Diana: Alex Formenton is back. Leon Draisaitl is lighting up highlight reels from last season. And the Oilers are heading to Cologne for the first time in franchise history. But does that new roster depth actually change how we play?
Adam: It changes everything about the bottom six. We’re talking about a team that traded Darnell Nurse and brought in Alex Formenton, who was recently acquitted in the Hockey Canada case. This is a massive shift in identity.
Diana: Welcome to Beatline, America’s number one daily sports podcast network. I’m Diana, and this is your host Adam. We are live on September 10th, 2026, and you are listening to the Edmonton Oilers edition of Around the League.
Adam: Hey everyone. It’s great to be here. The preseason is officially heating up as training camps open across the league. Today, we’re looking at the headlines that matter most to Edmonton.
Diana: Here is what we are covering today. First, we break down the biggest burning questions for all thirty-two teams, with a special focus on how the Pacific Division rivals are shaping up against us.
Adam: Second, we dive into the Alex Formenton story. He has signed with the Oilers, becoming the third player acquitted in that Hockey Canada case to get an NHL contract since the trial ended in July. What does that mean for our lineup?
Diana: And third, we look at the international expansion news. The Oilers are scheduled to play two regular-season games in Germany during the 2027-28 season. Let’s get right into it.
Diana: Okay, Adam, let’s start with the big picture. ESPN just dropped their 'Burning Questions for All 32 NHL Teams' list. With training camps opening now, every franchise is trying to define its identity before the puck drops.
Adam: Right. And when you look at the Pacific Division, the narrative is shifting hard. You’ve got the Oilers coming off a trade of Darnell Nurse, which we talked about yesterday. Now, you have to see how the rest of the division is responding to that vacuum.
Diana: Exactly. And speaking of narratives, there’s a huge story breaking about Alex Formenton. He’s officially signed with Edmonton. This is significant because he was acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case, which concluded in July 2025.
Adam: It is significant. He’s the third player acquitted in that case to receive an NHL contract. That’s a lot of attention on this signing. But from a hockey perspective, where does he fit? We have a crowded center group already.
Diana: Let’s look at the roster. You’ve got Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, Colton Dach, Trent Frederic, Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark, Curtis Lazar, Owen Michaels, Josh Samanski, and Matt Savoie. That is eleven centers.
Adam: Eleven centers. And now Formenton is in the mix. He plays left wing, technically, but his versatility allows him to slide around. The question isn't just whether he makes the team, but how he impacts the forecheck.
Diana: We also saw some great content drop about Leon Draisaitl. They highlighted his top moments from the 2025-26 season. It’s clear he’s still the engine of this offense. But how does the rest of the league view us right now?
Adam: They view us as dangerous but unproven without Nurse. The defensive restructuring is the key. We brought in Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Ty Emberson, Connor Murphy, Ryan Shea, Spencer Stastney, and Jake Walman. That’s a lot of bodies to gel.
Diana: And let’s not forget the goaltending situation. We confirmed yesterday that Frederik Andersen is the starter. But with Connor Ingram, Tristan Jarry, Devon Levi, and Connor Ungar also on the roster, the competition is fierce.
Adam: I think the Formenton signing is a statement move by the front office. They want speed. They want grit. They want to match the pace of the modern game. It’s bold. Some might say risky given the legal background, but legally, he’s cleared.
Diana: It’s definitely bold. And it adds another layer to our analysis. We have to watch how he performs in camp. Does he earn a spot over someone like Matt Savoie or Owen Michaels? That’s the battle to watch.
Adam: Agreed. And remember, our prediction from earlier this week was that we’d finish second in the Pacific. If Formenton clicks, that second place feels very achievable, maybe even vulnerable if the Canucks or Kings stumble.
Diana: Stick with us. We’re going to take a quick breath and talk about how you can help keep this show free and daily, then we’ll dive into how those division rivals stack up against our new look Oilers.
Diana: Before we go, a quick request. Every coffee you buy helps fund the daily research, editing, and keeps this feed running so we can bring you these deep dives every single day. Please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description. Thank you for supporting independent hockey journalism.
Adam: Thanks, Diana. Let’s get into Segment Two. How do the Oilers stack up against their division rivals? The Vancouver Canucks are coming to town on September 30th for the season opener. That’s a long time away, but the anticipation is building.
Diana: Vancouver is always a tough out. They’re our next opponent, and they know we’re reshuffling the deck. The Nurse trade changed the dynamic. Who is stepping up on the blue line to fill that minutes-eating role?
Adam: Mattias Ekholm is the obvious answer. He’s bringing that steady, two-way presence. But you also have Jake Walman and Evan Bouchard driving the offense. The neutral-zone play will be critical. If we turn it over early, Vancouver will punish us.
Diana: What about the Calgary Flames? Or the Los Angeles Kings? The brief mentions 'Burning Questions for All 32 Teams.' Are any of those questions specifically targeting the Oilers’ ability to stay competitive in the West?
Adam: The main question is depth scoring. Can we rely on lines beyond McDavid and Draisaitl? With players like Zach Hyman, Max Jones, Quinn Hutson, Mathieu Joseph, Kasperi Kapanen, Vasily Podkolzin, David Tomasek, and Eduards Tralmaks, there is talent everywhere.
Diana: That’s a lot of wingers. Eight of them. So the coaching staff has to make some tough cuts. Who do you think is most likely to miss the team based on current camp reports?
Adam: It’s going to come down to defensive responsibility. Players like Vasily Podkolzin or Eduards Tralmaks need to prove they can kill penalties. If they can’t, they’re probably headed to the AHL. It’s a brutal cut.
Diana: And on the center side, we have that same issue. Twelve centers listed, including Formenton. Who gets bumped? Maybe Matt Savoie? Or perhaps Owen Michaels, who is still developing?
Adam: Savoie has shown flashes, but Formenton brings a level of experience and accountability that the team values right now. I think Michaels might be the one to lose out if he doesn’t dominate camp. He needs to win the faceoff battle more consistently.
Diana: Interesting take. So you’re saying Formenton edges out Savoie for the final roster spot? That would signal a heavy emphasis on veteran leadership and proven production.
Adam: Precisely. And don’t forget, we have Connor Ingram fighting for backup goalie duties. If he doesn’t beat out Jarry or Levi, he could be shuffled too. The pressure is on everyone.
Diana: It really is a make-or-break camp for a lot of these guys. Especially with the Canucks coming in October, we need answers fast. No time for experimentation once the regular season starts.
Adam: Right. And remember, our prediction was that we’d advance at least two rounds in the playoffs. To do that, we can’t afford injuries to our core four: McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, and Ekholm. Depth is everything.
Diana: Well said. Let’s keep this energy going into Segment Three, where we look at what outside results mean for the Oilers’ path, including that exciting news about playing in Germany.
Diana: Okay, Segment Three. Outside results. One of the biggest stories in the brief is that the Oilers will play two regular-season games in Germany in the 2027-28 season. Opponents are yet to be determined.
Adam: This is huge for global growth. The Bruins are also playing in Munich. So we’ll have a bit of a rivalry on the ice in Cologne and Munich. It’s a chance to showcase the game internationally.
Diana: But how does this affect the 2026-27 season? Right now, we’re focused on the domestic schedule. The next game is September 30th against Vancouver. That’s the immediate hurdle.
Adam: Correct. The 2027-28 stuff is future planning. But it shows confidence in the brand. The NHL believes the Oilers can draw fans overseas. That’s a testament to the McDavid and Draisaitl era.
Diana: Speaking of the present, let’s look at the free agency grades. Steve Yzerman is getting praise for 'failing up,' and the Rangers aren’t making the playoffs according to some predictions. Where does Edmonton stand in those grades?
Adam: Edmonton’s grade is solid. We addressed our needs. We got a top-pairing defenseman in Ekholm. We added depth forward in Formenton. We didn’t overspend on flashy names. It’s a smart, calculated approach.
Diana: Do you agree with the assessment that the Rangers aren’t returning to the playoffs? Do you think that opens up more space in the Western Conference for us?
Adam: Maybe. But the West is deeper. The Golden Knights, the Avalanche, the Oilers—we’re all fighting for position. A weak East doesn’t necessarily help us unless we secure our own house first.
Diana: Fair point. Our job is to control our own destiny. If we can navigate that initial stretch against Vancouver and other Pacific rivals, we set the tone for the whole year.
Adam: And let’s not forget the goaltending. If Frederik Andersen stays healthy and dominant, as we predicted, that gives us a foundation. Connor Ingram needs to step up when called upon. The tandem must work together.
Diana: So, final thoughts on the path ahead. We have the tools. We have the stars. We have the depth. Now we just need to execute. Any final predictions before we wrap up?
Adam: I’ll stick with my prediction: Second in the Pacific, playoffs, and at least two rounds. But if Formenton explodes, we could challenge for first. It’s all about chemistry in camp.
Diana: Love it. That’s our takeaway. The Oilers are poised for a strong 2026-27 season, anchored by McDavid, Draisaitl, and a renewed defensive core. Thanks for listening to Beatline.
Adam: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share this episode with a fellow Oiler fan. Let’s keep the conversation going.
Diana: Go Oilers! See you tomorrow.