The Edmonton Oilers have many needs as they begin the spring amateur signing season, according to The Athletic.

The Edmonton Oilers are entering a critical phase as they prepare for the spring amateur signing season, which will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future. With a roster that includes star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team has undeniable firepower but still faces several areas of need that could prevent them from reaching their full potential. The team’s performance over the past few seasons has been strong but not without its flaws, and addressing those weaknesses through smart signings in the upcoming amateur draft and free agent markets could provide the necessary boost to turn the Oilers into true championship contenders.

Recap of Recent Performance

Before diving into the specifics of what the Oilers need moving forward, it’s important to briefly look at their recent performance. While they’ve had success in the regular season, often finishing near the top of the Pacific Division and consistently making the playoffs, their inability to get past the second round of the playoffs has raised questions about the team’s overall structure and depth.

In the 2024-2025 season, the Oilers have had a few notable wins but also suffered some troubling losses. Despite the incredible performances from McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers have often been unable to put together a complete, balanced effort on both ends of the ice. Their defense has been porous at times, and while their power play has remained one of the league’s most dangerous, their penalty kill and five-on-five play have been inconsistent.

In March 2025, the Oilers had a strong win against the Carolina Hurricanes, which demonstrated their offensive depth and ability to control the tempo of the game. However, they also dropped games to strong teams like the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, which highlighted their vulnerabilities in critical moments. These results illustrate that while the Oilers are a talented team, they are still missing key pieces that would allow them to compete against the best teams in the league, particularly in the postseason.

Key Areas of Need for the Oilers

As the Oilers approach the amateur signing season, several areas require immediate attention:

1. Defensive Depth and Stability

The Oilers’ defense has been one of the most glaring weaknesses in recent seasons. Despite having some talented blue-liners, such as Darnell Nurse, the defensive core has often been inconsistent. Too many games have seen the Oilers allow soft goals or struggle to contain opposing offenses in critical moments.

The Oilers need to add at least one top-four defenseman who can provide stability, particularly in their own zone. A defenseman who excels in shutting down opposing forwards and can provide reliable puck movement is essential. The ideal candidate would be someone who can handle tough minutes against elite competition and free up McDavid and Draisaitl to focus on offensive production rather than worrying about a shaky defense.

The free-agent market could provide some opportunities for adding a veteran defenseman or even a young player with the potential to develop into a top-four option. In addition to bolstering the blue line with experienced players, the team should also look at signing promising defensive prospects who can contribute in the near future.

2. Goaltending Support

While Stuart Skinner has been solid in net for the Oilers, they have lacked a reliable backup goaltender capable of stepping in when Skinner has struggled or needs rest. If the Oilers are to make a deep playoff run, they need to ensure they have a strong tandem in net. A capable backup who can step up and provide quality minutes without a major drop-off in performance would take significant pressure off of Skinner, particularly in the grueling regular season.

A solid backup goaltender would also allow the Oilers to rest Skinner during stretches of the season to keep him fresh for the postseason. This could be particularly important in a compressed schedule or if Skinner faces injury concerns. Finding the right fit for the backup role—whether through a free agent or by signing an emerging talent from the amateur ranks—should be one of the team’s top priorities in the spring.

3. Versatile Forwards for Depth and Balance

While McDavid and Draisaitl are among the league’s best players, the Oilers’ forward depth beyond their top two remains somewhat shallow. The team has good secondary scoring, but it’s often inconsistent, especially when the stars are being shut down by opposing teams in high-pressure situations.

The Oilers should look to add versatile forwards who can contribute in multiple areas and play across various lines. Ideally, these players would not only provide depth scoring but also be responsible in their own end, contributing to the Oilers’ penalty kill and five-on-five play. A solid two-way forward would help balance the lines and allow McDavid and Draisaitl to be more dangerous offensively without being forced to carry the load every game.

Moreover, the Oilers could benefit from adding a veteran presence in the forward group. A player with playoff experience and leadership qualities could help the team handle the pressure of high-stakes games, particularly in the postseason.

4. Special Teams Contributions

One area where the Oilers have consistently excelled is their power play. With McDavid, Draisaitl, and other skilled forwards, they have one of the most potent power plays in the league. However, their penalty kill has been inconsistent, and improving this unit should be a priority moving forward. The Oilers need to add players who are specialists in penalty killing—those who can disrupt the opposition’s power play and turn the tide in close games.

Additionally, the Oilers should target players who are capable of excelling in the faceoff circle. Winning key faceoffs on both the power play and penalty kill can make a significant difference in maintaining or controlling momentum. Acquiring players who excel in this area will help solidify both special teams units and make the Oilers more dangerous in all game situations.

5. Prospect Development

Looking beyond immediate roster needs, the Oilers must continue to develop their prospects effectively. The team has a solid mix of young talent in their system, but many of these players are still a few years away from being NHL-ready. Players like Dylan Holloway and Xavier Bourgault have the potential to make an impact, and the Oilers should focus on further developing them to ensure they can step into important roles in the future.

The amateur signing season is the perfect time for the Oilers to continue adding high-upside talent to their system. Whether through the draft or by signing undrafted free agents, the Oilers should prioritize adding players who can complement their current core while providing future depth.

A Strategic Approach to the Amateur Signing Season

The Oilers must approach the amateur signing season with a clear, strategic mindset. While they are in a relatively strong position, their window for championship contention is now, and they must make moves that can pay off in the short term, as well as set the foundation for long-term success. This means balancing the need for immediate roster improvements with the ongoing development of young players.

Scouting and Analytics

In the modern NHL, advanced analytics and scouting are essential tools for identifying undervalued talent. The Oilers have already made strides in this area, but they must continue to invest in their scouting department to ensure they are identifying players who fit their system and can contribute immediately. Whether through the draft or signing undrafted players, the Oilers should use every available resource to find diamonds in the rough who can help fill their roster needs.

Salary Cap Considerations

The Oilers are a high-salary team, with McDavid and Draisaitl commanding significant cap hits. This means that managing the salary cap will be crucial to making effective signings during the amateur season. The team will need to balance making impactful moves while staying within the constraints of the cap. This may mean prioritizing lower-cost players with high potential or trading assets to free up cap space for key acquisitions.

The Edmonton Oilers are in a pivotal moment as they head into the spring amateur signing season. With a core that includes two of the best players in the world, the team has the potential to be a championship contender. However, to reach the next level, they must address several key areas, including defensive depth, goaltending support, forward versatility, and special teams improvements.

Through smart signings, development of young talent, and a strategic approach to managing the salary cap, the Oilers can position themselves for sustained success and give themselves the best chance of finally breaking through to the Stanley Cup Final. It’s a critical time for the team, and the decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on their ability to compete for championships.