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Elliotte Friedman Expects Oilers Roster Changes Amid NHL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers’ blue line may soon force general manager Stan Bowman into a decision.

With Jake Walman activated from injured reserve and Alec Regula nearing a return, the Oilers now have eight defensemen capable of logging NHL minutes — and several more in Bakersfield waiting for a call-up.

That depth, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, could soon trigger a move. Friedman touched on the Oilers' defensive logjam on Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast.

“I think Edmonton — they’ve got some injuries on the blue line too,” Friedman said. “When Regula is healthy and Walman’s now coming back, they’ve got eight or nine guys, including the guys in the AHL.

“So, I think eventually Edmonton could be looking at (waiving or trading a defenseman), too.”

Monday morning 32 Thoughts news, analysis, information & interview podcast with Jonathan Toews

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— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 20, 2025

Walman, who missed the first six games with an injury, signed a seven-year, $49 million extension before the season and is expected to slot back into the top four. His return could leave a few veterans on the outside of the Oilers' lineup looking in.

Although Friedman didn’t name specific trade candidates, several defenders could draw interest across the league.

Troy Stecher and Regula could fit that profile, with Ty Emberson, Brett Kulak, and others expected to fight for regular ice time and potentially facing a move out of Edmonton.

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) celebrates with defenseman Jake Walman (96) after scoring a game-winning goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during an overtime period of game two.Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Stecher, 31, is on an expiring contract and provides value depth at under $1 million, while Emberson and Regula bring affordable youth and size.

Kulak, also 31, has produced strong possession numbers on the third pair, but his $2.75 million cap hit could make him a trade candidate if the Oilers look to shed salary.

Edmonton has started the season slowly, to say the least, going 2-3-1 and losing three consecutive games as they get ready to visit the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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