EVALUATION: The Edmonton Oilers’ Approach to free agency leaves a lot to be desired

Edmonton Oilers rethink their top six after underwhelming returns from high-profile signings. Are lineup preferences and coaching decisions holding back stars like Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidson from reaching their potential? Nick Zararis evaluates roster moves spanning Arvidson’s bounce-back elsewhere, Skinner’s diminishing minutes, and Andrew Mangiapane's fading impact. The show spotlights Oilers’ challenges in maximizing offensive threats, especially with shifting ice time and Kris Knoblauch’s evolving system. Insights include Kasperi Kapanen’s emergence, Evander Kane and Corey Perry’s fits post-scandal, and whether midseason acquisitions deliver the grit or scoring boost Edmonton needs. Exploring power play dynamics, underused talent, and hard choices in cap management, Nick Zararis questions if supplementary pieces can lift Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s supporting cast—and if the Oilers’ approach signals deeper lineup concerns. Will Edmonton’s strategy attract the right free agents, or push fringe contributors out before a vital playoff push?  04:13 "Arvidson's Role with Oilers"08:40 "Jeff Skinner's Evolving Role"11:01 "Everyday Club & Oilers Talk"15:45 "Corey Perry Released by Blackhawks"16:56 Reinvention and Redemption in Hockey20:07 Oilers' Comeback and Klingberg's Impact25:26 Oilers' Depth and Free Agent Struggles27:03 "Oilers' Challenges and Player Growth"EVALUATION: The Edmonton Oilers’ Approach to free agency leaves a lot to be desiredEverydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonoilers.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.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.