The NHL Summer Splash series on Hockey News is nearing its midpoint, with the Edmonton Oilers ranked 18th. This ranking evaluates NHL teams by examining their starting rosters, player acquisitions, and changes in coaching and management. Currently, the focus is on teams that saw little change during the summer, with Edmonton falling near the middle of the pack. Below are detailed insights into the Oilers’ recent activity.
Additions
The Oilers have added several players including Andrew Mangiapane (LW), David Tomasek (RW), Isaac Howard (LW), and Curtis Lazar (C). Despite reaching the Stanley Cup finals in the previous season, Edmonton was decisively beaten by the Florida Panthers. GM Stambowman is now trying to tweak the team to improve future outcomes. The key free agent signing is veteran winger Mangiapane, who scored a career-high 35 goals and 55 points in 2021-22 while with Calgary, bringing valuable two-way play to Edmonton’s second line. Another significant acquisition is Isaac Howard, a former Tampa Bay Lightning prospect and winner of the NCAA’s Hobey Baker Award, expected to adjust to the NHL’s competitive level. Lastly, Curtis Lazar brings veteran center experience, though his recent production has been modest. With limited salary cap space, Bowman’s ability to add more veterans is constrained.
Departures
Notably, the Oilers let go of several veterans, including Corey Perry, Connor Brown, Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, Derek Ryan, John Klingberg, Drake Caggiula, and Olivier Rodrigue. Salary cap pressures forced these moves, leading to the loss of skilled, experienced players such as Perry and Klingberg. While these players won’t impact next season’s playoff roster, GM Bowman may still make further trades. Perry’s move to the rival LA Kings is particularly interesting, with a chance for a future return to Edmonton. Connor Brown’s departure to the New Jersey Devils on a $3 million per season deal was a tough loss, as he was a reliable depth scorer during the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Oilers lost some grit and experience with the departure of veterans but have injected youthful talent and skill through acquisitions like Howard and Mangiapane. This could result in a faster and more dynamic bottom six lineup. The team’s core stars—Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and goalies Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard—remain intact. Goaltending will remain a storyline, as many anticipated a trade in that area, but none occurred. The Oilers rank mid-table in the Summer Splash due to balanced gains and losses. They are still favorites to top the Pacific Division but fans hope Bowman will strengthen the team’s offense to boost their chance of winning their first Stanley Cup in 36 years.
Summer Splash Rankings:
- Edmonton Oilers
- Minnesota Wild
- Seattle Kraken
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Washington Capitals
- Nashville Predators
- New York Islanders
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Dallas Stars
- Calgary Flames
- Los Angeles Kings
- Winnipeg Jets
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Buffalo Sabres
Fan Take:
Edmonton’s summer moves highlight the fine balance between maintaining veteran leadership and infusing young talent, a challenge all NHL teams face. For hockey fans, this signals a potential shift in team dynamics that could make for an exciting, fast-paced season and a compelling race for the Stanley Cup.
