Two days after the Edmonton Oilers were eliminated in six games in the first round of the NHL playoffs, general manager Stan Bowman told reporters the team will “not be the same group as today.”
Bowman acknowledged that major moves he made this season “did not work out,” pointing to goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Andrew Mangiapane. He emphasized the need for new players but said the roster won't be “dramatically different.”
Head coach Kris Knoblauch blamed the team's defensive struggles on a breakdown in mentality during the playoffs. “In the playoffs we got away from the way we played the last few weeks,” he said.
Both Bowman and Knoblauch agreed with captain Connor McDavid's assessment that the Oilers were an “average team” this season. Bowman also noted injuries-including fractures suffered by McDavid and Jason Dickinson-played a significant role.
The Oilers, who were one goal away from a Stanley Cup win in 2024, now face hard choices: free agent decisions, goaltending fixes, and shoring up a defense that couldn't contain a younger, faster Anaheim Ducks team. Leon Draisaitl will be 31 next season, and McDavid turns 30.
“Now is the time we want our team to win,” Bowman said, adding that McDavid's ticking contract extension makes the urgency even greater.