2026-27 Edmonton Oilers Season Preview

The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026–27 season with a reshaped roster after a busy offseason that saw them hire a new head coach, trade away a longtime defenseman, and add veteran goaltending depth. The Oilers will once again be leaning on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and their veteran core. They added a few experienced pieces to push for another deep playoff run.

Key Additions

Mike Babcock (Head Coach) – Hired on June 26 to replace Kris Knoblauch. The 63-year-old brings a wealth of experience, including a Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008, and is expected to implement a more defensive-minded system.

Frederik Andersen (G) – Signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal on July 1. The 36-year-old Stanley Cup winner with Carolina brings veteran stability and playoff experience, expected to share time with Tristan Jarry.

Devon Levi (G) – Acquired from Buffalo on July 1 for a 2028 seventh-round pick. The 24-year-old prospect adds youth and upside to the goaltending group, expected to compete for the No. 2 role.

Ryan Shea (D) – Signed a five-year, $20 million deal ($4 million AAV) on July 1. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman brings mobility, offensive upside, and top-four minutes, expected to slot alongside Mattias Ekholm.

Shakir Mukhamadullin (D) – Acquired from San Jose in the Darnell Nurse trade. The 24-year-old left-shot defenseman adds youth, size, and two-way potential, pushing for a third-pairing role.

Mathieu Joseph (LW) – Signed a one-year deal on July 1. The 29-year-old brings speed, physicality, and bottom-six depth, expected to play a fourth-line role.

Key Subtractions

Darnell Nurse (D) – Traded to San Jose on July 1 for Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp. The 31-year-old left-shot defenseman had 12 points in 69 games last season, a significant loss of veteran presence and physicality on the left side.

Kris Knoblauch (Head Coach) – Replaced by Babcock after a first-round playoff exit.

Adam Henrique (LW) – Departed in free agency (unsigned). The 36-year-old had 18 goals and 32 points in 78 games, a notable loss of middle-six scoring and penalty-kill depth.

Curtis Lazar (C) – Left in free agency. The 31-year-old provided depth and physicality on the fourth line.

Jack Roslovic (RW) – Signed with Toronto in free agency. The 29-year-old had 10 goals and 22 points in 68 games, removing forward depth.

Connor Ingram (G) – Departed in free agency. The 29-year-old had a 2.85 GAA and .901 save percentage in 35 games, a loss of veteran goaltending depth.

Core Retained

Edmonton kept its elite core intact, with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Tristan Jarry, and Kasperi Kapanen all under contract.

Impact on 2026–27

The Oilers’ offseason moves signal a clear push toward competitiveness. Babcock brings a new defensive mindset, while Andersen and Levi add goaltending stability. Shea and Mukhamadullin bolster the defense, and Joseph adds depth up front. The departure of Nurse removes veteran presence, but the additions should push Edmonton up the standings. Expect the Oilers to be in the playoff hunt, with a deeper, more balanced lineup pushing for another deep playoff run.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $99,274,166
Roster – 23/23
Projected cap space – $4,725,834
Deadline cap space – $21,828,852

Edmonton Oilers Depth Chart