A major shake-up in Canadian sports talk radio has left Edmonton Oilers fans in a unique position: they still have multiple options, unlike many other Canadian markets that now have none. This shift raises questions about how it happened, why, and what the future holds for sports radio in Canada.
9 Key Takeaways for Oilers Fans
Here are nine things to know about the changing landscape and what it means for Oilers fans.
9. No Room for Nepotism on the Stanley Cup
There is no room for nepotism on the Stanley Cup. Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon should have no shame—he clearly does not, or his wife and five kids would not already have their names on the Cup. But the National Hockey League should grow a pair and enforce stricter rules.
8. Another Oilers Third Jersey in the Works
Sounds like yet another Edmonton Oilers “third jersey” is in the works. I will reserve some judgment on design until I see it. But for my money, I would be more likely to spend on a tweaked version of the classic silks, versus a gimmicky one that will have a short shelf-life.
7. Oilers Cap Space and Deadline Flexibility
The Edmonton Oilers currently have $5,925,834 of cap space, according to Puck Pedia. That will shrink a little once RFA Colton Dach is signed. But as of today, leaving Dach out of the equation, it equates to just over $27 million in deadline cap space. Unless something falls into their lap by training camp, they have flexibility.
6. Mattias Janmark: A Wildcard for 2026-27
One real wildcard for the Oilers in 2026-27 is Mattias Janmark. Easy to write him off. But he is not yet “old” at thirty-three. And NHL Edge still has him as an above-average skater. If he comes back 100% healthy, can he perform up to his $1.45 million cap hit as a fourth liner/PK guy? Hmmm.
5. Babcock Key to Andersen Acquisition
We know now that new Head Coach Mike Babcock was critical to the acquisition of Freddie Andersen. G.M. Stan Bowman says Babcock spoke with his former Leafs tender a few times leading up to the signing. So, it is hard to imagine Andersen not being thought of as the #1 out of the gate, at least.
4. Trent Frederic Contract: Not as Bad as It Seems
Much was made of the Trent Frederic contract last season. And there is no question the player was not good (or 100% healthy) over large stretches. But I am also not going to pretend that $3.85 million is a terrible AAV within a $104 million cap. If he can perform close to how he did as a Bruin, then only the term is an issue.
3. Three-Goalie System: Pros and Cons
There is much discussion over the apparent three-goalie system in Edmonton. And why not, it is relatively unusual. On one hand, the Edmonton Oilers travel more than any other NHL team (86,000 kilometers in 2025-26). Mitigating the wear and tear on your netminders in that way would make sense. On the other hand, given the record of injury between Andersen and Tristan Jarry, just how often the club is carrying three remains to be seen.
2. Mukhamadullin vs. Emberson at 3RD
Will newcomer Shakir Mukhamadullin replace Ty Emberson at 3RD? I would not be in too much of a hurry. Emberson improved nicely year-over-year, he is a right shot and is $450,000 cheaper. But Mukhamadullin is four inches taller, and yes, a left shot but he can play both sides. I will tell you one thing for sure: The competition is welcome. But I also cannot help but think a trade is coming, to move one of the nine or so NHL-capable D-men out. There are a few options.
1. Oilers Fans Have Choices
Edmonton Oilers fans have choice when it comes to sports/talk radio. That shines in comparison with other Canadian markets, some of which now have no options at all. The shake-up has left Edmonton relatively well-served, but the future of sports radio remains uncertain.
