TEAM EDITORIAL

The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026 offseason with a roster that still revolves around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but the surrounding picture has shifted enough to make this a consequential summer. The club has added depth across the lineup and blue line, with Jake Walman, Connor Murphy, Ty Emberson, Ryan Shea, Spencer Stastney, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and new forwards such as Trent Frederic, Mathieu Joseph, Isaac Howard, Matt Savoie, and Vasily Podkolzin all part of the current mix. Edmonton also has a crowded goaltending group, with Frederik Andersen, Tristan Jarry, Devon Levi, and Connor Ingram in the organization, which gives the team more options but also raises questions about how the crease will be sorted out before camp.

A major storyline is the transition into a new coaching era, with Mike Babcock taking over and immediately facing scrutiny over how he will integrate the team’s younger forwards and manage a veteran core built to contend. The offseason also appears focused on sorting contracts, defining roles, and deciding which players fit the long-term plan. With no games underway, the attention is on camp battles, recovery work, and whether Edmonton can turn its collection of talent into a more balanced roster before its only confirmed preseason game, Sept. 19 at home against the Winnipeg Jets.