Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I&#8217;ve got a post-draft, pre-free agency mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever&#8217;s on your mind. This week, we&#8217;re discussing potential Oilers contract extensions, bold predictions for the 2025-26 season, playing physical in the playoffs, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

<figure id="attachment_178581" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-178581" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-178581" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26413932_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hockey Fight Edmonton Oilers Florida Panthers" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26413932_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26413932_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26413932_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26413932_168383996_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26413932_168383996_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-178581" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Jonah Gadjovich (12) and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) fight during the third period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
1) Do the Oilers need to play more physical to win in the playoffs? -Cliff
Jason Gregor:
I don’t think that was the reason they lost Game 5 and 6 this year or Game 7 in 2024. I didn’t see Florida running their show. However, having a physical element never hurts and having players who are capable of using it helps. I do think they missed Zach Hyman’s physical presence this year. He’d be incredibly physical until his fluke injury.
Zach Laing:
They didn&#8217;t lose the Stanley Cup by not being physical enough. They lost the Stanley Cup because they didn&#8217;t score enough and didn&#8217;t get good enough goaltending in Games 3, 5 and 6.
Baggedmilk:
They need more guys who can score and get to the middle of the net. In my opinion, that was the biggest reason they lost to the Florida Panthers. I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;ve ever or could miss Zach Hyman more than I did in that second SCF.
<figure id="attachment_177003" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177003" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-177003" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26394040-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26394040-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26394040-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26394040-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26394040-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26394040-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177003" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) reacts against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
2) Yves asks &#8211; Bob Stauffer hinted this last week that the <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/29/edmonton-oilers-extensions-done-connor-mcdavid-jake-walman-mattias-ekholm-vasily-podkolzin-kris-knoblauch-by-august/">Oilers could have some contract extensions landing in August</a>. Would you agree with re-signing all of McDavid, Walman, Ekholm, and Podkolzin if these do come to fruition?
Jason Gregor:
McDavid is a no-brainer. I’ve stated for over a year he’ll re-sign so when he does I don’t think anyone will be surprised. Podkolzin is a pending RFA, and getting him signed this summer at a lower AAV could benefit them. Walman and Ekholm make sense, but for different reasons I could see Bowman waiting a bit. Ekholm will be 36 when his new deal kicks in, so it is more about what will his AAV be. Walman had a great year last year, and most of his points came at EV, which is good, and if you commit to him at a mid-range term (4-5 years), do they want him and Ekholm both at $6m+. That is the dance Bowman has to manage.
Zach Laing:
Of the bunch, the only one I have apprehension about right now is Ekholm. He&#8217;s 35 years old and is coming off an illness and injury-plagued season. I think there needs to be a wait-and-see with him this year. For as good as he&#8217;s been, he&#8217;s getting up there in age.
Baggedmilk:
Give me the McDavid contract NOW. Kidding. Whenever he wants to get it done works for me — I just want to dunk on Leafs fans. Also love the Walman idea. That guy rocks and I&#8217;m a big fan of how he&#8217;s played since coming over from the San Jose Sharks. Ekholm makes me nervous mostly because of his age and term. Pods? Let&#8217;s do it.
<figure id="attachment_177377" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177377" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-177377" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_23069917-1024x721.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid Adam Henrique" width="1024" height="721" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_23069917-1024x721.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_23069917-300x211.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_23069917-768x541.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_23069917-1536x1081.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_23069917-2048x1442.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177377" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) and center Adam Henrique (19) against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
3) Brandon asks &#8211; What’s your boldest prediction for the <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/16/deep-dive-edmonton-oilers-2025-26-schedule/">2025–26 season</a>?
Jason Gregor:
Skinner has a sv% above .908.
Zach Laing:
Stuart Skinner solidified himself as the No. 1.
Baggedmilk:
Matt Savoie wins the Calder.
<figure id="attachment_177802" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177802" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-177802" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stan-Bowman-Edmonton-Oilers-GM-free-agency-live-blog-1024x576.jpg" alt="Stan Bowman Edmonton Oilers GM free agency live blog" width="1024" height="576" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stan-Bowman-Edmonton-Oilers-GM-free-agency-live-blog-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stan-Bowman-Edmonton-Oilers-GM-free-agency-live-blog-300x169.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stan-Bowman-Edmonton-Oilers-GM-free-agency-live-blog-768x432.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stan-Bowman-Edmonton-Oilers-GM-free-agency-live-blog.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177802" class="wp-caption-text">Stan Bowman Edmonton Oilers GM free agency live blog</figcaption></figure>
4) Andy asks &#8211; Are there any remaining free agents you would like to see the Oilers kick tires on, or, at least, invite to camp on a PTO?
Jason Gregor:
I don’t see any. They have loads of forwards and defence. However, I could see them looking at the waiver wire for a goalie late in preseason.
Zach Laing:
Jack Roslovic (if he lasts that long), Viktor Olofsson and Max Pacioretty could make sense.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m more so curious to see if Stan Bowman claims anyone off waivers in that early season rush to get players through. As for the PTOs&#8230; PTO everyone. Why not?
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-162483" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tyler-Yaremchuk-Edmonton-Oilers-birthday-game-1024x939.png" alt="Tyler Yaremchuk" width="1024" height="939" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tyler-Yaremchuk-Edmonton-Oilers-birthday-game-1024x939.png 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tyler-Yaremchuk-Edmonton-Oilers-birthday-game-300x275.png 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tyler-Yaremchuk-Edmonton-Oilers-birthday-game-768x705.png 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tyler-Yaremchuk-Edmonton-Oilers-birthday-game.png 1042w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
5) Cody asks &#8211; Yaremchuk got married this weekend. What&#8217;s your best advice for the newlyweds?
Jason Gregor:
Marriage is like friendship. Respect one another, chirp each other and when you do disagree, don’t have it carry over. Address it once and move on.
Zach Laing:
Live, laugh, love.
Baggedmilk:
Their wedding was awesome and I&#8217;m so happy for Tyler and Amber. They&#8217;re going to do great. Keep laughing and going on adventures together.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png 728w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME-300x166.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I've got a post-draft, pre-free agency mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever's on your mind. This week, we're discussing potential Oilers contract extensions, bold predictions for the 2025-26 season, playing physical in the playoffs, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.



[caption id="attachment_178581" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-178581" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26413932_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hockey Fight Edmonton Oilers Florida Panthers" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Jonah Gadjovich (12) and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) fight during the third period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images[/caption]

1) Do the Oilers need to play more physical to win in the playoffs? -Cliff

Jason Gregor:

I don’t think that was the reason they lost Game 5 and 6 this year or Game 7 in 2024. I didn’t see Florida running their show. However, having a physical element never hurts and having players who are capable of using it helps. I do think they missed Zach Hyman’s physical presence this year. He’d be incredibly physical until his fluke injury.

Zach Laing:

They didn't lose the Stanley Cup by not being physical enough. They lost the Stanley Cup because they didn't score enough and didn't get good enough goaltending in Games 3, 5 and 6.

Baggedmilk:

They need more guys who can score and get to the middle of the net. In my opinion, that was the biggest reason they lost to the Florida Panthers. I don't think I've ever or could miss Zach Hyman more than I did in that second SCF.

[caption id="attachment_177003" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-177003" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26394040-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) reacts against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images[/caption]

2) Yves asks - Bob Stauffer hinted this last week that the <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/29/edmonton-oilers-extensions-done-connor-mcdavid-jake-walman-mattias-ekholm-vasily-podkolzin-kris-knoblauch-by-august/">Oilers could have some contract extensions landing in August</a>. Would you agree with re-signing all of McDavid, Walman, Ekholm, and Podkolzin if these do come to fruition?

Jason Gregor:

McDavid is a no-brainer. I’ve stated for over a year he’ll re-sign so when he does I don’t think anyone will be surprised. Podkolzin is a pending RFA, and getting him signed this summer at a lower AAV could benefit them. Walman and Ekholm make sense, but for different reasons I could see Bowman waiting a bit. Ekholm will be 36 when his new deal kicks in, so it is more about what will his AAV be. Walman had a great year last year, and most of his points came at EV, which is good, and if you commit to him at a mid-range term (4-5 years), do they want him and Ekholm both at $6m+. That is the dance Bowman has to manage.

Zach Laing:

Of the bunch, the only one I have apprehension about right now is Ekholm. He's 35 years old and is coming off an illness and injury-plagued season. I think there needs to be a wait-and-see with him this year. For as good as he's been, he's getting up there in age.

Baggedmilk:

Give me the McDavid contract NOW. Kidding. Whenever he wants to get it done works for me — I just want to dunk on Leafs fans. Also love the Walman idea. That guy rocks and I'm a big fan of how he's played since coming over from the San Jose Sharks. Ekholm makes me nervous mostly because of his age and term. Pods? Let's do it.

[caption id="attachment_177377" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-177377" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_23069917-1024x721.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid Adam Henrique" width="1024" height="721" /> Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) and center Adam Henrique (19) against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

3) Brandon asks - What’s your boldest prediction for the <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/16/deep-dive-edmonton-oilers-2025-26-schedule/">2025–26 season</a>?

Jason Gregor:

Skinner has a sv% above .908.

Zach Laing:

Stuart Skinner solidified himself as the No. 1.

Baggedmilk:

Matt Savoie wins the Calder.

[caption id="attachment_177802" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-177802" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stan-Bowman-Edmonton-Oilers-GM-free-agency-live-blog-1024x576.jpg" alt="Stan Bowman Edmonton Oilers GM free agency live blog" width="1024" height="576" /> Stan Bowman Edmonton Oilers GM free agency live blog[/caption]

4) Andy asks - Are there any remaining free agents you would like to see the Oilers kick tires on, or, at least, invite to camp on a PTO?

Jason Gregor:

I don’t see any. They have loads of forwards and defence. However, I could see them looking at the waiver wire for a goalie late in preseason.

Zach Laing:

Jack Roslovic (if he lasts that long), Viktor Olofsson and Max Pacioretty could make sense.

Baggedmilk:

I'm more so curious to see if Stan Bowman claims anyone off waivers in that early season rush to get players through. As for the PTOs... PTO everyone. Why not?

<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-162483" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tyler-Yaremchuk-Edmonton-Oilers-birthday-game-1024x939.png" alt="Tyler Yaremchuk" width="1024" height="939" />

5) Cody asks - Yaremchuk got married this weekend. What's your best advice for the newlyweds?

Jason Gregor:

Marriage is like friendship. Respect one another, chirp each other and when you do disagree, don’t have it carry over. Address it once and move on.

Zach Laing:

Live, laugh, love.

Baggedmilk:

Their wedding was awesome and I'm so happy for Tyler and Amber. They're going to do great. Keep laughing and going on adventures together.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" />

Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

Monday Mailbag: Are the Oilers physical enough to win the Stanley Cup?

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