The Edmonton Oilers, a franchise rich in history and promise, have spent the last few seasons on the cusp of returning to glory. Boasting generational talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have long had the firepower to compete, but their playoff performances have often been marred by inconsistent goaltending and defensive lapses. For the Oilers to finally break through and compete for a Stanley Cup, they needed to address these weaknesses. And this past summer, they made some key moves in free agency that are beginning to show signs of making a significant difference.
As the NHL offseason unfolded, the Oilers identified critical gaps in their roster—most notably in goaltending, defensive depth, and overall team toughness. The acquisitions they made in free agency weren’t just about adding bodies to fill spots; they were calculated moves designed to provide the balance and depth necessary to complement their star players. Fast forward a few months, and these signings are showing early signs of fulfilling their potential, signaling that Edmonton’s quest for a championship may be more realistic than ever.
Addressing Goaltending: Jack Campbell’s Critical Role
Arguably the most critical of the Oilers’ free-agent signings this summer was the acquisition of goaltender Jack Campbell. After years of inconsistent play in net, the Oilers took a calculated risk, signing Campbell to a five-year, $25 million contract, hoping he could provide stability and lead the charge in the crease.
Campbell, who had spent the previous few seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, was coming off a season in which he showed flashes of brilliance. In Toronto, Campbell demonstrated that he could perform at a high level, especially during the team’s playoff run, but his consistency often wavered, leading to periods of frustration and uncertainty. The Oilers, however, saw something in Campbell that they felt could benefit their high-octane offense: a goaltender with a proven ability to steal games and one who could handle the pressure of a postseason push.
At the start of the 2022-2023 season, there were many who questioned whether Campbell would be able to live up to the contract and expectations. Edmonton’s success depended heavily on whether Campbell could elevate his play and find the consistency that had eluded him at times in Toronto. Through the first part of the season, Campbell has shown a renewed sense of confidence and poise in net, shaking off early-season struggles.
Campbell’s numbers, including his save percentage and goals-against average, have steadily improved, and his confidence in high-pressure situations has bolstered the Oilers’ overall structure. As a result, the Oilers have had fewer of those catastrophic goaltending meltdowns that were all too common in previous seasons. Campbell’s steadying influence between the pipes has allowed the Oilers’ offense to operate more freely, knowing that they have a reliable goaltender behind them to bail them out when needed.
Perhaps the most telling sign of Campbell’s resurgence is his performance in tight games. When the Oilers’ offense has stalled or when they’ve faced elite teams like the Colorado Avalanche or Calgary Flames, Campbell has made crucial saves that have kept Edmonton in the game. His ability to keep games within reach, even when the team is struggling, has been an essential part of the Oilers’ early success this season. If Campbell can maintain this level of play throughout the campaign, the Oilers’ goaltending concerns may be a thing of the past, and their Stanley Cup aspirations will have a much stronger foundation.
Defensive Depth: The Acquisition of Brett Kulak and Tyson Barrie
While goaltending has long been a focal point, the Oilers also needed to improve their blue line, where defensive depth and consistency have been lacking. In addition to Campbell, Edmonton targeted several free agents who could help shore up their defensive core. One of the most crucial additions was Brett Kulak, who was brought in to provide more defensive stability and mobility on the back end.
Kulak’s addition to the Oilers’ defense immediately made an impact. Known for his solid two-way game, the 28-year-old defenseman brought a physical presence and reliability to a unit that had struggled with turnovers and defensive-zone breakdowns. Kulak’s ability to break out of the zone and contribute offensively, while also being strong in his own end, gave the Oilers another weapon on the back end, helping them balance their attack and allowing the forwards to focus on offense.
He’s been particularly effective alongside established blue liners like Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard. Kulak’s willingness to block shots, move the puck efficiently, and play a simple, no-nonsense game has freed up his defensive partners to play more aggressively without sacrificing defensive integrity. His pairing with Nurse has brought a sense of stability to Edmonton’s defensive unit, something the team has sorely lacked in previous years.
In addition to Kulak, the Oilers also signed veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie to a two-year deal. Barrie, who had been a key offensive contributor for the Oilers in the past, has been a steady presence on the blue line once again this season. Known for his puck-moving ability and offensive instincts, Barrie has been able to add another layer to the Oilers’ attack from the back end. His power-play contributions have been vital in ensuring that the team continues to capitalize on their man-advantage opportunities.
Barrie’s ability to play in all situations, from the power play to penalty killing, has added depth to the defense and allowed head coach Jay Woodcroft more flexibility in how he manages his defensive pairings. Whether it’s joining the rush or executing precise breakout passes, Barrie’s skillset has given the Oilers more tools to work with in their offensive zone while also stabilizing their defense.
What’s most important is that Kulak and Barrie’s play has contributed to a more balanced defensive unit. Unlike in previous years, where the Oilers’ blue line was often a glaring weakness, the team now has defenders who can move the puck efficiently, contribute offensively, and make key defensive plays when necessary. This newfound stability is a critical element for a team that wants to compete at the highest level, and it has allowed Edmonton to thrive in both high-scoring games and low-scoring, tight-checking affairs.
Grit and Toughness: Bringing in More Depth
While the Oilers’ offensive firepower and star players like McDavid and Draisaitl remain the cornerstone of the team’s identity, the club has long lacked an element of grit and physicality. The offseason additions of a few key players were aimed at remedying this and providing the team with a better overall balance.
One of the most notable signings in this regard was the acquisition of forward Evander Kane. Kane, known for his physical style of play and ability to get under the skin of opponents, adds a much-needed layer of toughness to the Oilers’ forward corps. His aggressive play in the corners, combined with a natural goal-scoring touch, gives the Oilers a dynamic two-way forward who can both protect his teammates and finish off scoring chances.
Kane’s impact goes beyond just his goal-scoring. He’s also helped to provide McDavid and Draisaitl with more space on the ice by drawing attention from opposing defenses. With Kane in the lineup, teams can’t afford to focus solely on shutting down Edmonton’s two superstars, as Kane provides a physical presence that demands respect from opponents. This added layer of complexity makes the Oilers’ offense that much more dangerous.
Additionally, the Oilers added depth players who bring both skill and physicality to the lineup. Players like Derek Ryan and Ryan McLeod, while not marquee signings, provide valuable depth that can contribute to both the defensive and offensive aspects of the game. These depth players add to the overall balance of the roster and help to alleviate some of the pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl, allowing the Oilers to roll four lines without missing a beat.
The Early Results: A Strong Start to the Season
So far, the early results have been promising. While the season is still in its infancy, the Oilers’ free-agent signings are beginning to show the kind of impact that management hoped for. With Jack Campbell playing solidly in net, Brett Kulak providing stability on the blue line, Tyson Barrie contributing offensively, and Evander Kane adding grit and scoring, the Oilers look like a more complete team than in years past.
As of early into the season, the Oilers’ defense has been markedly improved, and their goaltending has shown a level of consistency not seen in previous years. Their power play continues to operate at a high level, thanks to the playmaking ability of players like McDavid, Draisaitl, and Barrie. With more balanced scoring across the lineup, the Oilers are now a legitimate threat on both ends of the ice.
The question now becomes whether the Oilers can maintain this level of play throughout the season and into the playoffs. If Campbell can continue to deliver consistent goaltending, if Kulak and Barrie can maintain their defensive play, and if Kane can continue to provide grit and scoring, the Oilers may be primed for a deep playoff run.
Conclusion: The Pulse of a Championship Contender
The Edmonton Oilers’ summer free-agent signings are beginning to show a pulse. While McDavid and Draisaitl remain the team’s focal point, the complementary pieces brought in during the offseason are starting to make their presence felt. From solid goaltending to increased defensive depth and more grit in the lineup, the Oilers have put together a roster that can compete with the best in the NHL.
If these signings continue to contribute at a high level, and if the Oilers can maintain their momentum, they may finally be poised to break through the glass ceiling and contend for
Leave a Reply