The Edmonton Oilers face a crucial offseason decision regarding defenceman Spencer Stastney, who endured a challenging 2025-26 campaign. Acquired from the Nashville Predators on December 12, 2025, in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, Stastney was expected to fill the third-pairing left defence role vacated by Brett Kulak.
A Promising Start
Upon joining the Oilers, Stastney's exceptional skating ability immediately stood out. According to NHL EDGE statistics, his top speed of 36.24 km/h was nearly two kilometres per hour above the league average. Beyond raw speed, he demonstrated superior edgework and agility, allowing him to navigate through heavy traffic and escape dangerous situations effectively.
Offensive Struggles
Despite his skating prowess, Stastney failed to translate that into consistent offensive production. In 36 games with Edmonton, he managed just one goal and no assists, bringing his season totals to a mere 10 points in 66 games across both teams. His ability to join the rush, a key attribute for a mobile defenceman, never materialized in a meaningful way. This was particularly concerning given that his calling card is his mobility.
Defensive Deficiencies
Stastney's defensive play also raised red flags. His lack of physical presence was evident, with a hits-per-60-minutes rate below 1.0. He also struggled to block shots, recording the tenth-lowest blocked shot rate among Oilers defencemen. His plus-minus rating of -10 reflected the team's struggles when he was on the ice.
Possession Metrics Decline
The advanced statistics painted an equally grim picture. While Stastney had posted decent possession numbers in Nashville, his performance in Edmonton deteriorated significantly. The Oilers were consistently out-chanced, out-shot, and out-scored during his shifts, leading to his eventual demotion to the press box.
Impact of Roster Moves
Stastney's situation worsened following the acquisition of Connor Murphy at the trade deadline, which allowed Jake Walman to return to his natural left side. As Walman's health improved and his play elevated, Stastney's opportunities diminished. He did not appear in any of the Oilers' final 18 games, including the playoffs, watching from the stands as a healthy scratch.
Looking Ahead
As the Oilers prepare for the 2026-27 season, Stastney's future with the team remains uncertain. With a specific skill set centered on speed, he must find ways to leverage that ability more effectively in all zones. Whether he can reverse his fortunes will depend on his ability to add physicality, improve his defensive awareness, and contribute offensively. The upcoming training camp will be critical for the 26-year-old defenceman to prove he belongs in the NHL.
