These are some things that Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch should not give a damn about: 9 Things

With the draft and free agency now in the rearview window, the Edmonton Oilers have some runway between now and the start of training camp to contemplate, re-assess and strategize for the upcoming season.

In addition to the coaching staff decisions, will Stan Bowman decide to tweak any further? If there a “hockey trade” is the future? Or is this the crew that they plan to go to war with?

That and more in this edition of…

9 Things

9. Oilers depth prospect Luca Munzenberger has signed with Kolner Haie of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Selected in the Third Round of the 2021 draft (#90, by Tyler Wright), the big D-man did not sign with Edmonton after his time at The University of Vermont. It is not unusual for a new G.M. to do some weeding. These were not “his guys.” You see it in every club.

8. It was a nice touch to have Stan Bowman pose with all five of his 2025 draft picks at Development Camp this past week, the young men wearing the jerseys with their name plates on the back. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them that Mr. Bowman seems to instinctively understand. The little things like that often speak loudly about the quality of an organization.

7. Bowman has already stated that rounding out the coaching is high on his list of things to go. “Starting today,” the GM said last week, “the top priority is to round out our coaching staff.” I am one who thinks that while Edmonton will miss Glen Gulutzan, fresh blood and a new voice for a PP group that has barely changed its personnel in four years could be a real opportunity.

6. My Oilers wild card for this upcoming season is defenceman Alec Regula. Claimed off waivers from Boston mid-season, Regula sat out the year with an injury. The 6’4, 211 LB London Knights grad is a stout defender. But his right shot also has significant offensive up-side. And he is at a $775k cap hit. Edmonton did not pluck and then protect this player all season long because they did not believe in him. Store that one away, if you will…

5. I will not be surprised if Jake Walman’s numbers spike this upcoming season. Evan Bouchard will get the lion’s share of the Power Play time…as well he should. But I see Walman as the #1 candidate to be on the second unit. His ability to transport, pass, to walk the line and shoot are all well-above average. Could Walman hit ten goals and fifty points this year? I really think so. The Oilers would be well advised to extend the player’s contract now and not later.