2 days ago
He isn't bionic, but this Edmonton Oiler may still become The Six-Million-Dollar-Man: 9 Things
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The best thing that could happen for the Edmonton Oilers this season would be for their home-grown goaltender to develop into a true, consistent, reliable '1-A'.
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If the Oilers can rebuild him, make him better than he was. Better, stronger, faster…
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Would Stuart Skinner then become the Oilers Six-Million Dollar Man?
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9 Things
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9. The Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl has won the 2025 ESPY for Best NHL Player. The ESPYS celebrate excellence and achievements in sport. Too bad those judges did not also vote for the Hart Trophy.
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8. As we near the dog days of August, it is worth watching whether a PTO or three are secured in Edmonton. Sometimes, useful players just can not find the contract they are hoping for but are willing to work for one. Maybe a winger with some grit (Brett Leason, Klim Kostin) or an organizational LHS D-man (Jon Merrill)?
7. The Oilers dealt 2021 first rounder Xavier Bourgault to Ottawa last summer. This week, Bourgault inked a two-way, at the NHL minimum $775k with the Senators. The return for him was winger Roby Jarventie who played but two games in Bakersfield last season due to a knee injury. Jarventie has also signed a 1-year at the same AAV, reversing his original plans to go to Europe.
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6. Scanning the Oilers 2025-26 NHL Regular Season Schedule, what Rogers Placer games leap out as must-sees from a fan standpoint? There is the home opener against Calgary October 8, the battle of Alberta can always be fun. It is always an event when the Leafs come to town, too, this year on February 3. Then, the Stanley Cup Finalists rematch March 19 (although Edmonton is in Sunrise November 22).
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5. He does not get much ink. But I think a dark horse player worth watching for the Edmonton Oilers this season is D-man Alec Regula. Claimed from the Boston Bruins on waivers, Regula did not play a game in 2024-25 due to structural knee damage. But he is healthy now, and originally a Stan Bowman draft pick. His 6'4 frame, right shot, hockey sense and offensive upside could challenge for a spot…especially if there is an injury.
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4. Speaking of guys 'bubbling under', watching F David Tomasek this fall should be interesting. He has spent the off-season in Prague rehabbing from an injury that prevented him from playing at World's. Tomasek will try to crack the Oilers lineup on a one-way deal in camp. He is a good faceoff man but I think it's more likely he plays wing in the NHL. Then there is the Olympics where Tomasek is a lock to play for the Czech squad. Tomasek nearly signed in Edmonton last year but ended up back in Sweden.
