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SENDING 10 PHOTOS FROM 2026 TO 2007 WANYE
In this third installment of a four‑part time‑travel series, the author sends 2026‑era Oilers photos back to his 2007 self. The post highlights a June 6, 2025 Stanley Cup Final snap of Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard scoring against the Florida Panthers at the new downtown Edmonton arena, underscoring the team's vibrant future, record revenues, and a thriving fan culture. It contrasts the modern “futuristic palace” with the old Saddledome, noting the Oilers as the world’s third‑most profitable sports franchise and hinting at a harmonious locker‑room dynamic that mirrors the Gretzky‑Messier era.
Oilers blue line changes: Comparing Ryan Shea to Darnell Nurse, and a Mukhamadullin update
Twenty games into the 2026‑27 season, former Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse—now with the Sharks—lags behind his replacement Ryan Shea in key metrics. Shea, on a five‑year, $20 million deal, logs 23:07 of ice time, posts five points, a –1 rating and a 10‑10 goal share (50% GF%), while Nurse averages 21:23, has two points, a –6 rating and a 7‑14 goal share (33% GF%). Shea also outperforms Nurse in GAR (+1.8 vs. –4.9) and WAR (+0.3 vs. –0.8). Although Nurse leads in hits and blocked shots, Shea’s overall advanced stats and coaching trust suggest the trade gave Edmonton two valuable assets, including prospect Shakir Mukhamadullin.
McDavid prepares to dazzle in hometown return: ‘Toronto is a place where you get a little more juice’
Connor McDavid gears up for his annual hometown showdown in Toronto, where the Oilers sit 14‑3‑3 after 20 games, matching their best season starts. In 12 visits to Scotiabank Arena he’s netted six goals and 21 points, with 11 coming in his last four trips. The Leafs, now on a five‑game home losing streak, fresh from a 7‑2 blowout loss to Edmonton, will host McDavid’s nostalgic "juice‑filled" night on Hockey Night in Canada. Meanwhile, McDavid chases a historic point streak, posting 49 points in his first 20 games, drawing comparisons to Gretzky’s legendary run.
Could the Oilers surprise and acquire a big name in blockbuster trade?
The Oilers, riding a hot stretch, could still swing a blockbuster trade despite recent quiet. Edmonton eyes a top‑six forward or a top‑four defenseman, eyeing players in the $5‑$12 million range. Options include Quinn Hughes (Minnesota), Elias Pettersson (Vancouver) and Roman Josi (Nashville), each paired with costly draft picks, Matt Savoie or Jake Walman. While Hughes and Pettersson are deemed unlikely moves, Josi emerges as a plausible target if the Oilers part with future picks and roster pieces. The piece breaks down each candidate’s contract, recent stats, and realistic odds ahead of the trade deadline.
Which Oilers players are leaders in the dressing room?
Beyond McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers’ locker room boasts several unsung leaders who shape the team’s culture. Veteran winger Zach Hyman delivers consistency, humor and a hard‑working example, while Russian winger Vasily Podkolzin energizes practices as the first player on the ice. Defenseman Connor Murphy, acquired from Chicago, adds physical grit and a strong voice, and third‑line centre Jason Dickinson isn’t shy about holding teammates accountable. Young goalie Devon Levi’s infectious positivity and 8‑1 start have boosted morale, and fringe forward Max Jones provides levity and supports his peers. The article draws on interviews, footage and community observations to illustrate how these players keep Edmonton’s locker room cohesive.
Real Life Podcast: Space talk, Oilers goalie magic, and the Elks in the Grey Cup
The latest Real Life podcast episode, released Thursday, November 13, 2026, dives into a mix of quirky and sports talk. Hosts cover the Jensen Huang saga, praise the Oilers’ goalies for stealing games during a winning streak, and debate the next James Bond. Space chatter features Tyler’s astronaut cousin and ISS cell‑phone rules. They also preview the Edmonton Elks’ Grey Cup clash with the Montreal Alouettes and rank Evan Bouchard among the franchise’s top defensemen. The episode wraps with travel plans to Toronto.
Former Oilers prospect Sam O’Reilly scores point in NHL debut with Lightning
Former Oilers prospect Sam O’Reilly records his first NHL point in his debut, assisting on Tampa Bay’s 8-3 win over Buffalo on Nov. 12, 2026. The 2024 32nd‑overall pick, traded to the Lightning for Isaac Howard in July 2025, slots into the top six and even joins the power‑play unit. O’Reilly logged two goals and four points in 12 AHL games with Syracuse before the call‑up. The article notes his junior accolades, including a bronze at the 2026 World Juniors and the OHL MVP award, and previews the Lightning‑Oilers matchup on Nov. 19.
Oilers quarter-mark review: Far more positives than negatives
The Edmonton Oilers boast a franchise‑best 14‑3‑3 record through 20 games, proving they can win in many ways—from high‑scoring nights to stellar goaltending. Backup goalies Devon Levi (.920 Sv%, 2.23 GAA) and Tristan Jarry (.925 Sv%, 2.08 GAA) have stolen recent wins over the Rangers and Flyers, while starter Frederik Andersen remains out until after Christmas. The top line of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin dominates with a 21‑6 five‑on‑five edge, and depth forwards like Colton Dach, Zach Hyman and Kasperi Kapanen provide relentless energy. Despite a few injuries, the Oilers’ balanced attack and solid defence suggest the hot start could translate into a historic season.
The Day After 20.0: Oilers finding ways to win, but cracks start to show
The Oilers sit atop the NHL at 14‑3‑3 after 20 games, but their dominance masks serious underlying flaws. Edmonton’s 3‑2 overtime win over the Flyers featured a 33‑24 shot deficit and a mere 40.7% expected‑goal share at five‑on‑five, echoing similar struggles against the Rangers. The team ranks near the bottom in shot‑attempt, expected‑goal and scoring‑chance percentages, relying on a high shooting % (11.6) and elite goaltending (.920) to win. Connor McDavid’s on‑ice splits are stark: a 76.5% goal share versus 39% when he sits. Rookie fourth‑liner Owen Michaels and defenseman Connor Murphy also drag five‑on‑five metrics down, prompting questions about lineups and AHL assignments. The piece argues that addressing these depth issues is crucial before the cracks widen.
Six potential Oilers targets from Daily Faceoff’s NHL trade board
Daily Faceoff’s first trade board of the season lists three top names—Nikita Kucherov, Matvei Michkov and Roman Josi—that could intrigue the Edmonton Oilers. The article outlines a Tier‑1, high‑risk scenario where Edmonton might chase Kucherov (9.5 M cap hit, two years left) by off‑loading Jake Walman’s $7 M salary and surrendering multiple high‑end picks. Tier‑2 highlights the 21‑year‑old Michkov, who asked for a trade from Philadelphia after a 10‑goal, 15‑point showing in limited ice time; his near‑$1 M contract makes him an affordable, long‑term asset. Tier‑3 mentions veteran Roman Josi as a potential late‑season blockbuster if Nashville slips. The piece weighs roster impact, cap considerations, and draft capital for each target.
Top 100 Oilers: No. 13 — Doug Weight
Oilers Nation revives its Top 100 Oilers list, placing Doug Weight at No. 13 (up from No. 10 in the original 2015 ranking). Drafted by the Rangers in 1990, Weight was traded to Edmonton in March 1993 in a dramatic on‑ice swap with Esa Tikkanen. Over 588 games he logged 157 goals and 577 points, leading the Oilers in scoring seven times and captaining the team in his final two seasons. After a 2001 trade to St. Louis, he capped his career with a Stanley Cup win in 2006 with Carolina and was inducted into the Oilers Hall of Fame in 2023. The piece highlights Weight’s role as the franchise’s MVP through the turbulent post‑dynasty era.
Tristan Jarry was fantastic, Zach Hyman scores twice, and the Oilers get outplayed but still win anyway
The Edmonton Oilers survive a 3‑2 overtime win over the Philadelphia Flyers despite being outplayed, thanks to a stellar performance by Tristan Jarry, who makes 30 saves at a .938 clip. Zach Hyman sparks the offense with two second‑period goals, his first multi‑goal game after returning from neck injuries, bringing his season total to three. The win extends Edmonton’s streak and keeps them near the top of the league, while the Flyers continue to struggle early in the season.
Instant Reaction: Oilers need overtime to snag 3-2 win over Flyers
The Edmonton Oilers survive a gritty overtime showdown to beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Nov. 12, 2026. Despite being outshot 32‑24, Tristan Jarry posts a stellar night with key saves, while Zach Hyman scores his first multi‑goal game, extending Connor McDavid’s point streak to 20. A power‑play goal by Hyman puts Edmonton up 2‑0, but the Flyers rally to tie late on a Sanheim–Cates finish. In overtime, Leon Draisaitl feeds a one‑timer to Tyler Bouchard for the winner. Coach Babcock’s line shuffle—elevating Colton Dach—sparks early offense and highlights his rising impact.
Oilers forward depth faces major test with busy schedule ahead
The Edmonton Oilers have earned seven of a possible ten points in the first five games of November, but a packed schedule—including ten more games and a six‑game road trip—raises questions about forward depth. Injuries, notably the loss of Matt Savoie, have forced coach Mike Babcock to lean heavily on stars Connor McDavid (over 24 minutes per game) and Leon Draisaitl (about 23 minutes), despite concerns about overworking them. Recent wins, like the 3‑1 victory over the New York Rangers, featured limited ice time for the fourth line, with players such as Max Jones and Owen Michaels logging under eight minutes, highlighting a trust gap with the bottom‑six. Meanwhile, defense minutes are more evenly spread, though rookie Jake Walman remains on the outside. The article examines how the Oilers must balance star usage with broader roster contributions to stay atop the Western Conference.
Connor McDavid’s minutes are up under Mike Babcock, but is it a problem?
Mike Babcock’s promise to trim Connor McDavid’s ice time hasn’t materialised, even as the Oilers dominate early this season. McDavid’s average TOI per game climbs to 22:59 – 44 seconds more than last year and 1:41 more than in 2024‑25 – but his five‑on‑five minutes actually drop by a minute while his power‑play, penalty‑kill and late‑game pull‑goalie shifts surge to career highs. The drop in overall five‑on‑five time reflects fewer even‑strength minutes for the whole team, not a coaching shift. Despite the heavier special‑team load, McDavid remains productive, leading a winning roster. The article probes whether Babcock should still curb McDavid’s workload as the Oilers’ top‑heavy reliance persists.
Babcock confirms Matt Savoie will play in AHL after returning from injury
Mike Babcock confirms that defenseman Matt Savoie will be sent to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors for a conditioning stint once he’s cleared to play, emphasizing it’s to rebuild confidence rather than a demotion. Savoie, still recovering from an injury projected to keep him out eight weeks, has no set return date yet. The Oilers also noted goaltender Frederik Andersen is a month and a half away, while forward Mattias Janmark feels better and is progressing in practice. Additional updates include Isaac Howard’s knee rehab and Colton Dach’s return from illness.
GDB 20.0: Oilers need to show they are the better team (8 PM, SNW)
The Oilers look to prove they’re the superior squad as they face the 30th‑place Philadelphia Flyers tonight (8 PM, SNW). After a 1‑0 win over the New York Rangers—thanks to a flawless performance by rookie net‑minder Devon Levi and a Connor McDavid goal—Edmonton leans on its strong goaltending duo (Jarry and Levi rank in the league’s top eight for SV% and GAA). McDavid aims to extend his 19‑game point streak and join Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux as one of the few to reach 50 points in the first 20 games. Leon Draisaitl adds 18 goals in 19 contests, while the Flyers struggle at 5‑10‑5 overall. The game tests whether Edmonton’s skill and depth can silence a frustrated Philadelphia club.
NHL Awards Poll: McDavid runaway Hart favourite, but not unanimous; Bouchard first-place for Norris
An ESPN poll of Professional Hockey Writers shows Edmonton’s Connor McDavid as the runaway favorite for the Hart Trophy, capturing 88% of first‑place votes despite some support for Nathan MacKinnon and Kirill Kaprizov. McDavid’s 48 points in 19 games put him on a historic pace that could challenge Gretzky’s record. Defenseman Evan Bouchard leads the Norris Trophy race with 83% of first‑place votes, bolstered by 31 points and double‑digit goals, though Quinn Hughes is closing the gap. The poll hints at a strong award showing for Oilers players as the season approaches its quarter point.
Oilers Prospect Update: Paul Fischer has found his stride
Edmonton Oilers prospects are flashing early-season promise, especially in goal. AHL hopeful Samuel Jonsson posts a 2.10 GAA and .932 SV% in his first three games for the Bakersfield Condors, while fellow recall Nathaniel Day records a 2.22 GAA and .919 SV% over four outings. Finn Eemil Vinni, now with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets, posts a 3.12 GAA and .911 SV% despite heavy shot loads, and Lukko’s Daniel Salonen dominates the Liiga with a 1.64 GAA and .928 SV% in 14 games. Meanwhile, Notre Dame defenseman Paul Fischer kicks off his season with one goal and seven points in ten games, showcasing aggressive defensive play that could fast‑track him to the pro ranks.
Pre-Scout: Oilers welcome Flyers amidst Matvei Michkov turmoil
The Oilers arrive in Philadelphia with a surprisingly healthy roster, featuring a near‑ideal line-up from coach Mike Babcock after Colton Dach returns from illness. Babcock is tweaking combos—Dach with Jason Dickinson and Trent Frederic, and a checking line of Formenton, Michaels and Mathieu Joseph—while keeping an eye on the pending return of Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard. Goaltender Devon Levi shines with a .920 save percentage, and the penalty kill improves to 77%. Meanwhile, the Flyers grapple with off‑ice drama as leading scorer Matvei Michkov hints at wanting a fresh start, creating uncertainty for Philadelphia. The matchup marks the Oilers’ seventh game in 12 nights and the start of a grueling road stretch.
ONR: Devon Levi shines, Jake Walman, and what did the Oilers do with Flex the dog?
The Tuesday episode of Oilers Nation Radio (ONR) recaps the Oilers' two-game winning streak and previews the upcoming Wednesday showdown with the Flyers. Hosts debate the odds of Connor McDavid hitting 200 points, Leon Draisaitl netting 75 goals, or Evan Bouchard reaching 40 goals, then turn to Jake Walman's recent healthy scratches and his uncertain future under coach Mike Babcock. The show also includes betting odds, lineup combos, and a Big Three-themed trivia segment before the Flyers game. Fans get inside analysis of the Oilers' prospects as November hits its midpoint.
Oilers injury update: Savoie, Andersen, Janmark not close to returning
Coach Mike Babcock confirms that key injuries still sideline the Oilers: Matt Savoie remains about two weeks from the eight‑week recovery timeline announced on Sept. 29, while new signing goalie Frederik Andersen is still “not even talked about” for a December return. Veteran forward Mattias Janmark, out since Feb. 25 after shoulder surgery, practiced but isn’t in the lineup. Meanwhile, Devon Levi shines with an 8‑1‑0 record, and goaltending duties rotate amid Tristan Jarry’s illness. The team appears their healthiest, with Connor Murphy slated to play Wednesday against Philadelphia.
How Connor Murphy has been an unsung difference-maker in the Oilers’ last two wins
Connor Murphy may not light up the scoresheet, but his gritty, physical play has been pivotal in the Oilers' back-to-back victories over Vancouver (Nov. 7) and New York (Nov. 9). Despite a modest -5 rating and just one assist, Murphy leads Edmonton in blocked shots (46, tied for fourth in the NHL) and tops the team in defensive‑zone starts. Highlights include a crucial second‑period block against the Canucks, a scrappy showdown with Brendan Gallagher that drew a roughing penalty, and dominant hits on Jaroslav... that set the tone against the Rangers. Analyst Jason Demers argues Murphy’s intensity isn’t captured by conventional metrics, underscoring his role as the unsung difference‑maker.
Oilers face good problem with Emberson, Mukhamadullin, and Walman logjam
The Edmonton Oilers have some genuine competition for ice time on their blue line. It’s a great problem to have if you’re Edmonton’s coaching staff or management, but I’ll be straight up: as a coach, I hate it. I’ve always dreaded sitting players out who are healthy and able to play. But that’s junior hockey….
Devon Levi steals the win, Leon Draisaitl’s ridiculous goal pace, and Jake Walman healthy scratched again
The Oilers extend their home streak with a 3-1 victory over the Rangers on Nov. 10, 2026, thanks to rookie goalie Devon Levi’s spectacular 28‑save performance (28/29, .966 SV%). Levi, now 8‑1‑0 in his first nine starts, made the key stops that kept the win in reach. Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl continues his hot streak, scoring his sixth goal in four games and reaching 18 goals in 19 games – a pace for 79 goals in a full season – while often flying under the media radar beside Connor McDavid. The win also marks another healthy scratch for defenseman Jake Walman.
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