NHL News: Not satisfied with Isaac Howard’s arrival, Oilers continue to explore options to help Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl

There’s no such thing as too many playmakers for an NHL team. At least the Edmonton Oilers think so. Most fans in Edmonton show concerns about the goaltenders’ tandem. Still, the organization seems more preoccupied with helping out Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in the offensive side of the puck.

The Oilers realize there is much to address ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. The polarized opinions seem to differ on which topic should be prioritized. Many believe changes must be done in net, others suggest the defensive depth must be bolstered. Perhaps the forwards group allows the least skepticism. The front office is apparently not in on that wave of thought, however.

As reports now indicate, McDavid and Draisaitl may be welcoming a new weapon to the top lines, as Edmonton is leaving no stone unturned. Apparently, the arrival of Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard is not enough for the Oilers to call it a day and shift the focus elsewhere in the lineup.

Reinforcements

“The Oilers are looking for another top six guy,” insider David Pagnotta recently reported in dialogue with the Hello Hockey podcast. Howard, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s former first-round selection, was thought to be the key addition to the Oilers’ top-six. Still, it looks like Edmonton hasn’t closed out all its options just yet.

Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to a game against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 04, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Déjà vu

Thus, the offseason to-do list is apparently focused on strengthening the forward group around McDavid and Draisaitl. It’s certainly a risky investment on Edmonton’s part. Some might say the Oilers are simply repeating their vicious cycle.

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NHL News: Insider firmly believes Connor McDavid’s Oilers’ best addition to goaltending room is waiting in retirement

Fans in Alberta know the feeling all too well: the front office acts as if nothing happened after losing in the Stanley Cup Final — only to come up short the following season. Will the saying prove true? After all, there’s no two without three.

Who could arrive in town?

While on the topic of loops and stories coming full circle, reports suggest the Oilers might acquire Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Eberle. The 35-year-old veteran was originally drafted by the Oilers, and perhaps this is the best time for a homecoming party in the NHL.

“One possible option for Edmonton is a reunion with its 2008 first-round pick, Jordan Eberle,” Sporting News‘ Sam Bernardi said. “Should the Kraken, who do not appear destined for a playoff berth, feel like offloading Eberle and retaining salary for extra draft capital, Edmonton should be the first to call.”