Are the Edmonton Oilers Too Old to Contend? Breaking Down the Aging Core

The Edmonton Oilers made a deep run to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, but age is becoming a real concern for this veteran-heavy roster. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down whether the Oilers' older core including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Mattias Ekholm, and Adam Henrique can hold up in another playoff run.We analyze each player's trajectory, the Oilers’ succession plan with Jake Walman, Ike Howard, Matthew Savoie, and Trent Frederic, and ask the big question: how long can this group stay competitive around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl0:00 Intro: Oilers' age curve crisis5:14 Experience valuable, teams avoid young players10:18 Game Time app for last-minute tickets15:23 Analyzing older Oilers players' futures20:28 Balancing contention window and aging roster25:32 Potential replacements for aging playersSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.