Roster Shakeup in Edmonton
The Edmonton Oilers have been busy making moves this offseason, adding several new faces to their lineup ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Among the notable acquisitions are defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman, who are expected to strengthen the team's blue line.
The Oilers also signed forward Jack Roslovic to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Roslovic, a former first-round pick of the Winnipeg Jets, is looking to revive his career in Edmonton after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.
Connor McDavid's Future
In perhaps the biggest news, superstar center Connor McDavid has agreed to a contract extension with the Oilers. The details of the deal have not been released, but it's a significant move that locks up the team's franchise player for the foreseeable future.
McDavid, who is entering the final year of his current contract, has been the driving force behind the Oilers' success in recent seasons. Securing his long-term commitment is a crucial step in the team's quest to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Goaltending Concerns
One area of concern for the Oilers is their goaltending situation. Netminder Stuart Skinner struggled in the team's season-opening loss to the Calgary Flames, raising questions about his ability to be a reliable starter.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the need for improvement in the team's defensive play, which has contributed to the goaltending woes. The Oilers will need Skinner, or potentially another goaltender, to step up and provide consistent, high-level performance if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
TL;DR
- The Edmonton Oilers have made several key roster additions, including defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman, and forward Jack Roslovic.
- Superstar center Connor McDavid has agreed to a contract extension, locking up the team's franchise player.
- Goaltending remains a concern, with Stuart Skinner struggling in the season opener, and the Oilers needing improved defensive play to support their netminders.
- The Oilers are focused on building a contender around McDavid and their other core players, with the goal of ending their Stanley Cup drought.