Diana: The ice is cold, the camps are heating up, and the questions from you are coming in hot. We’re looking at a brand new roster picture for Edmonton, with Alex Formenton now in town and Connor Ingram hanging up his gloves. It’s time to get into the mailbag.
Adam: That’s right. We’ve got the full breakdown of where things stand after the Ingram retirement news dropped. We’re talking line combinations, the Jarry starting job, and how the depth chart actually shakes out now that we have more names on paper.
Diana: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, home of daily sports deep dives. I’m Diana, and this is your favorite daily look at the Edmonton Oilers. Adam, what’s on your mind as we head into this preseason window?
Adam: Well, Diana, it’s quiet right now—record is 0-0-0—but the narrative is moving fast. We know the Oilers are sitting first in the Pacific Division by default, but the real story is the personnel changes. Ingram is gone, Formenton is here, and the center depth is... well, crowded.
Diana: Crowded is one word for it. Today we’re answering three big buckets of listener questions: First, the biggest current topic around Formenton and the new roster dynamics. Second, the gritty details of the depth-chart battles down low. And third, a fun hypothetical about those upcoming German games in 2027-28. Let’s dive in.
Diana: Let’s start with Segment One. Our first question comes from Marcus in Calgary. He asks: 'With Alex Formenton signed and acquitted in the Hockey Canada case, where does he fit? Is he locking down a top-six spot or pushing for bottom-six minutes?' This feels like the biggest immediate storyline.
Adam: It’s a fair question, Marcus. But we need to look at the facts on the ground. The brief shows a center depth chart that includes McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, Dickinson, Frederic, Janmark, Savoie, Dach, and even Nicholl and Michaels. Formenton is listed as a Left Wing. So, he’s not competing for center ice.
Diana: Right, he’s a LW. So the competition shifts to the wing spots. We have Hyman, Clattenburg, Joseph, Kapanen, Podkolzin, Jones, Marjala, Hutson, Raty, Stefan, Stonehouse, Tralmaks, and now Formenton. That is a lot of bodies for limited wingers spots.
Adam: Exactly. Based on what we discussed yesterday, the consensus is Formenton likely lands on the third-line wing. Why? Because the top two lines are pretty set with McDavid/Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins/Hyman. You want Formenton’s energy and defensive reliability there. He’s the third player acquitted in that case to sign an NHL deal, so there’s a narrative weight to it, but hockey-wise, it’s about fit.
Diana: So, no top-six lock yet. What about the other big headline? Connor Ingram retiring at 29. Tristan Jarry is expected to start. Does this change how we view the team’s goaltending strategy heading into the Jets game on the 20th?
Adam: It definitely clarifies it. Ingram’s retirement was a shock, but it removes the ambiguity. Jarry wins the job. We talked about this on Tuesday—he’s the starter. The question isn’t who starts; it’s how long does Andersen play in camp to keep his value up if Jarry struggles early? But for the regular season opener against Winnipeg, it’s Jarry.
Diana: Our next question comes from @OilCountry4Life. She asks: 'Leon Draisaitl had some top moments last season. With the roster reshuffle, is he going to see more power-play usage with the new forwards, or does the core remain unchanged?' This is about offensive identity.
Adam: Good question. The power play unit relies heavily on the McDavid-Draisaitl connection. Unless there’s an injury, the core remains unchanged. The new faces like Formenton or maybe Max Jones might get looks on the penalty kill or secondary power-play unit, but the primary PP will still be built around the superstars. Draisaitl’s role doesn’t shrink; it just gets more support options.
Diana: That makes sense. You don’t break what’s working. Before we move to the depth chart, let’s look at the standings. We’re 0-0-0, but listed 1st in the Pacific. How do you feel about that projection given the Jets matchup?
Adam: It’s a projection based on past performance, Diana. The Jets are tough. But we predicted an Oilers win in that matchup yesterday, 4-2. If they can handle Winnipeg’s forecheck, that first-place tag stays relevant. It’s about momentum, not just points right now.
Diana: Stick with us. We’re diving deeper into the roster battles in Segment Two, where we tackle the defense corps and the wild card of the young centers. Don’t go anywhere.
Diana: Welcome back. Segment Two: Roster Battles. Sarah from Vancouver sends in a great note. She asks: 'The defenseman group looks massive. With Ekholm, Bouchard, Walman, Murphy, and all these others, who is fighting for the last defensive spot?' Specifically, she mentions Shakir Mukhamadullin and Ty Emberson.
Adam: Sarah, it’s a battle of experience versus upside. You have Ekholm and Bouchard locked in. Walman and Murphy provide stability. Then you have Spencer Stastney, Jake Walman, Riley Stillman, Connor Murphy, Beau Akey, Joshua Brown, Tomas Cibulka, Atro Leppanen, Alec Regula, Ryan Shea, and Shakir Mukhamadullin. That’s a lot of bodies.
Diana: A lot of bodies indeed. Mukhamadullin has that high-end offensive upside, but Emberson brings physicality. Who do you think edges it out for training camp prominence?
Adam: Emerson likely gets the nod for his two-way reliability in a pinch, but Mukhamadullin is the guy coaches love to watch because of his skating. If the Oilers want to push pace, Mukhamadullin plays. But for the final roster cut? They might lean on someone like Conor Murphy for veteran presence unless one of the younger guys shines brightly in camp.
Diana: Let’s talk centers again. Josh from Toronto asks: 'With McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nuge ahead, and then Dickinson, Frederic, Janmark, Dach, Savoie, and Michaels... where does Owen Michaels land? Is he a bubble player or a prospect to watch?' This is a huge question for fans tracking the youth movement.
Adam: Josh, this is the toughest cut. You have Connor Clattenburg listed as a C too, which is interesting—maybe he’s shifting positions or it’s a roster quirk. But focusing on Michaels: he’s talented, but the path is narrow. He’ll likely compete for a fourth-line spot or start in the AHL if he doesn’t win a camp job. The Oilers aren’t rushing him into a top-nine role.
Diana: So, tough road for Michaels. What about Colton Dach? He’s another young center. Is he safe in the mix?
Adam: Dach has shown flashes, but consistency is key. With Dickinson and Frederic already established as gritty bottom-six centers, Dach needs to prove he can match that intensity. Otherwise, he’s battling Matt Savoie and Jason Dickinson for minutes. It’s going to be a camp-long fight.
Diana: Our next question comes from @HockeyHead97. He asks: 'Is the NHL playing in Germany actually happening for the Oilers? I saw headlines about the German league being unhappy. Will this affect travel or schedule?' This touches on the international expansion news.
Adam: @HockeyHead97, yes, it’s happening. The Oilers are scheduled to play two regular-season games in Cologne in the 2027-28 season. The German Ice Hockey League is unhappy because it conflicts with their clubs' schedules, but the NHL is moving forward. It won’t affect this year’s schedule, obviously, since we’re in September 2026, but it’s a long-term planning point.
Diana: So, Cologne in two years. Not Cologne tomorrow. Good to clarify. One more on the wings. Isaac Howard and Viljami Marjala—are they realistic candidates for NHL minutes this year, or is it purely development?
Adam: Howard and Marjala are development players. They’re on the roster list, but with Hyman, Clattenburg, Joseph, Kapanen, Podkolzin, Jones, and Formenton ahead of them, it’s a steep climb. They’ll likely spend most of their time in the AHL unless injuries force the hand. Marjala has the speed, but Howard needs to add size.
Diana: Before we wrap this segment, let’s touch on the Bruins/Oilers Germany news. The Bruins are in Munich, Oilers in Cologne. Fun rivalry potential? Or just business?
Adam: Business, mostly. But hey, if they meet in Cologne, it’ll be a spectacle. For now, though, it’s about expanding the brand. The Oilers are getting prime real estate in Cologne. It’s good for the league, bad for the German league clubs who have to work around it.
Diana: We’re taking a quick break. When we return, it’s Segment Three: Hypotheticals and Lightning Round. We’ll answer your wildest ‘what ifs’ and get through rapid-fire takes. Stay tuned.
Diana: We’re back. Segment Three: Hypotheticals and Lightning Round. Kevin from Edmonton asks: 'If Leon Draisaitl had a breakout month in October, could the Oilers realistically challenge for the Presidents' Trophy? Or is that too early to call?'
Adam: Kevin, it’s always too early to call the Presidents' Trophy in October. But if Draisaitl dominates, it sets the tone. We predicted earlier that they’d make the playoffs and advance two rounds. If Draisaitl is on that 2025-26 level, that prediction holds strong. But the Presidents' Trophy requires consistency across 82 games, not just one month.
Diana: Fair point. Next, a fun one from @PuckDropDan: 'Who is the most underrated player on the current Oilers roster that fans should keep an eye on in camp?' This isn’t about McDavid or Draisaitl.
Adam: I’ll go with Trent Frederic. He’s a center, but he provides that physical edge the Oilers sometimes lack in the bottom six. His face-off ability and grit make him valuable. He’s not flashy, but he’s essential for structure.
Diana: Solid choice. Dan also asks: 'Will Alex Formenton wear number 51? Or will he take a different number?' Just a silly question, but fans love jersey numbers.
Adam: I haven’t seen a number announcement yet. Given he’s a new signing, he’ll likely pick something meaningful. But until we see the roster card, it’s a guess. Probably not 97—that’s taken.
Diana: Alright, lightning round. Quick takes. Question one: Is the center depth chart too crowded? Yes or no.
Adam: Yes. There are too many centers for the available spots. Someone is going to get moved or sent down.
Diana: Question two: Will Tristan Jarry start 60+ games?
Adam: Yes. Unless he struggles early, he’s the guy.
Diana: Question three: Are the Oilers favored to win the Pacific?
Adam: They are currently first in the division standings. With the talent on paper, yes, they are favorites.
Diana: Question four: Will Connor Ingram’s retirement impact the team’s morale negatively?
Adam: Unlikely. It’s a sad moment for him, but for the team, it clears the air. They know who their goalie is now. Clarity is good.
Diana: Final hypothetical: If the Oilers play in Cologne in 2027-28, will they sell out the arena? Yes or no?
Adam: No. The German crowd won’t care as much about the Oilers as they would about local teams. It’ll be a novelty, not a sellout.
Diana: Great answers, Adam. That wraps our mailbag. We’ve covered Formenton’s role, the Jarry starting job, the crowded center depth, and the Germany plans. Now, before we go, I have a quick ask for you.
Diana: If these daily breakdowns are part of your morning routine or commute, a small tip via the link in the episode description is what keeps this show free and coming to you every single day. Your support means everything to us.
Adam: Thanks for listening. We’ll be back tomorrow with more Oilers analysis. Keep your sticks on the ice, and we’ll see you at the next puck drop.
Diana: This is Diana and Adam, signing off from the Beatline Podcast Network. Go Oilers!