Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

The Vegas Golden Knights have been one of the NHL's best teams since entering the league, and the Edmonton Oilers could learn a thing or two from their ruthless operations. In today's episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis kicks off a series comparing the final four playoff teams to see how Edmonton can improve its roster-building strategy.

We dive deep into why the Golden Knights' lack of sentimentality has kept them at the top of the NHL pecking order, from aggressively trading prospects to moving on from fan-favorite veterans and goalies. Are the Oilers holding onto players like Stuart Skinner and Darnell Nurse for too long?

05:29 Golden Knights' expansion strategy

08:05 Golden Knights team evolution and roster

11:31 Oilers' offseason strategy critique

15:23 Developing Young Talent in NHL

16:52 Edmonton Oilers development strategy

22:59 Problems with Oilers' goalie situation

27:37 Evaluating young player strategies

28:51 Oilers' strategy and league decisions

What the Edmonton Oilers MUST Learn From Vegas' RUTHLESS Roster Strategy

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What is the absolute best-case scenario for the Edmonton Oilers this offseason? Host Nick Zararis breaks down how the Oilers can navigate their $16.48M in cap space, secure the perfect head coach, and make the drastic roster changes needed to return to true contender status

First, we tackle the single most pressing need in Edmonton: hiring the right head coach. From the unprecedented statements made by the NHL Coaches Association to the logistics of a potential Bruce Cassidy hire, we look at why tactical and ideological alignment with GM Stan Bowman is crucial for player buy-in.

Then, we dive into the bookkeeping. With 10 free agents on the radar and $16.48M to play with, how can the Oilers stretch their dollars? We discuss the future of UFAs like Adam Henrique, Jason Dickinson, and Kasperi Kapanen, and explain why bringing back Connor Murphy might be the only way to stabilize Darnell Nurse’s pairing. Finally, we explore the "dream scenario" trades required to shed massive salary cap hits including the contracts of Darnell Nurse and Tristan Jarry to open up the flexibility needed to land elite talent

04:37 Coaching candidate interviews via Zoom

07:13 Addressing GM and coach alignment

12:11 Discussing Oilers' off-season plans

14:00 Discussing player contract decisions

17:03 Discussing Darnell Nurse's contract

20:19 Fruity Rainbow energy shot benefits

23:39 Oilers' goalie salary concerns

27:55 Future concerns for Oilers' roster

 

The Dream Offseason Blueprint for the Edmonton Oilers

 

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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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The Edmonton Oilers are officially hunting for a new head coach after firing Kris Knoblauch. With Connor McDavid entering the final years of his contract, the next coaching hire will completely define the future of the franchise. In today's episode, Nick Zararis breaks down the exact coaching archetypes available, why Kris Knoblauch's tenure ended, and the massive risks facing the Oilers in the 2026-27 season. Are the Oilers shopping for a "Manager" like Craig Berube or Bruce Cassidy, or do they need a completely different tactical mind? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

 

1:43 - The Role of a Modern NHL Head Coach

5:10 - Handling the Media & Public Relations 

6:56 - Analyzing the Coaching Market Fit 

9:11 - Why the Oilers Fired Kris Knoblauch 

11:09 - The 3 Coaching Archetypes: The Builder 

12:47 - The 3 Coaching Archetypes: The Manager (Berube, Cassidy, Laviolette) 

14:46 - The 3 Coaching Archetypes: The Cornerstone 

15:42 - Commercial Break: Gametime App 

18:46 - The 10-Year Connor McDavid Timeline 

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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For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

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The Edmonton Oilers have reportedly received permission to interview former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. But is he actually the right man to get Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl over the finish line? 

On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the shocking underlying numbers from Berube’s 10-year coaching ledger across Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Toronto. While Berube has a Stanley Cup ring from the 2019 St. Louis Blues, we look at why his old-school, aggressive two-man forecheck system might completely backfire with the current Oilers roster. From the "new coach bump" reality to the scary parallels between Edmonton's current position and Toronto’s recent collapse, find out why hiring a Maple Leafs cast-off could cause the wheels to fall off in Edmonton. Plus, an update on the ongoing game of chicken with the Vegas Golden Knights over Bruce Cassidy!

04:49 Craig Berube's playing style

06:29 Craig Berube's coaching challenges

11:35 Discussing coaching styles and challenges

14:14 Evolution of defensive roles in hockey

18:05 Craig Berube's defensive strategy

22:28 Coaching rumors and contract issues

24:23 Struggles with team management and coaching

27:53 Connor McDavid's impact on Oilers

Why Hiring Craig Berube Is a MASSIVE Mistake for the Edmonton Oilers

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/podcasts/locked-on-oilers/

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The Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly playing hardball about letting Bruce Cassidy interview for new jobs. However, the Edmonton Oilers should keep trying. On today's episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why Bruce Cassidy is the exact type of fiery, defense-first coach this roster needs. 

We dive deep into his Stanley Cup-winning pedigree, his incredible underlying analytics in Boston and Vegas, and whether he can bring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's defensive games to an elite level. With McDavid's free agency looming in 2028, this is no time for the weary

01:05 - Bruce Cassidy's Career Track Record & Stanley Cup 

07:11 - Why the Oilers Need an "Old School" Coach

12:53 - The Elite Underlying Analytics in Boston & Vegas

18:42 - Can Cassidy Fix the Oilers' Defense? 

20:27 - Oilers Coaching Search Updates & Craig Berube 

27:24 - Final Thoughts: Hire Bruce Cassidy

The Edmonton Oilers in former Vegas Golden Knights' head coach Bruce Cassidy continues to be rebuffed 

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/podcasts/locked-on-oilers/

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Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

5-Hour ENERGY

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Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
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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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