Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

With free agency slowing down, the Edmonton Oilers enter the summer with major questions. On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into 10 pressing questions about the franchise: What kind of deal will Connor McDavid sign? Can Matthew Savoie or Ike Howard crack the lineup? Is this team wasting another Cup window by running it back with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard? Plus: Bouchard’s extension, Andrew Mangiapane’s role, and where the Oilers still need help if they want to win the Stanley Cup.

0:00 Intro: Oilers' biggest questions this summer

5:08...

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired NCAA standout and Hobey Baker winner Isaac “Ike” Howard. On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why this low-risk, high-upside bet makes sense for a contending team, what Howard brings as a scorer, and how Edmonton can create the right development runway to help him thrive next to Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. With limited cap space, the Oilers are betting on youth now it’s up to them to build the right environment.

0:00 Intro: Ike Howard joins Edmonton Oilers

3:13 Oilers' creative approach to roster building

7:5...

The Edmonton Oilers didn’t ask Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Adam Henrique to waive their no-trade clauses this offseason, but should they have? In today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis explores what aging curves, usage rates, and cap space realities mean for both veteran forwards. Is there still value left in Nugent-Hopkins and Henrique? Or is Edmonton holding on too long during a tight Stanley Cup window with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl?

0:00 Intro: Oilers offseason player consultations

4:47 Aging curves and player performance peaks

10:54 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' value to the Oilers

Jeff Skinner remains unsigned as NHL free agency hits week two. Could the Edmonton Oilers bring him back for another shot at a depth scoring role? On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why Skinner’s first stint didn’t work, why the underlying numbers with Connor McDavid were better than you remember, and why Edmonton still needs one more top-nine forward.

0:00 Jeff Skinner's potential return to Oilers

5:52 Skinner's initial struggles in Edmonton

11:29 Advantages of signing later in free agency

16:34 Oilers' current lineup and forward needs

22:0...

The Edmonton Oilers added Andrew Mangiapane to their forward group but can the former 30-goal scorer recapture that form in a top-six role? On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down Mangiapane’s usage history, scoring profile, and why his forechecking and puck retrieval could be a great fit alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Plus: the risk-reward of a reclamation project, and how this move compares to last year’s disappointing Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson signings.

Andrew Mangiapane Joins the Edmonton Oilers | Why upside makes the gamble worth it
Suppor...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild are here to talk about the big moves of free agency so far, including the Mitch Marner saga finally coming to an end, what the heck the LA Kings are doing, and where Nikolaj Ehlers is going to end up!

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With NHL Free Agency cooling off, host Nick Zararis takes a full look at what the Edmonton Oilers' lineup might look like on opening night. From a top six built around Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, to depth concerns at forward and a likely unchanged goalie tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, Nick breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and what still needs to happen before October. Plus: the case for Matthew Savoie, why the defense looks strong on paper, and why a deadline trade is already inevitable.

5:42 Predicting Oilers' second line combinations

On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis reacts to the Edmonton Oilers signing Evan Bouchard to a massive $10.5M AAV extension and trading Victor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins for cap relief. With Jeff Skinner also gone, Corey Perry and Connor Brown out, and no goaltending solution in sight, how will the Oilers fill key forward and net minder roles? Nick breaks down the future of the forward group, remaining free agent options, internal promotion risks, and why Stan Bowman is running out of options 0:00 Intro: Oilers free agency and Bouchard extension

5:13 Bouchard de...

On the morning of NHL Free Agency, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves trapped by the salary cap again. With Evan Bouchard due for a massive extension and holes remaining in the top six, bottom six, and goaltending, Nick Zararis breaks down why the Oilers are stuck, what they can do with limited money, and why running it back might be the plan.

We also examine the $1.3M Kasperi Kapanen deal, Stan Bowman’s early offseason moves, and why a deadline goalie rental seems inevitable.

0:00 Intro: NHL free agency opens soon

4:08 Oilers' current lineup an...

On today’s Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down a huge start to the offseason for Edmonton including the surprise trade of Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks, the long-term extension for bottom-six winger Trent Frederic, and why the Oilers still don’t seem willing to solve their goaltending problem.

Can the Oilers still win without a real upgrade in net? Is Frederic really a Kane replacement? And what does Stan Bowman’s first week running the show say about the plan going forward?

0:00 Intro: Oilers offseason changes and analysis

3:13 Evander Kane t...

The Edmonton Oilers just lost a winnable Stanley Cup Final with the worst goaltending tandem of the cap era. So… what happens next?

In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why goaltending is the league’s most volatile position, why the Oilers aren’t likely to upgrade, and what it means if Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard remain the plan for next season. From Alex Lyon and Jake Allen to Soderblom and Georgiev, we explore what’s actually realistic on the goalie market and what’s just fan fiction.

0:00 Intro: Oilers goaltending situation<...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Armando Velez (Locked On Panthers) are here to talk about the upcoming NHL draft, any potential free agency surprises, and about Alexander Mogilny finally making it into the Hall of Fame!

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The Edmonton Oilers are heading into the “Big 3” era with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard likely commanding over $40 million in cap space combined. On today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down what it will take to keep this core intact, build around them, and still remain a Stanley Cup contender over the next three seasons.

From long-term cap projections to depth archetypes, defensive needs, and goaltending dilemmas, this is the full roadmap to Edmonton’s competitive future.

0:00 Intro: Breaking down Oilers' contract math

4:44 Stable cores of Stanley Cup contenders

10...

Evan Bouchard is about to get paid the only question is how much. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why the 24-year-old defenseman is critical to Edmonton’s Stanley Cup window, where he ranks among the league’s elite, and how much his next deal could cost.

Should the Oilers go long term? Could Bouchard take a short bridge deal and test free agency? What does this mean for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's future? All that and more on today’s episode.

0:00 Intro: Evan Bouchard's importance to Oilers

4:40 Bouchard's impact o...

Connor McDavid is eligible for an extension this summer and the Oilers must get it done. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why McDavid holds all the leverage, what his next contract might look like, and why trading him is not just impossible it’s illogical.

We also examine past superstar exits (like John Tavares and Johnny Gaudreau) and why Edmonton’s long-term plan must center on McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard.

5:13 McDavid's responsibility to raise player salaries

10:50 Why trading a superstar rarely works

16:56 No a...

The 2025 NHL offseason is here and the Edmonton Oilers have huge decisions to make. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down who’s staying, who’s likely gone, and how Edmonton should manage the cap while keeping Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard.

Plus: Goaltending options, why Evander Kane and Victor Arvidsson may be traded, and what to expect from McDavid's contract negotiations.

0:00 Intro: Oilers offseason decisions ahead

5:12 Key players under contract for next season

15:52 Connor Brown and Corey Perry's futures

21:29 McDavid extension negotiations and specul...

After another Stanley Cup Final heartbreak, the Edmonton Oilers head into a critical offseason. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down the franchise’s biggest priorities: keeping Connor McDavid, fixing the goaltending problem, and retooling the roster for another run.

What’s next for Evander Kane, Victor Arvidsson, and the Oilers’ forward group? How does Edmonton build around McDavid and Leon Draisaitl without losing what makes them great?

0:00 Intro: Oilers face offseason questions

5:28 McDavid contract crucial for Oilers' future

10:36 Goaltending issues need to be addressed

16:14 Upgrad...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild), David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about why the playoffs are lasting so long, how to fix that, whether the NHL will finally close the LTIR loophole some teams have been using, and what to make of the early Olympics roster announcements!

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For the second straight year, the Edmonton Oilers fall in the Stanley Cup Final. In today’s emotional Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down what went wrong in Game 6 against the Florida Panthers, why goaltending and offensive depth failed the Oilers when it mattered most, and how close this team really was to winning it all.

Plus, a heartfelt look at what comes next from offseason questions to roster decisions, and what fans should take away from another run that came up just short.

0:00 Intro: Oilers' Stanley Cup Finals loss

5:22 Panthers' st...

It’s do or die for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down who should start in net Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard and why Connor McDavid must carry this team to Game 7.

From goaltending numbers to scoring depth issues and Florida’s suffocating structure, this is a high-stakes breakdown of what needs to happen for Edmonton to stay alive.

0:00 Intro: Oilers face do-or-die Game 6

5:46 McDavid needs to elevate his game

11:53 Power play struggles without Zach Hyman

17:5...

The Edmonton Oilers trail 3–2 in the Stanley Cup Final after a frustrating Game 5 loss to the Florida Panthers. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down why the Panthers’ counterattack overwhelmed Edmonton, how the Oilers’ offense dried up at the worst time, and who should start in net for Game 6: Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard.

From goaltending breakdowns to scoring droughts and the need for urgency in Game 6, this is a critical look at where things stand — and how the Oilers can still win this series.

#Oilers #StanleyCupFinal #Panthers #ConnorMcDavid #StuartSkinner #CalvinPickard #Game6 #N...

The Edmonton Oilers tied the Stanley Cup Final 2–2 in dramatic fashion, but the story isn’t over. In today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis dives into the gutsy comeback in Game 4, explains why Connor McDavid is due for an offensive eruption, and builds the case for Leon Draisaitl as the Conn Smythe front-runner.

From Corey Perry’s leadership to Calvin Pickard’s composure and the importance of home ice in a best of three, this is your inside look at the mindset, matchups, and momentum swing heading into Game 5.

0:00 Intro: Oilers aim for 3-2 se...

The Edmonton Oilers made Stanley Cup Final history, erasing a 3–0 deficit after the first period to defeat the Florida Panthers in overtime. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down how the Oilers dug deep, changed momentum, and proved they’re not just alive they’re dangerous.

From Darnell Nurse’s redemption goal to Calvin Pickard’s calm in net, and from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' leadership to Leon Draisaitl’s signature moment, this is one of the great wins in Oilers playoff history.

#EdmontonOilers #StanleyCupFinal #FloridaPanthers #NHLPlayoffs #LeonDraisaitl #ConnorMcDavid #Game4 #OilersVsPanthers #NHL2025 #LockedOnOilers

0:00 In...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild) and Tom Callahan (Locked On Mammoth) are here to talk about how the Panthers are outclassing the Oilers, as well as the coaching drama happening in Dallas!

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In this special crossover edition of Locked On Oilers and Locked On Panthers, hosts Nick Zararis and Armando Velez dive deep into the state of the Stanley Cup Final heading into Game 4.

From Connor McDavid’s five-on-five struggles and Stuart Skinner’s short leash, to Florida’s suffocating structure and elite net-front chaos, this is the full tactical breakdown ahead of a pivotal swing game. Will the Edmonton Oilers find answers or fall into a 3–1 hole? Will the Florida Panthers continue to grind them down shift by shift?

00:00 – Intro: Oilers, Panthers & series overview
02:30 – What’s changed sinc...

After a blowout loss in Game 3, the Edmonton Oilers face a crucial Game 4 in the Stanley Cup Final. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis dives into what went wrong from a possible goalie change in going from Stuart Skinner to Calvin Pickard, potentially returning Troy Stecher to the lineup and more philisophical changes for team execution, nothing is off the table.

Should Chris Knoblauch go to Calvin Pickard? Can Connor McDavid get any help offensively? And how does Edmonton fight through Florida’s relentless pressure?

0:00 Intro: Oilers trail 2-1 in Stanley Cup Fi...

The Edmonton Oilers completely unraveled in Game 3, falling 6–1 to the Florida Panthers in a Stanley Cup Final embarrassment. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down what went wrong from defensive breakdowns and emotional overreaction to a special teams collapse and frustration boiling over.

With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl neutralized, and Stuart Skinner struggling plus the Panthers taking advantage of every Oilers mistake, this is a moment of reckoning for Edmonton. What needs to change ahead of Game 4? It starts with mindset, structure, and remembering they’re still just one win behind.

0:00 Intro

3...

After a gut-punch 2OT loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers return home with the series tied but far from broken. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down how the Oilers let a winnable game get away, what worked well, what needs fixing, and how this series is still within reach.

From Connor McDavid’s brilliance and Corey Perry’s clutch goal to Evan Bouchard’s volatility and the net-front chaos Florida thrives in, this is your all-in breakdown of what Edmonton must adjust heading into Game 3.<...

In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, where the Edmonton Oilers pulled off a dramatic overtime win against the Florida Panthers after trailing 3-1. Nick analyzes how the Oilers executed a near flawless game plan, highlighting their effective transition defense, aggressive forecheck, and the physical presence of depth forwards like Kasperi Kapanen and Vasily Podkolzin. He explains why the Oilers’ defense led by Jake Walman and John Klingberg succeeded in withstanding Florida’s heavy forecheck and how Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s offense tipped the momentum late in the...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) are here to talk about the Stanley Cup Final beginning and where Mitch Marner is going to go in free agency, as well as some other key free agents!

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The Edmonton Oilers flipped the script in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. After trailing 3–1, they fought back and beat the Florida Panthers in overtime thanks to two massive goals from Leon Draisaitl.

Nick Zararis breaks down what changed mid-game, how Victor Arvidsson, Podkolzin, and Kapanen shifted the energy, and why this team looks like a different animal than last year’s. Plus: Draisaitl's movement, defensive improvements, and what comes next in the series.

Leon Draisaitl Dominates as Edmonton Oilers Stun Florida Panthers in OT comeback | Game 1 Cup Final Breakdown
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The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final, and it’s time to finish what they started. On this Game 1 edition of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why this year’s team is better positioned to handle the Florida Panthers, how Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can tilt the ice, and where the Panthers could spoil the dream.

From special teams tactics to penalty kill breakdowns and the psychological edge of a rematch, this episode is everything you need before puck drop. Plus: one last emotional case for McDavid’s greatness and Edmonton’s moment.<...

We are one day from puck drop in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, and in this crossover edition of Locked On Oilers and Locked On Panthers, hosts Nick Zararis and Armando Velez break down every angle.

From Connor McDavid’s line combinations to Aleksander Barkov’s shutdown role, and from Sergei Bobrovsky’s playoff calm to Stuart Skinner’s resurgence, the matchups are fascinating. The hosts preview forwards, defense, goaltending, special teams and make their official Stanley Cup picks and Conn Smythe selections.
0:00 Intro: Stanley Cup Finals preview

5:07 Oilers' improved depth scoring this playoffs

9:50 P...

The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are set to run it back in the Stanley Cup Final and the stakes are higher than ever. In this crossover edition of Locked On Oilers and Locked On Panthers, Nick Zararis and Armando Velez explore the deeper narrative arcs: Connor McDavid’s drive for validation, Sergei Bobrovsky’s shot at Hall of Fame status, and how both organizations evolved through heartbreak to get here again.

From hockey culture shifts to off-ice investment and depth building, this episode sets the emotional and structural stage for the most anticipated Stanley Cup Final in y...

The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final and the Florida Panthers are waiting for them. In this bonus episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis unpacks what makes this rematch so emotionally loaded: from last year’s heartbreak to Connor McDavid’s leadership, team growth, and the dream of finally lifting the Cup.

He breaks down the historical significance of rematches in sports, why the Oilers are better equipped this time, and why this opportunity means more than just another shot it’s a legacy-defining moment.

Topics:

Historical rematches: Red Wi...

The Edmonton Oilers are headed back to the Stanley Cup Final after defeating the Dallas Stars in five games. Connor McDavid delivered, the defense stepped up, and the Oilers proved that their depth is championship caliber, even without Zach Hyman.

On today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis reflects on how this team evolved, what the victory means for McDavid’s legacy, and why a rematch with the Florida Panthers is the perfect final test.

On this episode:
0:00 Oilers clinch Stanley Cup Final berth

5:10 Strong team performance despite Hyman's absence

10:23 FanD...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about what really matters in the playoffs: goaltending. Also, we discuss how to improve the regular season AND the playoff format, before swinging back to the playoffs to talk about the importance of physical players like Sam Bennett in the postseason!

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The Edmonton Oilers delivered their best defensive performance of the playoffs in Game 4 — and now sit one win away from the Stanley Cup Final. On this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis highlights the lockdown defense, smart veteran play from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Perry, and Stuart Skinner’s consistency in net. Plus: what Zach Hyman’s injury could mean for Game 5 and why this Oilers group feels different from the one that fell short last year.

0:00 Intro: Oilers one win from Stanley Cup Final

5:15 Oilers defense playing at high level

10:52 Wonderful Pistac...

The Edmonton Oilers are two wins away from a Stanley Cup Final and they’re doing it with a style of play most analysts aren’t talking about. In today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the team’s shift toward counterattacking hockey, explaining how this strategy has allowed Edmonton to thrive against puck-dominant teams like the Dallas Stars.

You’ll learn why the Oilers no longer need to control the puck to control the game, how players like Evan Bouchard and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are contributing in unexpected ways, and how to evaluate s...