Which is more important? The players Stan Bowman puts together for the Edmonton Oilers this off-season? Or the guy who ultimately stands on the bench behind them? That and more in this edition of 9 Things.
9. Patrick Roy as a Candidate
Our Edmonton Journal colleague Jim Matheson has suggested Edmonton should talk to Patrick Roy. Agree. And you often learn valuable things about your own organization from outside perspectives. But if the Oilers are looking for a guy who has won, Roy as a coach is 227-170-46, 4-8 in the post-season.
8. Stuart Skinner's Future
A report out of Ottawa Saturday suggested that the Senators may consider Stuart Skinner as the club’s answer in net. I like Stu Skinner and wish him nothing but success. However, with both Edmonton and now Pittsburgh having moved on from him, Skinner’s life as a starting NHL goalie must be flashing before his eyes.
7. Goalie Trade Rumors
Speaking of goalies, a report from Jeff Marek muses that perhaps a Sabres’ puck stopper could be a fit in Edmonton: “Maybe there’s something with the Oilers around Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen”, writes Marek. Maybe, sure. But what is it about his post-season 3.18 GAA and .876 SV% in 2026 that convinces us he is the Oilers’ missing link?
6. Ty Emberson's Growth
Ty Emberson turned 26 Saturday. The young D-man went from being in-and-out of the lineup at the end of 2024-25 to being an easy lineup decision by the 2026 post-season. I still worry about the physical pounding he takes in his own end, although I admire his grit. And if you have a 100-hit, 1000-block guy in your 3LD slot at $1.3m…you could do a hell of a lot worse.
5. Connor Murphy's Future
I cannot imagine it matters who may be coaching, the Edmonton Oilers would still want Connor Murphy back. Fixing team Defence involves buy-in up and down the lineup, sure. But a lot of it comes down to personnel. Murphy has every right to test Free Agency. But barring an unreasonable ask or term, Stan Bowman would be well advised to keep that from happening.
4. Maxim Berezkin's Contract
Expect a contract soon for Oilers prospect Maxim Berezkin. The big Russian winger has been a part of back-to-back championships in the KHL. Following that, Oilers broadcaster Bob Stauffer strongly suggested we could see the 6’4 212 LB Berezkin cross the ocean come fall camp. Scouting Report: Big, physical, good hands, effective shot, and skates well for a big man. Well enough for a Top-9 NHL-er?
3. Oilers at World Championship
I had a positive outlook for each of the Edmonton Oilers who chose to represent their countries at World’s. Playing highly competitive international hockey when it would have been easier to just go lay on a beach someone speaks to their hunger and competitiveness. But I have been really encouraged by the impact that Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse have had. According to some who have seen the games in-person, Bouchard-Nurse have been Team Canada’s best D-men. For Bouchard, it should further reinforce how big of a mistake it was to leave him off the list of Norris finalists. For Nurse, at worst it polishes up an asset you may need to move. At best, it reinvigorates the veteran and he comes back in the Fall the consistent impact defender he was always supposed to be.
