EDMONTON – In Edmonton, the objectives for the summer break differ somewhat from those in most other National Hockey League cities.
For example, a general manager in almost any other NHL market who promised a roster guaranteed to reach the Stanley Cup Final would be met with widespread excitement. (South Florida being a potential exception, of course.)
However, for Edmonton`s General Manager Stan Bowman, the summer of 2025 is focused on discovering that crucial extra five percent needed to overcome the hurdle they faced after losing the 2024 Final in seven games.
The Oilers saw depth forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry depart in free agency, and also parted ways with Jeff Skinner. Bowman successfully retained nine of the top twelve forwards from the Stanley Cup Final roster, while also bringing in promising young winger Matt Savoie, established free agents Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar, and the less-known European signing David Tomasek.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch`s deployment of recent acquisition Trent Frederic represents another potential area for change. Frederic could be used as a depth forward on the second line, similar to Vasily Podkolzin`s role last season, or potentially as a third-line center or winger. All options are being considered for Frederic, who has signed a long-term contract with the Oilers.
Speculation exists regarding potential line combinations: Could Ryan Nugent-Hopkins anchor the third line center position? Will Adam Henrique get an opportunity to play on Connor McDavid`s left wing? Or might Vasily Podkolzin earn his spot back alongside Leon Draisaitl?
The defensive pairings are expected to remain unchanged, and following exploration of the goaltending market throughout the summer, no alterations appear likely in net either.
Depth Chart
Below is a cautious projection for the team`s forward lines and defensive pairings ahead of the season opener in October:
Forwards
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Connor McDavid — Zach Hyman
Andrew Mangiapane — Leon Draisaitl — Matt Savoie
Adam Henrique — Trent Frederic — David Tomasek
Vasily Podkolzin — Joakim Janmark — Kasperi Kapanen
Reserves: Curtis Lazar, Max Jones
Defense
Mattias Ekholm — Evan Bouchard
Darnell Nurse — Jake Walman
Brett Kulak — Troy Stecher
Reserve: Ty Emberson
Goalies
Stuart Skinner
Calvin Pickard
The projection places Frederic as the third-line center, potentially working alongside veteran linemate and center Adam Henrique.
It is envisioned that if Frederic proves himself, he and Henrique could share third-line center responsibilities this season, positioning Frederic as the long-term option once Henrique`s contract concludes.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also remains a potential candidate for the third-line center role.
Regarding the second line, reports indicate Mangiapane`s preference for playing on the right wing.
Should Savoie be comfortable playing on his non-preferred wing, a positional swap could occur, potentially providing Draisaitl with wingers possessing a skill level matching his elite status.
Curtis Lazar (center) and Max Jones (winger) are available as veteran reserve forwards capable of filling in, while the primary competition on defense appears to be between Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher for the final two spots.
