
The Hockey News Predicts a Challenging 2026‑27 Season for the Edmonton Oilers
The Hockey News projects the Oilers to finish near the bottom of the league next season, raising questions about their playoff prospects.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Devon Levi across Hockey.

The Hockey News projects the Oilers to finish near the bottom of the league next season, raising questions about their playoff prospects.

A recent projection by The Hockey News ranks the Edmonton Oilers 20th for the upcoming season, citing weak defense, an unsettled net, and the loss of key depth players as major concerns.

The Athletic’s beat reporter explores the Oilers' critical juncture, from Connor McDavid's contract extension to the controversial hiring of Mike Babcock and the search for reliable net‑minding.

The Edmonton Oilers' championship drive leaves the Bakersfield Condors relying on a thin prospect pool, yet promising players and veteran additions suggest a competitive season may still be possible.

The league’s longest schedule sets the stage for the Anaheim Ducks’ home opener against the Florida Panthers, a contested offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, and early tests against the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, while emerging talent like Macklin Celebrini looms on the horizon.

The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026‑27 campaign with a three‑man rotation that could redefine the franchise’s defensive identity.

The Edmonton Oilers began the 2026‑27 season with three net‑minders, but a crowded crease is expected to narrow to a duo by the holiday season, with each goalie’s workload and form under scrutiny.

From how he will handle Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to which veterans might earn his favor, Edmonton’s faithful are eager to see how Babcock’s structured approach translates to the ice.

Samuel Montembeault has made clear his desire for a single starting role, setting the stage for a pivotal contract year and potential moves that could reshape his NHL trajectory.

With a full roster and ample cap space, Edmonton’s management is betting on undervalued talent to bolster the team’s future prospects.

The Buffalo Sabres have added 27‑year‑old Matt Villalta on a one‑year, two‑way contract, giving the Rochester Americans a seasoned presence between the pipes. The move comes after the club traded Devon Levi to the Edmonton Oilers, opening a vacancy that the organization hopes to fill with a blend of experience and prospect talent.

The Buffalo Sabres have added experienced netminder Matt Villalta to a one‑year, two‑way contract, positioning him as the primary starter for the Rochester Americans. The move follows the recent departure of Devon Levi and aims to stabilize the AHL goaltending corps.

General manager Stan Bowman executed a series of high‑impact moves during free agency, trading Darnell Nurse, signing Frederik Andersen and securing key depth players, while preserving cap flexibility for a playoff‑contending Oilers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have committed to a three‑year, $21 million contract with Sergei Bobrovsky, a two‑time Stanley Cup champion, while a cascade of moves across the league reshapes rosters from San Jose to New York.

The latest Hockey News Big Show episode unpacks free‑agency moves, playoff forecasts, and surprising player developments across the league.

Top contracts and player movements signal how AHL clubs are positioning themselves for competitive depth in the coming season

The Buffalo Sabres trade goaltender Devon Levi to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2028 third‑round pick, hoping the young netminder can finally give Edmonton the stability it has lacked in goal.

Edmonton announced a deal that brings Devon Levi from the Buffalo Sabres, exchanging a 2028 seventh‑round pick for a third‑round selection, and highlighting Levi’s extensive AHL minutes and solid statistical profile.

The Edmonton Oilers must balance re‑signing key free agents with strategic trades to address roster needs.

The Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs are at the center of trade speculation, as looming contracts and a thin free‑agent goalie market shape potential moves for Mason McTavish, Olen Zellweger, Matthew Knies, Morgan Rielly and several netminders.

The Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins posted an 8‑1 victory over Springfield, with Tristan Broz shining amid league‑wide trade rumors and personal anecdotes from the author’s weekend in Pennsylvania.

Recent moves in the NHL see assistant coach Jay Leach exit the Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights dominate on the road, and speculation swirls around the Vancouver Canucks’ possible hiring of Manny Malhotra amid family concerns.

The Flyers are exploring a trade for Buffalo’s Devon Levi, a former top prospect whose NHL stint has been limited. A modest draft pick might be all it takes to acquire the 23‑year‑old, who could benefit from a fresh environment.

Michal Postava’s breakout performance in the AHL playoffs, combined with a crowded Detroit crease, has ignited speculation about potential moves involving several of the team’s top goalie prospects.