After a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers, the Edmonton Oilers are setting their sights on the 2025-26 season, aiming to end Canada's Stanley Cup drought. The Oilers have undergone notable roster changes and coaching adjustments this offseason. Here are five key questions facing the team as they head into the new season:
1. Can the Goaltending Finally Be Addressed?
Goaltending remains a significant concern for the Oilers. Despite reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, the team's performance in net has been inconsistent, especially during the playoffs. Stuart Skinner's performance has been a roller coaster, with stellar performances interspersed with subpar outings. While Skinner showed brilliance against the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars, he struggled against the Los Angeles Kings and the Panthers. Skinner ended the playoffs with a .889 save percentage and was pulled three times. The Oilers need to find a way to get more consistent goaltending if they hope to win the Stanley Cup. The team signed Matt Tomkins in the offseason.
2. How Will the New Additions Integrate into the Lineup?
The Oilers have added several new players to their roster, including Andrew Mangiapane, Curtis Lazar, David Tomášek, and Isaac Howard. Mangiapane, a proven scorer with two-way ability, could be a valuable addition to the top-six forward group. Howard, fresh off winning the Hobey Baker Award, is expected to compete for a top-six role. Lazar brings veteran depth and faceoff ability to the bottom six. How quickly and effectively these players integrate into the team's system will be crucial to the Oilers' success. Matthew Savoie is also expected to get a full-time opportunity in the top-six. The Oilers traded Evander Kane and Viktor Arvidsson, while Corey Perry and Connor Brown left in free agency.
3. Who will step up on defense?
The Oilers have a solid defensive core led by Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Mattias Ekholm. However, the team needs to find consistent partners for Nurse and Bouchard to create a more balanced and effective defensive unit. Troy Stecher is a solid partner for Darnell Nurse, but Ty Emberson will likely earn another look. Jake Walman and Evan Bouchard could become one of the best pairings in the NHL.
4. How will the Oilers navigate a challenging schedule?
The Oilers' 2025-26 schedule includes several challenging stretches, including a five-game road trip in October and a tough road trip in March. The team will also face key matchups against division rivals such as the Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. How the Oilers manage their travel, rest, and preparation will be essential to maintaining their performance throughout the season. The Oilers will open the season with a Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames on October 8. Other key dates include a February 3 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and a New Year's Eve game against the Boston Bruins.
5. Can the Oilers maintain their offensive firepower?
The Oilers boast two of the league's top offensive talents in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, the team needs to find more consistent secondary scoring to support their star players. With the additions of Mangiapane and Howard, the Oilers are hoping to add more offensive depth to their lineup. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and others will also need to contribute offensively to take some of the pressure off McDavid and Draisaitl. The Oilers power play will likely remain largely the same, though they will need to find a new net-front presence on the second unit with the departure of Perry.
