The Edmonton Oilers are in the thick of competing for their first Stanley Cup since 1990, but the looming offseason requires them to address the composition of their roster for the 2025-26 season. While securing a long-term extension for Evan Bouchard remains a top priority, assessing their defensive depth is also crucial. Within their ranks are several NHL-ready defensemen vying for a consistent spot in the lineup, including Ty Emberson, whose position with the team next season appears uncertain.
Emberson, 25, joined the Oilers last season in a trade that sent Cody Ceci and a draft pick to the San Jose Sharks. The acquisition was largely motivated by the Oilers' need to manage their salary cap, but Emberson proved to be a valuable addition. Despite limited NHL experience prior to arriving in Edmonton, his defensive capabilities quickly garnered attention. Predominantly utilized on the bottom pairing, Emberson even saw action in some playoff games this season. However, with the emergence of John Klingberg and Troy Stecher, Emberson has found himself as a frequent extra.
In 76 games this season, Emberson recorded 2 goals and 11 assists, averaging 0.17 points per game. Throughout his 106 total NHL games played between the Sharks and Oilers, he has accumulated 23 points. Emberson's value lies primarily in his strong defensive game, which resonated with Oilers fans as the season progressed. He excels with his positional play and penalty-killing abilities, leading all Oilers defensemen in shorthanded time on ice with 149:32 and also recorded 125 hits, 32 takeaways and 97 blocked shots. However, the competition for roster spots on the Oilers' blue line could leave him on the outside looking in.
Emberson signed a two-year contract extension with the Oilers on April 19, 2025, carrying an average annual value of $1.3 million. This contract reflects the Oilers' belief in his potential and provides him with an opportunity to solidify his role within the team. Despite the new contract, whether or not Emberson will have a consistent spot in the lineup is yet to be seen.
