Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives into Zach Hyman’s remarkable NHL trajectory, examining how a former fifth-round pick and four-year NCAA player evolved from a middle-six forward in Toronto into one of the most productive wingers in the Connor McDavid era. The discussion breaks down Edmonton’s organizational buy-in following his seven-year, $5.5 million AAV signing and reviews his stellar underlying 5-on-5 metrics—including a 55% goal share and 58% expected goals share—that illustrate just how dominant his net-front presence and forechecking have been alongside Edmonton’s elite talent. 

Expectations, Culture & Team Impact Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the episode maps out realistic production benchmarks for the 34-year-old winger following his 27-goal campaign in roughly 50 games, exploring why power-play deployment and top-line chemistry could easily keep him in the 25-to-35 goal range. The analysis wraps up with an evaluation of Hyman’s leadership footprint, his voice within the organization’s coaching dynamics, and his deep connection to the Edmonton community through extensive charitable and off-ice engagement

03:21 Zach Hyman's NHL journey

06:47 Toronto's decision on Zach Hyman

14:01 Zach Hyman's Career Success Factors

16:21 Zach Hyman's role evolution

18:45 Oilers struggle with top 6 depth

23:35 Impact of Power Play on Hyman's Goals

25:40 Zach Hyman's NHL journey

Is Zach Hyman the Edmonton Oilers' Best Free Agent Ever? Career Arc, Analytics & Future Outlook

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The NHL's dominant style of play has fundamentally shifted over the last five years, creating a modern, efficiency-driven landscape that directly benefits high-skill teams like the Edmonton Oilers. While total scoring attempts have stayed steady, actual shots on goal are declining because defenses and goaltenders are closing down lanes and forcing offenses to become hyper-selective. This dynamic has created a tactical paradox: because low-percentage point shots and wall attempts are being phased out, expected goals and high-danger chances are climbing as teams funnel pucks directly between the hash marks.

In this episode, host Nick Zararis breaks down the macro-level analytics shaping modern hockey strategy, roster construction, and game states. Discover how efficiency models from the NFL and NBA have triggered league-wide homogeneity, why Leon Draisaitl's sharp-angle power-play shot defies traditional metrics, and how the McDavid-Hyman unit forces defensive compromises. Plus, explore the tactical counter-adjustments NHL defenses and goaltenders must make to survive this offensive evolution

04:06 Subscription models and efficiency in sports

10:20 Football strategy and possession management

12:13 Predicting MLB Season Outcomes

17:29 Effective decision-making in hockey

19:28 Similarities in Team Strategies

22:12 Innovating football personnel strategy

25:27 Understanding Player Perspective on Ice

How the NHL's Style Shift Gives the Edmonton Oilers a Major Advantage

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The dust has mostly settled on Stan Bowman’s second offseason as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, and host Nick Zararis breaks down the process and results behind his roster construction. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, we evaluate how general managers navigate risk, cap management, and goal setting while balancing short-term self-preservation with long-term organizational health. 

We break down the best moves of Bowman’s tenure—including shedding Darnell Nurse’s massive contract without salary retention, snagging Vasily Podkolzin from Vancouver, and picking up Connor Ingram as a season-saving stopgap. Then, we dive into the moves that have aged poorly, examining the high-risk trades and long-term contracts like the Stuart Skinner for Tristan Jarry deal, Trent Frederic’s extension, and the future outlook on Jake Walman’s massive contract.

05:21 Evaluating GM Decisions

07:57 Navigating GM challenges

13:22 Podkolzin's Trade and Rise

15:40 Evaluating recent player contracts

19:49 Concerns about Stan Bowman's leadership

22:16 Contract issues with goalie acquisitions

25:41 Trent Frederics' role and potential

28:53 Closing remarks and show recommendations

Stan Bowman’s Oilers Offseasons Ranked: The Best, Worst & Riskiest Moves

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Welcome to Monday’s edition of Locked On Oilers, where host Nick Zararis dives deep into the Edmonton Oilers' remade, high-variance goalie room featuring Tristan Jarry, Freddie Andersen, and Devon Levi. Zararis breaks down the modern NHL's shift toward goaltender load management, noting that traditional 60-start netminders often burn out before deep playoff runs. Applying this reality to Edmonton, he explains that while Andersen is objectively the team's best goalie, his age and injury history cap him at roughly 30 regular-season starts to keep him fresh for the postseason. Meanwhile, Jarry's fragile confidence means he is prone to spiraling after a few bad games, leaving the relatively inexperienced Devon Levi to likely shoulder 10 to 20 starts this year. 

This piecemealed crease strategy presents a massive, unfamiliar challenge for head coach Mike Babcock. To survive this goaltending carousel and legitimately contend for the Stanley Cup, Zararis argues that the Oilers must fundamentally improve their 5-on-5 play. The team needs to evolve into a dominant possession squad, imitating the relentless forecheck and sustained offensive zone time utilized by successful franchises like Carolina and Florida. By controlling the tempo, reducing defensive zone transition errors, and making their goalies' lives easier, Edmonton can effectively mask its vulnerabilities in the net. Tune in to hear why carrying three goalies might be a season-long necessity to manage injuries and workloads, and get a sneak peek at tomorrow’s episode evaluating general manager Stan Bowman’s offseason moves.

03:38 Goalie fatigue affecting playoff performance

06:52 Concerns about goalie Tristan Jarry

11:41 Freddie Andersen's goalie performance

14:06 Discussing goalie performance and trades

20:10 Discussing NHL goalie challenges

23:45 Oilers' play style and goaltending issues

26:27 NHL goalie strategies and Oilers' challenges

28:35 Cheering for the Oilers

Oilers Goalie Room Analysis: Tristan Jarry, Freddie Andersen & The Workload Dilemma

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Nick Zararis breaks down the major $11 million defensive puzzle facing the Edmonton Oilers heading into the upcoming season: who earns the left-side spot on the second pair alongside Connor Murphy? On this episode of Locked On Oilers, we take a deep dive into the underlying metrics, transition profiles, and career trajectories of two unconventional late bloomers: free-agent signee Ryan Shea and veteran blue-liner Jake Walman.

Both defensemen took non-traditional routes through college hockey and extended AHL stints before establishing themselves in the NHL. Shea brings a strong possession and exit profile from his breakout campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he put up impressive goal-share numbers despite non-elite matchups. Walman offers dynamic high-end transition play, carrying exits, and offensive upside, but questions remain regarding his net-front defense and injury history.

Nick walks through the statistical cases for both players, evaluating how each profile fits next to Connor Murphy's shutdown style and how Edmonton's revamped bottom-six forward group impacts these defensive pairings. Ultimately, contract value and organizational equity give one candidate the early edge to start the season on the second unit

06:17 Evaluating Oilers' risky defense deals

07:43 Discussing Penguins' defensive lineup options

10:58 Comparing Ryan Shea and Jake Wallman

15:53 Penguins' goaltending and team performance

17:46 Ryan Shea's playing style

20:57 Jake Wallman's 2025 performance

25:52 Evaluating late bloomer NHL players

27:32 Analyzing Oilers' Options in Defense

Who Will Win Edmonton’s 2nd Pair Defense Spot? | Ryan Shea vs. Jake Walman

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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