This week's Edmonton Oilers Friday Faceoff is full of news, trade speculation and talk about certain players on the roster. The biggest story of the week is how the team's front office ranked in a recent poll from The Athletic. Fans aren't confident this group running the Oilers is ideally suited to make sure things go smoothly. Is that a problem?
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Front Office Ranks Low
Despite consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, the Edmonton Oilers’ front office didn't see much of a bump in a recent ranking column from The Athletic. Coming in 21st out of 32 NHL teams, it was only four spots higher than last season.
The biggest point of contention was the loss of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets. Because the Oilers prioritized Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, and it didn't pan out, fans felt that this current management team may struggle to identify the right type of talent.
From there, the signing of Trent Frederic after acquiring him at the trade deadline didn't sit well with some fans.
Inconsistent decision-making and the inability to fully capitalize on generational stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have left fans uneasy, questioning whether GM Stan Bowman and CEO Jeff Jackson can navigate what's coming.
Trent Frederic: Potential Surprise of the Season
Speaking of Frederic, the eight-year, $3.85 million deal was viewed as one of the blunders of the off-season in a poll about bad contracts. Frederic was praised by Bowman for his unique style and what he brings to Edmonton, but injuries meant he couldn't demonstrate his full potential.
Does that mean this will turn out to be a terrible signing? Perhaps not.
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic argues that while initially criticized as a questionable move, Frederic’s combination of scoring, physicality, and agitation could make him a fan favorite if healthy. Should he return at 100 percent, Frederic could turn a contract once considered a risk into a bargain, emerging as one of the season’s biggest surprises.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ Role
Veteran center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins enters 2025-26 at a crossroads, likely opening the season as the Oilers’ third-line pivot. While his power-play spot remains secure, declining production — 49 points last season after 104 and 67 in prior years — has raised questions about his long-term fit.
Nugent-Hopkins is the longest-serving Oiler on the team, and even if he's no longer a point-per-game player, he brings versatility, hockey sense, and a team-friendly contract in a rising salary cap environment. A strong start to the 2025-26 season could remove any doubt about his future or where he fits long term. If he struggles, a limited depth role may trigger trade speculation.
He does have trade protection in his contract, so any talk of him being moved needs to keep that in mind.
Goaltending and Roster Moves
The Oilers’ goaltending situation remains a concern, with Stuart Skinner inconsistent and Calvin Pickard aging on an expiring deal. New Jersey’s Nico Daws, 24, has been suggested as a low-risk, high-upside option to push for starts while offering long-term potential. The Devils have a surplus of netminders, but it's not clear what the asking price would be, or if the Oilers see Daws as an upgrade that would be anything more than a player to put into their pipeline.
Meanwhile, Edmonton has been linked to potential trades for Fabian Lysell from Boston, though overlapping talent makes such a move uncertain.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal cited comments that the Bruins and the Oilers "have been in conversations.”
The Oilers also face decisions regarding minor moves and depth acquisitions to address key roster holes.
Milan Lucic PTO
Veteran Gets a Tryout With Blues
St. Louis Blues confirmed on Tuesday that Milan Lucic is attempting an NHL return with a professional tryout. His last run was with the Boston Bruins before leaving the NHL to enter the Players' Assistance Program. He has since been reinstated.
The link between Peter Chiarelli and Lucic may explain Lucic’s PTO offer. While unlikely he's got what's needed in the tank to be an effective NHL player, it's a low-risk evaluation of whether the 37-year-old can contribute in a bottom-six role.
For the Oilers, that the Blues are linked in this feels like another kick in the gut, assuming Lucic can make the team and be an impact player.
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