Every new general manager is in a helluva hurry to turn over the 50-man list upon arrival. It’s the old George Carlin line about staying at a friend’s place for the weekend. The first thing you have to do is get the junk off and out of the dresser, so you can put your stuff on and in it. It’s a universal truth, just like flushing failure (or perceived failure) off the 50-man list.
In goal, Bowman has signed Nathaniel Day and Samuel Jonsson, two depth draft picks. I’m of the belief Jonsson is going to pop, but goalies are voodoo. He also signed veteran AHL goaler Matt Tompkins, who has the look of an AHL 1B, but we’ll see.
On defense, Bowman has been quite aggressive. Names who he has added and retained include Jake Walman, Ty Emberson, Alec Regula, Riley Stillman, Damien Carfagna and Atro Leppanen. He also brought in John Klingberg, who had a positive impact during the postseason. Bowman has an eye for defensemen, and will go to some lengths (Walman was not in the deadline rumour mill, Edmonton went and got him) in order to improve the position. Something we could see before training camp is a RH defenseman added who is an upgrade on Emberson and Troy Stecher.
At center, there’s less to do because of the Glimmer Twins. Curtis Lazar is an NHL signing with a good chance to make the team at center or on wing due to penalty-killing needs. David Tomasek and Josh Samanski are interesting options, although Tomasek may land on the wing. I’m not sure how much he’ll play in the NHL this season, his range of possible outcomes is the widest on the roster entering camp in my opinion.
The wings saw more shuffling than we’ve seen at any time since Denny Lane joined the band. Trent Frederic, Andrew Mangiapane, Vasily Podkolzin, Kasperi Kapanen, Ike Howard, Matt Savoie, Max Jones, Quinn Hutson, Viljami Marjala, Connor Clattenburg and the re-signing of Roby Jarventie gives the team miles of options marbled through the Oilers and Condors future. Maybe I’m amazed at the sheer number of new wingers in the system.
I count 23. That’s a large turnover in less than a calendar year. Is this team better? I think it might be by spring, with a little luck.
Kevin McCurdy joins me today on the Lowdown, we’ll talk Oilers, Jays, Elks and NBA between noon and 2pm, Sports 1440 radio.
What’s all this about Connor Clattenburg?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6509708/2025/07/23/edmonton-oilers-prospect-connor-clattenburg/
Connor “Rega” Clattenburg!
Lool forward to him adding energy and aggression to the Condors.
I hope he can stay healthy at the pro level with his style. He’ll likely need to adapt a bit.
Excellent pick at 160 he has wheels with good hands who’s also a team leader (glue guy) reminds me of Kelly Buchberger. Once this kid gets his man strength he’ll be a regular for years to come. I haven’t been this excited about our AHL team since the lock-out when Hall-Eberle-Shultz looked like world beaters.
I wish this player type was ready right now for this season… We need that infusion. We need a Darcy Tucker or dare I say a Kadri… lol
In fact I know it wouldnt happen due to being in Calgary but if they get rid of him at the deadline I would love that as an add at forward….
I think we see him sooner than you think. I can see him getting called up with Jarventie after Christmas when the dog days of the schedule kick in.
I would suggest that Clattenburg is likely 2 full seasons away from being an NHL option (if he ever is, and he might be).
I know you are in love with his style – playing it against teenagers in junior vs. men in pro is different.
He’s a good prospect but he’s heading in to his rookie pro season and this suggested timeline may be more unreasonable than your requirements of Howard as rookie to not fire the scouting staff and management.
In my opinion.
I’m surprised Savoie wasn’t called up for a longer stint last year as Bowmsn MO is different than Holland’s. With the additions of Frederic-Podkolzin-Savoie-Howard Bowman has us getting younger and more skilled than in a fashion that’s commendable.
Sure, agreed – I like Bowman’s work.
I still don’t see Clattenburg in the NHL this season.
Depends on his AHL play the way it should be.
Of course but we have decades of history that provide the ability to set reasonable expectations.
I tend to think Howard is going to walk the talk with Savoie also chomping at the bit. I would not be surprised if Howard duplicates a Brock Boeser type season. This organization went out of its way picking O’Reilly then they doubled down on Howard who will be the best bargain in hockey with Savoie also in the top 5 for value contracts. Boooook it..,,,,,,,,
Boeser had 27 goals in 42 games in the NCAA as an 18 year old.
Boeser was over a PPG in the NCAA as a 19 year old.
I like Howard, I like his potential, I expect him to make an impact in the NHL this year but expectations near or over 30G and near PPG (ala Boeser as an NHL rookie) are not realistic.
Sure, I can be hopeful that he gets to that level but will certainly not book it.
If Clattenburg can stay in the lineup in the AHL for the full year playing 3rd or 4th line minutes that will be a significant accomplishment for him. The jump to the AHL is difficult. He’s many years away from making the NHL, if ever
Ok let me dream a little Podkolzin , Clattenburg with 10 more pounds of man strength and Fredric on one line .. That would be fun to watch
Didn’t the Oilers get a defense prospect from the Blues last year as part of the offer sheets? Haven’t heard anything about him or am miss remembering?
Yes, Paul Fischer who is entering his junior season with Notre Dame. Appeared at the most recent WJHC too.
BTW, the Oilers also received a 2028 3rd from the Blues.
Uh oh 3rd soon to be sent to Calgary because NHL
Gregor saying he’s hearing the Yevseyev ELC will not happen this summer.
Is 80>90 goals combined a fair projection for Howard-Savoie-Frederic-Magpie
I think 60 would be considered a success for that quartet. Eighty is an over-achievement.
I would say over under is 65. Right now leaning to the under. Mangie might get over 20 or even 25, but the rest are a work in progress.
If yes, then it would have to shake out like:
Howard 25
Savoie 15
Frederic 15
Magpie 25
Its not ludicrous
I really liked Frederic in Boston I thought he was a force a Patty Maroon type. He looked hobbled all playoff but anyone that can take a 2 hander to the beak and continue playing is a tough hombre. The organization needs to be right on Frederic. Would everyone be happy if he gave us 8 years of Ethan Moreau type of play-numbers and leadership. I think Ethan salary in his prime would be darn near what Frederic received. Is this a fair comparison?
Being big and physical with an ability to score is always a premium in the NHL.
Kane is still valued at $5M at his age, Dakota Joshua is still valued even with meagre production, while Josh Anderson’s value only ever appears in the playoffs.
If Frederic can average 15G / 82 over the first 5 seasons of his contract he’ll be a screaming bargain.
I am not onboard with that nick, not even 5%.
Very very high.
Bowman should sign Podkolzin before he pops this year and I would also sign Walman to a nice friendly extension as this player is just hitting his peak.
Yes, and as has been provided in response to your posts on this 3-4 times, from accounts (Stauff), Bowman is working on extensions for both these players and it could be in the next few weeks.
LT, just curious what aisle you think Bowman would be shopping for an upgrade at RD?
Other RD3
Murphy, Connor $4.40M
Leddy, Nick $4.00M
Carrier, Alexandre $3.75M
Ekman-Larsson, Oliver $3.50M
Clifton, Connor $3.33M
van Riemsdyk, Trevor $3.00M
Whitecloud, Zach $2.75M
Schenn, Luke $2.75M
Schneider, Braden $2.20M
Spence, Jordan $1.50M
Malinski, Sam $1.40M (https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerreport.php?fromseason=20242025&thruseason=20242025&playerid=8484258&sit=5v5&stype=2)
Bogosian, Zach $1.25M
Lundkvist, Nils $1.25M
Pachal, Brayden $1.19M
Barron, Justin $1.15M
Johansson, Albert $1.13M
Helleson, Drew $1.10M
Raddysh, Darren $975K (https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerreport.php?fromseason=20242025&thruseason=20242025&playerid=8478178&sit=5v5&stype=2)
Christiansen, Jake $975K
Nemec, Simon $918K
Morrow, Scott $917K
Andrae, Emil $903K
Fleury, Cale $890K
Matinpalo, Nikolas $875K
Mancini, Victor $870K
Boqvist, Adam $850K
DeSimone, Nick $800K
Thompson, Jack $800K
Stecher, Troy $788K
Mitchell, Ian $775K
Bjornfot, Tobias $775K
Not on current 50 man but have looming signing deadlines, Mazura likely flushed (AUg 15 deadline), Maatta possibly the same but a coin toss for me (AUg 15 deadline). DOn’t see anyonew else with a looming deadline left this offseason – did I miss anyone?
Munzenburger but we know he’s not signing (which, from accounts, was the org’s decision and it baffles me).
I figured Munzenburger was already decided as I believe he signed in Germany already? Or am I misremembering?
You are right. He still has an Aug 15 deadline to sign, technically. Perhaps he has an out with his German Club if he does sign with the Oil?
Also Matt Copponi, althoough he did sign an AHL deal I think, before the deadline…
Yes, technically, as of August 15, Copponi could sign with any NHL team as we would lose his NHL rights.
Seems unlikely and the plan is to see him in Bako – I was surprised he didn’t get an ELC.
He did but that doesn’t necessarily prohibit from signing with the Oilers (for example, Jarventie signed back in the Finland and then re-signed with the Oilers).
FYI, Maata has signed with TPS in Liiga.
We can’t forget Frederick and Philp at 3/4C as a possible, as well as many listed as W who can possibley shift to C if appropriate. We have a lot of flexibility compared to past years in tha regard. All over this roster (ouside of LD and top 2 C) is going o be very exciting this year. GM is building for competition in all spots wherever he can. Me Likey.
Oh, yes, while I don’t see how it happens but I expect quite a bit of center from Frederic.
I say I don’t see it happening as will BOTH Nuge and Henrique play wing?
I think the NHL D is pretty much set – don’t see a move.
Of course, a legit 2RD would be nice but, at the same time, they have 4 legit NHL LD and Walman with Nurse is something I think will be great.
I think Emberson is the lock 3RD to start the year again – they will want/need to rely on him for the PK.
I think the org is high on Regula as well and can see him impacting NHL games this season if he can be and stay healthy.
Knob spoke about Emberson and the PK with Gregor yesterday.
One interesting thing Knob mentioned is that its important to have the d-men on their proper sides for the PK. I had been of the opinion that handedness was less important on the PK as one didn’t need to make percision plays with the puck as much (i.e. key is to bang it down the ice).
Knob spoke about being on the proper side was important for getting in shooting lanes and sticks in lanes, etc.
From accounts, Bowman had targeted Walman early and was trying to get him since November – badgering Grier over the course of a number of months and finally upped his offer to the 1st rounder.
Great job!
Grier’s work tearing down and accumulating assets has been impressive. Now to see how well he can shift gears into building a contender.
As we are all far too aware, wandering in the wilderness is a distinct possibility.
I have not been on-board with all of his moves but getting Askarov was fantastic and getting paid to “take on” Walman (which was wild at the time) and then getting a first round pick (which was value) for him in a year was great work.
LT certainly is not alone in being high on Jonsson – I’ve seen him as high as #3 on some prospect lists.
For me, I just don’t know how much we can glean from a season in that second tier pro league in Sweden.
I don’t discount it, I’m enthused but I want to see the next step and I am very intrigued to see how he does this season in North America and if he plays all year in the AHL.
2 months ago, I thought the logical next step was a year as at least a 1B in the SHL. When it was clear he was coming over to North America, I figured he’d start in the ECHL. Now, while I don’t think its a lock, maybe he does start in the AHL over Ungar.
For me, I’m just as enthused about Nathanial Day and part of that is an absolutely exceptional start in the ECHL (handful of games in regular season and playoffs) at the end of last season.
Will one of these guys play in the NHL in the next 2-3 years?
I think we’ll see Tomkins & Jonsson in Bakersfield and Ungar & Day in Fort Wayne. Good arrows if the younger member of each duo is taking over the starters net by February.
Bowman seems to have a plan a older vet mentoring a potential. I’m glad they flushed. Beachball Rodrique as he looked awful.
You are only a few months removed from wanting Rodrigue to get NHL starts.
Rodrigue was indeed very good, until he wasn’t – and the “wasn’t” started with the team in front of him being decimated.
They obviously wanted to make room for both young prospects in North American pro but I hope Rodrigue can continue to develop in another org and can work towards some sort of an NHL career.
Just watched the mighty Habs vs our Oilers back in 1980 they said Sather was crazy starting Moog who took this opportunity and stole the show. Rodrique had his chance to show his new boss what he had and he completely shit the bed.
You mean the 3 goals he allowed in his one and only start?
What a weird and odd statement.
Yeah it’s hard drawing conclusions from a (very) strong season at 21 in Allsvenskan and in itself it doesn’t really tell us anything about Jonsson’s possible NHL future.
A couple of things has me intrigued about Jonsson’s potential though.
First of all he used an injury plagued season the year before and the rehab following to improve his game and came back a much better goalie from the minute he was back on the ice. I like that in a young player.
At the draft guys I trust wrt swedish goalies said about him that he was far from the best goalie in his age group at the time but that he was the one with the highest upside(at least one of them included one year older Jesper Wallstedt in that age group…)
He also didn’t just post great numbers last year he looked really good doing it. He’s a guy where a lot of the talk earlier has been a great size/athleticism combo but last season he looked so clean in net, fantastic rebound control, read the play well, economic in his movement, very quick to get into position. He didn’t rely on his physical attributes but instead he played laser focused sharp hockey night after night still with the ability to show off his athleticism when needed but he didn’t get by on it.
Now he did have the help of a very strong defensive team, in a lesser league, on bigger ice, I’m terrible at evaluating goalies and they are most definititely voodoo so who knows how it all will translate but I maintain; there’s something about Sammy.
Amazing – thank you.
And good to see you posts.
If you are still around, can you remind us (me) of your thoughts on Tomasek?
definitely see some Paul McCartney references there mr LT…
I actually thought the title of today’s post would be ‘Crazy Train’.
RIP Ozzie
I was waiting for Fixing a Hole (Where the Rain Gets In)… an old favorite. Kind of sums up GMing to me…
I think Bowman has done an exceptional job making targeted adds over the last few months.
Taking away the established NHL guys, he’s added some young skill that should play right away with high ceilings, some vet Europeans that look to challenge for the roster now (Tomasek) or perhaps challenge over the course of the season (Lapanen), some later progression going skill that are distant bells but do have a chance to surprise and make it over the next while (Samanski, Hutson).
It seems almost all of the European and NCAA free agent adds were targeted and one can understand the signing.