As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, anticipation is running high across Oil Country. Following two consecutive trips to the final round—both ending in heartbreak—the team and its fans are eager for a fresh start, bolstered by new faces and a renewed sense of purpose. But the storylines swirling around Rogers Place aren’t limited to the ice; from roster shakeups to the impending demolition of a historic arena, the Oilers’ offseason has been anything but quiet.
One of the hottest debates in Edmonton right now is the optimal position for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Should the longtime Oiler be slotted at centre, where his vision and two-way reliability shine, or should he move to the wing to maximize his offensive output? The coaching staff faces a tough choice, and fans are split. Nugent-Hopkins’ versatility has been a hallmark of his career, but with the team’s bottom six in flux and the arrival of several new forwards, his role is under the microscope like never before.
Meanwhile, the Oilers’ front office is dealing with a significant setback. Promising prospect William Nicholl, expected to compete for a roster spot this fall, is sidelined for four to six months following surgery. The injury puts a damper on the club’s plans to inject more youth into the lineup, especially as the team gets younger and looks to the future. Nicholl’s absence will force the Oilers to lean even harder on veterans and recent acquisitions to fill the void.
Speaking of acquisitions, few stories have energized fans more than the arrival—and subsequent resurgence—of Kasperi Kapanen. After a rocky start with the St. Louis Blues last season, where he managed just one goal in 10 games, Kapanen was placed on waivers. The Oilers wasted no time snapping him up, and the Finnish winger quickly found his stride in Edmonton, notching 13 points in 57 games and providing a jolt of speed, grit, and timely offense.
Kapanen’s defining moment came in the 2025 playoffs. In Game 5 of Round 2, with the series against the Vegas Golden Knights hanging in the balance, Kapanen demonstrated his clutch gene. He battled through traffic in overtime and stuffed home the series-winning goal, sending the Oilers to the Western Conference Final. As Sportsnet exuberantly put it, “Kasperi Kapanen scores the Subway Canada OT winner in Game 5 to send the Oilers to the Western Conference Final.” That unforgettable goal etched his name into Oilers lore and proved he could be trusted in the biggest moments.
“All Oilers fans (and most Vegas Golden Knights fans) will remember his heroics in Game 5 of Round 2 in last season’s playoffs, when he refused to give up on the play and stuffed home the series winner to send Edmonton to the Western Conference Final,” one source noted, capturing the city’s excitement.
Kapanen’s playoff surge earned him a promotion to the second line alongside Leon Draisaitl for much of the postseason. Over 12 playoff contests, he tallied six points—including three goals—both career highs for the 29-year-old. His ability to step up in crucial situations, combined with his relentless work ethic, has solidified his place in the Oilers’ plans for the coming season.
With the departures of Connor Brown, Evander Kane, and Viktor Arvidsson, Kapanen’s responsibilities will only grow. The Oilers re-signed him during a relatively quiet offseason, signaling their belief in his ability to fill the shoes of departed veterans. As the team’s bottom six gets younger and more dynamic, Kapanen is expected to take on a larger leadership role, mentoring newcomers and setting the tone for a group hungry to make another deep playoff run.
“Along with making up for some missing skill, he may also have to be more of a leader for the younger players coming up this season. The Oilers got a bit younger this offseason, and their bottom six will likely see some new talent come in. As a seasoned veteran, Kapanen has to try to be there for those younger players,” a report emphasized, highlighting the importance of his off-ice influence.
But Kapanen isn’t the only new face drawing attention. Fan polls this summer have focused on which of the Oilers’ recent additions will rack up the most points in 2025-26. Andrew Mangiapane, acquired after a challenging year with the Washington Capitals, topped the list. Despite a down season (14 goals and 28 points), his 35-goal campaign remains fresh in fans’ minds. Mangiapane is seen as a two-way force who could thrive alongside elite talents like Draisaitl or Connor McDavid, though some caution that expectations should be tempered given his career averages.
Not far behind in fan expectations is Matthew Savoie, the Oil Rig’s top-rated prospect for the second year running. Acquired from Buffalo in the Ryan McLeod trade, Savoie spent most of last season in the AHL, where his offensive game blossomed in the second half. He also held down a key penalty-killing role, showing he can contribute beyond the scoresheet. Savoie’s versatility and potential to secure a regular NHL spot have fans buzzing about his impact this season.
Isaac Howard, another rookie-to-be, finished close behind Savoie in the polls. Fresh off a Hobey Baker Trophy-winning season in the NCAA, Howard brings a shoot-first mentality and offensive flair that could translate to immediate production. His style might even force the coaching staff to give him more ice time, especially if he clicks with the team’s top centers.
Perhaps the biggest wild card is David Tomasek. At 29, Tomasek is an unusual rookie, but he arrives with an MVP season in Sweden’s SHL, where he led the league in goals, assists, and points. His size and offensive instincts could earn him valuable minutes alongside McDavid or Draisaitl, though there’s healthy skepticism about how his game will translate to the NHL. With a one-year, fully bury-able contract, Tomasek’s performance will be under a microscope from day one.
As the Oilers prepare to open training camp, the demolition of Northlands Coliseum looms on the horizon, set for 2026. The old barn holds decades of memories, from dynasty glory to heartbreak, and its impending teardown is a bittersweet reminder of the franchise’s storied history.
And, in a lighter moment this summer, Panthers forward Sam Bennett couldn’t resist a little trolling during his day with the Stanley Cup, poking fun at the Oilers and stoking the competitive fire that’s sure to burn all season long.
With a blend of seasoned veterans, emerging prospects, and high expectations, the 2025-26 Edmonton Oilers are a team in transition but brimming with potential. The pieces are in place for another run at glory—now it’s up to the new faces and familiar leaders to seize the moment and write the next chapter in Oilers history.
