Since they’ve been in ‘win-now’ mode over the last few years, the Edmonton Oilers have traded away many draft picks in exchange for active players. These deals have helped the Oilers assemble a veteran supporting cast around Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid that has advanced to the Stanley Cup Final each of the last two seasons.
With the holiday break also comes the start of the World Juniors tournament, and this year, the Edmonton Oilers have a pair of prospects playing. One is Asher Barnett, a 2025 fifth-round selection, representing the United States, and David Lewandowski, a 2025 fourth-round pick, representing Germany in Minnesota this holiday season.
The Edmonton Oilers are in their Stanley Cup window, which can pose a challenge. There’s a delicate balance between remaining competitive and getting younger at the same time.
It’s almost the holiday season again, and for hockey fans, this means another iteration of the World Junior Championships. What does that mean for Edmonton Oilers fans?
NHL head coaches have to hire good assistants. They have to set an overarching philosophy, juggle lineup configurations, and do the kind of “man management” that is impossible to track statistically.
There will be fewer players taking part in the Edmonton Oilers pre-season training camp now. These cuts are the first of many and should also give a clearer view of who may be first-time Oilers come opening season.