’s an injury.
UNCERTAIN OILERS
Two uncertain OIlers (Josh Brown and Roby Jarventie) are on waivers until noon. Suspect they’ll be Condors by noon. This is an interesting group because there’s some pressure on a few incumbents. I doubt Alec Regula has played well enough to take Troy Stecher’s (or Ty Emberson’s) job, but a trade might be in the offing. Max Jones is hurt, that could impact someone on this list. Finally, we don’t know if Noah Philp has passed Curtis Lazar, and we don’t know if Kris Knoblauch will keep both players. Based on the coach’s moves a year ago, we won’t know until the eleventh hour.
CERTAIN OILERS
This is the heart of the order. It’s a strong group of defensemen, two of the best forwards in the game, several interesting bets on the wing and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins representing the ‘two-way forward’ group. Man I like Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic, they were two of my favourite non-Oilers before they got here. I hope they do well this season. The opportunity is there.
I’m not certain Matt Savoie gets a feature role this season. Knoblauch’s deployment of the young player is risk averse in all caps and bold. Now, Savoie can in fact handle a two-way deployment, but I think his usage on the roster so far speaks to the lack of a veteran with wheels who can do the job. Savoie is applying for the Connor Brown role. I’ll be honest, in my opinion that’s not what Savoie could do best for this team. Finally, Adam Henrique looks a day late and a dollar short.
Kris Knoblauch is burning daylight on his roster, same as last year. I do think there’s reason to keep Regula around, but the team should consider sending out the rest of the distant bells and a couple of uncertains in the next 48 hours.
SATURDAY’S LINES VIA TONY BRAR
Draisaitl – McDavid – Frederic
Howard – RNH – Mangiapane
Henrique – Tomasek – Savoie
Janmark – Lazar – Kapanen
Samanski – Philp – Hutson
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Stecher
Kulak – Emberson
Dineen – Regula
Leppanen
Skinner
Pickard
Tomkins
Frederik is not great at receiving passes on the move, he did some good things in this game, but in the top 6, I think he is in over his head. The 3rd wheel with McDrai must have good offensive instincts and ability, Freddy doesn’t have this in his tool box. Square peg, round hole.
The 3rd wheel candidates, IMO should be: Tomasek, Mangiapane, Savoie & Philp (why not?).
What do we think of this forward lineup?
Drai McDavid Federic
Howard Nuge Mangiapane
Pokolzin Philip Savoie
Janmark Henrique Kapanen
Lazar
Tomasek is not moving the needle for me. I think he needs some time in that A.
Ike wasn’t the only culprit on the play, but his going the wrong way on the defensive boards led to the second goal against.
This is something he can work out in the A.
Based on overall pro-readiness, I have Samanski ahead of him.
Hutson struggled with the pace tonight, both by eye and metric.
Ekholm and Bouchard have been on the ice for five GA in two games, four with McDavid and Draisaitl. At least today, the foursome outscored their defensive miscues.
Bouchard will not make the Olympic team as a high event defenseman defensively.
Its exhibition season – the performance of any of these players prior to October 8 means absolutely nothing come October 8 and beyond.
Bouch is going to win the Norris this season.
Per Tony B:
I thought Regula and Leppänen were our 2 best dmen tonight. Good composure and nice outlet passing as well some strong defensive plays along the boards in both ends of the rink. Going to be some interesting decisions the coaching staff is going to have to make.
I agree, I thought Regula and Lapenen both played well. Bouchard/Ekholm struggled but hard to say if that’s on them or the McDavid line’s scrambly play.
I was expecting more from Howard-RNH-Mangiapane. Mcdavid’s line – great on the rush, not so great at defending. Kinda liked Samanski, didn’t really notice any other forwards.
Skinner was better. No chance on the last 2, positioning wasn’t great on Vacouver’s first goal. Made a few nice saves, too. He needs to be better but his play is moving in the right direction. Suspect he plays one more exhibition game, hopefully he continues to improve.
I am not sure the coaching staff has it in them to put either of these men on the team, regardless of whether they earn it or not…
I didn’t watch the game, but I was hoping leppanen would show well. Pleased to hear about Regula.
Leppanen has some doozy moments and plays the the defensive zone.
Condors open camp tomorrow, he’ll be on his way soon. McCambridge has a job to do on Leppanen’s defensive structure and teaching some in to his game – there could be a legit player here but he’s going to need at least half a season in the AHL if not the year.
I’m not sure they can expose Regula…..
He’s not ready for prime time. He has a skill level and level of offensive awareness that can’t be taught. But defensive structure can be and hopefully he’s a quick learner.
Bouch & Ek look like their ready for preseason to be over. Neither has been that sharp tonight. I think it was Lepanen a couple minutes earlier who stood up the zone entry at the blue line. Have liked his play.
Lepanen’s puck skills are impressive and his defense is better than I thought it would be (recognizing the Oilers aren’t playing an NHL level team tonight)
Samanski has an awkward skating stride.
Its going to be a LONG season with every single goal Skinner lets in leading to shredding on social media – every goal in exhibition, let alone what we’ll see come October 8.
It’s going to be a long year with you apologizing and making excuses for every goal this year.
There is a difference between apologizing, and acknowledging that goalies get scored on… and that it’s exhibition.
Are you new to this blog. Op has been apologizing for 3 years for skinner.Im just waiting for him to bring up his rookie season and how good he was just in case we have forgotten.
What difference does it make if I am new or not? Maybe wait to post your apologist comment for when it s more relevant.
Also in case you’re new, I am the leader of the skinner bandwagon. Ain’t nothing gonna knock me off. I am rooting for him all the way.
It’s going to be a long season you ragging on Ekholm every game
I sure hope not but that one is up to him as opposed to based on a narrative.
pfff
Agreed. I have often wondered what fans get out of dissing the goalie (I grew up having to listen to my father, a Habs fan, rag on Ken Dryden when he had an off night).
This is the Oilers. I remember sitting with friends and we’d be complaining about how many goals Fuhr let in through the five hole. “He’d be 3rd string on any other team”.
I’m curious: did any of you play goal? I ask because, while I’ve heard some criticism of goalies from other goalies, it’s rare. Non-goalies, however, enjoy nothing more than piling on the position most of them haven’t a clue about. What do these fans (not just Oilers fans) get out of it?
Weak play on the defensive boards by Frederic leads to a grade A wide open shot from the slot – for the goal against.
There was no effort to battle for that puck by Frederic
I’ll have to go back and watch again. Frederic did not look ready for the pass from Ekholm, but I didn’t think Ekholm put him in a position to do anything with the pass.
Rewatching the plsy, think you’re right
Skinner also down too early on the shot.
Didn’t matter if he stayed standing or dropped down like he did, puck still would’ve gone through. He dropped to try see through the screen.
That’s the October Oilers we’ve come to expect – sloppy coverage, giveaways, lack of a needed save – only a few days early.
Drai set this sequence in motion with a bad pass intended for Ekholm that lead to the turnover. Also, Lekkerimaki made a great read to force the takeaway- he looked good tonight.
From there the Oilers are chasing without structure in their own end.
Agreed. Some sloppiness on the Oilers side; but give Lekkerimaki his due: he’s a dangerous player.
Regula is starting to make a believer out of me that he could play top 6
So you believe him to be an NHL Regular.
Ill show myself out
“I’m starting to believe he could play top six” is the sort of generic statement that doesn’t typically make people walk out the door, but you do you.
He was making a joke about regula being close to regular. it was pretty funny! 🙂
OMG, I am so dense. Apologies to leadfarmer.
Sad thing is, this is the exactly the sort of joke I like to make, to the annoyance of my friends and family….
Sorry for being s bit of a dick to you earlier – that was a dad joke hall of fame level joke and it just flew right over me.
But it’s preseason, still a bit of rust in my commenting i need to work out.
No worries. That’s what the interwebs for. Hope Regula finds his last r
Solid save by Skinner there coming across the crease.
Ekholm beat to the middle off the rush – got twisted/turned around – too reminiscent of the playoffs…..
Not that it’s a huge deal, but why does the the Canucks broadcast crew do the preseason games in Edmonton? Makes no logistical sense to me.
No it doesn’t. But it’s better than listening to Jack & Bob talk about everything except the game right now on CHED.
The Canucks and SN have negotiated that all Canucks games are broadcast in their regional deal.
The Oilers and SN have not.
I’m a big fan of Regula. Keep him on the roster for sure.
I wish the Canucks had a better lineup – he continues to look great but can only read so much in, right?
Regula out there 4 on 4 – absorbs contact with the puck on the boards, comes out with the puck, makes a move and a smart pass to an attacking forward with time and space.
Lazar/Kap PK 1 – also, interestingly, Ek/Emberson (which they used alot in the regular season last year) – Bouch was in the box but I suspect they would have gone with that pair either way – Bouchard will get more PK time this year, he’s good at it, but coach did say he wants to manage those minutes.
Regula with a fantastic 3 zone pass to break Mangiapane and lead to some offensive zone chaos.
Always find it annoying when we have to listen to Canuck broadcast team for a home game…..
Its them or nothing.
SN and the Canucks agreed all their exhibition games get televised in their regional broadcast package.
Oilers and SN have not negotiated that deal
10 minutes played – 6 points from the top line…..
Frederic=Maroon I really noticed Frederic on the aggressive effective forecheck with the Bruins a few years ago. I kinda know why he looked so soft and invisible in the Playoffs. High ankle sprains are a bitch plus the cheap shot by Roy might of scrambled a few circuits in his head as well.
Sick mitts by Leppanen with the toe drag in to quick release off the rush – didn’t score but it was sexy!
Leppanen will play NHL games this year. He’s bona fide.
Noah Philp continues to look highly confident with the puck on his stick in the defensive zone.
First shot against, first goal…… Thatcher Demko!
Per Tony B:
EDM lineup vs. VAN:
Draisaitl – McDavid – Frederic
Howard – RNH – Mangiapane
Lazar – Philp – Kapanen
Samanski – Tomasek – Hutson
Ekholm – Bouchard
Dineen – Emberson
Leppanen – Regula
Skinner
Great opportunity for Howard tonight playing with Nuge and Mangiapane.
Invisible.
Jays clinch!!!!!! 1 st place baby!
I’ve probably watched 90% of their innings since the end of June and its been such an enjoyable ride – so many moments.
Hoping for a lot more in October – starting Saturday.
Hopefully Bichette returns. Who starts in game 1 against the Bo-Sox who will knock off the Yankees.
Gausman, Bieber, Yesavage……
I say Bieber- Gausman-Yesavage
Henrique, Savoie, Nurse, Stecher and Kulak skated this morning indicated they are NOT playing.
Tony B. said the following two lines ARE expected to play:
Drai/McDavid/Frederic
Howard/Nuge/Mangiapane
Canucks lineup sucks for tonight.
Oilers traded to get a high first round draft pick named Savoie.
if they want to use him as bottom six player they should have just kept McLeod.
They stuck Holloway on the fourth line forever. Kid had high motor and potential written all over him.
Did you say Holloway?
Dom, Shayna and Sean at the Athletic weighed in for their season preview of the Blues.
“A player who sounded like a cost-effective third- or fourth-line option for the Blues — and looked the part under Bannister — immediately became a point-per-game producer under Montgomery.
His finish was even stronger: in the 20 complete games he played after the 4 Nations Face-Off, Holloway had 10 goals and 23 points. With him on the ice, St. Louis controlled 55 percent of expected goals and outscored opponents 21-8. He was a true two-way difference-maker..”
“Flipping ahead to this season, Holloway’s age, combined with the production and two-way substance he showed with relatively little experience, has the model buying in on him big-time.
He’s projected to produce like a high-end No. 2 forward with elite defensive impacts, and he’s surrounded by enough other talented forwards to increase his odds. “
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6659124/2025/09/26/st-louis-blues-2025-26-season-preview/
New name, same sequence of posts. Some things, and people, never change.
And Holloway will be demanding a healthy raise to remain with the Blues. Hope for their sake he’s worth it.
As he likely should.
It’s notable that he has not been extended already so I imagine the Blues are waiting to see if his “pop” has sustain.
The Blues have an interesting salary structure with all their core players…Kyrou, Thomas, Buchnevich locked up long term in the $8 million range with Parayko, Faulk and, now, Cam Fowler on D coming in at near the $6.5 million range.
I’d guess Broberg will inherit the Tory Krug $6.5 million
Broberg will be aiming for far higher then 6.5
He might…doesn’t mean he will get it.
RFA with arbitration rights.
They would have had to pay MacLeod. Savoie is a less costly option. It’s all about balancing the books.
I have been very adamant in my agreement but, at the same time, the intent here is a long term top 6 player – this trade, like the Howard trade, was made for the short, medium and, likely, long-term benefits.
Kirk with a grand slam! Jays up 5-1!!!
Alejandro having a day!
Jarventie cleared as expected.
Brown too, of course.
Stauff speculating on social media that the Oilers could keep all of Savoie, Tomasek, Howard, Philp and Regula on the opening roster – talked about needing internal growth and development and those in addition to Emberson and Podz.
As speculated, Janmark likely at risk in addition to Lazar and, now Stecher.
Waivers risk on Regula is not worth it – sorry Stech, hope you clear, we will need you if you do.
Interesting that the projected roster from Stauffer doesn’t align with the lines that have Philp as 5C and Regula as an 8/9. Does this say anything about differences of opinion between the coach and manager?
That is a source of angst for me, as well. However, I think it is just the alignment for the following game, at least that is what I am telling myself.
If Lazar is the 4C and a healthy Philp is not on the SOR, I will be re-evaluating how I spend my time & money.
That’ll show them.
The oil seems to get a lot of self-inflicted cuts. over and over.
It’s pre-season you can only take the lines at face value. No doubt they want to see Lazar since Philp has seen more ice and so far, made the most of his opportunity. Regula finds himself in a nice position too since they probably won’t want to risk losing him to waivers.
That’s my concern. Stan may see the need for youthful injection but Knoblauch is a coach which means experience is first second and third in importance in his mind for success. Coaches are just wired that way.
Maybe the GM and Coach are just show caseing some players for a potential trade
Pump and dump is my motto I was scared when Holland made a trade not so much with Bowman who’s so far is batting over 300. Its too bad Frederic reinjured his ankle on his 1st shift as a Oil. I thought Frederic would be the difference against the likes of Vegas and especially the Panthers.
I hate the load up Mcdavid Drai to give the other lines a sense of identity. Mcdavid defers shooting to give it to Drai and makes us a one line team.
if you want lines to develop an identity than don’t go back to Mcdavid and Drai for 30 min at the first sign of trouble. And start using the 2nd pp unit. The top unit knows they will have the entire pp so they don’t have a sense of urgency.
With both of Hyman & Podz not available they’re short on wingers, however they still seem to have some depth, which is a good thing, especially with the centers. So, in the short term it’s ok.
Short because the coach refuses to give a young player the opportunity up the lineup?
Link to everyone put on waivers today:
https://puckpedia.com/waiver-wire
As per Puckpedia’s twitter everyone put on waivers yesterday has cleared.
How did Rathborn clear!?! He was the next Bobert Raggidiny.
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
Mason McTavish’s six-year deal with the Ducks carries a $7 million AAV.
Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
3 x $6.1M for Cam Fowler with STL Blues
Chris Johnston
@reporterchris
Anthony Stolarz is signing a four-year extension with the Leafs carrying a $3.75M AAV
Chris Johnston
@reporterchris
Anthony Stolarz is signing a four-year extension with the Leafs carrying a $3.75M AAV
Fine AAV for performance – unfortunately he’s only able to play 25-25 games per season.
Through two games, Lafreniere is an absurd 27-of-41 (65.9%) on the dot.
My third line is: Frederic – Nuge – Philp.
Frederic is the fearsome forechecker
Nuge mentors Philp
Philp helps Nuge with offside face-offs
All play responsibly on D
But alas we have not seen it. Sigh!
I like it
Nugent-Hopkins, Philp, Frederic if one is running those three together. Philp is the centre.
Tomasek is an RHC also that could slot in between Nuge & Freddy. But Freddy is covering for Hyman at the moment. Philp is the 4c, who happens to be an RHC also.
I do not think Tomasek is a good Center option. Smart player, but he is just not fast enough. I think the top scorer from the SHL should be on McDrai’s starboard side during the pre-season. Freddy looked very lost there vs the sea monsters.
They might see him as a better center option than Frederic. Once Hyman returns Freddy will be slotted on the third line IMO.
Centers can play wing. It is generally considered easier so starting with Nuge at center would be my preference. The plan is to set up Philp to succeed.
That’s exactly it. Yes, he can be a tenacious energy guy in the bottom six that kills penalties, he’s got that skill set. At the same time, his primary skill-set is a complimentary offensive producer with a skilled center and i don’t understand the coach’s requirement that he prove the Connor Brown role before the up the lineup role – this team is looking for players that can play up the lineup but they won’t give their most skilled option the chance, why?
Remember K.K is not a Bowman hire if they’re not on the same page then I can’t see K.K surviving a rocky patch that’s a little worse then the one Woody went through.
At times I don’t get this coach. This is one of those times. Maximize the asset by playing Savoie with skill.
If he’s playing the Connor Brown role, he’ll be spending all sorts of time in the top 6.
Cant gaslight me into misremembering Connor Brown snuffing out the offense time and time again.
That’s exactly right. I suspect both of Savoie & Howard will be deployed throughout the top 9. Hopefully neither of them will be snuffing out offense.
Not smart? I don’t know, but they seem to do this over and over with different folks in charge.
Either way if they’re together or on separate lines, it’s advantage Oilers.
We’ll need to see how Regula does in the last few games with some increased pace but I’m starting to feel that the waiver risk is bigger than i first thought.
I am very well aware of the more famous names that slide through every year but, at the same time, big, mobile, right shot d-man with skill – he’s a tweener, yes, but only until he is more.
I see risk.
Regula is making this team he gets the puck headed in the right direction fast and he’s a much needed big body to block out opposition on net front presence. Stecher is the odd man out. If Regula climbs the ladder rather quickly this opens up a trade for one of our D.
I think this is the likely outcome but would note that, at this point, he’s been able to “get the puck headed the right direction fast” in the first half of exhibition season – the next step is to do that when the pace picks up in the next few games – then he’ll need to prove it during regular season.
I agree though – waiver risk is too high.
It’s a tough call, Emberson could be the odd man out because of his richer contract.
Stecher is probably gone next season. So, who knows?
i would be shocked if they waive Emberson – Its either Regula or Stech (unless they keep 8).
Both have exceeded my expectations and make me even more excited to watch the Condors this season.
I am one always weary of “overager points” – this is mostly 20 year olds in the CHL but also players that seem to “pop” late in to a college career, like Hutson. Tough to see him any more than a “tweener” but he does have a chance at that role and maybe more – maybe the “next Hamblin’?
I can see him playing NHL games and giving “serviceable low event minutes” in a pinch.
Samamski, well, i didn’t know what to expect from him, if anything – that kid has offensive skill and he’s a long body and I lOVE his personality.
I’m cheering for him big time and thank Dallas Eakins for the recommendation.
I know it’s early but if you had to form a line-up card who are your projected PP1-PP2 on the farm as well as PK1-PK2?
Really?
OP probably has the best take of farm club over anyone. I know it’s early to be forecasting the Condors roster and deployment but you can’t live in fear. Pour yourself a nice cocoa with coloured marshmallows and let your mind wander.
Its tough to say what they might do at this point. Do we know if Regula will be a Condor or Janmark or Howard.
One thing I hope is that Seth Griffith is NOT on PP1 – great Condor but its time to move on from that.
Not only do they have to fit Hyman back into this line up but don’t forget Podkolzin. Who gets the short straw when they come back ?
When in doubt, pick the guys who don’t need waivers.
Im leaning towards a combination of a trade and someone that doesn’t need waivers .
Going to the game tonight. I see the game is on Sportsnet as well.
Hopefully the big boys show up.
I do find it odd that Knoblauch seems to not like putting young players up in the lineup ( especially Savoie) to start out. Kid is very quick and talented. Guess he is trying to make a 3 rd line that has a bit more speed ?
I like Lazar and think he plays a very good 4 th line checking game and is a good pk guy. He is pretty much a career 50ish% face off guy and at 30 years old is still pretty quick. But Philp is 3 and 1/2 years younger and looks faster and quicker than last year and albeit a small sample size ( 107 faceoffs in his NHL career). He has a 56-57% face off win avg. I think if he is not kept on the team, he will get claimed. I also think that would be a big loss . Lazar could get claimed as well. Just me but Henrique even looks slower than last year and he really slowed down. It is unfortunate he has a NMC as personally I would waiver him. I think someone mentioned he wouldn’t waive his clause this past summer for a trade.
That is his right . I was kind of hoping Janmark would have been moved as well. But the coach seems to really like him. Yes he is very solid on the PK , but I would much rather see Savoie, Philp and Lazar pk’ing and playing rather than him. Doubt he gets traded, and some say he is in the best shape he has been in for a while. Hope so
Be interesting to see the final roster and who stays and goes.
Looking forward to a fun win tonight with some dominant performances by McD and Drai.
I think Janmark may very well not be on the opening roster but waived and will clear. A trade may have cost the Oilers an asset to go with as he’s over-capped for term.
Don’t think he can ge waived with a modified NTC/ NMC
He has a modified no trade clause, not a no movement clause – Janmark can definitely be waived (Henrique cannot).
What is the nature of the Maximum Jones injury, i cannot find mention of it anywhere,
Hasn’t been made public. He played 15 minutes on September 21 versus the Flames and 4:16 two nights later against the Jets. He hasn’t appeared on any lines at practice since (that I’ve seen) and there has been nothing explaining his absence (as in the case of Vasily Podkolzin). Jones is a veteran trying to get into the NHL mix. If he’s missing time, it’s due to injury.
its definite injury.
He left the game early – looked like a potential hip……
Its an issue if he is hurt come opening rosters as he will have a cap hit (it will be based on how much time he spent in the NHL last season) so maybe like 1/3 or 2/5 of his AAV.
If I remember correctly, Hamblin was waived to Bako in the previous round of cuts as well.
Interested to see this Kholm guy alongside Bouchard. Must be German