Is Nathan MacKinnon officially closing the gap on Connor McDavid, or does Edmonton's captain still stand alone at the top of the hockey world? On today’s edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into the ultimate NHL debate: evaluating the individual resumes, transition data, and play styles of the league’s two most explosive superstars. From entering the offensive zone with unmatched speed to carrying their respective franchises, we break down why this rivalry mirrors the modern NFL dynamic of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.    While Nathan MacKinnon brings a hyper-intense, physical power-forward edge and a Stanley Cup ring, how do the underlying metrics and historical trophies actually stack up against McDavid? We analyze career scoring efficiency, shooting percentages, and supporting casts—contrasting Colorado’s elite roster construction with Edmonton’s depth struggles and tandem goaltending. Connor McDavid's legacy already features an all-time trophy case including multiple Hart and Ted Lindsay awards alongside historic playoff performances, but how much do team championships matter in defining the heir to Sidney Crosby?     Finally, we address the broader picture of hockey greatness, era comparisons, and why Edmonton cannot afford to defang their lineup by leaning too heavily on McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together. Whether you value MacKinnon's relentless volume shooting or McDavid’s unmatched playmaking efficiency, the margin between one and two remains razor-thin04:02 Connor and MacKinnon zone entries07:04 Comparing McDavid and MacKinnon12:38 Appreciating NHL Players' Skills14:57 Connor McDavid's achievements discussed20:18 Final thoughts on McKinnon vs McDavid22:38 Imagining hockey matchups across eras26:54 Wrapping up and NHL recommendationsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.TalkiatryHead to https://Talkiatry.com/LOCKEDONNHL to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.  OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.KALSHIToday's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started.  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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NHL's financial landscape is experiencing an unprecedented salary cap explosion, reshaping how front offices construct competitive rosters across the league. With recent mega-deals for stars like Cale Makar, Macklin Celebrini, and Leo Carlsson resetting market baselines, the Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of an era-defining decision regarding Connor McDavid’s next contract extension. Host Nick Zararis breaks down why the era of suppressed player salaries has officially ended and what it means for general manager Stan Bowman as superstar contracts surge past $20 million annually.While Connor McDavid has every right to command a market-shattering deal well north of $20 million per season, the real hurdle for the Edmonton Oilers lies in roster depth. As core veterans like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Mattias Ekholm age, replacing top-tier production with a roster already committing over $45 million to just three superstars—McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard—presents a severe financial squeeze. Nick examines whether Edmonton risks following the NBA's top-heavy roster model, where contending teams must rely heavily on league-minimum contracts to stay cap-compliant.Tune in to explore how the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, rising broadcast revenues, and aggressive offer sheets have ignited a bidding war across the NHL. Learn why McDavid is expected to stay in Edmonton, but why building a championship roster around him will become exponentially harder in the years ahead05:46 Leo Carlson's groundbreaking contract07:09 Signing short-term deals for future earnings10:47 NHL players' salaries discussion15:46 Connor McDavid's Career Decisions18:08 Future NHL player salaries20:36 Discussing McDavid's contract future25:20 Future contract challenges for key players27:51 Managing a top-heavy Oilers rosterConnor McDavid’s Next Contract Will Break the NHL (Here’s Why)Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.AuraAura helps protect your personal information by actively removing your data from data broker sites and keeping it off. Start your free trial today at http://aura.com/aware. IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.KALSHIToday's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The long, grueling road to the Stanley Cup begins right now in mid-September as informal workouts transition into NHL training camp. On today’s edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why the Edmonton Oilers must fall in love with the process and the daily grind if they hope to turn their championship aspirations into reality. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard leading an elite core, the pressure has never been higher in Edmonton to finish the job and bring home a title.We dive deep into the psychology behind an 84-game regular season and why regular-season adversity is necessary to prepare a roster for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Nick explains why injury management, bottom-six depth, and defensive structure will ultimately make or break Edmonton's campaign. Furthermore, we examine the shifting locker room dynamic—including the major coaching transition to Mike Babcock—and how accountability will dictate the team's postseason ceiling.Finally, we reflect on the emotional weight of sports fandom, the closing window for key veteran players, and what it truly takes to stack consistent wins over an eight-month marathon. Hockey is a game of attrition where every informal skate and gym session lays the foundation for June glory. Subscribe to Locked On Oilers for daily, comprehensive coverage of the Edmonton Oilers throughout the preseason and the entire NHL season.03:35 Early NHL season workouts08:24 Preparing for a championship season13:54 Oilers' long offseason recovery15:20 Building the NHL dream team18:04 Wildcard teams in Stanley Cup finals21:10 NHL players chasing championship dreams24:26 Reflecting on Oilers' missed chances27:34 Oilers' championship odds evaluationWhy the Edmonton Oilers MUST Embrace the Grind to Win the Stanley CupSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.  AuraAura helps protect your personal information by actively removing your data from data broker sites and keeping it off. Start your free trial today at http://aura.com/aware. IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.KALSHIToday's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Edmonton Oilers enter year two of forward Trent Frederic’s tenure, but his long-term eight-year extension is already raising major red flags regarding roster construction. Host Nick Zararis breaks down Frederic’s developmental path from his draft year in Boston through his transition to Edmonton, analyzing how his limited usage and early career role capped his offensive ceiling. While Edmonton acquired Frederic hoping for an impact power forward to replace Evander Kane, Frederic’s counting stats and underlying possession metrics reflect the profile of a replacement-level fourth-line grinder.A deep dive into Frederic’s underlying analytics illustrates that his strongest statistical campaigns in Boston were heavily buoyed by elite goaltending and favorable shooting luck rather than individual play-driving ability. Although Frederic brings NHL-caliber straight-line skating speed and physical hitting, he struggles with forecheck pressure, defensive turnover generation, and shot-share metrics. With the Oilers already navigating a razor-thin salary-cap margin, allocating $3.85 million per season to a forward who projects as Edmonton’s 9th to 11th best option presents immense risk for the team’s forward depth03:12 Importance of NHL player development08:54 Analyzing Trent Frederic Trade13:02 Underrated players needing opportunities15:08 Bruins' successful goaltending strategy18:54 Upcoming discussion on Trent Frederic21:50 Evaluating Trent Frederic's role26:23 Contract negotiations and team strategy27:52 Evaluating player performances and contractsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.  AuraAura helps protect your personal information by actively removing your data from data broker sites and keeping it off. Start your free trial today at http://aura.com/aware. IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.KALSHIToday's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Edmonton Oilers have invited Alex Formenton to training camp, and host Nick Zararis is breaking down why this move is an unforced error from every angle. From the severe PR fallout to the on-ice product, this episode examines why bringing in a player five years removed from the NHL directly clashes with Edmonton's championship aspirations. Nick dives deep into the underlying analytical numbers from Formenton's previous tenure in Ottawa to show why his production never warranted this risk in the first place.Beyond the stats, we tackle the organizational philosophy led by GM Stan Bowman and head coach Mike Babcock, exploring how Edmonton's desperation to win has compromised its standards. With Connor McDavid’s contract timeline looming and an aging veteran core, the Oilers have zero margin for error when filling roster depth with real upside. We discuss why Edmonton’s culture is taking a major hit and why the hockey media remains far too silent on moves like this.06:05 Oilers media and depth issues07:29 Oilers’ offensive team strategy debate14:01 Sports culture and accountability issues16:51 Analyzing Formington's performance20:16 NHL social justice issues24:08 Addressing NHL misconduct issues27:12 Stan Bowman and the Blackhawks' decline29:12 Wrapping up and previewing tomorrowWhy the Alex Formenton Signing Makes Zero Sense for the OilersSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.  AuraAura helps protect your personal information by actively removing your data from data broker sites and keeping it off. Start your free trial today at http://aura.com/aware. IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.KALSHIToday's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock opened training camp by uniting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the top line alongside Vasily Podkolzin, but the underlying numbers tell a troubling story. While loading up the roster's two elite superstars offers immediate flash, the data over the last three seasons reveals a steep decline in overall chance generation and goal share when they share the ice. Host Nick Zararis breaks down why relying on a single super-line strips the roster of critical transitional playmakers and severely handicaps the team's offensive dimension.Separating McDavid and Draisaitl is vital because players like Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins experience a massive drop in production away from top-tier center play. Hyman’s expected goals per 60 tumble from 4.04 down to 3.11 without McDavid, while Nugent-Hopkins drops 1.2 expected goals per 60 and 5 high-danger chances when forced to carry lines on his own. Pushing Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman into overleveraged roles renders the bottom nine a simple dump-and-chase group that cannot generate enough high-efficiency scoring chances to compete at five-on-five.Over the past three years, Edmonton’s depth has been outscored 242 to 186 when neither McDavid nor Draisaitl is on the ice, worsening to an alarming 86–55 deficit this past regular season. In the modern NHL, top-heavy teams cannot overcome bottom-six defensive bleeding simply by leaning on two superstars. If the Oilers are serious about contending for the Stanley Cup, coaching must distribute talent across multiple lines to ensure consistent territorial control and sustained offense throughout the lineup06:50 Strategizing McDavid and Draisaitl's roles09:58 Discussing NHL season and training camp11:30 Evaluating team's goal margins16:36 Assessing Zach Hyman's Role18:03 Nugent Hopkins' performance drop-off23:06 Balancing star players' influence27:50 Evaluating playoff readiness and strategy28:55 Scoring challenges in modern NHLWhy Mike Babcock Pairing McDavid & Draisaitl Will RUIN The Oilers’ Season | Edmonton Oilers AnalysisSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026–27 NHL season facing massive roster instability that could derail their championship hopes. Host Nick Zararis analyzes the franchise's significant personnel turnover across the past four seasons, pinpointing how self-inflicted depth attrition dismantled the roster support around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. From the critical losses of dynamic young skaters to cap-dump departures and failed veteran experiments, front-office moves have hollowed out the core.A primary catalyst for the Oilers' struggles stems from losing young foundational talent like Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets, alongside the departures of depth contributors Ryan McLeod, Warren Foegele, and Corey Perry. Instead of nurturing a homegrown wave of cost-controlled contributors, Edmonton turned toward volatile stopgap solutions and reclamation projects that failed to replicate necessary postseason speed and secondary scoring. As key veterans Zach Hyman, Mattias Ekholm, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins battle age-related regression, the lack of dependable top-six and middle-six depth has become glaringly apparent.Defensively and in net, the management group's inability to establish stability continues to plague the organization. The team remains desperate for a reliable number-three defenseman after years of cycling partners next to Darnell Nurse, and they enter the season leaning heavily on question marks like Jake Walman and Connor Murphy. Compounding these blueline concerns is a high-risk, three-headed goaltending rotation featuring Tristan Jarry and veteran Frederik Andersen—neither of whom offers an ironclad, workhorse postseason solution.06:34 Evaluating player roles and impacts08:55 Team roster changes and concerns11:19 Discussing Oilers Defense Issues16:45 Oilers defense roster strategy19:25 Oilers' roster changes and challenges24:01 Oilers' team composition changes26:17 Oilers’ lineup and performance concernsWhy roster turnover cost Connor McDavid and the Oilers a long window of contention Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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)  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Get ready for the upcoming NHL season with a complete guide to betting on the Edmonton Oilers and the NHL futures market. Host Nick Zararis breaks down how to navigate platforms like FanDuel, demystifies betting lines and juice, and shares essential strategies for responsible wagering. Whether you are a first-time bettor or a seasoned fan looking to gauge market expectations, this episode gives you the foundation you need before puck drop.Dive deep into Edmonton’s outlook as the Oilers sit with heavy -770 odds to make the postseason and enter as favorites to win the Pacific Division at +160. Nick examines award markets for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, along with high-upside propositions like Edmonton chasing the Presidents' Trophy. You will also see how the team stacks up against Stanley Cup frontrunners like Florida, Colorado, and Carolina.The conversation broadens to the entire league landscape, uncovering inefficiencies across both conferences. Find out why the Eastern Conference playoff bubble presents high-value fading opportunities, and see which Western contenders are being overvalued by the public. From bankroll discipline to long-term future tickets, get the analytical insights you need to stay ahead of line movements all year03:12 Understanding Betting Odds Basics08:55 Discussing hockey bets and FanDuel rewards12:51 Understanding sports betting lines14:27 Betting odds for Oilers' season17:44 Discussing NHL future markets23:20 Analyzing playoff probabilities in NHL26:26 Understanding the futures market28:00 NHL betting tips and adviceEdmonton Oilers 2026 Season Betting Preview: Stanley Cup Odds, Futures & NHL Best BetsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Athletic has officially released its NHL Player Tiers list, and the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in an alarming spot compared to other Stanley Cup contenders. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sit comfortably near the top of the league alongside Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman, Edmonton only landed four players overall on the entire list. Host Nick Zararis breaks down whether top-heavy superstar talent is still enough to win in today's NHL, or if Edmonton's thin depth will prevent another deep postseason run.Looking across the league, contenders like the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars feature between six and nine players in the top tiers. Nick compares Edmonton’s roster construction to their Western Conference rivals and analyzes why high-volume star depth often makes the difference when playoff matchups tighten up. Discover why relying exclusively on McDavid and Draisaitl to carry the load might be Edmonton's biggest hurdle this season.Finally, the show evaluates which young players inside the Oilers system could realistically break into the top tiers next season. From Vasily Podkolzin to breakout candidates like Matt Savoie and Ike Howard, who is positioned to make the necessary jump into a legitimate top-six producer? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave your thoughts in the comments on whether you think the Oilers are deep enough to win it all.05:03 Connor McDavid's unmatched talent07:18 Top NHL Player Rankings Debate13:14 Comparing NHL player rankings16:38 Comparing team star power depth17:59 Valuing different player roles21:45 Top NHL Teams' Roster Depth26:53 Balancing the Oilers' lineupAre the Edmonton Oilers Deep Enough to Win the Cup? | The Athletic NHL Tier List ReactionSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Edmonton Oilers found an absolute diamond in the rough when they traded for former 10th overall pick Vasily Podkolzin. After falling out of favor in Vancouver under Rick Tocchet’s coaching staff and seeing his ice time plummet to fourth-line minutes, Podkolzin completely revitalized his career in Edmonton. Host Nick Zararis breaks down how the young forward built trust with the coaching staff, climbed up the lineup, and developed elite chemistry alongside superstar Leon Draisaitl.A deep dive into the underlying analytics reveals that Podkolzin’s breakout season was built on remarkably sustainable 5-on-5 hockey. With 18 of his 19 goals coming at even strength, he posted upper-quartile NHL production without needing inflated power-play minutes. His relentless motor, physical presence, and aggressive forecheck allowed him to win puck battles and consistently set up high-danger scoring chances throughout the regular season and playoffs.Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the big question is how much more juice the Oilers can squeeze out of the Russian winger. While playing top-six minutes could elevate him toward the 20-to-25-goal plateau, his contract and versatile profile give Edmonton championship-level lineup flexibility. Whether he remains locked into Draisaitl’s wing or anchors a dominant third line, Podkolzin stands as one of the smartest buy-low acquisitions in recent franchise history.06:02 Vancouver's handling of Podkolzin07:00 Podkolzin's role and performance stats11:36 Oilers' lineup improvements and player progress13:21 Developing young NHL players17:46 Podkolzin's scoring improvement analysis21:46 Podkolzin's Journey to Top Line26:21 Discussing Podkolzin's potential impact27:27 Podkolzin's growth and appreciationHow Vasily Podkolzin became the Edmonton Oilers' biggest stealSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelGet three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM 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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.