Over the past few years, the Edmonton Oilers have undergone numerous changes. Kris Knoblauch came in to take over from Jay Woodcroft, and Stan Bowman came in to take over from Ken Holland as the manager. With these two guys at the top of the Oilers organization, they have been hungry to win a Stanley Cup.
Unfortunately, they have fallen just short in the past two seasons. Throughout the 2025–26 season, the Oilers have faced multiple questions. Specifically, around the use of young players, goaltending, and failed roster acquisitions. Do these issues suggest that there is a disconnect between coaching and management?
Let’s take a look.
Misuse of young talent
There is no doubt that one of the most discussed issues within the Oilers organization this season has been the use of their young players. Guys like Isaac Howard, Matt Savoie, and Quinn Hutson have done everything right to play in the NHL. The problem is, they have not gotten any consistent ice time throughout the season. There have been times when this team really lacks some energy, and the young guys could be a potential solution to bring more energy to the lineup.
Out of the three top young players for the Oilers, Savoie has been the one to stick in the lineup the most. The 22-year-old has bounced all around the lineup, getting appearances in the top six, but also getting bumped down to the fourth line. At the bare minimum, at least Savoie has stayed in the NHL, unlike Howard and Hutson. Howard has been sent down to the AHL and recalled back to the NHL multiple times this season. He has not accomplished much at the NHL level yet, but has dominated in the AHL. The young forward has posted 23 points in 16 games with the Bakersfield Condors.
Lastly, Hutson has been a bit of a surprise for the Oilers. Hutson was an undrafted college player who spent three years with Boston University. He had some solid seasons there and is now tearing it up in the AHL. Hutson has 35 points through 27 games with the Condors. The 24-year-old has made a name for himself in the AHL and is often the automatic choice to get called up to the big club. Unfortunately, Hutson was sent back down to the minors with Kasperi Kapanen returning from injury.
Are the Oilers not giving their young guns the opportunity they deserve? Or is it too early to criticize management and coaching decisions?
Failed roster moves
Bowman made numerous roster moves to bolster the roster. The rosters over the last two seasons have excelled under Knoblauch’s coaching. However, this season has been a bit of a rough go, especially for some recent acquisitions. Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic have certainly not lived up to their expectations. Were these moves made without consulting the coaching group ahead of time? They have not fit under Knoblauch’s system.
The most significant issue with Frederic, is that he is signed long-term. Bowman orignally brought him in to bring some extra physicality in the playoffs last year. After the playoff run, Bowman rewarded Frederic with an eight-year, $30.80M contract. One could argue that this was not deserved, and it certainly has become a problem now. Through 41 games this year, Frederic has two goals and three points. Not the ideal performance for someone who is signed for eight years. The forward has now served as a healthy scratch for Knoblauch.
Bowman brought in former Calgary Flame Andrew Mangiapane to help improve the depth scoring. In free agency, Mangiapane agreed to a two-year deal worth $7.20M. The deal includes a no-trade clause in the first year that is in place until June 15, 2026. Unfortunately, Mangiapane has not fit in at all in Oil Country. So far, he has five goals and 11 points through forty games. Was this another mistake that Bowman gave Knoblauch to deal with? Mangiapane is already in trade talks halfway through the season as an Oiler. He has also served as a healthy scratch.
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Goaltending dilemma
Another issue that this organization has dealt with, is obviously, goaltending. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard had been the goaltending duo for the past few seasons. For the entirety of the 2025–26 season, it was obvious that the team had lost hope in Skinner. As the losses and inconsistency piled up, Bowman finally made a move. He traded Skinner and Brett Kulak to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry. This was a massive move that the organization desperately needed.
As if the situation could not get any worse, Jarry went down with an injury in his third start as an Oiler. This pushed Bowman to make another move. The Oilers GM called up goaltender Connor Ingram from the minors. To this point, Ingram has been solid with the team, posting a .891 save percentage and a 3–2 record through five games.
Bowman has certainly made moves when the team is desperate, but do they align with the roster Knoblauch has to deal with? The use of young players, poor acquisitions, and goaltending mess has questioned that. Is this a sign of miscommunication between Bowman and Knoblauch? Or have these players just not been their best under the Oilers organization?
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