By: Chris Nosek

As he began the job last season, Stan Bowman stated they were still confident in their goaltending. Now, fans are frustrated after another year of coming up short in the Stanley Cup Finals. They did nothing this offseason to change their goaltenders, which will further upset the fanbase. There is now additional scrutiny on Bowman as Connor McDavid doesn’t have a contract for next season yet. Regardless of what happens with McDavid’s contract, fans should remain focused on this season. They should be able to contend again, and THAT is what matters right now.

Biggest Departure: Evander Kane, traded to Vancouver Canucks

Over the past three seasons, Kane has brought a physicality to the forward group that was highly needed. Putting up 111 points over 161 games, he was also able to provide depth scoring. His mix of physicality and scoring allowed him to move up in the lineup as needed. He has missed some time for various reasons. Therefore, replacing him in the lineup might not be as tall of a task as anticipated. Until someone steps in and fills his production, losing Kane remains a massive blow.

Biggest Acquisition: Andrew Mangiapane, signed as Unrestricted Free Agent

The signing of 29-year-old Andrew Mangiapane should help fill some of hole filled by the departure of Evander Kane. Mangiapane may be only 5’10”, but he will get in on the forecheck quickly. He will bring a solid energy to the lineup. He put up 35 goals back in 2021-22 with the Flames. However, he usually scores around half that. So, he will likely be lower in the lineup. Until someone else steps up and contributes offensively, the spotlight will be on Mangiapane to help fill out the lineup.

*Isaac Howard, acquired via trade from Tampa Bay Lightning

Isaac Howard was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He made it known he didn’t want to play for the Lightning. As a result, Bowman acquired the 21-year-old winger. It was in exchange for Sam O’Reilly. Shortly after the trade, Howard signed his entry level contract. He’s coming off a Hobey Baker winning season during which he scored 26 goals and 26 assists over 37 games. The 5’11” forward will likely play on the wing next to either Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid. This will put him in position to immediately make an offensive impact. If he successfully provides the offensive punch the Oilers need, Howard easily becomes the teams biggest acquisition.

Best Contract: Stuart Skinner, extended as Restricted Free Agent on December 19, 2022

Some are likely going to have a problem with this selection. Understandably when you have a team that has Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evan Bouchard on its roster. However, Stuart Skinner is an NHL starting goaltender who counts for only $2.6 million against the salary cap. This isn’t his entry level contract, and he’s still only 26 years old. Yes, he’s had his issues in the crease over the years. While the Oilers have not won a Stanley Cup (yet), he has done everything the team needs him to do.

Given his usage and cap hit, Stuart Skinner has arguably the best contract for any goaltender in the NHL. Over the past three seasons he has played 50, 59, and 51 games. This puts him as one of 10 goaltenders to start at least 160 games over that time. The other 9 carry an average cap hit of $7.84 million for $5.24 million over what Skinner takes up on the Oilers cap. That average was $8.7 million until the Buffalo Sabres signed Alexandar Georgiev to a contract carrying $825k. His career save percentage is around .900 and he has a 2.73 career goals against average. Despite having multiple Hart Trophy candidates on the roster, Skinner’s current contract is the greatest value on the roster. At the end of the day, he is still an NHL starting goaltender and he has backed his team to two straight Stanley Cup Finals.

Worst Contract: Darnell Nurse, signed on August 6, 2021 as Unrestricted Free Agent

Nurse’s contract carries a cap hit of $9.25 million, and over the past few seasons his play has dropped so much he’s been scratched from the lineup. He was the highest paid defenseman on the roster until Evan Bouchard signed his $10.5 million contract just before becoming a restricted free agent. If the Oilers decide to try to move on from Nurse, they must consider his trade protection. The new rules for retention make this process even more difficult. Moreover, there is the protection he has for the next five years. His average of .41 points per game is simply not good enough for a defender you’re paying $9.25 million. At 30 years old he’s likely only going to decline going forward as well.

Notes:

The Oilers are going to be contenders as long as they get at least average goaltending and defense. They have McDavid and Draisaitl on offense. However, they can’t forget the support around those two. It is critical to get the rest of the roster correct. All the focus is on Connor McDavid not having a contract for next season. However, ten other players on the roster also don’t have contracts beyond this season. Including four defensemen and both goaltenders. They have a pretty small prospect pool and limited draft capital to work with. If the Oilers go all in this season to try to win, they’ll be even more slim in both areas. Unfortunately, Stan Bowman might have to allow the Oilers to take a step back for one season. This might be necessary to make a few runs at the Stanley Cup.