3 Oilers to Watch This Preseason

NHL training camps are underway, and as usual, the Edmonton Oilers come into this season with a lot of hype. They made major changes this offseason, including hiring Mike Babcock as their new head coach and D.J. Smith as an associate coach. They also traded longtime defenceman Darnell Nurse and added many new faces to the mix.

Training camp battles are happening, and jobs are up for grabs. The NHL has shortened the preseason to four games, so there’s less time to evaluate talent. That makes decision-making tougher. So, who will grab those final few roster spots? Here are three Oilers to watch in the preseason.

Isaac Howard

Isaac Howard is looking to make the Oilers’ roster out of training camp but also stick with the big club all season. Howard spent most of 2025-26 with the Bakersfield Condors in the American Hockey League (AHL) and had a great season. He recorded 24 goals and 50 points in 47 games with the Condors in a top-six role. Unfortunately, that success didn’t translate to the NHL. He played 29 games with Edmonton, registering a measly two goals and five points. However, he had a bottom-six role and averaged just 10:19 per game, significantly less than his AHL minutes.

As a 2022 first-round pick, he’s entering a huge development year. The 22-year-old forward needed some seasoning in the AHL before making the full-time jump to the NHL. With a full professional season under his belt and a small taste of the NHL, it’s time to see if he’s ready to take that next step and contribute.

The Wisconsin native has a glorious opportunity in front of him. The top six has an opening, since Matt Savoie will miss the start of the season. With only four preseason games, Howard must make the most of his ice time and prove he deserves that spot. If he wins that job, he must maintain it. He should be motivated, so let’s see what he can do in the preseason.

Eduards Tralmaks

For many fans, this will be their first look at Eduards Tralmaks. The Oilers signed Tralmaks to a one-year contract with an $850,000 cap hit. The Latvian winger spent last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL. He registered 26 goals and 42 points in 64 games, with a plus-29 rating. Before that, his previous AHL stint was with the Providence Bruins in 2022-23. In between, he played two seasons in Czechia. Despite being 29, he still hasn’t played his first NHL game. But that could change this season.

So, what should fans expect? Tralmaks is a big body at 6-foot-3, 221 pounds, and he uses his massive frame to his advantage. He’s a high-energy power forward who can be physical and aggressive on the forecheck. He uses his size to get to the net and create opportunities. His play style is a perfect fit for the bottom six. It’s unlikely he becomes a full-time NHLer, but he has potential to crack the roster. If he doesn’t, injuries happen, making it likely that he plays games for the Oilers this season.

Devon Levi

The Oilers completely overhauled their goaltending since last preseason. They went from Stuart Skinner, Calvin Pickard, and Connor Ingram to Tristan Jarry, Frederik Andersen, and Devon Levi. General manager Stan Bowman acquired Levi and a 2028 seventh-round pick from the Buffalo Sabres for a 2028 third-round pick. Levi is intriguing and comes in with uncertainty.