Defensive depth predictions for the 2025–26 Edmonton Oilers

As training camps have opened, the Edmonton Oilers have some sorting out to do. While expecting to be a contender, to go for what might be one last ride with Connor McDavid, there are a lot of positives on the roster.

That said, not everything is set. Let’s take a closer look at the Oilers defensive depth chart headed into the season.

Locked into the roster

Bouchard, Ekholm, Nurse, Walman, Kulak

These five defenders make the backbone of the Oilers blueline. It is an impressive group with a lot of talent, perhaps even among the best in the league.

Evan Bouchard has become one of the league’s premier offensive defencemen. Even more, Bouchard has been absolutely incredible in the playoffs throughout his career. Some might not consider him a Norris Trophy candidate, citing what might be perceived as a lackadaisical defensive effort. At his size, his lack of physicality or intensity can overshadow his high flying offensive game. At the same time, his advanced metrics are often sterling. He may not be perfect, but he should be recognized as a true star on the back end.

Unfortunately, Bouchard is the only right shot amongst this group. One of these left shots will have to play their weak side, and so far Brett Kulak seems to have been the choice. Kulak might not be a legitimate top-four defenceman like the rest of this group, and so letting him excel on a third pairing might be the better choice.

Instead, it will likely be Jake Walman who finds himself moving to the right. Walman had never been on a strong NHL team prior to joining the Oilers, and being well supported helped display his talents. While known more for his offensive game, Walman is stout and gritty, a willing battler on the defensive side of the puck. The fact that he played a key penalty killing role on his weak side means that he is trusted by his coaches.

This means that Walman should be partnered with Darnell Nurse. While Nurse has taken a lot of heat since signing his current contract, many have lost sight of how important he is to this team. Last season Nurse led the Oilers in playoff shifts by a defenceman, and was second among the blueline in primary assists in the playoffs as well. Despite his talents and physical prowess, Nurse appreciates help on both sides of the puck, something that Walman can bring. This should lead to less mistakes by Nurse as a breakout passer, for example.

Finally there is not yet a reason to break up the pairing between Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm. The veteran dealt with some poorly timed injuries last season, including late in the year. This surely affected his playoff performance, which might be a harbinger of the future. Time comes for us all, and the Oilers might have to start thinking about other possible solutions. Chances are Ekholm will be ready to shoulder the load this season, but if not Kulak has shown some chemistry alongside Bouchard.

Players to rotate in

Emberson, Stecher

To round out their very left handed group the Oilers return both right handed shots in Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher. Either are solid and viable third pairing options, giving the Oilers some luxury.

Stecher is far more experienced, a sound defender cursed with a smaller frame. Stecher does not boast elite offensive skills, but rather plays with a grit and simplicity that allow him to punch above his weight. His upside is limited, but a Stecher can be relied upon.

Emberson had a decent season with the Oilers, though he was quickly shuffled out of the playoff lineup. There is a lot to work with on both sides of the puck, but like Stecher, Emberson will need to rely on smart, quick, and simple plays. Though bigger than Stecher he can be physically overpowered, and perhaps he can build off of his successes from last season to truly grab hold of the spot this time around. He has shown more chemistry with Kulak than Stecher has, which should help his cause.

How deep can it get?

Stillman, Brown, Dineen

The Oilers have three fairly known commodities in case of emergency. Riley Stillman might have the best claim to a call up, resembling a left handed Emberson to some extent. Still, the hypothetical call up might depend on handedness or style more than anything else. GM Stan Bowman might share some affinity for his former prospect, and Stillman has held his own across several NHL teams at this point.

Josh Brown is a right shot with an impressive physicality. The temptation to try out some size over the other options ahead, namely Stecher, Emberson, and Stillman, might grant him favour. However, Brown simply was not able to keep up in his short NHL stints last season.

Cam Dineen is a smaller left shot, who definitely provides more offence than Stecher, Emberson, Stillman, or Brown. All three of Stillman, Dineen, and Brown should serve as benchmarks that younger options with higher upside will look to pass on the depth chart.

Players with aspirations to make the lineup

Regula, Leppanen, Carfagna, Akey

The Oilers do have some options that could push their way ahead this season. Two of these players are older and might be able to find their way into an NHL game this season, while the other two are turning pro and will look to survive as AHL rookies.

Alec Regula is a big right shot, who could easily overtake Brown for his spot on the depth chart, if not more. Regula missed the entirety of last season, though, so his condition is quite speculative. Still, Regula has shown an impressive two way game in the AHL, and his previous NHL experience was hardly ideal. With short stints being forced into action for an overmatched Chicago Blackhawks team, it would be incredibly difficult for a young defensive defenceman to show promise. No one knows how Regula will fit into this depth chart, but with some strong play he might be able to fight his way into a midseason audition to be an NHL regular.

Another speculation is Atro Leppanen. The offensive left shot is coming to North America as a 26-year-old. Still, an offensive explosion in the Liiga, scoring 63 points in 60 games, makes him an interesting gamble. Unfortunately for Leppanen the Oilers do not really have an opening for an offensive left shot when the team is at full health. Still, he might be able to push ahead of Stillman and Dineen on the depth chart, perhaps putting him in line for a call up should injury troubles arise.

The other two options are unlikely to see NHL time this season. Their development in the AHL should still be monitored. Beau Akey has the higher draft pedigree, is the younger at just 20 years old, and is a right shot. His offensive game is his strength, where his skating and passing should make him a valuable transition asset. Damien Carfagna is 22, coming out of the NCAA, and might be more suited to a strong rookie season in the AHL. Akey has missed a lot of time with injuries since being drafted, which might put him at a greater disadvantage.

There is certainly some long term hope for both, but Akey could be a trade candidate should the Oilers look to buy at the deadline. It does seem that GM Stan Bowman would appreciate his game, but Akey is one of the more enticing futures that the Oilers have to offer in trades. Either way, a strong season in the AHL would be great news for Akey and the Oilers.

Putting it all together

Ekholm—Bouchard
Nurse—Walman
Kulak—Emberson

Stillman—Stecher

Leppanen—Regula
Dineen—Brown
Carfagna—Akey

In all this is a strong group with a good balance of traits. Stillman and Stecher are reasonable options to fill in, but Leppanen and in particular Regula have thebest shot at breaking up the status quo.