As the Edmonton Oilers navigate the final stages of their 2025-26 training camp, the looming question isn't just about who made the team, but who will be the players cut to finalize the roster. With a mix of returning veterans, fresh faces, and promising rookies, General Manager Stan Bowman faces some difficult decisions to ensure the team is best positioned for a Stanley Cup run.
Injuries are a significant factor influencing these decisions. Several players are expected to return from injury soon, including Jake Walman, Mattias Janmark, and Alec Regula, with Zach Hyman following a few weeks later. These returns will force the Oilers to make corresponding roster moves to stay within the league's roster limit.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli has suggested a "pecking order" for potential cuts. According to Seravalli, Isaac Howard, the highly touted prospect acquired from Tampa Bay, is likely the first to be moved, primarily because he is waiver-exempt. This means he can be sent down to the AHL's Bakersfield Condors without having to clear waivers, providing the Oilers with flexibility. Next on the list is Curtis Lazar, followed by Noah Philp, whom the Oilers are keen to keep within the organization. The Oilers are reportedly trying to avoid putting Philp on waivers, as they believe he would likely be claimed by another team.
The defensive side also presents some tough choices. With the expected return of Jake Walman, Alec Regula is trending to play with the team. When Walman is healthy, the odd man out will be Ty Emberson. The Oilers might consider trading Emberson.
Several rookies are battling for a coveted roster spot. Ike Howard and Matthew Savoie are two names frequently mentioned. Howard, fresh off winning the Hobey Baker Award, is eager to prove himself, while Savoie is looking to build on his brief NHL debut last season. Both players possess high-end skill and offensive instincts, but they need to demonstrate their readiness for the NHL grind.
Andrew Mangiapane, a significant free-agent signing, adds another layer of competition. Mangiapane's versatility and experience could give him an edge, but he needs to show that his recent dip in production was an outlier. David Tomasek, Curtis Lazar, Quinn Hutson, Roby Jarventie, Josh Samanski, and Viljami Marjala are also in the mix, adding to the depth and competition at forward.
The Oilers' depth at forward means that some players who might be NHL-caliber on other teams will likely start the season in Bakersfield. Noah Philp and Quinn Hutson will push for a roster spot but must beat out established players.
On defense, the Oilers have a solid top five in Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, Jake Walman, and Brett Kulak. Alec Regula, Ty Emberson, and Troy Stecher are competing for the remaining spots.
Ultimately, the decisions will hinge on a combination of factors, including performance during training camp and pre-season games, contract status, waiver eligibility, and the team's overall needs. The Oilers are aiming to strike a balance between rewarding deserving players and assembling the most competitive roster possible, all while keeping an eye on the salary cap.
