There was no shortage of optimism surrounding the Edmonton Oilers heading into this season. Expectations were sky-high. fueled by talk of unfinished business and a renewed focus after last year's playoff heartbreak.
Yet, just a few weeks into the campaign, that optimism has started to fade as the familiar story of a slow start unfolds once again. The team that was supposed to come out flying has instead stumbled out of the gate, leaving fans frustrated and analysts searching for answers.
What makes this sluggish start even more concerning is that it's not limited to one area of the roster - it's everywhere. From the blue line to the crease to the top-six forwards, inconsistency has crept in at every level.
The Oilers look disjointed, at times lacking the urgency and execution needed to compete with teams already finding rhythm. If this group truly believes they're built for a Stanley Cup run, the time for patience has passes. Something needs to change, and fast.
Evan Bouchard
Evan Bouchard was expected to take another big step forward this season, especially after showing flashes of brilliance late last year. Instead, the young defenseman has looked out of sync to start the campaign, struggling to find the consistency that made him a reliable presence on the blue line. His decision-making with the puck has been hesitant at times, and his play in the defensive zone has raised concerns.
For a player known for his poise and offensive instincts, those uncharacteristic mistakes have stood out - particularly on a team already fighting to find its footing early in the season.
Mat Barzal off the Evan Bouchard turnover #isles pic.twitter.com/Pk9ZimXvhL
— Up The Turnpike (@UpTheTurnpike) October 17, 2025
The Oilers have invested a lot of trust in Bouchard to be a cornerstone of their defense, both now and in the future, but with that trust comes pressure. He's still logging big minutes and seeing power-play time, yet his impact has been quieter than expected.
Whether it's confidence, rhythm, or simply trying to do too much, Bouchard's needs to settle his game and get back to what makes him effective - smooth puck movement, smart reads, and a calm presence under pressure. The Oilers need him at his best, and if he can rediscover that form soon, it could go a long way toward steadying a blue line that's been anything but stable.
Calvin Pickard
The Edmonton Oilers needed stability between the pipes this season, but so far, backup goaltender Calvin Pickard has struggled to provide it. Thrust into a bigger role early on, Pickard has had a tough time finding his rhythm, often looking a step behind on rebounds and second-chance opportunities.
The effort is there - he battles every shift - but the results haven't followed. Whether it's shaky positioning or untimely goals that deflate momentum, Pickard's performances have left more questions than answers for a team that can't afford uncertainty in net.
For a veteran presence expected to give Stuart Skinner some relief, these early-season hiccups are magnified even more. The Oilers need reliability from their backup, especially in a year where every point matters, but that confidence hasn't been easy to come by.
Pickard has shown flashes of steadiness in the past, and the team is hoping he can rediscover that form quickly. Until he does, the Oilers will continue walking a fine line, relying heavily on Skinner while waiting for Pickard to find his footing and restore some trust in the crease.
Matt Savoie
Expectations were high when Matt Savoie cracked the Edmonton Oilers roster out of training camp, but the early returns have been far from ideal. The rookie forward, known for his speed and offensive creativity, has found the transition to the NHL tougher than anticipated.
Through the opening stretch of the season, Savoie has just one assist and a -5 rating, a stat line that reflects both his limited production and the defensive growing pains that come with adjusting to the league's pace. While his skill set is evident in flashes, those moments have been too few, and the consistency that defined his junior career hasn't yet carried over to the pros.
For a young player trying to carve out a role on a team with playoff aspirations, the margin for error is slim. Savoie has been caught in that tricky middle ground - wanting to make an impact but pressing too hard to do it.
The talent is there, no question, but he's learning that success at this level comes from patience, positioning, and poise as much as it does from raw ability. The Oilers haven't' lost faith in his potential, but if Savoie wants to stay in the lineup long term, he'll need to start turning flashes of promise into tangible results.
Oilers have struggled to begin the 2025-26 season
While it's still early in the season, the struggles of Evan Bouchard, Calvin Pickard, and Matt Savoie have raised some early concerns for the Edmonton Oilers. Bouchard's defensive lapses, Pickard's inconsistency in relief, and Savoie's quiet start have all contributed to a team still searching for rhythm and reliability.
The good news is that all three have the talent and opportunity to turn things around - and with the Oilers aiming to reestablish themselves as Cup contenders, they'll need each of them to settle in quickly and play to their potential before early-season issues become lasting storylines.