Oilers Build Around McDavid for 2026‑27 Season

Postseason Setback Sparks Major Overhaul

Edmonton finished the previous campaign 41‑30‑11 before bowing out in the first round to the Anaheim Ducks. The loss triggered sweeping changes, most notably the appointment of Mike Babcock to replace Kris Knoblauch behind the bench. Management also signaled a desire to reshape the roster around Connor McDavid after a season where expectations did not match results.

Projected Lineup Features McDavid, Draisaitl, and New Faces

According to NHL.com’s projected roster, the Oilers’ top line retains Ryan Nugent‑Hopkins and Zach Hyman alongside McDavid. Leon Draisaitl centers a second line that pairs Vasily Podkolzin with Matthew Savoie. Rookie Isaac Howard is slated to break into the middle six, adding depth to the forward group. In the defense pairing, Ryan Shea and Shakir Mukhamadullin join the lineup after they were acquired over the summer.

Goaltending Gets Stability with Andersen

Frederik Andersen headlines the goaltending corps on a one‑year deal, arriving after a Stanley Cup win with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Oilers hope his experience can steady a net that struggled with inconsistency last year. Andersen said Edmonton’s championship aspirations were a key factor in his decision to join the club.

“Edmonton has been knocking on the door for a while now, so it’s a team that has aspirations to try and win,” Andersen said. He added that the organization’s seriousness about winning heavily influenced his choice.

Defensive Upgrades Add Speed and Depth

Ryan Shea brings a puck‑moving skill set after posting a 35‑point season, while Shakir Mukhamadullin offers a youthful presence on the blue line. Both arrivals aim to increase the Oilers’ mobility and give McDavid more support. Howard’s promotion signals confidence in Edmonton’s prospect pipeline, giving the lineup fresh energy.

McDavid’s Blunt Assessment Fuels Motivation