Edmonton Oilers add Isaac (Ike) Howard in prospect trade | Why the gamble is worth the risk

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 summer5:08 Connor McDavid's next contract speculation15:49 Goaltending situation and potential upgrades20:26 Analyzing Oilers' depth, especially on wings25:31 How close are Oilers to Cup contention?10 Big Questions for the Edmonton Oilers Ahead of the 2025–26 NHL SeasonSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

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 Oilers3:13 Oilers' creative approach to roster building7:50 Importance of taking chances with superstars11:24 Breaking down Ike Howard's skill set15:32 College hockey vs NHL transition challenges19:36 Where Howard fits in Oilers lineup24:11 Player development and opportunity importance28:46 Outro: Expectations for Howard's rookie seasonEdmonton Oilers add Isaac (Ike) Howard in prospect trade | Why the gamble is worth the riskFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

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 consultations4:47 Aging curves and player performance peaks10:54 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' value to the Oilers15:59 Potential lineup changes for Nugent-Hopkins20:04 Adam Henrique's role and playoff performance24:39 Concerns about Oilers' bottom six next seasonShould the Edmonton Oilers Have Tried to Trade Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Adam Henrique?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

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 Oilers5:52 Skinner's initial struggles in Edmonton11:29 Advantages of signing later in free agency16:34 Oilers' current lineup and forward needs22:08 Oilers' defense and goaltending situation26:13 Skinner's fit and potential role on OilersCould Jeff Skinner Return to the Edmonton Oilers? Why It Didn’t Work and Why It Still Could Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

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 itSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL

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!Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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 combinations11:47 Analyzing Oilers' defensive strengths and continuity18:55 Goaltending situation: Skinner and Pickard24:29 Challenges in improving goaltending and offensePredicting the Edmonton Oilers’ 2025–26 Lineup: McDavid, Bouchard, and the Holes Still Left to FillSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

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 extension5:13 Bouchard deal signals commitment to contending10:19 Arvidsson trade and roster holes analysis15:54 Oilers' tight salary cap situation21:30 Brown and Perry departures, forward needs26:35 Goaltending and top-six forward needs to plug the growing number of roster holes.Evan Bouchard’s $10.5M Extension, Arvidsson Traded, & the Edmonton Oilers' Growing Roster GapsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

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 soon4:08 Oilers' current lineup and cap situation8:12 Potential top-six forward additions12:16 Analysis of Kasperi Kapanen re-signing16:50 Importance of depth vs. star players21:25 Free agent market and team needs25:30 Oilers' goaltending and forward group challengesEdmonton Oilers Enter NHL Free Agency With limited Cap, No Goalie, and One Huge Extension to HandleSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

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 analysis3:13 Evander Kane trade to Canucks examined9:51 Trent Frederick's contract extension concerns19:33 Oilers' goaltending situation remains uncertain24:38 Limited options to upgrade goalie positionEvander Kane Traded, Trent Frederic Extended, and the Edmonton Oilers Still Don’t Have a new GoalieSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!RugietHead to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL and use code LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off today.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.Wonderful PistachiosGet snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more!FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers