The Edmonton Oilers will head into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 26-27 without a first-round pick for the fourth consecutive year. General manager Stan Bowman acknowledged the club's win-now mode, fueled by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime, has led to trading away early selections to bolster the roster for playoff runs. However, after a surprise first-round elimination by the Anaheim Ducks in 2025, the Oilers must balance immediate contention with restocking their prospect pipeline.
Draft Capital and Strategy
The Oilers currently own picks in the second round (52nd overall), third round (84th overall), sixth round (180th overall), and seventh round (212th overall). Bowman stated the team will likely select the best player available, given the need to replenish talent across all positions. The defensive prospect pool is notably thin, with only right-shot defenceman Beau Akey developing in Bakersfield of the AHL.
Potential Second-Round Targets
Without a first-rounder, Edmonton's top selection at 52nd overall could yield a skilled forward or a mobile defenceman. Scouts highlight London Knights defenseman Jaxon Cover, who celebrated a goal against Ottawa in October 2025, as a potential mid-round gem. Cover, a 6-foot-2 left-shot blueliner, combines offensive instincts with physical play. Other possibilities include USHL forwards or European prospects who may fall due to draft depth.
Historical Context
The Oilers once enjoyed three consecutive first-overall picks (2010-2012) and four in six years, but the Stanley Cup window has shifted their draft philosophy. In 2024, they traded up to select Sam O'Reilly with the final first-round pick. However, Bowman noted that relying on NCAA free agents or European signings is a gamble, making it crucial to hit on their remaining selections.
Impact of Recent Playoff Exit
The early playoff exit against Anaheim intensified pressure on Bowman to retool. While the core remains intact, depth scoring and defensive prospects are priorities. The Oilers have also been linked to trade discussions involving veterans like Jason Dickinson, as reported by columnist Jim Matheson, but the draft remains a key avenue for adding cost-controlled talent.
As the draft approaches, Oilers fans will watch closely to see if Bowman can unearth value in the later rounds, similar to past finds like Akey. The team's success in developing these picks could define their ability to contend beyond the McDavid-Draisaitl era.
