Edmonton Oilers 2025-26 roster changes: Can players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead a final breakthrough?
After falling short in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, the Edmonton Oilers are heading into the 2025-26 NHL season with one goal in mind—finishing what they started. Coach Kris Knoblauch made it clear after the loss to Florida that the team can't keep doing the same things and expect different results.
This season, changes are happening.
Edmonton Oilers 2025-26
roster: What's new and what's not
Following another tough Finals loss to the Panthers, Coach Knoblauch promised a fresh approach: 'There will be changes to our system. We will be doing things a little bit differently.' That started with the forward group, which now features new names and a few surprise moves.
The projected 2025-26 Oilers lineup includes star regulars like
Connor McDavid
,
Leon Draisaitl
, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Alongside them, new additions Andrew Mangiapane and Isaac Howard have been brought in to add fresh energy. Mangiapane, who recorded 28 points last season with Washington, will be expected to play a larger role. Isaac Howard, acquired in the Sam O'Reilly trade.
Edmonton Oilers count on forward depth and stable defense for 2025-26 season
Other forward names include Trent Frederic, Vasily Podkolzin, Adam Henrique, Matt Savoie, Mattias Janmark, and Kasperi Kapanen. With a mix of veterans and younger players, the team hopes to find better chemistry up front.
The defense group remains mostly unchanged: Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, Brett Kulak, Jake Walman, and TY Emberson return to the blue line. In goal, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard are expected to split duties again.
FAQs
Who are the new additions to the Edmonton Oilers for the 2025-26 season?
The Oilers added Andrew Mangiapane and Isaac Howard to their forward group for more scoring depth and versatility.
What is the Edmonton Oilers' projected lineup for 2025-26?
The projected lineup includes stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, along with new faces Mangiapane and Howard.
Did the Oilers change their defensive lineup or goalies?
No major changes were made to the defense or goaltending, with Ekholm, Bouchard, Skinner, and Pickard all returning.
Edmonton Oilers focus on forward depth and defensive stability
Despite the additions, fan response has been lukewarm. Many believe the Oilers need more than just minor upgrades to win a Cup. The trade that sent O'Reilly away in exchange for Howard is still being debated across forums and social media. Some supporters feel the team missed a chance to go after a stronger top-six winger or a more reliable goalie.
Also Read:
Panthers won Stanley Cup, but Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov just etched even more prestigious NHL honors
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