Edmonton Oilers forward group is deepest in McDavid era – Hockey Writer – Edmonton Oilers
For years, the narrative for the Edmonton Oilers has been simple: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were both transcendent talents, and the supporting cast was decent but not deep enough. That equation has officially flipped this season.
Entering the 2025-26 season, the Oilers still have the deepest and most versatile forward group of the McDavid era, even with Zach Hyman starting on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Suddenly, Edmonton has the luxury of turning a crowded depth chart into a winning, cap-compliant lineup.
The Oilers seemed to have a strong forward group last season, but with Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson having disappointing seasons and Evander Kane being injured all season long, what looked good on paper didn’t quite translate to the ice. But that was then. This is now. The decisions Oilers general manager Stan Bowman makes over the next few weeks will determine the team’s success this season.
Oilers’ overloaded depth chart: A combination of star power and high-end bargains
What’s unique about this forward unit is the combination of proven top-level firepower, middle-six versatility and high-potential youth — all coming together despite a full salary cap.
High-end core: Draisaitl remains a 50-goal, 100-point threat, while veteran Ryan Nugent-Hopkins brings elite two-way structure and game-driving ability at age 32.
Firepower in front of the net: With Hyman recovering, Jake Roslovic is on a clutch draft (or career tryout) contract worth $1.5 million to provide power scoring alongside veterans like Andrew Maggiapane and Adam Henrique.
New physical advantages: The additions of Vasily Podkolzin and Trent Frederic give the Oilers the heavier, more prophetic presence they’ve long needed, while Kasperi Kapanen adds speed.
Youth Movement: Rookies Matthew Savoie, Noah Philp, David Tomasek and Ike Howard are creating real internal competition for ice time – something a rarity for the Oilers over the past two decades.
Nov. 1 Cap Crunch: Who will go when Heyman returns?
Depth creates options — and creates lineup headaches. With Hyman recovering from wrist surgery and expected to return in early November, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch set a deadline to finalize his roster. When Hyman’s $5.5 million cap hit hits LTIR, the Oilers will need to cut salary and trim roster spots. Immediate decisions will focus on the following key individuals:
- prospect: Ike Howard
While Howard had an impressive training camp performance, he was reassigned to the Bakersfield Condors to start the season. When Hyman was activated, the most logical decision was to keep Howard in the American Hockey League (AHL) to get consistent playing time and make him a natural, immediate call-up due to injuries. - Veterans in the Bubble: Janmark and Lazar
This is where roster surgery gets sensitive.
Matthias Janmark: Jammark has been a solid veteran presence in the Oilers’ past two playoff games. However, he was placed on injured reserve early in training camp, which combined with his $1.25 million salary cap hit, makes him the most likely expendable. Unfortunately, Janmark’s time in Edmonton may be over. He’s a candidate to be immediately moved, waived or bought out to free up cap space.
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Curtis Lazar: Lazar signed experienced players, but he has yet to break into the lineup due to the performance of the new recruits. Therefore, the former Edmonton Oil Kings star seems like an obvious choice and should be waived or traded to create space once Hyman returns.
- Roslovic wild card
If Roslovic’s strong start continues, the Oilers will want to keep him. But managing the $1.5 million cap hit is a problem. If the front office decides not to retain him, his contract will include a four-team trade clause, adding to the complexity of Bowman if he attempts to trade assets for him.
Payoff: Less pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl
If the Oilers can cleanly handle November’s roster crunch — move or cut the right veterans, effectively utilize the Bakersfield Condors’ roster and get Hyman back into the top six — the rewards will be huge.
For what appears to be the first time in the McDavid era, the team will run a true third-line offense. That depth removes the pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl to shoulder the offensive responsibilities alone throughout the night. This is the healthiest problem for the team: too many good forwards, not enough roster spots — and there are multiple ways to fix it.
