Edmonton's Stanley Cup Dreams HINGE on Defensive Transformation | Why Mattias Ekholm decides season

Entering the 2025-2026 season, the Edmonton Oilers return all seven of their defenseman from last year's Stanley Cup final team and it presents options for head coach Kris Knoblauch. While Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm are likely to reunite, past the Oilers first pair, there are question marks about who plays with who. Host Nick Zararis makes a case for pairing Darnell Nurse with Jake Walman and why the Oilers should give Ty Emberson a serious chance to stick at the NHL level  0:00 Intro: Oilers defense preview for upcoming season4:39 Core players and building a championship team11:46 Analyzing potential defensive pairings15:51 Ekholm-Bouchard pairing and performance stats20:26 Strengths of Oilers' veteran-laden defense24:29 Key questions for Oilers defense this season28:02 Outro: Preview of next episode on goaltendingProjecting the Edmonton Oilers defense | Why Darnell Nurse is the x-factor Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

The Edmonton Oilers offense underperformed expectations last year. With expectations as high as ever, the Oilers have serious questions in their forward group beyond the regular brilliance of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. On this episde, host Nick Zararis predicts the goal total for each Oilers' forward, how he would deploy the forwards to cope with Zach Hyman missing time and what it all means narrative wise. 4:08 Analyzing career goal averages for Oilers 8:42 Projections for rookies and new additions 12:52 Proposed forward line combinations 19:32 Importance of preseason games 23:36 Oilers shifting to more cycle-based offense Predicting the Edmonton Oilers forward production | Why McDavid and Draisaitl have career years 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

The Edmonton Oilers have sky high expectations and a lineup full of veterans. The team's one chance at real unknown upside is one of Ike Howard or Matthew Savoie breaking out. Host Nick Zararis explains why for the Oilers to be true Stanley Cup contenders, they need one of Howard or Savoie to look the part of elite prospect. Ike Howard and Matthew Savoie will define the Edmonton Oilers ceiling in 2026 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

EDMONTON OILERS face goaltending dilemma as NHL season looms. Can STUART SKINNER silence doubters and lead the team to victory? Host Nick Zararis analyzes the OILERS' controversial decision to maintain their current goalie tandem despite concerns. The discussion covers SKINNER's performance expectations, salary cap constraints influencing roster choices, and head coach KRIS KNOBLAUCH's strategy for maximizing goaltender potential. Zararis explores how the OILERS' offensive firepower, led by CONNOR MCDAVID and LEON DRAISAITL, might compensate for goaltending uncertainties.  Will the EDMONTON OILERS' gamble on their current net minders pay off, or will it derail their Stanley Cup aspirations? Tune in for expert insights on this high-stakes decision. 0:00 Intro: Oilers' shaky goalie situation 5:16 Why Oilers continue to trust Skinner 15:33 Oilers asking Skinner to be average 24:45 Oilers' offensive style changes 28:49 Outro: Skinner's potential for next season Oilers Management DOUBLES DOWN on Struggling Netminders | Does disaster loom? 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

EDMONTON OILERS' defense takes center stage as the key to Stanley Cup contention. Is their blue line the secret weapon for 2025-2026 NHL success? Nick Zararis analyzes the Oilers' defensive evolution, highlighting the game-changing Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard pairing and their impressive stats. The discussion covers how improved defense complements McDavid and Draisaitl's offensive firepower, potential challenges with Ekholm's health, and Darnell Nurse's crucial role. Zararis also examines the stability of the defensive corps compared to forward line uncertainties and the impact on goaltending. Will the Oilers' revamped defense be the difference-maker in their quest for the Stanley Cup? Tune in for expert insights on Edmonton's strategic shift and its implications for the upcoming season 4:13 Oilers' defensive improvement under Knoblauch 8:47 Ekholm-Bouchard pair crucial for Oilers' success 13:53 Uncertainty around Ekholm's performance after injury 19:28 Defense must step up to fill offensive gaps 24:05 Jake Walman poised for impressive season 28:10 Outro: Preview of next episode on goaltending Edmonton's Stanley Cup Dreams HINGE on Defensive Transformation | Why Mattias Ekholm decides season 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

EDMONTON OILERS' offensive woes take center stage as they seek to reclaim their scoring prowess. Can CONNOR MCDAVID and LEON DRAISAITL ignite a goal-scoring renaissance? Host Nick Zararis dissects the OILERS' unexpected offensive decline, exploring strategies to reignite their once-potent attack. From power play improvements to 5-on-5 adjustments, Zararis examines how EDMONTON can balance defensive responsibility with their trademark explosive offense. The discussion delves into efficient zone entries, the impact of coach KRIS KNOBLAUCH's defensive focus, and the challenges of maintaining Stanley Cup contender status. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of how the OILERS plan to unleash their offensive firepower and reclaim their position among the NHL's elite. 5:27 Expectations for young, unproven players 11:03 Philosophical approach to offensive strategy 16:38 Balancing offense and defense for success 22:13 Knoblauch's coaching and lineup decisions 27:19 Offsetting loss of speed and offensive questions Edmonton Oilers once potent offense is just average | Why Kris Knoblauch is to blame 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

Major NHL rule changes are here and the Edmonton Oilers could be the biggest losers. The league has officially banned double salary retention in trades and will now enforce a salary cap during the playoffs, sending shockwaves across the NHL. Host Nick Zararis breaks down: •Why the Oilers’ 2025 Stanley Cup window is under pressure  •How the playoff salary cap changes trade deadline strategy  • What the double retention ban means for McDavid, Draisaitl & Edmonton’s roster 3:07 Historical context of playoff salary cap 6:41 Impact on roster management and trades 10:51 No more double salary retention in trades 15:28 NHL's motives behind rule changes 19:32 How new rules affect Oilers' strategy 24:06 Changes to trade deadline scouting process 28:11 Outro: Looking ahead to next season The Oilers have lived at the salary cap ceiling for years — but with new CBA rules, can GM Stan Bowman keep Edmonton competitive? How NHL’s New CBA Rules Impact the Oilers’ Championship Window | Potential Trade Deadline Fallout 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

The Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending situation is under the spotlight as the new NHL season approaches. Can Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard get the job done, or will GM Stan Bowman fulfill Oiler fan dream's? Host Nick Zararis breaks down the Oilers’ goaltending options—from dream targets like Igor Shesterkin and Andrei Vasilevskiy to realistic replacements who could actually be available. The episode dives into trade rumors, contract realities, and what a new net minder could mean for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Oilers’ Stanley Cup window. 5:13 Goalies the Oilers absolutely cannot acquire 15:24 Analyzing Jeremy Swayman as potential target 20:32 Exploring more attainable goalie options 25:36 Juuse Saros: A high-risk, high-reward option 30:12 Outro: Thank you to listeners and subscribers How the Edmonton Oilers could improve their goalie room | Ranking trade candidates 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

The Connor McDavid contract drama is heating up and the Edmonton Oilers could be on the verge of a major crisis. With no extension in place, could the NHL’s top superstar actually leave Edmonton? Host Nick Zararis breaks down the high-stakes negotiations, what it means for the Oilers heading into the season, and how McDavid’s uncertain future is affecting team morale, front office strategy, and media pressure. This episode dives into the "doomsday scenario" McDavid walking and what that means for Leon Draisaitl, the fanbase, and the long-term future of the franchise. 5:50 McDavid's leverage and Oilers' efforts 11:27 Implications of no extension before season 17:34 Potential distractions during contract year 23:41 Catastrophic impact if McDavid leaves 28:46 Outro: Hope for long-term McDavid deal DEFCON 1: Edmonton Oilers Face CRISIS as Connor McDavid Contract Talks lack clarity Listener Survey We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. 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 Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 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)  

EDMONTON OILERS face goaltending dilemma as dissatisfaction grows around Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard tandem. Host NICK Zararis analyzes the challenges of acquiring goalies via trade and evaluates potential candidates to bolster the OILERS' crease. The discussion covers the value of elite net minders, the impact of team environment on goalie performance, and whether reducing SKINNER's workload could improve results. Zararis explores how the OILERS' goaltending situation affects their championship aspirations during the prime years of CONNOR MCDAVID and LEON DRAISAITL. Tune in for an in-depth look at the OILERS' goaltending options and their implications for the team's future. Will Holland make a move, or stick with the current tandem? 0:00 Intro: Oilers' goaltending situation 4:50 Why it's difficult to evaluate goalies 9:29 FanDuel sponsorship and betting offer 11:31 Different approaches to goalie spending 17:36 Potential goalie trade candidates for Oilers 22:42 Balancing goalie investment vs other positions 27:18 Oilers need major goalie upgrade to contend Rumors: Edmonton Oilers poised to shakeup goaltending group by NHL trade deadline We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better.Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. 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. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. 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=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers