NHL Insider Reveals Edmonton Oilers' Biggest Wildcard For Success Next Season

Matthew Savoie is also expected to play a key role next season, projected to make the team after a great breakout year in the AHL.

Trent Frederic will be fully healthy after a disappointing playoffs and will see an elevated role, too, after signing his new contract extension.

The Oilers' overall forward depth is really beginning to take shape, but they also see some veterans put into roles they may not be too happy about.

For example, Adam Henrique will likely fall to the fourth line, and at $3.25M per year, that isn't ideal. Mattias Janmark could easily be replaced as well.

David Tomasek, currently projected as a healthy scratch, was a high-profile European signing who will surely get NHL time. Stauffer believes he is the biggest wildcard to the Oilers' success.

David Tomasek led the SHL in points last season

Stauffer is not sure how his game will translate to the NHL, but teams tried to sign him in the Spring of 2024 after he led the SHL in goals with 25. David Tomasek also led the SHL last season in points with 57 in 47 games played.

Stauffer also hinted at another coming trade, maybe involving Mattias Janmark or Adam Henrique. The Oilers' lineup is beginning to look complete, although much different from last year, with an infusion of skilled rookies.

The team could go through some growing pains, but has also raised its ceiling and now has cost-controlled young talents for years. The club is banking on at least one of them becoming a future star.