Diana: If you think the Oilers’ center depth is crowded, wait until you hear who’s fighting for ice time in training camp. We’re answering your hottest mailbag questions today, from Alex Formenton’s role to the goaltending shuffle that has fans split down the middle.
Adam: It is a unique situation this year. With the roster constructed the way it is, every shift matters early on. Let’s get into it.
Diana: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, home of daily hockey coverage. I’m Diana, and I’m joined by Adam. Hey everyone! We have three segments planned: first, we’re tackling your biggest questions about the new faces and the center group; second, we’ll break down the defensive corps and goaltending battles; and finally, a fun hypothetical scenario plus a lightning round of quick takes. Buckle up.
Adam: Right. It’s preseason, records are still 0-0-0, but the storylines are already set. We’ve got the Vancouver Canucks coming up on September 30th, so everything leading up to that game is critical context for these answers.
Diana: Let’s dive right into Segment One. First question comes from Sarah in Edmonton. She asks: 'With Alex Formenton officially signed, what is his immediate role? Is he just a fourth-line grinder, or do we see him in more offensive situations?' This ties directly into that Hockey Canada storyline we’ve discussed all week.
Adam: So, Sarah’s question gets at the heart of how Edmonton manages risk versus reward. Alex Formenton was acquitted in the Hockey Canada case, becoming the third player acquitted to receive an NHL contract since the trial ended in July 2025. The organization is clearly signaling support, but tactically, where does he fit?
Diana: He’s listed as a left wing on the current roster sheet. Given the sheer volume of centers we have—McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, Dickinson, Dach, Frederic, Henrique, Janmark, Lazar, Michaels, Samanski, Savoie—it feels like Formenton might be pushed to the wing to clear space.
Adam: Exactly. And looking at the full roster, there are twelve centers and seven wingers listed. That imbalance suggests Formenton will likely play left wing alongside someone like Zach Hyman or Max Jones initially. He’s not a pure power forward, but he’s physical enough to handle a checking role while earning trust.
Diana: That makes sense. Next question is from @HockeyFan88 in Calgary. They ask: 'Leon Draisaitl had a huge 2025-26 season. What were his top moments, and is he ready to carry the load again if McDavid is resting or injured?'
Adam: Oh, absolutely. Leon Draisaitl’s top moments from last season defined much of our offensive identity. Whether it was the power-play efficiency or those clutch goals in tight games, he’s the secondary engine. If Connor McDavid needs rest, Leon steps into that primary driver role seamlessly.
Diana: It’s comforting to know we have that insurance policy. Now, a broader question from Marcus in Seattle. He wants to know: 'The Oilers are currently 1st in the Pacific Division with a 0-0-0 record. How realistic is it that they finish second next season, given the strength of Vancouver and Colorado?'
Adam: Marcus, you’re referencing some prior predictions we made. Last week, we talked about the Oilers finishing second in the Pacific. Even though they sit first now, preseason standings don’t count for much. The key is the depth behind the top line. With players like Trent Frederic and Mattias Janmark adding grit, the team can withstand losses against elite teams like Vancouver.
Diana: We also mentioned the international games in Germany for the 2027-28 season. While that’s two years away, it shows the league’s global push. But for now, the focus is purely on domestic competition. The Oilers have the talent to stay near the top, even if they slip to second place as the season wears on.
Diana: Before we move to our next segment, we need to talk about something important. This show is free because of you. Your support covers the daily research, the editing, and keeps the feed running without paywalls. Please check the link in the episode description to chip in. It helps us keep making content you love every single day.
Adam: Thanks, Diana. Let’s get into Segment Two: Roster Battles. First up, a question from Jessica in Toronto. She asks: 'Frederik Andersen vs. Connor Ingram. Who starts Game 1 against Vancouver, and why?'
Diana: This is the big one. We have four goalies on the list: Frederik Andersen, Connor Ingram, Tristan Jarry, and Devon Levi. Plus Connor Ungar. But the real battle is between Andersen and Ingram.
Adam: Jessica, this is exactly what we predicted back on September 8th. Frederik Andersen will start the majority of games, with Connor Ingram serving as the primary backup. Andersen brings veteran stability and experience in high-leverage situations. Ingram is talented, but Andersen’s presence changes the tone of the net.
Diana: And let’s not forget, the Oilers traded Darnell Nurse recently. That defensive adjustment impacts everyone, especially the goalie. You want a vet who can calm the locker room when the defense is shuffling.
Adam: Right. And looking at the defensive corps—Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, Ty Emberson, Connor Murphy, Ryan Shea, Spencer Stastney, Jake Walman—the system relies heavily on structured zone entries and penalty kills. Andersen fits that structure better than anyone else on the roster.
Diana: What about the other guys? Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi—are they just competing for spots, or is one expected to be the long-term solution?
Adam: They’re competing for the third-string spot or potentially being moved via trade. Devon Levi has upside, but he’s unproven in this system. Jarry has been here before. But unless Andersen struggles significantly, neither is starting against Vancouver on October 1st.
Diana: Okay, next question from @OilCountryDave in Edmonton. He asks: 'With the Darnell Nurse trade, how does the defensive pairing look? Is Mattias Ekholm staying on the top pair with Evan Bouchard?'
Adam: Dave, yes. Ekholm and Bouchard remain the top duo. Ekholm provides the shutdown minutes on the back end, while Bouchard drives the offense from the point. The addition of Ty Emberson and Jake Walman gives them flexibility on the second and third pairs.
Diana: And Connor Murphy adds that physicality we’ve missed. It’s a different look than last year, but it’s built for playoff hockey. Hard hits, clear lanes, strong neutral-zone play.
Adam: Exactly. It’s less about speed and more about structure. And with centers like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl dropping back to help, the defense doesn’t have to overextend.
Diana: One more from Lisa in Vancouver. She asks: 'How worried should Canucks fans be about the Oilers’ depth? It feels like Edmonton has too many centers.'
Adam: Lisa, it’s a valid concern. Having twelve centers means some are going to be scratched or sent down. But it also means Edmonton can adapt mid-game. If Owen Michaels isn’t feeling it, they can slide Matt Savoie up. It’s a luxury most teams don’t have.
Diana: Vancouver fans should be wary. The Oilers aren’t just relying on McDavid and Draisaitl anymore. They have layers everywhere. From Josh Samanski’s energy to Quinn Hutson’s skill on the wing, the depth is real.
Adam: Let’s move to Segment Three. A fun hypothetical from Chris in Boston. He asks: 'If the Oilers could only keep three players from their entire 2026-27 roster, who do they pick?'
Diana: Oh, this is tough. I’d say Connor McDavid, obviously. He’s the best player in the world. Then maybe Leon Draisaitl. He carries the load. Third... I’d go with Evan Bouchard. Without his puck-moving from the blue line, the whole offense stalls.
Adam: I disagree slightly. I’d keep McDavid, Draisaitl, and Frederik Andersen. Why? Because Bouchard can be replaced with a solid number-two defenseman. But Andersen? You can’t buy that kind of veteran goaltending in a hurry. He stabilizes the entire team.
Diana: Interesting take. You value the net over the point. I respect that. Okay, lightning round! Quick takes. First: Is Alex Formenton a safe signing for the NHL?
Adam: Yes. He was acquitted. The legal process is over. He’s focused on hockey now. No distractions.
Diana: Second: Will the Oilers make the playoffs?
Adam: Absolutely. We’ve said it multiple times. They have the talent, the structure, and the leadership. Second in the Pacific, and deep in the postseason.
Diana: Third: Who wins the MVP race?
Adam: Connor McDavid. Always. Unless he gets injured, it’s him. The gap between him and everyone else is massive.
Diana: Final quick take: Are the Oilers ready for the German games in 2027-28?
Adam: They’ll be ready. Traveling overseas tests a team’s chemistry. But with this core, they thrive under pressure.
Diana: Alright, that’s all the time we have! We covered Formenton’s role, the goaltending hierarchy, the defensive adjustments, and your lightning round questions. Huge thanks to Sarah, @HockeyFan88, Marcus, Jessica, Dave, Lisa, and Chris for your questions.
Adam: Don’t forget, the Oilers face the Canucks on September 30th. Keep an eye on the lineup cards. Andersen should start, and expect Formenton to log minutes on the wing.
Diana: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite platform. Share it with a friend who loves the Oilers. Let’s keep this network growing!
Adam: Go Oilers. See you next time.
Diana: Bye everyone!