Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid has been the world's best hockey player for almost the entirety of his entire NHL career. At age 29, the forward is approaching the end of his physical prime and the Edmonton Oilers need a plan to maximize his value to stay competitive. 

On this episode, host Nick Zararis explores the aging curves for superstar players including: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin Patrick Kane, Steven Stamkos, and Corey Perry to provide context for McDavid's future. In addition, Nick explores how teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning were able to reinforce their franchise players with quality young depth over time to ultimately win Stanley Cups.

05:37 Evaluating player performance and potential

08:44 Ovechkin and Crosby's Performance Analysis

11:48 Finding the right hire with Indeed

13:35 Understanding hockey analytics basics

17:36 Evaluating McDavid's Peak Performance

20:51 Discussing Connor McDavid's future with Oilers

25:06 Penguins' contention window discussed

28:22 Finding young talent for the future

What history says about Connor McDavid's aging curve | How the Oilers can maximize his value

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://lockedonoilers.supercast.com

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The Edmonton Oilers did not just lose players this season. They lost coherence. General Manager Stan Bowman and Head Coach Kris Knoblauch were never philosophically aligned and player after player paid the price for it.

Nick Zararis breaks down the structural problem at the root of Edmonton's collapse, and why fixing the roster without fixing the leadership dynamic first is a dead end.

In this episode:

What philosophical alignment actually means in the NHL — why a General Manager's roster vision and a Head Coach's deployment system have to match, and what happens over a full season when they do not

The Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson case study — two players signed by interim General Manager Jeff Jackson who did not fit what Kris Knoblauch wanted to run, and how that same disconnect carried into Stan Bowman's tenure

The Trent Frederic example in plain numbers — a player whose career high in average ice time was 13 minutes and 45 seconds per game, who played 11 minutes per game this season, at $3.85 million per year on an eight-year deal, signed before Kris Knoblauch had any input

Why the coach-predating-the-GM dynamic is historically rare and almost always damaging — and why Edmonton's version of it was made worse by the timing of Stan Bowman's August 2024 hiring, after the first wave of free agency had already passed

The diversity of skill set argument — why the modern NHL requires shooters, passers, forecheckers, and puck carriers at every level of the lineup, and how the Edmonton Oilers have failed to build that across the forward group and defense for three straight seasons

The weak link problem — why hockey punishes a bad third-line center or fourth-line winger more severely than any other major sport, and how Edmonton's penalty kill depth collapsed under playoff pressure because of it

The Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen success stories — what good alignment looks like when a player's role matches what the coaching staff actually wants, and why those wins were not enough to offset the larger structural failures

Why changing the coach without changing the General Manager, or vice versa, likely produces the same misalignment problem in twelve months

00:00 Weekend thoughts on Oilers' struggles

05:41 Coaching challenges with player roles

07:04 Challenges with inexperienced players

12:46 Joining the Everyday Club

16:07 Oilers' player transfer speculation

17:12 Critiquing team management decisions

22:01 Podcast sponsorship message

25:37 Oilers management and roster issues

27:53 Oilers' offseason decisions

30:10 Building a contender efficiently

Why the Oilers should clean house | Bowman and Knoblauch should go

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.

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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Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttp://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

 

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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Twenty months. Dozens of roster decisions. How many actually made the Edmonton Oilers better? Nick Zararis goes through every major move Stan Bowman has made as Edmonton Oilers General Manager: free agent signings, trades, and contract extensions, grades each one, and explains what it means for the team's future with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the clock.

What's covered: Free agency grades: Josh Samanski and David Tomasek (smart low-risk gambles), Andrew Mangiapane (a clean miss), John Klingberg (fine), Curtis Lazar (fine), Jack Roslovic (acceptable at the price)

Extension grades: Leon Draisaitl at 8 years/$14M (had to be done), Trent Frederick at 8 years/$3.85M (inexcusable), Evan Bouchard at 4 years/$10.5M (fine), Jake Walman at 7 years/$7M (does not look good), Vasily Podkolzin at 3 years/$2.95M (lights out), Mattias Ekholm at 3 years/$4M (concerning for his age) 

Trade grades: The Tristan Jarry acquisition (catastrophic miss), the Jake Walman trade for a first-round pick (miss), the Vasily Podkolzin trade for a fourth-round pick (win), the Connor Ingram waiver claim (win), Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach for a first and Andrew Mangiapane (TBD but likely a miss) 

Why the NHL is changing: How the league is skewing younger, faster, and more skill-based, and why Bowman's approach of targeting proven veterans at depressed prices hasn't worked in Edmonton 

The excess value problem: Why the Oilers' best years came when they had players like Evan Bouchard, Dylan Holloway, and Philip Broberg on cheap deals and how they've lost that edge What $16 million in cap space actually buys: Why it sounds like a lot and isn't, once you factor in goaltending, top-six forwards, and Colton Dach's restricted free agency Every Stan Bowman Trade and Signing Graded: Edmonton Oilers GM Report Card

06:47 Oil's pitch to veteran players

08:56 Critiquing Stan Bowman's decisions

11:42 Using the GameTime app benefits

14:06 Discussing player roles and signings

19:52 Debating Oilers' recent trades

23:24 Discussing GM and coach changes

24:14 Impending McDavid free agency concerns

28:39 Predicting a coaching change

Every Stan Bowman Trade and Signing Graded: Edmonton Oilers GM Report Card

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!

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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Should Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch keep his job after a first-round exit to the Anaheim Ducks?

Nick Zararis breaks down the full case: the numbers, the politics, and the candidates waiting in the wings, to give you the most honest answer you'll hear this offseason.

What's covered:

Has Kris Knoblauch actually gotten worse results from the Oilers each season? The 3-year even strength decline, explained in plain numbers

Why firing a coach in the NHL is more of a political decision than a hockey one — and what that means for General Manager Stan Bowman

Bruce Cassidy: Is the Stanley Cup-winning coach really available, and would he actually take the Edmonton job?

John Cooper: Why he might be the best coach in the NHL right now — and why that still might not matter for the Oilers

Connor McDavid's contract situation in 2027 and how the coaching decision this summer could directly affect it

Why Knoblauch's .624 points percentage makes him the best Oilers coach of the 21st century — and why that might not be enough to save his job

The Oilers went to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025. They got bounced in Round 1 in 2026. Something has to change

05:12 Intuitive decision-making in hockey

07:55 Discussing player development in hockey

12:19 Evaluating coach influence on Oilers

15:34 Oilers' declining performance metrics

17:51 Oilers' offensive struggles

21:46 Tough decisions as an NHL GM

25:03 Connor McDavid's contract future

29:39 Discussing Knoblauch's future with Oilers

30:24 Promoting Locked On channels

The Edmonton Oilers Have Gotten Worse Every Single Year | Here's the Proof

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://lockedonoilers.supercast.com

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!

Rugiet

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Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

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 delivers his full goaltending evaluation of the 2025-26 Edmonton Oilers, breaking down every starter, every failed gamble, and what Stan Bowman must do this offseason to fix the position that cost them the season.

Topics Covered:

Stuart Skinner — 11-8-4, .891 save percentage, benched two straight playoffs. Is he done in Edmonton? And where does he land as a pending UFA?

Tristan Jarry — 9-6-2, .857 save percentage, outplayed by a waiver-wire pickup. Two years and $5.375M remaining. How do the Oilers move him?

Connor Ingram — The unlikely best Oiler goalie in 2025-26 with a .899 save percentage and 10.3 goals saved above expected. Is he the answer?

Calvin Pickard — Likely at the end of the road as an NHL-caliber option

The Jarry trade autopsy — Why trading a goalie with term for a goalie with term was a massive miscalculation by Stan Bowman

Free agency targets — Sergei Bobrovsky, Frederik Andersen, Cam Talbot, and the case for each

Trade candidates — Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt from the Minnesota Wild, Devin Levi from the Buffalo Sabres, Jacob Fowler from the Montreal Canadiens

The goalie market explained — Franchise tier (Igor Shesterkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Andrei Vasilevsky, Juuse Saros, Ilya Sorokin) vs. what the Oilers can actually afford

$16.48M in cap space — What the Oilers can realistically do and why moving Jarry is the key to unlocking the offseason

06:36 Path to becoming an NHL goalie

09:53 Introducing sponsor: Quo for business communication

13:38 Discussing team goaltending volatility

16:04 Skinner's performance and challenges

19:58 Evaluating Oilers' Stanley Cup chances

22:22 Evaluating Oilers' playoff performance

25:19 Discussing goalie expectations and comparisons

29:57 Oilers' goalie concerns for future

32:01 Podcast and YouTube recommendations

The Oilers' bottom-six goal share without Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl collapsed to under 40% this year. No goalie in that situation was going to cover for it — but .857 save percentage made a bad situation catastrophic.

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://lockedonoilers.supercast.com

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

 

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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