Here's a projection of the Edmonton Oilers' roster for the 2025-26 NHL season, taking into account recent signings, potential player development, and the team's overall needs.

Forwards:

• Top Line: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Connor McDavid - Zach Hyman

  This line has shown great chemistry and is expected to remain intact. McDavid's exceptional playmaking ability combined with Hyman's scoring touch and Nugent-Hopkins' two-way play makes them a formidable trio. * Second Line: Andrew Mangiapane - Leon Draisaitl - Matthew Savoie

  Mangiapane was a shrewd pickup by the Oilers, while Savoie is a highly touted prospect with offensive upside. Draisaitl's presence should elevate the play of his linemates. * Third Line: Vasily Podkolzin - Trent Frederic - David Tomasek

  Frederic was acquired by the Oilers to add more toughness. Tomasek is a recent European signing who could compete for a bottom-six role. Podkolzin has the potential to be a solid presence. * Fourth Line: Mattias Janmark - Adam Henrique - Kasperi Kapanen

  Janmark and Henrique are reliable veterans, while Kapanen was re-signed by the Oilers. This line provides experience and defensive responsibility. * Other Considerations: Quinn Hutson and Noah Philp will also be competing for a roster spot.

Defense:

• Top Pairing: Mattias Ekholm - Evan Bouchard

  Ekholm provides a steady defensive presence, allowing Bouchard to utilize his offensive skills. Bouchard's extension was a priority for the Oilers. * Second Pairing: Darnell Nurse - Brett Kulak

  Nurse is a physical defenseman, and Kulak is a reliable player. * Third Pairing: Jake Walman - Ty Emberson

  Walman and Emberson could make for a solid third pairing. Atro Leppänen may also compete for a spot.

Goaltending:

• Starter: Stuart Skinner

• Backup: Calvin Pickard

  Skinner is still considered a cost-effective option for the club. However, there might be changes if the Oilers decide to pursue a more experienced goalie. Samuel Jonsson is a goalie prospect to watch.

Prospects to Watch:

• Maxim Berezkin: The Oilers drafted Berezkin in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He will spend the 2025-26 season in the KHL but intends to play in the NHL in 2026-27.
• Beau Akey: Akey will be in his first professional season in 2025-26.
• Samuel Jonsson: The Oilers drafted Jonsson in the fifth round of the 2022 draft. He posted a .922 save percentage with BIK Karlskoga last season.
• Matt Savoie: Savoie had 54 points in Bakersfield.

Areas for Improvement:

• Depth Scoring: The Oilers need to improve their depth scoring. In the previous season, the veteran wingers acquired did not produce as expected.
• Goaltending Consistency: Skinner needs to improve his consistency to help the Oilers win their first Stanley Cup since 1990.
• Top-Six Winger: The Oilers may need to acquire a top-six winger via trade.

Roster Changes and Free Agency:

The Oilers have been active in the offseason, re-signing key players like Evan Bouchard and Kasperi Kapanen. They have also signed players like Riley Stillman, Matt Tomkins, and Curtis Lazar. The team traded Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson to create cap space. Free agents who have departed include Corey Perry, John Klingberg, and Connor Brown.