The sting of losing in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year still lingers in Edmonton. The Oilers have proven they are one of the NHL's elite, but questions remain about whether this group can finally take that last step and capture hockey's ultimate prize. With a retooled roster that mixes familiar veterans and fresh faces, the challenge this season will be finding the right balance of consistency, depth, and resilience to avoid another heartbreaking ending.
For the Oilers to make another deep playoff run, several players will need to rise to the occasion and prove they can be the difference-makes. Some are looking to bounce back from underwhelming seasons, while others are aiming to show they belong in critical roles on a contender. This year, more than ever, individual performances could determine whether Edmonton writes a new chapter in franchise history - or repeats the same painful story.
Isaac Howard
Isaac Howard made it clear he wanted a fresh start after struggling to crack the Tampa Bay Lightning line up, and the Edmonton Oilers wasted no time in giving him that opportunity. In a bold move, the Oilers parted ways with one of their top prospects, Sam O'Reilly, to acquire the young winger. Now going by "Ike" Howard arrives in Edmonton with plenty of hype after capturing the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising up-and-coming players in hockey.
Wit the Oilers in win-now mode, Ike won't be eased in slowly, he'll get a real chance to skate alongside superstar centre Leon Draisaitl. The expectation is clear: prove the Oilers made the right move and become the scoring threat this roster desperately needs on the wing. While his potential is undeniable, the pressure will be on Ike to quickly adapt to NHL level and show he can deliver in a top-six role. For Edmonton, there isn't much time to wait - this is the season for Ike to prove he belongs.
Trent Frederic
At last year's trade deadline, the Edmonton Oilers raised eyebrows when they traded for Trent Frederic, despite the forward being sidelined with an injury. The move puzzled many,and the questions only grew louder when the Oilers forced him into the playoff line up even though it was evident he wasn't fully healthy. His limited impact left fans and analyst alike wondering why Edmonton was so committed to a player who clearly wasn't at his best.
Fast forward to this offseason, and the Oilers doubled down with one of their most surprising decision yet- signing Frederic to an eight-year contract worth an annual average value of $3.9 million. The investment signals belief in Frederic's long-term potential, but it also piles on the pressure. He not only needs to regain his mobility and offensive production but also rediscover the physical edge and the grit that made him valuable in the first place. If he can't return to form, this deal risks becoming one of the Oiler's biggest setbacks of the season.
Stuart Skinner
The Edmonton Oilers once again find themselves haunted by another Stanley Cup Final disappointment, and the spotlight is firmly on whether this roster truly has what it takes to finish the job. Among the biggest offseason questions was goaltending, widely viewed as the team's weakest link. Despite speculation about a possible upgrade, the Oilers doubled down on Stuart Skinner, making it clear they believe he can backstop them to a championship.
To bolster that belief, the Oilers parted ways with their longtime goaltending coach and brought in new leadership in the hopes of unlocking Skinner's full potential. But the pressure is on- if Skinner remains what the critics say he is, a sub- .900 save percentage goalie prone to streaky play, then this season could unravel quickly. For the Edmonton to finally hoist the Cup, Skinner must prove his doubters wrong and deliver consistent, rock-solid goaltending worthy of a true contender.
Evan Bouchard
This offseason carries more weight than usual for the Edmonton Oilers, with several key players up for contract extensions. At the top of that list was defenseman Evan Bouchard, and the Oilers wasted no time in locking him up. The restricted free agent signed a four-year deal worth an average annual value of $10.5 million, cementing his place as a cornerstone of Edmonton's blue line.
It's a significant investment, but one the Oilers believe is worth it. Bouchard has already established himself as one of the league's premier offensive defensemen, boasting a lethal shot and elite playmaking ability. Last season, Edmonton gradually handed him more responsibility, including penalty-killing minutes, signalling trust in his all-around game. The offense will always be there, but the big question now is whether Bouchard can continue to grow as a reliable defender, eliminating costly lapses and proving he's capable of being a true two-way force.
The sting of another Stanley Cup Final loss still lingers in Edmonton, but with a new season comes renewed hope and determination. The Oilers know the pressure is on, and it will be up to the players to embrace the challenge and prove they have what it takes to finally finish the job. Anything less than holding the Cup will feel like unfinished business, but this group has the talent and motivation to write a different ending and etch their names onto the hockey's most coveted trophy.