PODCAST · sports
Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers
by Locked On Podcast Network, Austin Harrison
From reaction inside the locker room to the buzz on the street, join hockey media professional Nick Zararis daily for the Locked On Oilers Podcast. Edmonton bleeds Orange and Blue and Locked On Oilers is the source for the best Oilers content. Nick gives you all the information from every possible angle to get you ready for the next puck drop. Nick brings an open-minded and forward thinking approach to the game rooted in always understanding a little bit more every single day. Locked on Oilers is the essential podcast for fans of Edmonton's favorite team. Locked on Oilers, part of the locked on Podcast network, your team every day.
Episodes
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Why the Edmonton Oilers MUST Embrace the Grind to Win the Stanley Cup
The long, grueling road to the Stanley Cup begins right now in mid-September as informal workouts transition into NHL training camp. On today’s edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why the Edmonton Oilers must fall in love with the process and the daily grind if they hope to...
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Why the Oilers are in a no-win situation with Trent Frederic
The Edmonton Oilers enter year two of forward Trent Frederic’s tenure, but his long-term eight-year extension is already raising major red flags regarding roster construction. Host Nick Zararis breaks down Frederic’s developmental path from his draft year in Boston through his transition to...
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Why the Alex Formenton Signing Makes Zero Sense for the Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have invited Alex Formenton to training camp, and host Nick Zararis is breaking down why this move is an unforced error from every angle. From the severe PR fallout to the on-ice product, this episode examines why bringing in a player five years removed from the NHL directly...
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Why Mike Babcock Pairing McDavid & Draisaitl Will RUIN The Oilers’ Season | Edmonton Oilers Analysis
Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock opened training camp by uniting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the top line alongside Vasily Podkolzin, but the underlying numbers tell a troubling story. While loading up the roster's two elite superstars offers immediate flash, the data over the…
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Why roster turnover cost Connor McDavid and the Oilers a long window of contention
The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026–27 NHL season facing massive roster instability that could derail their championship hopes. Host Nick Zararis analyzes the franchise's significant personnel turnover across the past four seasons, pinpointing how self-inflicted depth attrition dismantled the…
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Edmonton Oilers 2026 Season Betting Preview: Stanley Cup Odds, Futures & NHL Best Bets
Get ready for the upcoming NHL season with a complete guide to betting on the Edmonton Oilers and the NHL futures market. Host Nick Zararis breaks down how to navigate platforms like FanDuel, demystifies betting lines and juice, and shares essential strategies for responsible wagering. Whether…
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Are the Edmonton Oilers Deep Enough to Win the Cup? | The Athletic NHL Tier List Reaction
The Athletic has officially released its NHL Player Tiers list, and the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in an alarming spot compared to other Stanley Cup contenders. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sit comfortably near the top of the league alongside Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman, Edmonton...
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How Vasily Podkolzin became the Edmonton Oilers' biggest steal
The Edmonton Oilers found an absolute diamond in the rough when they traded for former 10th overall pick Vasily Podkolzin. After falling out of favor in Vancouver under Rick Tocchet’s coaching staff and seeing his ice time plummet to fourth-line minutes, Podkolzin completely revitalized his…
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The Edmonton Oilers need Mattias Ekholm to continue defying the aging curve to remain cup contenders
The Edmonton Oilers enter an all-or-nothing season expecting 36-year-old defenseman Mattias Ekholm to carry top-pairing responsibilities alongside Evan Bouchard. While Ekholm has exceeded all expectations since arriving in Edmonton, lingering wear and tear from a major hip abductor injury raises...
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Why Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Must Move to the Oilers' Third Line | Edmonton Oilers 5-on-5 Breakdown
Is it time for the Edmonton Oilers to rethink Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' role at 5-on-5? On today’s edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into the underlying metrics behind the forward's recent play and what his declining even-strength numbers mean for the franchise. While...
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Edmonton Oilers 5-on-5 Regression: Is Connor McDavid's High Usage Hurting the Defense?
The Edmonton Oilers face a growing challenge at even-strength play, and the underlying analytics show that Connor McDavid's 5-on-5 usage is central to the conversation. Despite putting up massive individual scoring chances and expected goal numbers, McDavid's on-ice goal share and defensive...
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Why the Edmonton Oilers Are Risking EVERYTHING on Connor McDavid's Potential Last Year
Are the Edmonton Oilers entering the highest-stakes season in modern NHL history? We break down why general manager Stan Bowman and head coach Mike Babcock are going completely all-in on the 2026–2027 season. With Connor McDavid entering the final year of his contract, Edmonton’s championship...
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Cale Makar’s $20M Deal Changes EVERYTHING | Evan Bouchard vs Makar Breakdown
Cale Makar has officially made NHL history as the league’s first $20 million per year player, permanently shifting the market for elite NHL defensemen. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down what this massive contract means for the Edmonton Oilers and why Evan Bouchard’s...
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Did the Edmonton Oilers Miss Their Stanley Cup Window? | Roster Depth & Future Outlook
The Edmonton Oilers are facing tough questions about whether their Stanley Cup window of contention is closing around superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This deep dive breaks down the life cycle of NHL contenders, analyzing why championship rosters need continuous waves of young talent...
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How long layoffs impact sports decision making | Gruden, Babcock and coming back around
The Edmonton Oilers' decision to hire Mike Babcock brings massive expectations alongside major strategic concerns for the franchise's championship window. On this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why returning to professional coaching after a multi-year layoff presents...
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Why the Oilers might be stuck at good, not great | The Contender Reality Check
The Edmonton Oilers face a massive dilemma heading into the new season as they try to balance immediate Stanley Cup expectations with long-term roster construction. While having superstar talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl makes taking a step back impossible, the reality is that the...
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Why The Edmonton Oilers Can't Win With Just McDavid & Draisaitl | 5v5 Goal Share Breakdown
The Edmonton Oilers have enjoyed a decade of generational hockey talent with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, yet Stanley Cup glory remains elusive due to a critical roster construction flaw. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, we break down the McDavid-Draisaitl Paradox, diving deep into...
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Is Zach Hyman the Edmonton Oilers' Best Free Agent Ever? Career Arc, Analytics & Future Outlook
In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives into Zach Hyman’s remarkable NHL trajectory, examining how a former fifth-round pick and four-year NCAA player evolved from a middle-six forward in Toronto into one of the most productive wingers in the Connor McDavid era. The…
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How the NHL's Style Shift Gives the Edmonton Oilers a Major Advantage
The NHL's dominant style of play has fundamentally shifted over the last five years, creating a modern, efficiency-driven landscape that directly benefits high-skill teams like the Edmonton Oilers. While total scoring attempts have stayed steady, actual shots on goal are declining because…
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Stan Bowman’s Oilers Offseason Ranked: The Best, Worst & Riskiest Moves
The dust has mostly settled on Stan Bowman’s second offseason as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, and host Nick Zararis breaks down the process and results behind his roster construction. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, we evaluate how general managers navigate risk, cap management…
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Oilers Goalie Room Analysis: Tristan Jarry, Freddie Andersen & The Workload Dilemma
Welcome to Monday’s edition of Locked On Oilers, where host Nick Zararis dives deep into the Edmonton Oilers' remade, high-variance goalie room featuring Tristan Jarry, Freddie Andersen, and Devon Levi. Zararis breaks down the modern NHL's shift toward goaltender load management, noting that...
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Who Will Win Edmonton’s 2nd Pair Defense Spot? | Ryan Shea vs. Jake Walman
Nick Zararis breaks down the major $11 million defensive puzzle facing the Edmonton Oilers heading into the upcoming season: who earns the left-side spot on the second pair alongside Connor Murphy? On this episode of Locked On Oilers, we take a deep dive into the underlying metrics, transition...
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Why the Oilers should trade for Kirill Marchenko | Trade and extension cost
With reports that Columbus Blue Jackets right winger Kirill Marchenko has requested a trade, Nick Zararis breaks down why the Edmonton Oilers should explore a deal. From his underlying analytics and transition metrics to the literal trade cost, potential contract extension, and line fit alongside...
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Why Mike Babcock's Goalie History could be Bad News for the Edmonton Oilers
Will Mike Babcock's coaching style work with the Edmonton Oilers' current goalie room? In this Tuesday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into Mike Babcock’s historical usage of goaltenders. From riding "bell cow" goalies like Jean-Sébastien Giguère in Anaheim to his heavy...
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Mike Babcock's Impact on the Edmonton Oilers: Reuniting with Hyman, Andersen & Kapanen
On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick dives deep into the environmental factors and historical context surrounding Mike Babcock’s return as an NHL head coach—this time behind the bench for the Edmonton Oilers! We explore Babcock's previous tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs and break...
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The Hero's Journey: Connor McDavid, the Odyssey and sports Mythology
Do sports and ancient mythology have more in common than we think? On this Wednesday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis explores the deep connections between ancient storytelling, like Homer's The Odyssey, and the enduring legacies of modern athletes. From the hero's journey of...
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Why Unlocking Matt Savoie and Ike Howard is the key to the Oilers lineup in 2026
In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into the philosophy of building the optimal Edmonton Oilers forward group. With new flexibility in the lineup, the focus shifts to creating efficient offense by amplifying player strengths and minimizing weaknesses to ensure the…
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The Edmonton Oilers MUST Learn From Steve Yzerman's Firing
The Detroit Red Wings fired GM Steve Yzerman, and the Edmonton Oilers need to pay close attention. On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down how a historically dominant franchise ends up trapped in hockey purgatory and what Edmonton can learn from their mistakes 03:15...
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A way too early Pacific Preview: How the Oilers stack up against a weak division
Welcome to this Thursday edition of Locked On Oilers with host Nick Zararis! In this episode, we dive deep into the state of the NHL's Pacific Division to analyze how the Edmonton Oilers are maintaining their contender status. The division's landscape is the single most important factor for the...
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The truth about the Edmonton Oilers past free agency mistakes
Welcome to this Wednesday edition of Locked on Oilers. Host Nick Zararis dives deep into the harsh lessons the Edmonton Oilers have learned from recent free agency misses. We break down the psychology of veteran players chasing rings and the intense challenges of trying to fit into a roster…
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Edmonton Oilers 2026-27 Roster Breakdown: Playing it Safe or Going for Broke?
The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026-27 season with a stronger opening night roster than last year, but are they playing it too safe? On this Tuesday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into the philosophy of NHL roster construction, analyzing the Oilers through the lens of...
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Can the Oilers bounce back to contenders? Lessons from Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh on long-term windows
To win the Stanley Cup, a team needs almost everything to go exactly right. In this Monday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the fallout of failing to close the deal and examines how the Edmonton Oilers can navigate the ticking clock on their championship window. By…
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The Downstream Effect: Reverse Engineering the Oilers recipe for success
On today’s edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into the weeds to reverse engineer the Oilers' conceptual system. Using the "Downstream Theory," Nick breaks down how what happens in the offensive zone directly dictates the heavy workload on the defense and goaltending. We…
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Why Shakir Mukhamadullin is a worthwhile low risk gamble for the Edmonton Oilers
Is Shakir Mukhamadullin the hidden gem the Edmonton Oilers needed? In today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the massive trade that allowed the Edmonton Oilers to successfully dump Darnell Nurse’s contract, receiving former first-round pick Shakir Mukhamadullin in...
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Why Ryan Shea will define the Edmonton Oilers defense
Is the Edmonton Oilers' move to sign Ryan Shea a stroke of genius or a short-term gamble? In this episode of Locked On Oilers, we break down the high-stakes transition from Darnell Nurse to Ryan Shea and what this means for the team's blue line heading into the new season. After an impressive...
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The Oilers new look goalie rotation is ready for the challenge
The Edmonton Oilers are heading into a pivotal season with a new strategy between the pipes. In this episode, we break down the Oilers' unique "three-headed goalie monster" and what it means for their Stanley Cup aspirations in the 2026-2027 season. In this episode, we cover: The Freddie Andersen...
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Stan Bowman’s MASTERCLASS: Darnell Nurse Traded & Massive Oilers Free Agency Haul!
Welcome to a very busy, bonus edition of Locked On Oilers! Host Nick Zararis breaks down an explosive Day 1 of the NHL offseason and free agency transaction window. For the first time in over two years, we can confidently say that Oilers GM Stan Bowman had a phenomenal day! In this episode, we…
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Why the Edmonton Oilers MUST Evolve to Keep Connor McDavid | NHL Trade Strategy
The NHL's Player Empowerment Era & The Edmonton Oilers' Master Plan The NHL has entered a massive transition period, and the Edmonton Oilers need to adapt if they want to break their championship drought. Host Nick Zararis dives into the rapidly changing landscape of the NHL, explaining how…
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Why the Edmonton Oilers Can’t Fix Their Goalie Problem
The Edmonton Oilers are caught in a perpetual goalie carousel, and it’s threatening their status as true Stanley Cup contenders. In this episode, we break down why finding a consistent, long-term starting goaltender is one of the hardest challenges in the NHL today. In this episode, we dive deep...
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Edmonton Oilers Free Agency Preview: Forwards, Defense, and Goalie Needs
With the NHL free agency period just days away, the Edmonton Oilers have clear holes to fill in their forward group, defensive core, and goaltending tandem. Join host Nick Zararis on today’s Locked On Oilers as we play matchmaker for the Oilers and analyze the best fits in a buyer-beware market.…
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The Edmonton Oilers Last Dance Season and the ticking McClock
The Edmonton Oilers are entering their longest offseason in three years, and it is rife with massive structural changes. From foundational roster issues to one of the most controversial coaching hires in recent memory, this upcoming NHL season is officially a "do-or-die" campaign for Connor...
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Why the Connor Murphy extension is worth the role of the dice | The Oilers changing defense
The Edmonton Oilers have officially extended defenseman Connor Murphy! While earlier moves this week left fans divided, host Nick Zararis breaks down why this extension might just be the stabilizing anchor the Oilers' blueline desperately needs as they navigate massive roster turbulence. In this...
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Why Hiring Mike Babcock is a MASSIVE Mistake for the Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have officially hired Mike Babcock as their new head coach—and this decision is an absolute disaster. In this bonus edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why Stan Bowman, Daryl Katz, and the Oilers' leadership have made a compounding error that could…
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9 Targets To Save The Edmonton Oilers Contender Status
The Edmonton Oilers are entering a critical offseason landscape defined by rising salary caps and star players leveraging their way to new teams. With free agency looking lackluster, host Nick Zararis breaks down 9 potential trade targets across three tiers—Buy Low, Shake Things Up, and Franchise...
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Why the Jason Dickinson extension is a massive risk
Is history repeating itself in Edmonton? In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down his instant reaction to the Edmonton Oilers signing 30-year-old forward Jason Dickinson to a massive five-year contract extension worth $4 million per year. While Dickinson is a perfectly...
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Oilers cleared to hire Mike Babcock | Is Darnell Nurse on his way to Pittsburgh?
The Edmonton Oilers are making major waves in the NHL headlines, from a potential Mike Babcock hiring to massive Darnell Nurse trade rumors. In today’s episode, host Nick Zararis breaks down the shocking reports from Emily Kaplan and Elliot Friedman indicating that the NHL has cleared the path…
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How The Carolina Hurricanes Just Changed The NHL Forever (And What The Oilers MUST Learn!)
The Carolina Hurricanes are the 2026 Stanley Cup Champions, cementing themselves as one of the most unconventional cup-winning rosters of the modern NHL salary cap era. On today’s edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the massive fallout from the Stanley Cup Final and unpacks...
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Why It's Time to Move On From Darnell Nurse | Edmonton Oilers Offseason Breakdown & Replacements
The Edmonton Oilers and Darnell Nurse are officially ready for a change of scenery. On this Monday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the mounting frustrations surrounding Nurse, his current workload, and why the Oilers media and coaching staff believe his time in Edmonton...
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Darnell Nurse Wants OUT & Mike Babcock under investigation
Welcome back to Locked On Oilers with your host, Nick Zararis! In today’s episode, we are breaking down why the Edmonton Oilers have officially become the most dramatic, compelling, and narrative-driven team in the NHL entering the 2026 offseason. From a highly activated, die-hard fan base to...
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Why Hiring Mike Babcock is a Dangerous Mistake for the Edmonton Oilers
Is Mike Babcock actually the answer for the Edmonton Oilers, or is the organization about to make a massive mistake? Welcome back to Locked On Oilers, your daily podcast on the Edmonton Oilers. In today's episode, host Nick Zararis breaks down the shocking, borderline baffling rumors that the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
From reaction inside the locker room to the buzz on the street, join hockey media professional Nick Zararis daily for the Locked On Oilers Podcast. Edmonton bleeds Orange and Blue and Locked On Oilers is the source for the best Oilers content. Nick gives you all the information from every possible angle to get you ready for the next puck drop. Nick brings an open-minded and forward thinking approach to the game rooted in always understanding a little bit more every single day. Locked on Oilers is the essential podcast for fans of Edmonton's favorite team. Locked on Oilers, part of the locked on Podcast network, your team every day.
HOSTED BY
Locked On Podcast Network, Austin Harrison
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers have?
Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers currently has 500 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers about?
From reaction inside the locker room to the buzz on the street, join hockey media professional Nick Zararis daily for the Locked On Oilers Podcast. Edmonton bleeds Orange and Blue and Locked On Oilers is the source for the best Oilers content. Nick gives you all the information from every possible...
How often does Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers release new episodes?
Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers publishes regularly with 500 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Who hosts Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers?
Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers is created and hosted by Locked On Podcast Network, Austin Harrison.
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