Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

With the NHL free agency period just days away, the Edmonton Oilers have clear holes to fill in their forward group, defensive core, and goaltending tandem. Join host Nick Zararis on today’s Locked On Oilers as we play matchmaker for the Oilers and analyze the best fits in a buyer-beware market.

In this episode:

Forward Targets: We analyze potential middle-six additions, including a "dart throw" on Patrick Laine’s elite goal-scoring ability, the pros and cons of targeting Anders Lee, Oliver Bjorkstrand’s versatility, and the risks associated with Mason Marchment.

Defensive Shake-up: What does the future hold for Darnell Nurse? We discuss the potential trade market for Nurse and evaluate cost-effective defensive solutions like Jamie Oleksiak and the high-upside gamble of Ville Heinola.

The Goalie Crisis: With the Oilers currently tied to Tristan Jarry, we break down why the team desperately needs a tandem partner to raise their floor. Could a reunion with Cam Talbot or a pride-based pitch to Sergei Bobrovsky be the answer?

04:43 Evaluating Roslovic and Lione's potential

08:03 Evaluating potential new players

12:25 Discussing Darnell Nurse Trade Options

17:40 Analyzing Defensive Player Potential

20:01 Discussing NHL free agency mess

23:42 Considering Bobrovsky for Oilers

25:36 Discussing Goalie Performances and Strategies

28:19 Reuniting with Cam Talbot

Edmonton Oilers Free Agency Preview: Forwards, Defense, and Goalie Needs

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The Edmonton Oilers are entering their longest offseason in three years, and it is rife with massive structural changes. From foundational roster issues to one of the most controversial coaching hires in recent memory, this upcoming NHL season is officially a "do-or-die" campaign for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and company.

In this episode of Locked on Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the good, the bad, and the outright ugly heading into free agency.

We look at the bright side first: the much-needed physical and emotional rest for an older, veteran-laden core that has logged nearly 300 games over the last three years—compounded by a grueling Olympic cycle. Plus, we analyze the wave of youth on the horizon, including Matt Savoy’s late-season surge and how the pipeline could unlock the bottom-six forward group.

Then, we dive into the burning questions. Why are the Oilers still stuck in "goalie purgatory" with Tristan Jarry? Can the team successfully navigate the baggage brought in by new head coach Mike Babcock, who hasn’t been behind an NHL bench in seven years? With massive uncertainty on the blue line regarding Darnell Nurse’s future and the defense pairings, the Oilers are betting heavy on a pair of fives. Will it pay off, or are they bound for another early playoff exit?

03:44 Olympic impact on NHL season

07:51 Evaluating Player Development and Roles

11:52 Oilers' goalie situation concerns

16:25 Mike Babcock's coaching controversy

19:14 Oilers' offseason challenges and roster

20:26 Lineup Strategy and Player Potential

26:23 Oilers' playoff path challenges

27:14 Oilers' playoff strategy discussion

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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Decagon

Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

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 Edmonton Oilers have officially extended defenseman Connor Murphy! While earlier moves this week left fans divided, host Nick Zararis breaks down why this extension might just be the stabilizing anchor the Oilers' blueline desperately needs as they navigate massive roster turbulence.

In this episode of Locked On Oilers, we dive deep into the analytics, the eye test, and the macro-level vision for a post-Darnell Nurse future. Why does Connor Murphy’s defense-first style translate so well even when playing on struggling teams? We break down the micro-stats, look at his underlying numbers alongside Darnell Nurse from both the regular season and playoffs, and explain how this move impacts upcoming pairings with Jake Walman.

Plus, we look at the latest trade rumors surrounding Darnell Nurse and what it means for the Oilers' salary cap space heading into free agency!

04:03 Discussing aging defense first players

08:24 Debate on Connor Murphy's Value

11:14 Connor Murphy extension discussion

14:17 Evaluating Connor Murphy's gameplay

18:40 Oilers game analysis and stats

22:08 Darnell Nurse trade rumors

25:41 Challenges of Playing Under Pressure

Why the Connor Murphy extension is worth the role of the dice | The Oilers changing defense 

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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Hims
To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

 

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

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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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

5-Hour ENERGY

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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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The Edmonton Oilers have officially hired Mike Babcock as their new head coach—and this decision is an absolute disaster. In this bonus edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why Stan Bowman, Daryl Katz, and the Oilers' leadership have made a compounding error that could derail the franchise just as they are running out of time to secure a Connor McDavid extension.

From a laundry list of on-the-record player allegations to being tactically left behind by a rapidly changing NHL, we analyze why Babcock is the wrong man for the job, both morally and strategically.

04:10 Discussing Mike Babcock's controversial reputation

06:35 Mike Babcock criticism and second chances

13:06 Changing NHL Leadership Dynamics

15:59 NHL coaching and goalie stats

19:10 Mike Babcock's coaching comeback

20:51 Discussing Mike Babcock's coaching future

25:26 Frustration with Oilers' Roster Choices

27:55 Expressing disappointment with coach hiring

Why Hiring Mike Babcock 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/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Hims
To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

 

Odoo

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

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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

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 Edmonton Oilers are entering a critical offseason landscape defined by rising salary caps and star players leveraging their way to new teams. With free agency looking lackluster, host Nick Zararis breaks down 9 potential trade targets across three tiers—Buy Low, Shake Things Up, and Franchise Shifting—that could elevate the Oilers back to Stanley Cup contenders.

From long-term replacements for veteran depth to high-risk goaltending gambles and franchise-altering defensive pieces, we dive into the logistics, cap impacts, and roster fits for Edmonton.

05:04 Mason McTavish trade potential

08:35 Ice time and potential trades

12:17 Exploring the Oilers' trade market

14:57 Evaluating potential goalie trades

18:25 Analyzing potential player trades

22:02 Offseason strategy and expectations

25:33 Larkin's potential team moves

29:07 Blues' team transition discussion

9 Targets To Save The Edmonton Oilers Contender Status

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!

Hims
To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

 

Odoo

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

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. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

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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