The Edmonton Oilers have had a great start to the season and are sitting near the top of the NHL standings. But despite their early success, Head Coach Mike Babcock reportedly wants more toughness from his forwards.
Yet even with that strong start, there is apparently something Babcock wants more of: brawn.
According to an October 29 report from Sportsnet’s Frank Seravalli, Babcock has been pushing internally for more size and toughness among Edmonton’s forwards. General Manager Stan Bowman is reportedly exploring the trade market, with New York Rangers heavyweight Matt Rempe among the players believed to have caught Babcock’s attention.
At 6’9”, Rempe certainly fits the description. Known for throwing his weight around and dropping the gloves, the 24-year-old has accumulated 154 penalty minutes and 11 fighting majors in 87 NHL games.
But adding a player like Rempe would come at a cost, whether in trade assets, roster flexibility, or opportunities for players already in the organization.
And Edmonton isn’t exactly starting from scratch.
The Oilers already have several players with the size, willingness, and playing style to bring more physicality to the lineup. Some have established reputations for fighting, while others have shown they can make opponents uncomfortable without dropping the gloves.
So before Bowman looks outside the organization for more toughness, perhaps the Oilers should consider a different question.
Who is already capable of stepping up?
What kind of toughness are the Oilers missing?
There is a difference between playing physical hockey and being a team opponents think twice about pushing around.
Edmonton has already made considerable progress in the former category.
According to figures shared by NHL analyst Mike Kelly on October 30, the Oilers have climbed from 24th in puck-battle win percentage last season to second this season.
That improvement suggests Babcock’s emphasis on winning battles and playing a more structured game is already producing results.
But winning puck battles is only one aspect of physicality.
For Edmonton’s forwards, bringing more toughness could mean finishing checks, being more assertive on the forecheck, standing up for teammates, and making opposing defencemen uncomfortable whenever they touch the puck.
It is not necessarily about adding more fights or collecting penalty minutes. It is about having players throughout the lineup willing to initiate contact, play with an edge, and make opponents work for their space.
And while the Oilers have already demonstrated they can win puck battles, there may still be room for individual players to bring more of that physical presence.
The question is whether Edmonton already has the personnel capable of delivering it.
Who can step up for Edmonton?
The Oilers may already have several players capable of bringing more size, toughness, and physical engagement to their forward group.
Some have established reputations for fighting or delivering big hits. Others have the size, strength, and playing style to become more physically involved without dramatically changing their roles.
| Player | Where They Could Step Up |
| Trent Frederic | Bring greater consistency to his physical game beyond fighting, including finishing checks and initiating contact. |
| Colton Dach | Use his size and willingness to engage to become a more consistent physical presence in the bottom-six. |
| Vasily Podkolzin | Build on his physical forechecking, pressure opposing defenders, and create space for his linemates. |
| Mathieu Joseph | Use his speed, forechecking and willingness to finish checks to bring physicality without sacrificing offence. |
| Max Jones | Provide energy, aggressive forechecking, and a willingness to finish checks when given opportunities. |
| Filip Hållander | Use his strength and puck pursuit to establish himself as a harder-to-play-against bottom-six option. |
| Jason Dickinson | Bring physical engagement to defensive matchups, board battles, and the checking game. |
Not every player needs to become an enforcer. But if Edmonton wants a more physically imposing forward group, getting more consistent contributions from players already in the lineup could be an important first step.
Trent Frederic: The fighter Edmonton already has
If Babcock wants someone willing to drop the gloves, he does not have to look very far.
Trent Frederic has built a reputation around his willingness to fight, deliver hits, and stand up for teammates. That was on display against Utah when he fought Jack McBain following a hit on Draisaitl.
But having a player willing to fight is not necessarily the same as having a consistently intimidating presence on the ice.
Frederic has the size and physical tools to make opponents uncomfortable throughout a game, whether through finishing checks, initiating contact, or getting involved when tensions rise.
The question is whether he can bring that same intensity more consistently.
Babcock has already challenged Frederic to bring more to his game, emphasizing the importance of playing hard and making an impact beyond occasional physical moments.
If Edmonton wants someone capable of standing up for its stars, Frederic has demonstrated that willingness.
Perhaps the answer isn’t asking Frederic to fight more, but finding ways for him to make his physical presence felt more often.
Colton Dach: A physical identity in the making
Colton Dach might be one of Edmonton’s most intriguing internal options.
At 6’4”, Dach has the size to make his presence felt, and he has already shown a willingness to finish checks, initiate contact, and engage in the more physical aspects of the game.
Unlike a player brought in solely for his toughness, Dach has an opportunity to develop that physical identity alongside his overall game.
His combination of size, energy, and willingness to engage could make him an increasingly valuable presence in Edmonton’s bottom-six.
The next step is consistency.
Can Dach become someone opponents expect to encounter physically every shift, rather than only delivering the occasional big hit?
If Edmonton wants a younger player capable of bringing more bite to the lineup, Dach has an opportunity to establish himself in that role.
For Dach, the opportunity isn’t to become someone else’s version of a tough player. It’s to establish his own physical identity in Edmonton
Vasily Podkolzin: bringing the bite to the top six
Playing alongside Edmonton’s biggest offensive weapons comes with responsibilities beyond producing points.
Vasily Podkolzin has already demonstrated the value of a forward willing to battle along the boards, pressure opposing defencemen, and create space for his linemates.
His physical engagement makes him particularly valuable alongside players like McDavid and Draisaitl, who benefit from having teammates willing to do some of the heavier work.
Podkolzin is not necessarily someone Edmonton needs to ask to fight more. His physical contributions come through contact, relentless pressure, and a willingness to engage in difficult areas of the ice.
Rather than dramatically changing his game, the opportunity is to build on what he already does well.
If Babcock wants more physicality throughout his forward group, Podkolzin is an example of the kind of player who can help establish that identity without sacrificing his offensive responsibilities.
Mathieu Joseph: more than just offence
Mathieu Joseph is another forward who could help Edmonton establish a tougher identity without sacrificing offensive contributions.
Joseph demonstrated that combination in the October 28 Battle of Alberta, opening the scoring in Edmonton’s 4–0 victory over Calgary while also recording three hits.
Through his speed, forechecking and willingness to initiate contact, Joseph can make life difficult for opposing defenders without needing to become a traditional enforcer.
His contribution against Calgary offers an example of the kind of physical engagement Edmonton could benefit from throughout its forward group.
If Babcock wants more toughness from his forwards, Joseph has an opportunity to contribute through the same energetic, hard-working style that makes him valuable elsewhere in the lineup.
What about the rest of the forwards?
Beyond Frederic, Dach, Podkolzin and Joseph, Edmonton has other forwards who could contribute to a more physically demanding lineup.
Max Jones brings speed, energy and a willingness to finish checks. If given more opportunities, he could provide the kind of relentless forechecking and physical engagement that makes a fourth line difficult to play against.
Filip Hållander offers a different approach. His strength lies more in his work rate, puck pursuit and willingness to battle in difficult areas. While he is not a traditional enforcer, he could help Edmonton establish a more consistent physical presence throughout its bottom-six.
Jason Dickinson, meanwhile, brings a defensively responsible checking game. His ability to handle difficult matchups and compete for possession could complement a more physical approach without sacrificing defensive reliability.
None of these players necessarily needs to become a fighter. But together, they represent opportunities for Edmonton to increase its physical engagement without adding another player to the roster.
Could the defence help set the tone?
Although Babcock’s reported desire for more physicality focuses on the forward group, Edmonton’s defencemen also have a role to play in making the team tougher to face.
Jake Walman is one player who could help set that tone. His willingness to engage physically offers Edmonton another way to support its offensive stars without relying entirely on the forward group.
Edmonton’s biggest offensive weapons already face considerable attention from opponents. While both are capable of handling themselves, they shouldn’t be expected to respond to every physical challenge.
And Walman isn’t the only defenceman capable of contributing.
Connor Murphy brings size and experience, with opportunities to make opposing forwards uncomfortable around the crease. Mattias Ekholm can use his strength and positioning to control difficult defensive matchups, while Ryan Shea and Ty Emberson could provide additional physical engagement through finishing checks and battling along the boards.
Ty Emberson offered a recent example of that willingness to engage, dropping the gloves with Calgary’s Brennan Othmann during the October 28 Battle of Alberta. The fight demonstrated that Edmonton already has defencemen prepared to answer physical challenges when the occasion calls for it.
None of these players need to become a traditional enforcer. But being more assertive around the net, stepping into opponents when appropriate, and supporting teammates during physical confrontations could help Edmonton establish a tougher identity.
After all, making the Oilers harder to play against shouldn’t fall exclusively on the forwards.
It should be a responsibility shared throughout the lineup.
Looking to Bakersfield for more bite
If Edmonton’s current roster cannot provide everything Babcock is looking for, the organization has another place to turn before exploring the trade market: the Bakersfield Condors.
Several players within the Oilers’ AHL system have the size, physical playing style, or experience to warrant consideration.
| Player | Potential Contribution |
| Connor Clattenburg | An energetic, contact-heavy playing style and a willingness to engage physically. |
| Eduards Tralmaks | A 6-foot-4 forward who could combine size, board battles and offensive potential |
| Ethan Keppen | Bigger-bodied forward with potential checking ability |
| Josh Brown (D) | Veteran physical defenceman |
| Riley Stillman (D) | Experienced defender with a physical, defensive-minded playing style |
While these players offer different possibilities, their ability to contribute at the NHL level would depend on more than physical attributes alone. Edmonton would also need to consider their readiness, overall play, and ability to fill a specific roster role.
Connor Clattenburg: A future physical presence?
Of Edmonton’s prospects, Connor Clattenburg might be one of the most intriguing names in the conversation.
Known for his physical playing style and willingness to throw his weight around, Clattenburg brings the kind of edge Babcock reportedly wants to see more of.
After reportedly recording 131 penalty minutes with Bakersfield last season, Clattenburg has accumulated another 14 through his first four games of 2026–27. His penalties include a fighting major and a roughing minor, further demonstrating his willingness to engage physically.
Unlike players whose appeal rests primarily on their size, Clattenburg has already made physical engagement a recognizable part of his game. His willingness to initiate contact and challenge opponents could eventually make him a valuable presence in Edmonton’s bottom-six.
But there is a difference between having the right playing style and being ready for the NHL.
Clattenburg still needs to demonstrate that he can combine his physical approach with reliable puck management, defensive responsibility, and enough offensive contribution to earn regular minutes.
If Edmonton wants to develop a younger player capable of bringing more toughness to its lineup, Clattenburg deserves consideration.
The question is whether he can provide that impact now or whether he remains a longer-term option.
Eduards Tralmaks: Size without sacrificing offence?
Eduards Tralmaks offers Edmonton a different kind of possibility.
At 6’4” and 225 pounds, he brings the size Babcock is reportedly looking for, but his appeal extends beyond his physical dimensions.
Through seven games with Bakersfield this season, Tralmaks has recorded one assist and 21 shots on goal, averaging three shots per game.
His eight penalty minutes have come from minor infractions, including boarding, rather than fighting majors or misconducts. While that does not necessarily reflect how physically he plays, it suggests his role differs from that of a more traditional enforcer.
Could he use his size to establish a stronger presence along the boards, create space for teammates, and make opposing defencemen work harder?
Those contributions could make him an intriguing option for a team looking to add more size without relying exclusively on fighting or intimidation.
Of course, translating that potential to the NHL is another challenge. Tralmaks would need to demonstrate that he can consistently use his frame, compete physically, and contribute within Edmonton’s system.
Still, if the Oilers want to explore their internal options before making a trade, Tralmaks is another player worth examining.
Other options in Bakersfield
Beyond Clattenburg and Tralmaks, Bakersfield has other players who could potentially contribute to a more physical Oilers lineup.
Ethan Keppen is another forward worth considering. After reportedly recording 62 penalty minutes last season, he has accumulated another 11 through six games in 2026–27, including a fighting major against Colorado’s Maroš Jedlička on October 24. While his offensive production has been limited, his size and willingness to drop the gloves make him an intriguing candidate for a physical checking role.
On the blue line, Josh Brown offers a more established physical presence. The veteran defenceman has recorded three assists and 12 penalty minutes through seven games, bringing NHL experience and a willingness to engage physically that could provide additional toughness on defence.
Riley Stillman offers another experienced option. With two points through seven games, his defensive-minded playing style and willingness to engage in physical battles could help make Edmonton’s defensive zone more difficult for opposing forwards to navigate.
While Brown and Stillman do not directly address Babcock’s reported desire for more physicality among his forwards, they provide additional organizational depth worth considering.
Ultimately, Bakersfield offers Edmonton a mix of established physical players and developing prospects. Whether any are ready to make an immediate NHL impact remains uncertain, but they give the organization options to evaluate before turning to the trade market.
Is a trade really necessary?
There is no denying that Matt Rempe would bring a different kind of physical presence to Edmonton.
At 6’9”, his size, willingness to fight, and reputation for intimidating opponents are difficult to replicate. For a team looking to add more toughness, the appeal is understandable.
But acquiring that presence comes with questions.
Rempe has struggled to establish himself as a consistent NHL contributor, and his limited ice time raises concerns about how much he could offer beyond fighting and physical intimidation.
Edmonton would also have to consider the cost of a trade. Whether that means surrendering draft picks, prospects, or another roster player, acquiring additional toughness would require giving something up.
And would that investment be worthwhile if the Oilers already have players capable of providing more physicality?
Frederic has demonstrated his willingness to fight and defend teammates. Dach and Podkolzin offer size, contact, and physical engagement, while Bakersfield has developing options in Clattenburg and Keppen.
Of course, having those players in the organization does not guarantee they can consistently deliver what Babcock wants. Some are still developing, while others need to make their physical presence felt more regularly.
But with Edmonton already finding success under its new coach, there is an argument for giving those players an opportunity before making another move.
If the Oilers can get more toughness from the players they already have, perhaps their trade assets would be better spent addressing a need they cannot solve internally.
Before looking outside, look within
The Oilers are winning games, adapting to Babcock’s system, and finding success early in the season.
Yet the reported desire for more size and toughness suggests there is still another level the coaching staff wants this team to reach.
Adding someone like Matt Rempe could certainly bring a different dimension to Edmonton’s lineup. But is another player really the only way to get there?
Frederic has already demonstrated his willingness to fight. Dach has the size and willingness to engage, while Podkolzin brings a physical edge to the top-six. In Bakersfield, players like Clattenburg and Keppen offer further possibilities, even if their NHL readiness remains uncertain.
None is a guaranteed solution, and not every player needs to become an enforcer.
But building a tougher team shouldn’t depend on one player dropping the gloves. It requires a collective willingness to finish checks, stand up for teammates, and make opponents uncomfortable throughout the lineup.
Before Bowman trades for more muscle, perhaps it’s worth seeing just how much the Oilers already have.
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