Diana: You are not ready for the center ice situation we’re about to unpack. We’ve got Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and a dozen other names all fighting for ice time, but one specific call-in question changed my entire perspective on who starts the opener against Winnipeg. Stay with us.
Diana: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, where we live for the game. I’m Diana, and this is your daily deep dive into the Edmonton Oilers. Today is September 16th, 2026, and we are in full mailbag mode ahead of that massive matchup against the Jets on the 20th.
Adam: Hey everyone. It’s Adam. We’re sitting at 0-0-0 on the year, first in the Pacific Division by default, but the real story is what’s happening behind the scenes in training camp. The roster is set, the questions are flying, and we have answers.
Diana: Here is what we are tackling today. First, we’re answering listener questions about Alex Formenton’s projected role and whether he can hold his own in the NHL. Second, we’re breaking down the crowded center depth chart—how many top-six centers do you actually need? And third, we’re doing a lightning round of hypotheticals and quick takes on the German expansion news.
Adam: It’s a fascinating time. With Connor Ingram retiring at 29, the goaltending hierarchy has shifted, and now we’re looking at Tristan Jarry versus Frederik Andersen for the starting job. But the center ice battle is the headline. Let’s get into the mailbag.
Diana: Okay, let’s start with a big one from Marcus in Calgary. He asks: 'With Alex Formenton signing as the third acquitted Hockey Canada player to get an NHL contract, what is his actual role? Is he a fourth-line grinder or can he crack the top six?'
Adam: That’s a fair question, Diana. You have to look at the context here. Formenton was acquitted, yes, but that doesn’t automatically grant him top-six minutes. Looking at the roster, you have McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nugent-Hopkins locking up the top three spots. Then you have Jason Dickinson, Trent Frederic, and Mattias Janmark also competing for those bottom-six center slots.
Diana: Right, so it’s a crowded house. Where does Formenton fit?
Adam: I see him on the third line, likely winging it. Remember, our prediction yesterday was that he’d project onto the wing due to the sheer volume of centers. If you put him on the left wing next to someone like Zach Hyman or maybe Mathieu Joseph, he brings energy, forechecking pressure, and defensive reliability. He’s not going to be generating point-per-game offense right out of the gate.
Diana: So, bottom-six forward, heavy on the work ethic. Got it. Next up, we have @OilCountryFan88 asking: 'Tristan Jarry or Frederik Andersen to start Game One? The previous episodes said Jarry, but is that a lock?'
Adam: Let’s be precise here. Connor Ingram’s retirement creates a vacuum. When you remove the veteran presence, you look for who has shown the most consistency in practice and who handles the pressure of the crease best. Our stance remains: Tristan Jarry wins the starting job. Why? Because in high-leverage moments, especially against a team like Winnipeg with their physical style, you want the goalie who has been more active in recent competitive environments.
Diana: And Frederik Andersen is there to back him up, right?
Adam: Exactly. Andersen provides stability, but Jarry is the guy who gets the nod for the opener. It’s about momentum heading into the season. If Jarry struggles early, the door opens, but right now, the hierarchy points to Jarry.
Diana: Alright, before we move to the depth chart battles, I want to take a quick breath. If today’s breakdown helped clarify where Formenton fits or confirmed your bet on Jarry, consider supporting the show. It keeps these daily, free analyses running so we can keep digging into the details that matter to you. Just check the link in the episode description to help us out.
Diana: We are back. Sarah from Edmonton has a question about the defense corps. She writes: 'Evan Bouchard is clearly the number one defenseman, but who is battling for the second pair? We see Jake Walman, Mattias Ekholm, and even some younger guys like Beau Akey. Who makes the cut?'
Adam: This is a classic case of too much talent, too little space. Let’s look at the roster. You have Mattias Ekholm, who is still a elite shutdown defenseman. He’s playing alongside Bouchard or perhaps splitting time with Jake Walman. Walman has been solid, bringing speed and puck-moving ability.
Diana: What about the younger players? I see Ty Emberson and Atro Leppanen listed here.
Adam: They’re likely in camp to compete, but I don’t see them cracking the top four immediately. The Oilers need grit and experience. Shakir Mukhamadullin is interesting—he’s young, but he has upside. However, for the opening night lineup against Winnipeg, I’m sticking with the veterans. Ekholm, Walman, Bouchard, and then... who is the fourth?
Diana: Connor Murphy? He’s been with the team for a while.
Adam: Murphy provides size and physicality. Against Winnipeg’s forecheck, you need someone who isn’t afraid to throw his body around. So, I see Ekholm-Bouchard as the top pair, Walman-Murphy as the second, and then you rotate between Spencer Stastney, Riley Stillman, and maybe Josh Samanski if he moves over. It’s tight.
Diana: Tight indeed. Next question from @JetLagSurvivor in Winnipeg: 'The Oilers are currently first in the Pacific. But with the German expansion games coming in 2027-28, does that affect how they manage their roster now? Or is that just noise?'
Adam: That is absolutely noise for now. The 2027-28 schedule includes two games in Cologne for the Oilers, sure. But that’s two years away. Right now, the focus is entirely on the 2026-27 campaign. The NHL is pushing international games, and the German league is unhappy because it conflicts with their schedules, but that doesn’t change Edmonton’s immediate priorities.
Diana: So, ignore the future, focus on the present. What about the power play? With the new rule changes mentioned in the headlines, are the Oilers adapting their setup?
Adam: Rule changes always shake things up. If they’re limiting the net-front presence or changing offside rules, the Oilers’ power play needs to be sharper on zone entries. McDavid and Draisaitl will dictate the pace, but Evan Bouchard’s point shot is crucial. If the rules favor quicker releases, Bouchard becomes even more valuable. We’ll see how coach Kris Knoblauch adjusts the unit.
Diana: Let’s lighten it up. Hypothetical time. If you had to trade one of your current centers—Dickinson, Frederic, Janmark, or even Owen Michaels—who goes first to clear space?
Adam: Ouch. That’s brutal. Owen Michaels is a prospect, so you protect him. Dickinson is a reliable two-way player. Frederic brings the edge. Janmark is experienced. I’d say... Jason Dickinson might be the most tradeable asset because he has value elsewhere. But honestly, I’d rather keep them all and let them compete. Depth is king.
Diana: Fair enough. Lightning round! Quick takes. Question: Who is the unsung hero on this roster?
Adam: Beau Akey. He’s a defenseman who plays a simple game, blocks shots, and doesn’t make mistakes. In a playoff run, that’s invaluable.
Diana: Next: Best draft pick so far?
Adam: Evan Bouchard. Undeniable.
Diana: Last one: Prediction for the Jets game on the 20th. Score?
Adam: Oilers win. 4-2. Jarry holds strong, McDavid drops two assists.
Diana: There you have it. From Formenton’s role to Jarry’s start, we’ve covered the biggest questions facing the Oilers as they head into camp. Remember, we predicted Jarry would start, and we think Formenton shines on the wing. Subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. Go Oilers!