The Edmonton Oilers are aiming to be a stronger contender in the 2025-26 NHL season for several compelling reasons. After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses, the team is determined to take that final step and bring home the Stanley Cup. Here's a breakdown of why the Oilers could be better next season:
1. Coaching Staff Enhancements
Significant changes have been made to the coaching staff, with Kris Knoblauch now having a staff entirely of his choosing. Paul McFarland joins as an assistant coach, taking over the power play, while Peter Aubry steps in as the new goalie coach and Conor Allen becomes the skills coach. Mark Stuart will run the defense. Paul Coffey returns to his role as a special advisor to ownership and hockey operations. Allen’s role will be bigger than expected with more focus on player development and skill enhancement for both young prospects and veteran players. Aubry replaces Dustin Schwartz, who had been the Oilers' goalie coach since 2014-15, in the hopes of bringing more consistency to the team's goaltending.
2. Promising Prospect Pool
The Oilers have been working to improve their prospect pipeline, acquiring players like Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard. Howard, who won the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men's hockey player, was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is expected to challenge for a spot in the middle-six forward group and could play alongside Connor McDavid. Savoie is also expected to make the Oilers' roster and contribute as a two-way player, potentially playing a key role on the penalty kill. Other notable prospects include Samuel Jonsson, a goaltender who was named the Swedish AllSvenskan's Goalie of the Year, and Beau Akey, a solid two-way defenseman.
3. Strategic Roster Additions
The Oilers have made several additions to their forward group. Andrew Mangiapane, a well-known player in Edmonton from his time with the Calgary Flames, was signed to a two-year contract. Ike Howard was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Additionally, Curtis Lazar, who won a Memorial Cup with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 2014, returns to the team. These additions aim to inject youth, speed, and skill into the forward lines.
4. Increased Cap Space and Financial Flexibility
With the salary cap expected to rise to $92.5 million for the 2025-26 season, the Oilers will have more financial flexibility to plan for the future. The team is projected to have some cap space to potentially add depth or pursue a veteran scorer. This additional cap space will be crucial for re-signing key players and addressing any remaining needs on the roster.
5. Lessons Learned from Playoff Experience
The Oilers have gained valuable experience from their recent deep playoff runs, including consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Final. Despite the disappointing losses, these experiences have provided the team with a better understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level. Coach Knoblauch is driven to take that final step and knows success isn't guaranteed, and the team will enter the season as one of the favorites in the Western Conference.
The Edmonton Oilers are set to open the 2025-26 season with a "Battle of Alberta" against the Calgary Flames on October 8. With a mix of roster improvements, coaching changes, and valuable playoff experience, the Oilers are well-positioned to be a stronger and more competitive team in the upcoming season.
