Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

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 discussion breaks down Edmonton’s organizational buy-in following his seven-year, $5.5 million AAV signing and reviews his stellar underlying 5-on-5 metrics—including a 55% goal share and 58% expected goals share—that illustrate just how dominant his net-front presence and forechecking have been alongside Edmonton’s elite talent.  Expectations, Culture & Team Impact Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the episode maps out realistic production benchmarks for the 34-year-old winger following his 27-goal campaign in roughly 50 games, exploring why power-play deployment and top-line chemistry could easily keep him in the 25-to-35 goal range. The analysis wraps up with an evaluation of Hyman’s leadership footprint, his voice within the organization’s coaching dynamics, and his deep connection to the Edmonton community through extensive charitable and off-ice engagement 03:21 Zach Hyman's NHL journey 06:47 Toronto's decision on Zach Hyman 14:01 Zach Hyman's Career Success Factors 16:21 Zach Hyman's role evolution 18:45 Oilers struggle with top 6 depth 23:35 Impact of Power Play on Hyman's Goals 25:40 Zach Hyman's NHL journey Is Zach Hyman the Edmonton Oilers' Best Free Agent Ever? Career Arc, Analytics & Future Outlook Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   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.

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 defenses and goaltenders are closing down lanes and forcing offenses to become hyper-selective. This dynamic has created a tactical paradox: because low-percentage point shots and wall attempts are being phased out, expected goals and high-danger chances are climbing as teams funnel pucks directly between the hash marks. In this episode, host Nick Zararis breaks down the macro-level analytics shaping modern hockey strategy, roster construction, and game states. Discover how efficiency models from the NFL and NBA have triggered league-wide homogeneity, why Leon Draisaitl's sharp-angle power-play shot defies traditional metrics, and how the McDavid-Hyman unit forces defensive compromises. Plus, explore the tactical counter-adjustments NHL defenses and goaltenders must make to survive this offensive evolution 04:06 Subscription models and efficiency in sports 10:20 Football strategy and possession management 12:13 Predicting MLB Season Outcomes 17:29 Effective decision-making in hockey 19:28 Similarities in Team Strategies 22:12 Innovating football personnel strategy 25:27 Understanding Player Perspective on Ice How the NHL's Style Shift Gives the Edmonton Oilers a Major Advantage Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   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.

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, and goal setting while balancing short-term self-preservation with long-term organizational health.  We break down the best moves of Bowman’s tenure—including shedding Darnell Nurse’s massive contract without salary retention, snagging Vasily Podkolzin from Vancouver, and picking up Connor Ingram as a season-saving stopgap. Then, we dive into the moves that have aged poorly, examining the high-risk trades and long-term contracts like the Stuart Skinner for Tristan Jarry deal, Trent Frederic’s extension, and the future outlook on Jake Walman’s massive contract. 05:21 Evaluating GM Decisions 07:57 Navigating GM challenges 13:22 Podkolzin's Trade and Rise 15:40 Evaluating recent player contracts 19:49 Concerns about Stan Bowman's leadership 22:16 Contract issues with goalie acquisitions 25:41 Trent Frederics' role and potential 28:53 Closing remarks and show recommendations Stan Bowman’s Oilers Offseasons Ranked: The Best, Worst & Riskiest Moves Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   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.

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 traditional 60-start netminders often burn out before deep playoff runs. Applying this reality to Edmonton, he explains that while Andersen is objectively the team's best goalie, his age and injury history cap him at roughly 30 regular-season starts to keep him fresh for the postseason. Meanwhile, Jarry's fragile confidence means he is prone to spiraling after a few bad games, leaving the relatively inexperienced Devon Levi to likely shoulder 10 to 20 starts this year.  This piecemealed crease strategy presents a massive, unfamiliar challenge for head coach Mike Babcock. To survive this goaltending carousel and legitimately contend for the Stanley Cup, Zararis argues that the Oilers must fundamentally improve their 5-on-5 play. The team needs to evolve into a dominant possession squad, imitating the relentless forecheck and sustained offensive zone time utilized by successful franchises like Carolina and Florida. By controlling the tempo, reducing defensive zone transition errors, and making their goalies' lives easier, Edmonton can effectively mask its vulnerabilities in the net. Tune in to hear why carrying three goalies might be a season-long necessity to manage injuries and workloads, and get a sneak peek at tomorrow’s episode evaluating general manager Stan Bowman’s offseason moves. 03:38 Goalie fatigue affecting playoff performance 06:52 Concerns about goalie Tristan Jarry 11:41 Freddie Andersen's goalie performance 14:06 Discussing goalie performance and trades 20:10 Discussing NHL goalie challenges 23:45 Oilers' play style and goaltending issues 26:27 NHL goalie strategies and Oilers' challenges 28:35 Cheering for the Oilers Oilers Goalie Room Analysis: Tristan Jarry, Freddie Andersen & The Workload Dilemma Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   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.

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 profiles, and career trajectories of two unconventional late bloomers: free-agent signee Ryan Shea and veteran blue-liner Jake Walman. Both defensemen took non-traditional routes through college hockey and extended AHL stints before establishing themselves in the NHL. Shea brings a strong possession and exit profile from his breakout campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he put up impressive goal-share numbers despite non-elite matchups. Walman offers dynamic high-end transition play, carrying exits, and offensive upside, but questions remain regarding his net-front defense and injury history. Nick walks through the statistical cases for both players, evaluating how each profile fits next to Connor Murphy's shutdown style and how Edmonton's revamped bottom-six forward group impacts these defensive pairings. Ultimately, contract value and organizational equity give one candidate the early edge to start the season on the second unit 06:17 Evaluating Oilers' risky defense deals 07:43 Discussing Penguins' defensive lineup options 10:58 Comparing Ryan Shea and Jake Wallman 15:53 Penguins' goaltending and team performance 17:46 Ryan Shea's playing style 20:57 Jake Wallman's 2025 performance 25:52 Evaluating late bloomer NHL players 27:32 Analyzing Oilers' Options in Defense Who Will Win Edmonton’s 2nd Pair Defense Spot? | Ryan Shea vs. Jake Walman Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   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.

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 Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, we analyze every angle of a potential block-buster trade! 04:22 Challenges for European NHL Players 09:40 Discussing Kirill Marchenko Trade Rumors 11:30 Blue Jackets' player negotiations 16:54 Marchenko's offensive play and potential 20:08 Oilers' future with McDavid and Draisaitl 21:09 Oilers facing aging superstar challenges 25:36 Evaluating potential top 6 winger Why the Oilers should trade for Kirill Marchenko | Trade and extension cost Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   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.

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 reliance on Chris Osgood and Dominik Hasek in Detroit, Babcock's systems demand massive workloads. But with a current Edmonton trio of Tristan Jarry, Frederik Andersen, and Devon Levi, the Oilers face a major challenge. Zararis breaks down why Jarry and Andersen's injury histories make a 50+ start season highly unlikely, and what this means for Babcock's return to the NHL after a 7-year absence. 05:13 Coaching impact on Stanley Cup wins 08:02 Coaching experience and goalie concerns 10:29 Discussing Mike Babcock's goalie usage 14:30 Ducks and Red Wings Championships 19:13 Goaltending's impact on playoff hopes 23:45 Concerns about goalie workload 25:36 Oilers' goalie challenges and strategy Why Mike Babcock's Goalie History could be Bad News for the Edmonton Oilers Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. 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.

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 down how his past relationships with current Oilers players will impact the team's upcoming season. From Zach Hyman's evolution into a superstar to managing Frederik Andersen's workload, this episode covers everything you need to know about Edmonton's new era   01:24 - Context Matters: The Toronto Maple Leafs Rebuild  05:14 - Babcock's Arrival in Toronto & The Matthews/Marner Era  10:26 - Zach Hyman’s Unlikely Path to NHL Stardom  14:44 - How Babcock Used Hyman in Toronto  17:39 - Why Hyman Pushed for Babcock to Coach Edmonton  19:23 - Managing Frederik Andersen & Modern NHL Goalie Workloads  25:21 - Kasperi Kapanen: From Toronto Prospect to Oilers Utility Player  28:00 - Outro & Next Episode Preview Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.   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.

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 prodigies like Connor McDavid and LeBron James to the folk-hero status of Bo Jackson, we dive into how sports magic is created, remembered, and passed down. Whether it's the cultural impact of the 1980 Miracle on Ice or the archetype of the Canadian hockey player, this episode breaks down why we need sports myths to believe in something bigger than ourselves. 04:59 Young Athletes and Legacy 07:53 Bo Jackson's athletic career 11:08 Discussion on knowledge and magic in life 13:46 Building a sports analysis framework 16:50 Sports team legends and memories 22:25 The legacy of tough hockey tactics 24:35 Underdogs and Canadian hockey legends 27:44 Discussing mythology and sports culture The Hero's Journey: Connor McDavid, the Odyssey and sports Mythology Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. 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.

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 team does not become predictable. Key Topics Discussed: The Top 6 Strategy: Why keeping Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on separate lines is crucial for generating dynamic transition offense and taking pressure off the defense. Integrating Youth: The urgent opportunity to elevate young talents like Ike Howard or Matt Savoie into a first-line role alongside McDavid and Zach Hyman. Maximizing Draisaitl: How pairing Leon Draisaitl with relentless forecheckers like Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen can create a highly dangerous cycle game. Revamping the Bottom 6: The potential of a defensively responsible yet offensively capable third line featuring Jason Dickinson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. A Reliable 4th Line: Looking at how Colton Dach, Josh Samanski, and Trent Frederick could form a physical, forechecking fourth line capable of contributing secondary scoring. By finding the right mix of forecheckers, distributors, and shooters, the Oilers can become a multi-dimensional threat capable of attacking off the rush or the cycle. Tune in to hear the full breakdown of how these line combinations could propel Edmonton to a highly successful regular season 03:53 Oilers forward group challenges 07:25 Team's offensive predictability issues 12:07 Integrating younger players 14:27 Planning McDavid and Draisaitl's Lines 18:31 Oilers' promising top 6 lineup 22:44 Optimizing offensive line strategies 25:01 Strengthening the Oilers' bottom lines 26:50 Oilers' offensive potential this season Why Unlocking Matt Savoie and Ike Howard is the key to the Oilers lineup in 2026 Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. 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.

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 NHL coaching and management tenures 07:44 Red Wings' growth potential and optics 11:10 Red Wings' decline and challenges 15:04 Player Development in NHL Teams 20:40 Indeed Sponsored Jobs benefits 24:27 Rebuilding strategies for small market teams 25:53 Economics of sports tickets and fan experience 29:15 Ending the Episode The Edmonton Oilers MUST Learn From Steve Yzerman's Firing   Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.   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.

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 Oilers' playoff path, providing a slightly easier route compared to the Central Division. We break down all eight teams into three distinct tiers. 05:17 Oilers' roster challenges and future prospects 08:32 Discussing potential defense improvements 10:01 Discussing the Pacific Division 14:26 Analyzing Western Conference playoffs 18:00 Critiquing team asset management 19:49 Seattle's surprising playoff success 25:26 Calgary's risky rebuild strategy 27:04 Canucks' Upcoming Roster Challenges A way too early Pacific Preview: How the Oilers stack up against a weak division Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 loaded with superstar talent 05:03 Jeff Skinner's contract buyout 07:54 Jeff Skinner's struggles in San Jose 13:29 Victor Arvidsson's Role in Edmonton 14:40 Arvidson's career progression analysis 19:04 Efficiency in NHL Team Strategy 21:51 Analyzing Calgary Flames' 21-22 Lineup 25:31 Blackhawks roster struggles and insights The truth about the Edmonton Oilers past free agency mistakes Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 "ceiling versus floor". Whether you are looking at the grueling 82-game regular season or the high-stakes Stanley Cup Playoffs, building an optimal hockey team requires balancing safety with volatility. Nick breaks down recent roster moves, coaching changes, and the lingering questions surrounding the greatest player in the world. 04:13 Characteristics of Elite NHL Forwards 06:40 Risk-taking in hockey strategies 11:59 Offensive strategies and shot selection 15:04 Controlling game tempo and strategy 18:35 Debating the Oilers' future strategy 21:07 Oilers' lineup and strategy analysis 27:06 Mike Babcock coaching the Oilers 28:00 Podcast episode closing remarks Edmonton Oilers 2026-27 Roster Breakdown: Playing it Safe or Going for Broke? Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 looking at the historical trajectories of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning, this episode explores the patience, roster building, and cap management required to return to the Stanley Cup Final. 03:57 Pittsburgh's unique Cup journey 07:52 Building a Cup Contender 10:34 Pittsburgh's early Stanley Cup win 16:35 Building the next player generation 19:24 Tampa Bay vs Edmonton patience strategy 20:43 Challenges of Making Stanley Cup Final 25:23 Building a Strong Team Roster 26:56 Coaching stability with John Cooper Can the Oilers bounce back to contenders? Lessons from Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh on long-term windows Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 look at why management moved on from Darnell Nurse’s contract in favor of Ryan Shea, how Mike Babcock is transitioning the team from a rush-based offense to a heavy cycle game, and why the bottom-six forward group must step up when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have an off night. Plus, we project the 2026-27 forward lines—including the massive upside of a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, and Matt Savoie third line and analyze how a managed workload for Freddie Andersen could be the key to defensive stability. 06:12 Impact of Edmonton's superstars 07:28 Oilers' reliance on star players 11:27 Evaluating Oilers' Future Strategy 16:05 Team strategy for offensive puck control 18:05 Controlling play and helping goalie 24:16 Oilers lineup and scoring challenges 25:13 Challenges with Darnell Nurse's play 28:41 Promoting Locked On Podcast Network   The Downstream Effect: Reverse Engineering the Oilers recipe for success   Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub 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/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 return. Mukhamadullin is way more than just a "throw-in" piece. At 6’4” and 200 lbs, this 24-year-old defenseman has a fascinating developmental pedigree that got derailed by pandemic-era quirks and a logjammed New Jersey Devils system. We trace his winding road from the 2020 NHL Draft to the San Jose Sharks, and look closely at why he never got a true runway to break out in California. We dive deep into the advanced analytics, underlying numbers, and transition data to paint an honest picture of his style of play. From possessing the highest rate of clears on the Sharks last year to his low-risk, "safe" puck-handling archetype, we evaluate exactly how he profiles. Plus, where does Mukhamadullin fit into Mike Babcock’s defensive hierarchy? Can he morph into a highly effective third-pair shutdown specialist—similar to the role Nikita Zadorov played for Calgary? Finally, we project the Oilers' defensive depth chart ahead of opening night, discuss Stan Bowman's offseason roster moves, and explore what year-two jumps from Ike Howard and Matthew Savoie mean for Edmonton’s ceiling. 07:08 Mukhamadullin 's NHL minute breakdown 11:14 Evaluating NHL draft prospects 17:32 Evaluating Mukhamadullin's potential role 20:49 Discussing defensive pairings and strategies 22:32 Defenseman's uncertain NHL future 27:02 Oilers offseason changes and new coach Why Shakir Mukhamadullin is a worthwhile low risk gamble for the Edmonton Oilers Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub 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/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Shea enters Edmonton with high expectations. We dive deep into his underlying numbers, his career trajectory as a late-bloomer, and why his efficient play style might be exactly what the Oilers need to elevate their 5-on-5 performance. 06:01 The Penguins' surprising performance 08:54 Joining Connor Murphy in Team Strategy 09:43 Excitement of tournament soccer 15:22 Improving player matchups 17:37 Change in Defensive Pairings 20:57 Unexpected breakout season 24:00 Evaluating Shea in Edmonton's system 25:33 Oilers' roster strategy changes Why Ryan Shea will define the Edmonton Oilers defense Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub 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/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 Factor: Why his veteran pedigree and recent playoff experience make him the likely opening-night starter despite his injury history. Tristan Jarry's Role: A deep dive into Jarry’s consistency struggles, his $5.8 million contract, and the expectation for him to shoulder 30-35 starts. The Future with Devon Levi: Is Levi the long-term answer? We analyze his potential, his role in the current rotation, and why the Oilers might carry three goalies to avoid losing him on waivers. Goalie Strategy & Depth: Why moving away from a single "bell cow" starter toward a 1A/1B tandem could be the key to maximizing the roster in a "win-now" year 06:27 Freddie Anderson's playoff impact 10:07 Categorizing NHL goalie roles 12:52 Issues with Oilers' Goaltending Choices 14:59 Impact of Injuries on NHL Teams 20:04 Goalie rotation and strategy analysis 24:50 Discussing goalie strategy in the NHL 27:56 Oilers goalie roster management 28:58 Promoting hockey podcasts and channels The Oilers new look goalie rotation is ready for the challenge Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub 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/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 dive deep into the massive salary cap-clearing Darnell Nurse trade to the San Jose Sharks, which set the tone for a flurry of strategic depth signings and acquisitions. The Oilers didn't just dump salary; they completely restructured their roster to keep their championship window wide open 04:40 NHL salary cap challenges 08:00 Evaluating Oilers' management decisions 12:35 Discussing Ryan Shea's potential 15:18 Discussing Freddy Andersen’s NHL Move 18:15 Oilers' strategic player signing 22:36 Oilers betting on player potential 25:42 Devin Levy's potential with Oilers 26:42 NHL goalie lineup strategy Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 recent events and financial shifts are driving a new "player empowerment" era. With increased cap space across the league, players no longer have to choose between getting paid and competing for a Stanley Cup. So, how do the Edmonton Oilers leverage their unique advantages to attract superstar talent? We break down the exact strategies General Manager Stan Bowman must use to surround Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard with the depth needed to win it all. 04:42 Bowen Byron's potential contract talks 07:46 NHL player pondering future decisions 11:51 Oilers roster depth issues 16:04 Oilers trading strategy and future 17:14 Edmonton Oilers' legacy and future 23:45 Oilers' first round picks strategy 26:08 Oilers need more star power 28:36 Closing remarks and recommendations Why the Edmonton Oilers MUST Evolve to Keep Connor McDavid | NHL Trade Strategy Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 into: The Scarcity Myth: Why there aren't enough "elite" goalies to go around for 32 teams and why the position is more reliant on team environment than people realize. The Goalie Tier List: Analyzing the current landscape of NHL netminders—from elite stars like Igor Shesterkin and Andrei Vasilevskiy to the "good" and "starter" tiers. The Oilers' Specific Struggles: Why the combination of Tristan Jarry, Stuart Skinner, and Calvin Pickard failed to provide league-average production and the compounding effects of team roster construction. The Developmental Gap: Why rushing a young goalie into a high-pressure environment like Edmonton often leads to burnout, and why elite teams succeed by bringing prospects along slowly. The Financial Reality: Breaking down why the current goaltending market forces teams into difficult trade-offs between cost and production. Goaltending is a fickle position, and for the Oilers to maximize their championship window, they need to solve the puzzle of balancing workload, physical development, and salary cap constraints 03:49 Comparing NHL goalie performances 07:05 Discussing Top NHL Goalies 12:44 Challenges in Oilers' Goalie Situation 13:53 Modernizing Football and Hockey Strategies 19:26 Oilers goalie issues and lineup challenges 20:54 Stuart Skinner's Impactful Rookie Season 25:32 Vidar Ladar's unexpected success 28:05 NHL goalie salary comparison Why the Edmonton Oilers Can’t Fix Their Goalie Problem Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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. In this episode: Forward Targets: We analyze potential middle-six additions, including a "dart throw" on Patrick Laine’s elite goal-scoring ability, the pros and cons of targeting Anders Lee, Oliver Bjorkstrand’s versatility, and the risks associated with Mason Marchment. Defensive Shake-up: What does the future hold for Darnell Nurse? We discuss the potential trade market for Nurse and evaluate cost-effective defensive solutions like Jamie Oleksiak and the high-upside gamble of Ville Heinola. The Goalie Crisis: With the Oilers currently tied to Tristan Jarry, we break down why the team desperately needs a tandem partner to raise their floor. Could a reunion with Cam Talbot or a pride-based pitch to Sergei Bobrovsky be the answer? 04:43 Evaluating Roslovic and Lione's potential 08:03 Evaluating potential new players 12:25 Discussing Darnell Nurse Trade Options 17:40 Analyzing Defensive Player Potential 20:01 Discussing NHL free agency mess 23:42 Considering Bobrovsky for Oilers 25:36 Discussing Goalie Performances and Strategies 28:19 Reuniting with Cam Talbot Edmonton Oilers Free Agency Preview: Forwards, Defense, and Goalie Needs Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and company. In this episode of Locked on Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the good, the bad, and the outright ugly heading into free agency. We look at the bright side first: the much-needed physical and emotional rest for an older, veteran-laden core that has logged nearly 300 games over the last three years—compounded by a grueling Olympic cycle. Plus, we analyze the wave of youth on the horizon, including Matt Savoy’s late-season surge and how the pipeline could unlock the bottom-six forward group. Then, we dive into the burning questions. Why are the Oilers still stuck in "goalie purgatory" with Tristan Jarry? Can the team successfully navigate the baggage brought in by new head coach Mike Babcock, who hasn’t been behind an NHL bench in seven years? With massive uncertainty on the blue line regarding Darnell Nurse’s future and the defense pairings, the Oilers are betting heavy on a pair of fives. Will it pay off, or are they bound for another early playoff exit? 03:44 Olympic impact on NHL season 07:51 Evaluating Player Development and Roles 11:52 Oilers' goalie situation concerns 16:25 Mike Babcock's coaching controversy 19:14 Oilers' offseason challenges and roster 20:26 Lineup Strategy and Player Potential 26:23 Oilers' playoff path challenges 27:14 Oilers' playoff strategy discussion Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 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.

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 episode of Locked On Oilers, we dive deep into the analytics, the eye test, and the macro-level vision for a post-Darnell Nurse future. Why does Connor Murphy’s defense-first style translate so well even when playing on struggling teams? We break down the micro-stats, look at his underlying numbers alongside Darnell Nurse from both the regular season and playoffs, and explain how this move impacts upcoming pairings with Jake Walman. Plus, we look at the latest trade rumors surrounding Darnell Nurse and what it means for the Oilers' salary cap space heading into free agency! 04:03 Discussing aging defense first players 08:24 Debate on Connor Murphy's Value 11:14 Connor Murphy extension discussion 14:17 Evaluating Connor Murphy's gameplay 18:40 Oilers game analysis and stats 22:08 Darnell Nurse trade rumors 25:41 Challenges of Playing Under Pressure Why the Connor Murphy extension is worth the role of the dice | The Oilers changing defense  Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HimsTo get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.   Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

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 derail the franchise just as they are running out of time to secure a Connor McDavid extension. From a laundry list of on-the-record player allegations to being tactically left behind by a rapidly changing NHL, we analyze why Babcock is the wrong man for the job, both morally and strategically. 04:10 Discussing Mike Babcock's controversial reputation 06:35 Mike Babcock criticism and second chances 13:06 Changing NHL Leadership Dynamics 15:59 NHL coaching and goalie stats 19:10 Mike Babcock's coaching comeback 20:51 Discussing Mike Babcock's coaching future 25:26 Frustration with Oilers' Roster Choices 27:55 Expressing disappointment with coach hiring Why Hiring Mike Babcock is a MASSIVE Mistake for the Edmonton Oilers Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HimsTo get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.   Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

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 Shifting—that could elevate the Oilers back to Stanley Cup contenders. From long-term replacements for veteran depth to high-risk goaltending gambles and franchise-altering defensive pieces, we dive into the logistics, cap impacts, and roster fits for Edmonton. 05:04 Mason McTavish trade potential 08:35 Ice time and potential trades 12:17 Exploring the Oilers' trade market 14:57 Evaluating potential goalie trades 18:25 Analyzing potential player trades 22:02 Offseason strategy and expectations 25:33 Larkin's potential team moves 29:07 Blues' team transition discussion 9 Targets To Save The Edmonton Oilers Contender Status Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HimsTo get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.   Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

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 serviceable, defense-first third-line center , giving five years of term to a depth player turning 31 this summer is a massive gamble. Nick explains exactly why these types of "golden parachute" contracts rarely age well in today's NHL salary cap environment and how it limits the team's window of contention. We take a 10,000-foot view of the Oilers' fatal roster construction issues. From Stan Bowman's refusal to embrace a proper development year for young stars like Matt Savoy and Ike Howard , to the looming questions surrounding Mike Babcock , and a goaltending situation that remains a total disaster—the Oilers are trying to "defense" their way to a championship in an era where offense wins games. Are they wasting the peak years of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl by putting all the heavy lifting back on their shoulders? 06:26 Building a solid third line 07:46 Evaluating Player Longevity and Value 12:10 Discussing Jason Dickinson contract extension 15:35 Discussing Jason Dickinson's playoff role 20:35 Discussing Oilers' team strategy 21:48 Discussing team depth issues 26:21 Comparing current NHL player performances 29:33 Oilers' roster and performance issues Why the Jason Dickinson extension is a massive risk for the Oilers Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

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 for the Edmonton Oilers to hire Mike Babcock. We dive deep into why the NHL won't block the move , look back at Babcock’s controversial past in Toronto and Columbus , and discuss why this hiring could turn into an unmitigated disaster for McDavid, Draisaitl, and the Oilers' championship window. Plus, we reverse-engineer the latest NHL trade market leaks. TSN’s Darren Dreger dropped a massive update linking Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse to the Pittsburgh Penguins. What would a Nurse-to-Pittsburgh trade look like under Kyle Dubas and Stan Bowman? Are the Oilers about to get stuck taking back Ryan Graves' bad contract? Finally, we round out the show with a massive league-wide NHL trade market recap. We analyze the Toronto Maple Leafs' mind-boggling 8-year extension for Darren Raddysh , and the recent Leafs-Flyers trade involving Joseph Woll, Simon Benoit, and Samuel Ersson 03:05 NHL avoiding court with Babcock 08:39 Concerns about rehiring Mike Babcock 15:09 Penguins trade interest in Darnell Nurse 18:09 Oilers' trade and contract concerns 23:53 Overvaluing a Breakout Season 26:16 Evaluating Leafs' management and future 29:17 Joining the Everyday Club Oilers cleared to hire Mike Babcock | Is Darnell Nurse on his way to Pittsburgh? Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

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 the exact blueprints, principles, and roster-building lessons the Edmonton Oilers must steal from Carolina to build a sustainable championship contender.  Unlike traditional champions anchored by future Hall of Fame superstars or elite number-one centers, Eric Tulsky and the Hurricanes front office built a "weakness-free" roster defined by historical 5-on-5 dominance and elite four-line depth. We dive deep into the numbers behind Carolina's postseason run—outscoring opponents 46 to 28 at even strength—and how pieces like Nikolai Ehlers, K'Andre Miller, Sean Walker, and Taylor Hall completely transformed this team.  Plus, we look at the striking roster-building parallels between the Hurricanes and the NBA's New York Knicks, discussing how both front offices accurately identified their core's limitations and went all-in on elite depth over top-heavy stars. Finally, we apply these takeaways directly to the Edmonton Oilers' offseason. From moving on from heavy contracts to finding the next Logan Stankoven or Jackson Blake, how can the Oilers augment the core of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard with a championship-caliber supporting cast?    05:11 Carolina Hurricanes' roster strategy 08:06 Hurricanes roster and front office strategy 12:42 Lessons from Carolina Hurricanes 17:26 Carolina Hurricanes' team depth 20:37 Carolina wins second Stanley Cup 24:54 Trade and team rotation strategy 26:49 Carolina's financial strategy and options 29:35 Join Everyday Air Club How The Carolina Hurricanes Just Changed The NHL Forever (And What The Oilers MUST Learn!) Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

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 might be coming to an end.    While physical traits like his size, 74th-percentile skating speed, and 80th-percentile shot power make him a general manager's dream on paper, his lack of hockey instincts and struggle to adapt to a defense-first role have made him one of the most polarizing players on the roster. We dive deep into his 19:14 even-strength ice time, his disappearing power-play role behind Evan Bouchard and Jake Walman, and his tough minutes away from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.  Plus, we look at the blueprint of past Stanley Cup champions (like Ryan McDonough, Aaron Ekblad, and Jay Bouwmeester) to define exactly what kind of overqualified, elite number-three defenseman the Oilers need to target if they want to reopen their championship window. Can players already on the roster like Connor Murphy, Ty Emberson, or Jake Walman step up, or do the Oilers need to make a massive splash in the trade market? 05:55 Evan Bouchard's evolving role 07:53 Darnell Nurse's Defensive Struggles 12:54 Player potential and support systems 15:41 Adjusting to Defensive Roles in Hockey 17:02 Evaluating Oilers' Defensive Strategy 20:37 Discussing Oilers' offseason uncertainties 25:03 Ryan McDonough's trade to Lightning 27:59 Signing off and shoutouts Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.   RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

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 consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, the media circus surrounding Edmonton is reaching a boiling point.   In This Episode: The Darnell Nurse Bombshell: Elliot Friedman dropped a massive report revealing that Darnell Nurse has officially submitted a trade list to Stan Bowman and the Oilers front office. We dive into how the organization used local media to launder his exit, the stark contrast between his $9.25M cap hit and locker room reputation, and what this fallout means for the team moving forward. The Mike Babcock Watch: Is Mike Babcock really in the running for the Oilers head coaching job? We address Frank Seravalli's latest reporting regarding a potential NHL Players Association (NHLPA) investigation into Babcock's time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Why are the Oilers even considering this hire given his controversial track record? 04:36 Discussing Oilers' fan engagement 07:34 Superstar player trade speculations 10:02 Discount code and Stanley Cup chat 13:16 Darnell Nurse's contract debate 16:33 Understanding no trade clauses 21:38 NHL investigation and Babcock controversy 26:36 Skeptical of Bowman and Quinville's efforts 28:01 Addressing bullying in hockey coaching Darnell Nurse Wants OUT & Mike Babcock under investigation Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

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 Oilers' leadership council—including Connor McDavid—has reportedly met with former NHL head coach Mike Babcock. We dive deep into the psychology behind this potential hire, reverse engineer how the franchise got to this point, and look at why this might be a classic case of corporate overcorrection.   05:01 Evaluating experienced hockey coaches 09:59 Betting on Vegas Golden Knights 12:47 Resentment towards high-paid athletes 14:32 Toronto Maple Leafs team discussion 20:35 Discussing player rankings in sports 22:20 NHL leadership meeting discussion 26:56 Penguins' journey and Oilers' future 28:36 Join the Everyday Club Why Hiring Mike Babcock is a Dangerous Mistake for the Edmonton Oilers Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis pulls no punches as he breaks down the "mind-bogglingly stupid" rumors linking the Edmonton Oilers to controversial head coach Mike Babcock. With the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Final wrapping up and the Oilers' contention window rapidly closing, the front office appears to be entering a state of pure desperation. Nick dives deep into why turning over the remainder of Connor McDavid’s prime to Stan Bowman and Mike Babcock is a recipe for disaster. We unpack the pure hockey metrics—including how flawed Babcock's previous Toronto Maple Leafs teams actually were defensively—and re-litigate the troubling history of off-ice baggage from his tenures in Detroit, Toronto, and Columbus. Is this a move driven entirely by player demand to appease Connor McDavid before his looming 2027 July 1st contract leverage timeline? And why hasn't anyone in the Oilers organization stepped up to say no? 05:20 Dealing with Setbacks in Life 07:17 Comparing Batman and Oilers' desperation 13:11 NHL coaching careers and controversies 14:09 Controversies during Babcock's Detroit tenure 19:23 Privacy concerns in sports teams 21:57 Criticism of Mike Babcock's Coaching 26:58 Discussing team decisions with McDavid 28:49 Criticism of Oilers' coaching decision Mind-Bogglingly Stupid : Why the Oilers MUST Avoid Mike Babcock Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

Is the era of the workhorse, franchise "Bell Cow" NHL goaltender officially over?  Welcome back to another episode of Locked On Oilers! In today’s episode, host Nick Zararis breaks down a massive shift happening across the NHL landscape. Looking closely at the recent Stanley Cup Playoffs, a shocking trend has emerged: you don't need an elite, high-priced franchise goalie to compete for a Stanley Cup anymore.  We dive deep into the fascinating history and evolution of the position—from the Original Six era when teams only dressed one goalie , to Cam Talbot being potentially the last goaltender to ever hit 70 starts in a season back in 2017. But more importantly, we look at the data from the first round of the playoffs, where the team with the goalie who made fewer regular-season starts won 6 out of the 8 series! What does this mean for elite net minders like Andre Vasilevsky, Igor Shesterkin, and Ilya Sorokin? And why are modern NHL environmental factors shifting the game completely toward high-octane offense? 05:23 Trend of shorter competitive goalies 08:30 Comparing playoff goalies' careers 10:29 Energy shots and podcast promotion 16:49 NHL possession strategies and goalies 18:41 Building Teams Around Average Goalies 23:44 The challenges of relying on goalies 26:20 NHL team strategies and trades 28:20 Closing remarks and sign-off Are Franchise Goalies Dead? Inside the NHL’s New Goalie World Order! Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

Did the Edmonton Oilers value sentimentality and continuity over actually winning a Stanley Cup? Welcome back to another Monday edition of Locked On Oilers! In today’s episode, host Nick Zararis steps into the "Hindsight Machine" to travel back to the summer of 2025 and deeply re-evaluate the critical front-office decisions that shaped the 2025-2026 Edmonton Oilers season. Coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, General Manager Stan Bowman and the front office faced massive leverage points. Did they push the ball forward, or did they fall into the trap of overvaluing familiar faces? We break down the massive financial commitments that are now acting as net negatives on the cap—including the 8-year extension for Trent Frederick, Jake Walman's hefty contract, and how the team managed the fallout of losing Evander Kane's grit. Plus, we look at the goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard and wonder: What if the Oilers had signed Alex Lyon on Day 1 of free agency instead? As the 2026 NHL Free Agency and trade window looms on the horizon this July, what core thesis and lessons must Jeff Jackson, Stan Bowman, and Kris Knoblauch apply to elevate this roster to the next level? 04:46 Oilers' struggle with nostalgia 07:46 Decision-making in sports negotiations 10:39 Lockdown Oilers offseason chat 15:16 Oilers sign Trent Frederic 19:06 Discussing recent player contract evaluations 22:04 Oilers' lineup challenges in 2024 25:47 Evaluating Oilers' goaltending decisions 28:05 Oilers' questionable contract decisions Stan Bowman’s BIGGEST Mistakes: Re-Evaluating the 2025-26 Edmonton Oilers Offseason Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

The Darnell Nurse era in Edmonton is officially coming to an end. On today's episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down a massive, groundbreaking report from Sportsnet’s Mark Spector: the Edmonton Oilers are actively beginning to work on a Darnell Nurse exit strategy. Nick dives deep into what this means for the team's blue line, the front office strategy under Stan Bowman, and why this report is one of the most stinging indictments of an NHL player’s hockey instincts you will ever see from team-affiliated media. We wind the clock back to the chaotic 2021 flat-cap environment to analyze the exact economic factors, desperate management decisions by Ken Holland, and external forces (like the Oscar Klefbom injury) that forced the Oilers to hand Nurse his massive $9.25M long-term extension. Finally, we look at the crucial management lessons to be learned from this contract, how Evan Bouchard's elite development changed everything, and how the Oilers plan to unwind this tricky salary cap position before Nurse’s modified no-trade clause kicks in.   06:04 Darnell Nurse's contract issues 07:08 Oilers acknowledge need for improvement 13:29 NHL revenue and ticket sales 14:38 Impact of closed-door playoffs 20:11 ED treatment with HIMS 23:40 Importance of Offensive Defensemen 26:31 Evaluating player value and roles 28:15 Oilers defense strategy discussion Oilers Working on Darnell Nurse EXIT Strategy | Why it took so long and what happens next Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HimsTo get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

The Edmonton Oilers possess the ultimate luxury of building around two future Hall of Famers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But as both superstars prepare to enter their 30s and embark on their second decade in the NHL, a critical question looms: How long can Edmonton sustain a championship window around them? In today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the realities of NHL superstar aging curves and what they mean for the Oilers' long-term planning. We analyze how player value peaks early in hockey compared to other sports, why the rapidly expanding $104 million salary cap changes the roster-building equation, and how statistical trends show veteran stars evolving defensively later in their careers. To put McDavid and Draisaitl’s futures into perspective, we compare their trajectories to contemporary icons and legends who played through their 30s—including Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Evgeni Malkin, Nikita Kucherov, and John Tavares. Can the Oilers replicate the Pittsburgh Penguins' blueprint by finding internal depth pieces to ignite a second wave of contention before time runs out? Plus, we look at the crucial role of the Oilers' supporting cast—from Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman to Vasili Podkolzin—and debate whether the front office's win-now short-sightedness is hindering the development of the franchise's youngest assets 04:52 Discussing NHL player aging and contracts 07:28 Impact of Player Value on Team Dynamics 13:20 Oilers urgency with McDavid and Draisaitl 14:59 Analyzing Crosby's scoring consistency 17:34 Penguins players' career performance 21:06 Oilers' reliance on McDavid and Draisaitl 24:32 Pod Colson's future with the team 27:46 Discussing player longevity and performance Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HimsTo get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

Are the Edmonton Oilers still genuine Stanley Cup contenders, or are they a fading group falling back into the NHL’s middle class? In this Wednesday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis takes a hard, realistic look at the current state of the NHL hierarchy and where the Oilers truly stand after being eliminated for six weeks. With the Stanley Cup Final officially underway between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes, we evaluate the gap between the true elite tier and Edmonton's current roster. Nick breaks down the entire league into three tiers—the genuine Cup caliber teams, the volatile middle class, and the lottery-bound organizations —explaining why high-end talent like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard can keep the Oilers out of the lottery, but why they desperately need more support to actually make a deep postseason run. We also dive deep into the specific offseason questions keeping GM Stan Bowman awake at night. Who will fill the vacant head coaching seat more than a month after Kris Knoblauch’s firing? Who is Darnell Nurse’s defensive partner next year? What is going on with the goaltending tandem alongside Tristan Jarry? If the Oilers want to compete with the depth of teams like Vegas, they have massive holes to plug. 04:06 Talking about NHL team performance 06:43 NHL teams roster challenges 12:16 Oilers coaching situation update 15:58 Capitals' and other teams' prospects 17:00 Discussing NHL team performances 20:46 Running your own race vs. competition 24:58 Analyzing Oilers' Future Prospects 27:08 Edmonton Oilers' team needs Everydayer ClubJoin the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Tap here to learn more: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   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.

With a mediocre free agent class on the horizon, host Nick Zararis breaks down why Edmonton must look to the trade market to fix their roster. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, we dive deep into the complex systems of NHL trades, how general managers lose their leverage out of desperation, and how you can reverse engineer trade rumors to separate fact from absolute nonsense. Plus, we look back at the Tristan Jarry trade as a textbook example of poor leverage management and look ahead at the exact goalie targets and RFA swings Stan Bowman and management should entertain this offseason. 06:08 Oilers' goalie trade challenges 08:47 Oilers' risky goalie decisions 12:35 Promoting Game Time ticket app 13:47 Discussing trade markets and free agency 17:53 Florida Panthers' 2023 playoff journey 21:14 Oilers offseason moves and strategy 23:50 Concerns about Oilers' goalie choices 29:10 Signing RFA players for Oilers Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HimsTo get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

The NHL salary cap just jumped to $104 MILLION — and every single team in the league is swimming in money. So why is the 2026 NHL free agent class one of the weakest in recent memory? And what does that mean for the Edmonton Oilers heading into the offseason? In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Sarras breaks down the full NHL free agency landscape from the macro economics to the Oilers' specific roster needs — and why the flood of cap money actually makes free agency MORE dangerous, not less. NHL Free Agency 2026: Why Every Team Has HUGE Money & What It Means for the Edmonton Oilers   05:30 Cap space dynamics in NHL trades 07:25 NHL player trade strategies 11:18 NHL's financial challenges during COVID 14:00 Oilers' lineup changes and free agents 17:54 Discussing potential player trades 22:00 Risky free agent signings 23:15 Understanding world-class athlete instincts 26:53 Evaluating NHL Defenseman Options   Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! HimsTo get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon 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.

The Edmonton Oilers have all the star power, but do they have the blueprint for a Stanley Cup championship? In this episode, we wrap up our "Contender Series" by dissecting exactly what separates the perennial playoff hopefuls from the final four teams in the NHL. We take a deep dive into the organizational failures and tactical shifts that the Oilers must address this offseason to move from "contender" to "champion."     06:16 Evaluating team management and trades 07:27 Evaluating Player Usage and Strategy 12:07 Evolving coaching philosophies 14:32 Optimizing player line combinations 20:46 Evaluating player potential in hockey 22:26 Discussing player roles in hockey 26:06 Mental challenges in professional hockey 28:21 Transitioning to NHL offseason   The "Contender Trap": What the Oilers Must Change to Win the Stanley Cup   Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. 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.

What can a powerhouse team like the Edmonton Oilers learn from a rebuilding-turned-contender squad like the Montreal Canadiens? More than you think. In this Thursday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis continues the Final Four comparison series by diving deep into the massive gap in organizational coherence between Edmonton and Montreal. While the Oilers have stacked individual talent like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, they are treating roster construction like a simple math problem—ignoring how those pieces actually fit together. Meanwhile, Montreal’s leadership triad of Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes, and Marty St. Louis has established a flawless, metronomic blueprint for player optimization and development that Edmonton desperately needs to replicate. From the misuse of free agents like Jeff Skinner and Andrew Mangiapane to the short leashes on top prospects, we break down why the Oilers are in a synchronized panic and how they can fix it before the window slams shut 05:11 Hiring Jeff Gorton for rebuild 07:22 Montreal's long-term rebuilding plan 11:56 Coaching young NHL players 14:58 Oilers' roster and coaching challenges 18:06 Team Strategy and Player Development 20:38 Promoting ED treatment and tips 25:51 Player lineup and performance challenges 26:57 Oilers player management issues The SHOCKING Lesson The Edmonton Oilers MUST Learn From The Montreal Canadiens Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. 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.

The Carolina Hurricanes went up 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night. What can the Edmonton Oilers learn from a team that thrives on a specific, hard-working identity? In this Wednesday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis continues the playoff comparison series by breaking down how the Hurricanes have sustained a window of contention. We dive deep into how a great coach and a phenomenal system can unlock a franchise's full potential 05:03 Discussing Carolina Hurricanes' System Success 07:34 Oilers' player fit criticisms 10:57 Join the Everydayer Club 15:12 Challenges of Modern NHL Defensemen 19:11 Carolina maximizing value decisions 22:43 Cost-cutting and front office changes 25:29 Goaltending strategy and team flexibility 28:22 Carolina Hurricanes' effective lineup depth What the Oilers MUST Learn From the Carolina Hurricanes' Success Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. 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.

Colorado Avalanche showcase the blueprint for sustained NHL success can the Edmonton Oilers adapt before their window closes? Nick Zararis breaks down the Avalanche’s post-Stanley Cup evolution, highlighting how Colorado weathered the loss of key players like Gabriel Landeskog and Nazam Kadri, revamped their roster through strategic trades, and made tough calls such as moving on from Mikko Rantanen. Core stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar anchor Colorado’s resilience, while smart acquisitions and cap space management keep the Avalanche in Cup contention.    Key topics include the Oilers’ aging core, incremental improvement strategies, and the critical importance of goaltending upgrades. Will Edmonton learn from Colorado’s aggressive mindset and commitment to continuous roster optimization, or risk falling into the dreaded “middle ground” of the NHL hierarchy? Don’t miss this essential analysis of how playoff teams stay at the top. 03:33 Post-Stanley Cup roster challenges 07:45 Using cap space as a strategy 10:52 Learning from Successful Teams 14:48 Colorado playoff challenges and team dynamics 16:36 Managing an aging hockey team 21:40 Building on Stanley Cup success 24:42 Challenges of Maintaining Contender Status 27:19 Risks of aggressive team management     CONTENDER MINDSET: Colorado Avalanche’s ROSTER CREATES a Future Roadmap for Connor McDavid Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. 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.

The Vegas Golden Knights have been one of the NHL's best teams since entering the league, and the Edmonton Oilers could learn a thing or two from their ruthless operations. In today's episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis kicks off a series comparing the final four playoff teams to see how Edmonton can improve its roster-building strategy. We dive deep into why the Golden Knights' lack of sentimentality has kept them at the top of the NHL pecking order, from aggressively trading prospects to moving on from fan-favorite veterans and goalies. Are the Oilers holding onto players like Stuart Skinner and Darnell Nurse for too long? 05:29 Golden Knights' expansion strategy 08:05 Golden Knights team evolution and roster 11:31 Oilers' offseason strategy critique 15:23 Developing Young Talent in NHL 16:52 Edmonton Oilers development strategy 22:59 Problems with Oilers' goalie situation 27:37 Evaluating young player strategies 28:51 Oilers' strategy and league decisions What the Edmonton Oilers MUST Learn From Vegas' RUTHLESS Roster Strategy Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. 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.

What is the absolute best-case scenario for the Edmonton Oilers this offseason? Host Nick Zararis breaks down how the Oilers can navigate their $16.48M in cap space, secure the perfect head coach, and make the drastic roster changes needed to return to true contender status First, we tackle the single most pressing need in Edmonton: hiring the right head coach. From the unprecedented statements made by the NHL Coaches Association to the logistics of a potential Bruce Cassidy hire, we look at why tactical and ideological alignment with GM Stan Bowman is crucial for player buy-in. Then, we dive into the bookkeeping. With 10 free agents on the radar and $16.48M to play with, how can the Oilers stretch their dollars? We discuss the future of UFAs like Adam Henrique, Jason Dickinson, and Kasperi Kapanen, and explain why bringing back Connor Murphy might be the only way to stabilize Darnell Nurse’s pairing. Finally, we explore the "dream scenario" trades required to shed massive salary cap hits including the contracts of Darnell Nurse and Tristan Jarry to open up the flexibility needed to land elite talent 04:37 Coaching candidate interviews via Zoom 07:13 Addressing GM and coach alignment 12:11 Discussing Oilers' off-season plans 14:00 Discussing player contract decisions 17:03 Discussing Darnell Nurse's contract 20:19 Fruity Rainbow energy shot benefits 23:39 Oilers' goalie salary concerns 27:55 Future concerns for Oilers' roster   The Dream Offseason Blueprint for the Edmonton Oilers   Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. 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.

The Edmonton Oilers are officially hunting for a new head coach after firing Kris Knoblauch. With Connor McDavid entering the final years of his contract, the next coaching hire will completely define the future of the franchise. In today's episode, Nick Zararis breaks down the exact coaching archetypes available, why Kris Knoblauch's tenure ended, and the massive risks facing the Oilers in the 2026-27 season. Are the Oilers shopping for a "Manager" like Craig Berube or Bruce Cassidy, or do they need a completely different tactical mind? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below   1:43 - The Role of a Modern NHL Head Coach 5:10 - Handling the Media & Public Relations  6:56 - Analyzing the Coaching Market Fit  9:11 - Why the Oilers Fired Kris Knoblauch  11:09 - The 3 Coaching Archetypes: The Builder  12:47 - The 3 Coaching Archetypes: The Manager (Berube, Cassidy, Laviolette)  14:46 - The 3 Coaching Archetypes: The Cornerstone  15:42 - Commercial Break: Gametime App  18:46 - The 10-Year Connor McDavid Timeline  Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. 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.

The Edmonton Oilers have reportedly received permission to interview former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. But is he actually the right man to get Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl over the finish line?  On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the shocking underlying numbers from Berube’s 10-year coaching ledger across Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Toronto. While Berube has a Stanley Cup ring from the 2019 St. Louis Blues, we look at why his old-school, aggressive two-man forecheck system might completely backfire with the current Oilers roster. From the "new coach bump" reality to the scary parallels between Edmonton's current position and Toronto’s recent collapse, find out why hiring a Maple Leafs cast-off could cause the wheels to fall off in Edmonton. Plus, an update on the ongoing game of chicken with the Vegas Golden Knights over Bruce Cassidy! 04:49 Craig Berube's playing style 06:29 Craig Berube's coaching challenges 11:35 Discussing coaching styles and challenges 14:14 Evolution of defensive roles in hockey 18:05 Craig Berube's defensive strategy 22:28 Coaching rumors and contract issues 24:23 Struggles with team management and coaching 27:53 Connor McDavid's impact on Oilers Why Hiring Craig Berube Is a MASSIVE Mistake for the Edmonton Oilers Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-oilers/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. 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.

The Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly playing hardball about letting Bruce Cassidy interview for new jobs. However, the Edmonton Oilers should keep trying. On today's episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why Bruce Cassidy is the exact type of fiery, defense-first coach this roster needs.  We dive deep into his Stanley Cup-winning pedigree, his incredible underlying analytics in Boston and Vegas, and whether he can bring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's defensive games to an elite level. With McDavid's free agency looming in 2028, this is no time for the weary 01:05 - Bruce Cassidy's Career Track Record & Stanley Cup  07:11 - Why the Oilers Need an "Old School" Coach 12:53 - The Elite Underlying Analytics in Boston & Vegas 18:42 - Can Cassidy Fix the Oilers' Defense?  20:27 - Oilers Coaching Search Updates & Craig Berube  27:24 - Final Thoughts: Hire Bruce Cassidy The Edmonton Oilers in former Vegas Golden Knights' head coach Bruce Cassidy continues to be rebuffed  Everydayer 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://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-oilers/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. 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.