The Edmonton Oilers didn’t have a splashy offseason, but they might still be one of the best teams in the NHL. Host Nick Zararis lays out the three key reasons why Edmonton remains a true Stanley Cup threat: a more stable defensive group led by Jake Walman and Evan Bouchard, the offensive upside of Ike Howard and Matthew Savoie, and the experience gained from two deep playoff runs. Plus: Can Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl elevate this new-look group?

0:00 Intro: Oilers still Stanley Cup contenders

5:17 Jake Walman's impact on Oilers defense

16:57 Balancing proven veterans with rookie talent

22:35 Learning from playoff experience builds contender

28:41 Outro: Oilers among top teams in West

Why the Oilers Are Still Cup Contenders, Even After Losing Key Pieces
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With free agency slowing down, the Edmonton Oilers enter the summer with major questions. On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into 10 pressing questions about the franchise: What kind of deal will Connor McDavid sign? Can Matthew Savoie or Ike Howard crack the lineup? Is this team wasting another Cup window by running it back with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard? Plus: Bouchard’s extension, Andrew Mangiapane’s role, and where the Oilers still need help if they want to win the Stanley Cup.

0:00 Intro: Oilers' biggest questions this summer

5:08 Connor McDavid's next contract speculation

15:49 Goaltending situation and potential upgrades

20:26 Analyzing Oilers' depth, especially on wings

25:31 How close are Oilers to Cup contention?

10 Big Questions for the Edmonton Oilers Ahead of the 2025–26 NHL Season
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Gametime
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Monarch Money
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Edmonton Oilers have acquired NCAA standout and Hobey Baker winner Isaac “Ike” Howard. On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why this low-risk, high-upside bet makes sense for a contending team, what Howard brings as a scorer, and how Edmonton can create the right development runway to help him thrive next to Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. With limited cap space, the Oilers are betting on youth now it’s up to them to build the right environment.

0:00 Intro: Ike Howard joins Edmonton Oilers

3:13 Oilers' creative approach to roster building

7:50 Importance of taking chances with superstars

11:24 Breaking down Ike Howard's skill set

15:32 College hockey vs NHL transition challenges

19:36 Where Howard fits in Oilers lineup

24:11 Player development and opportunity importance

28:46 Outro: Expectations for Howard's rookie season

Edmonton Oilers add Isaac (Ike) Howard in prospect trade | Why the gamble is worth the risk

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#NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers