The Edmonton Oilers are facing a crucial offseason after falling short in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year. General Manager Stan Bowman and Head Coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the media on Friday, June 20, 2025, outlining their plans to retool the roster and address key areas of concern. Meanwhile, the future of superstar Connor McDavid remains a central topic, with the captain eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1st, but expressing no rush to commit long-term. Goaltender Stuart Skinner's performance has also come under scrutiny, raising questions about the Oilers' netminding situation moving forward.
Bowman indicated that changes are coming, particularly among the forwards and potentially in goal. The defense, he suggested, would likely see the fewest alterations, as he was generally pleased with their performance and noted many are already under contract. Bowman emphasized that any additions would be aimed at incremental improvements rather than a complete overhaul, stating, "I wouldn't expect, you know, wholesale changes. We're not going to have nine or 10 new players, but I do think we are going to have some changes." The GM also highlighted the importance of the team's player development group, led by Kelly Larson, and their efforts to scout and recruit talent, particularly in Europe, to supplement the roster.
Knoblauch acknowledged the need to improve special teams, specifically the penalty kill, which struggled compared to the previous season. He echoed Bowman's sentiment about injecting newness into the team, stating, "I've always thought that win or lose, it's good to have some new players in your group." The coach believes that bringing in players who haven't experienced the highs and lows of the Oilers' recent playoff runs can provide a fresh perspective and added hunger.
The biggest question mark looming over the Oilers is the future of Connor McDavid. The 28-year-old is eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1st, with one year remaining on his current deal. McDavid, however, has stated that he is in "no rush" to make a decision, preferring to take time to regroup and discuss his options with his agent and family. While there is hope within the organization that McDavid will follow Leon Draisaitl's lead and sign an eight-year extension, it's far from a certainty. Some analysts suggest McDavid might consider a shorter-term deal, similar to Auston Matthews' four-year contract, to maximize his earning potential as the salary cap continues to rise.
Draisaitl, who recently signed an eight-year extension with the Oilers, admitted that he hasn't yet spoken with McDavid about his future plans. He emphasized that he respects McDavid's decision and wants him to remain in Edmonton "forever," but ultimately, McDavid will do what is best for him and his family. The possibility of McDavid testing free agency in 2026 looms large, potentially reshaping the league's landscape.
Goaltending is another area of concern for the Oilers. Stuart Skinner, despite flashes of brilliance, struggled with consistency during the Stanley Cup Final. He was pulled in both Game 3 and Game 4, leading to questions about his long-term viability as the team's starting goalie. While Skinner has shown promise throughout his career, including a strong performance in the AHL, the Oilers may explore other options to solidify their netminding situation. Bowman acknowledged that goaltending is an area they will "evaluate… deeply" this offseason. Some potential avenues include pursuing free agents, either restricted or unrestricted, or exploring a trade for a more established number-one goalie. Names like Jeremy Swayman have been mentioned.
As the Oilers enter the offseason, they face a complex set of challenges. Retooling the roster, addressing the goaltending situation, and securing Connor McDavid's future are all critical priorities. The decisions made in the coming weeks will determine whether the Oilers can remain a Stanley Cup contender and ultimately achieve their ultimate goal.
