Three Oilers who will need to battle to keep their roster spot in 2025-26 season
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
As Oilers' training camp enters its third day, and with the 2025-26 NHL season just around the corner, three players will be watched closely for their contributions to the lineup, who could very easily find themselves the topic of conversation.
Adam Henrique is thirty-five years old; his production has declined in recent years by more than 50%, impacting his even-strength performance. In 81 regular season games last season, Adam posted 27 points, and only 7 points in 22 playoff games.
Three Players' cap hit must represent good value, or will find themselves on Hotseat
If Henrique is expected to play a third-line role, and contribute on a contending team, his offensive output needs to increase, in particular given his cap hit.
Henrique is in the final year of a two-year deal at a cap hit of $3M. The Oilers are operating close to the salary cap ceiling, and efficient use of funds is critical. Given his no-movement-clause, a good year is even more important for the Oilers.
Another player whose cap hit must represent good value is Darnell Nurse, in particular given his role as a veteran top-4 defenseman on a team in its Stanley Cup window.
Nurse carries a $9.25 AAV through the 2029-30 season. This contract places him among the highest-paid defensemen in the league, and is among his club's highest salaries.
Nurse's play can be inconsistent, particularly in the defensive zone during the playoffs. He generated fewer high-danger chances compared to his two previous years, and his defensive contributions were rated as below league-average, according to HockeyViz.
The Oilers' defensive-core is seen as a potential strength, featuring Nurse alongside Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, and Jake Walman in the top-4. For the defense to truly hold together and be effective, Nurse needs to avoid critical mistakes and play a consistent game.
Starting goalie must bring stability to goal position, or risk having a losing season
Much has been said about Stuart Skinner this offseason; he has been consistently highlighted as a potential weakness, particularly in the playoffs. Though his $2.6M AAV is good value for any starting goalie, his performance next year must justify him as a starter next year, or risk not being extended before he becomes a free agent next July, 2026.
It's incumbent on him to perform well-above the league-average, if Edmonton has any hope of advancing to the Finals for a third-straight season.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 439 ANSWERS Three Oilers who will need to battle to keep their roster spot in 2025-26 season Who do you believe will have the spotlight on him more in 2025-26? | ||
| Adam Henrique | 21 | 4.8 % |
| Darnell Nurse | 45 | 10.3 % |
| Stuart Skinner | 227 | 51.7 % |
| All three equally | 146 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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