Last season, the Edmonton Oilers consistently moved the puck out of the zone using a traditional model. A defenceman (often Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman or Brett Kulak) would send a short pass to an inviting target as he entered the neutral zone. That play, performed well, often leads to gaining the opponent’s zone with the puck in Edmonton’s possession. It’s the most efficient and effective means to an end.
This season, head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant coach Paul McFarland have faded tradition in favour of the long stretch pass. The result has been a significant loss of five-on-five offence, from 2.48 goals per 60 in 2024-25 (No. 14) to 2.22 goals per 60 (No. 22) this season. That tracks with miles of evidence that suggests dumping the puck into the opposition zone is less efficient than transporting it across the blue line.
What can general manager Stan Bowman do to populate the roster with players who fit the new model?
The centres
We begin the conversation secure in the knowledge that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are elite talents who should play centre. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Henrique are the best available pivots in the group, so the ideal setup has those men playing in the middle.
The style of game being used now by Edmonton requires good speed and aggressive play. The ability to slam opponents on contact is also useful. Here’s a look at the Oilers’ four centres, their foot speed and how it ranks among NHL players.
| Player | Speed (kmh) | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
39.61 |
99th |
|
|
36.33 |
81st |
|
|
36.64 |
87th |
|
|
34.8 |
below 50th |
All numbers via NHL Edge
The Oilers are electric at centre, absolute rockets with high-end skill. No matter the offensive template a coach chooses, all of McDavid, Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins are exceptional assets. Henrique’s number is below average, meaning his line would need to house at least one fleet winger who could get in on the forecheck. Henrique’s lack of speed may mean he plays less often on the wing in the new system. Let’s check out the wingers.
All numbers via NHL Edge
Based solely on foot speed, the Oilers have an attractive group available for the dump-and-chase style. Zach Hyman’s speed this season is poor, but NHL Edge tracked him in the 88th percentile a year ago, and he should land there as the season rolls along. He’s also an ideal player for this style because of his non-stop engine and determination. Similarly, the last healthy season of Trent Frederic’s NHL career had him in the 78th percentile, and he has the skill set to thrive in a straight-ahead game plan.
Kasperi Kapanen should be effective with his size and speed, and Ike Howard’s skill set and speed will make him an asset upon recall.
Among the current group who are completely healthy, Jack Roslovic is this year’s home run free-agent signing and combines skill and speed. His scoring and passing skills have been on display all year; it’s difficult to imagine acquiring an upgrade that fits under the cap. Vasily Podkolzin has size plus speed, and can create a commotion when he arrives at the puck. Matt Savoie is fast enough and has a tenacious style reminiscent of Hyman (although in a smaller body). On the skill lines, that leaves Andrew Mangiapane. He isn’t big nor fast, and he doesn’t flatten opposition defenders. He’s looking like an outlier.
Once Hyman is back up to speed and Nugent-Hopkins returns, the Oilers might run Hyman and Savoie and Podkolzin and Roslovic on the top two lines with McDavid and Draisaitl in the middle. Kapanen, Frederic, Mangiapane, Janmark and the rest might fight it out for work on the Nugent-Hopkins and Henrique lines, or Bowman might make a trade.
Nugent-Hopkins has skill and speed, but isn’t a big centre. Henrique lacks foot speed. So, who’s out there and could help this edition of the Oilers with the new offensive mindset?
Possible additions
Using the recently published trade board from Chris Johnston at The Athletic, there are several worthy targets for Bowman.
Alex Tuch is 29. The scoring power forward who has overcome injuries and remained healthy in recent seasons. His cap hit is $4.75 million, and he’s a free agent next summer. His foot speed is about average at this point in his career, and he’s an absolute load for opposition defencemen. What’s more, Tuch’s 2025-26 season at five-on-five so far is ridiculous. He’s the owner of 1.25 goals per 60, 3.74 points per 60 and a 61 percent goal share (54 percent expected), via Natural Stat Trick. The cost would be dear, and might include top prospect Howard, but this is the biggest difference-maker possibly available on the market.
Kiefer Sherwood is 30 and off to a fast start this season (12 goals in 22 games) for the Vancouver Canucks. He’s an excellent skater (82nd percentile) and aggressive on the forecheck. His cap hit ($1.5 million) and expiring contract would make him an easy acquisition. The asset cost shouldn’t be high, although the Oilers might have to pay a slight premium due to trading with a division rival.
Anthony Mantha is 31 and has been to hell and back with injuries in recent years. He’s big (6-foot-5, 234 pounds) and reasonably fast (56th percentile, via NHL Edge) for his size. Like Tuch, he’s enjoying a strong season offensively (2.13 points per 60 at five-on-five) and in outscoring opponents (58 percent). His one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins has an AAV of $4.5 million due to possible bonuses, via PuckPedia, and his availability for trade is unknown (he isn’t listed as a trade possibility). Mantha won’t run over opponents, but he uses his body well enough to work in a system like the one Edmonton is trying to create.
Mason Marchment of the Seattle Kraken is 30 and slightly below average in foot speed, but he qualifies for the anticipated role in all other areas. He’s 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds, with enough skill to have scored 22 goals in each of the past two seasons. His scoring is off so far this season, but that might make him available early. His $4.5 million cap hit shouldn’t be a deterrent.
Bottom line
Last season, the Oilers added Frederic at the deadline. He can fit in if his speed returns, but the winger isn’t suited to a skill line. Meanwhile, Mangiapane, the summer free-agent solution, looks vanilla in the current system. For that reason, a player like Tuch should be the target for Bowman, as soon as now. Failing a Tuch deal, checking down to Mantha would seem to be the play.