Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I&#8217;ve got a fresh 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 the other Oilers waiting for contracts, Isaac Howard at rookie camp, Matt Savoie, 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_176132" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-176132" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-176132 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26286556-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jake Walman" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26286556-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26286556-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26286556-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26286556-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26286556-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-176132" class="wp-caption-text">May 25, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) keeps the puck away from Dallas Stars right wing Evgenii Dadonov (63) in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
1) Devon asks &#8211; Putting Connor McDavid&#8217;s extension aside for a moment, how would you prioritize extending Jake Walman, Mattias Ekholm, and Vasily Podkolzin?
Jason Gregor:
Good question. It comes down to negotiations. I think Ekholm might be the easiest as he’s older and family really wants to be here, but Walman would be first priority as his deal will be a longer term deal I suspect. Podkolzin will likely wait and see how his season goes. If I was his agent I wouldn’t be rushing to sign.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Jake Walman is absolutely #1 on that list for me. He&#8217;s 29-years-old but has very few miles on him since he was a late bloomer and he is a very safe bet to be an impactful top-six defenseman for the next five or six years in my eyes. Get him signed now before he puts up 65 points playing with this Oilers offense. Next would be Podkolzin, who I could see having a breakout year and scoring close to 20-goals. Get him locked up before that happens. I would personally wait until the end of the season to sign Ekholm. Need to see what kind of shape he&#8217;s in coming off the injury and also how his body holds up.
Baggedmilk:
It’s definitely Jake Walman for me then it would be Podz. I think Ekholm would be last on my list just because of age. Pro sports really are a cruel mistress.
<figure id="attachment_180316" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-180316" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-180316 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USATSI_25196603-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USATSI_25196603-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USATSI_25196603-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USATSI_25196603-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USATSI_25196603-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USATSI_25196603-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-180316" class="wp-caption-text">Jan 15, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his power play goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
2) Ed M. asks &#8211; McD has stated that he does not want his contract situation to be a distraction this year. As long as he is unsigned, is this realistic?
Jason Gregor:
I don’t think it is really as big of a distraction as some think. On the road he could get asked about it, but it is one or two questions, for a total of less than three minutes. As he said, if that keeps you from playing well you are in the wrong business.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Not at all. Every road crowd will be chanting &#8220;Connor&#8217;s leaving&#8221; and every road media scrum will come with questions about it. Every bad stretch will be overanalyzed. It will be a mess if he&#8217;s not signed by opening night.
Baggedmilk:
Nope. It’s going to get worse, in fact.
<figure id="attachment_177704" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177704" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-177704 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Stuart Skinner" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177704" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) awaits the start of play against Florida Panthers during the second period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Taylor asks &#8211; It&#8217;s been reported that Stuart Skinner is much lighter than he was a year ago, but I&#8217;m wondering why that even matters? Does this mean his conditioning was poor last season?
Jason Gregor:
It matters more for long term health as it is 10-15 pounds less weight on his joints. His hockey equipment hasn’t changed, just his suit pants. If he feels a bit lighter, I could see it helping him in sequences where he’s up and down and moving a lot in a short period of time.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
His lateral movement was very poor last year so if he&#8217;s lost some weight, it should mean that he can go side to side in his crease much easier. This is actually a very important development.
Baggedmilk:
Maybe it will lead to feeling fresh in the third period? I don’t actually know, but if there are opportunities for improvement and this is one of them, then let’s go. I guess.
<figure id="attachment_178416" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-178416" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-178416 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Isaac Howard" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-178416" class="wp-caption-text">Michigan State&#8217;s Isaac Howard moves the puck against Minnesota during the first period on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Munn Arena in East Lansing.</figcaption></figure>
4) Gregg asks &#8211; How much weight do you put on an okay but not crazy performance by Isaac Howard during the rookie games?
Jason Gregor:
I think Howard could play more games in AHL than NHL this year. Last year no one expected Matt Savoie (9th overall pick in 2022) to make the NHL, and he had a great year in the AHL. Yet, this year some have talked about Howard (31st pick in 2022) coming and playing in the top six and scoring 20-30 goals. The NHL is very hard, and it is harder for rookies on a Cup contender. I think many need to readjust their expectations for Howard. He’s a rookie. If he makes the team that is great, but if not, that is fine too as it is his first year as a pro and the AHL is a great league to learn and develop in.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
None. He hadn&#8217;t really been skating before that, unlike Savoie who was at the Captain&#8217;s skates, so I&#8217;m willing to cut him some slack.
Baggedmilk:
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t expecting more from him during the rookie games because of the hype around here, but I don’t think it means much at all when it comes to the upcoming season.
<figure id="attachment_160604" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-160604" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-160604 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-160604" class="wp-caption-text">Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie</figcaption></figure>
5) Yves asks &#8211; What does making an impact mean for a young player like Matthew Savoie? Is it just making the team or does he have to hit a certain points threshold?
Jason Gregor:
Make the team, play top nine minutes and be reliable. If he scores 25-30 points that would be a solid first season. Anything higher would be great.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think being a legit top-nine player for 82 games would be a massive win. Score 15+ goals, crack the 40 point mark, and just show Kris Knoblauch that you can be trusted with important minutes come playoff time.
Baggedmilk:
If he gets to 30-40 points this year — that’s not easy in the NHL — then I think that’s a pretty good start. Essentially, can he replace Jeff Skinner or Viktor Arvidsson’s production from last year? I think he can.
<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" />
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GDB Stan Bowman Edmonton Oilers photoshop

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I've got a fresh 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 the other Oilers waiting for contracts, Isaac Howard at rookie camp, Matt Savoie, 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_176132" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-176132 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26286556-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jake Walman" width="1024" height="683" /> May 25, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) keeps the puck away from Dallas Stars right wing Evgenii Dadonov (63) in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

1) Devon asks - Putting Connor McDavid's extension aside for a moment, how would you prioritize extending Jake Walman, Mattias Ekholm, and Vasily Podkolzin?

Jason Gregor:

Good question. It comes down to negotiations. I think Ekholm might be the easiest as he’s older and family really wants to be here, but Walman would be first priority as his deal will be a longer term deal I suspect. Podkolzin will likely wait and see how his season goes. If I was his agent I wouldn’t be rushing to sign.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Jake Walman is absolutely #1 on that list for me. He's 29-years-old but has very few miles on him since he was a late bloomer and he is a very safe bet to be an impactful top-six defenseman for the next five or six years in my eyes. Get him signed now before he puts up 65 points playing with this Oilers offense. Next would be Podkolzin, who I could see having a breakout year and scoring close to 20-goals. Get him locked up before that happens. I would personally wait until the end of the season to sign Ekholm. Need to see what kind of shape he's in coming off the injury and also how his body holds up.

Baggedmilk:

It’s definitely Jake Walman for me then it would be Podz. I think Ekholm would be last on my list just because of age. Pro sports really are a cruel mistress.

[caption id="attachment_180316" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-180316 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USATSI_25196603-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid" width="1024" height="683" /> Jan 15, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his power play goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images[/caption]

2) Ed M. asks - McD has stated that he does not want his contract situation to be a distraction this year. As long as he is unsigned, is this realistic?

Jason Gregor:

I don’t think it is really as big of a distraction as some think. On the road he could get asked about it, but it is one or two questions, for a total of less than three minutes. As he said, if that keeps you from playing well you are in the wrong business.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Not at all. Every road crowd will be chanting "Connor's leaving" and every road media scrum will come with questions about it. Every bad stretch will be overanalyzed. It will be a mess if he's not signed by opening night.

Baggedmilk:

Nope. It’s going to get worse, in fact.

[caption id="attachment_177704" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-177704 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Stuart Skinner" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) awaits the start of play against Florida Panthers during the second period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Taylor asks - It's been reported that Stuart Skinner is much lighter than he was a year ago, but I'm wondering why that even matters? Does this mean his conditioning was poor last season?

Jason Gregor:

It matters more for long term health as it is 10-15 pounds less weight on his joints. His hockey equipment hasn’t changed, just his suit pants. If he feels a bit lighter, I could see it helping him in sequences where he’s up and down and moving a lot in a short period of time.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

His lateral movement was very poor last year so if he's lost some weight, it should mean that he can go side to side in his crease much easier. This is actually a very important development.

Baggedmilk:

Maybe it will lead to feeling fresh in the third period? I don’t actually know, but if there are opportunities for improvement and this is one of them, then let’s go. I guess.

[caption id="attachment_178416" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-178416 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Isaac Howard" width="1024" height="683" /> Michigan State's Isaac Howard moves the puck against Minnesota during the first period on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Munn Arena in East Lansing.[/caption]

4) Gregg asks - How much weight do you put on an okay but not crazy performance by Isaac Howard during the rookie games?

Jason Gregor:

I think Howard could play more games in AHL than NHL this year. Last year no one expected Matt Savoie (9th overall pick in 2022) to make the NHL, and he had a great year in the AHL. Yet, this year some have talked about Howard (31st pick in 2022) coming and playing in the top six and scoring 20-30 goals. The NHL is very hard, and it is harder for rookies on a Cup contender. I think many need to readjust their expectations for Howard. He’s a rookie. If he makes the team that is great, but if not, that is fine too as it is his first year as a pro and the AHL is a great league to learn and develop in.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

None. He hadn't really been skating before that, unlike Savoie who was at the Captain's skates, so I'm willing to cut him some slack.

Baggedmilk:

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t expecting more from him during the rookie games because of the hype around here, but I don’t think it means much at all when it comes to the upcoming season.

[caption id="attachment_160604" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="wp-image-160604 size-large" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie" width="1024" height="683" /> Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie[/caption]

5) Yves asks - What does making an impact mean for a young player like Matthew Savoie? Is it just making the team or does he have to hit a certain points threshold?

Jason Gregor:

Make the team, play top nine minutes and be reliable. If he scores 25-30 points that would be a solid first season. Anything higher would be great.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I think being a legit top-nine player for 82 games would be a massive win. Score 15+ goals, crack the 40 point mark, and just show Kris Knoblauch that you can be trusted with important minutes come playoff time.

Baggedmilk:

If he gets to 30-40 points this year — that’s not easy in the NHL — then I think that’s a pretty good start. Essentially, can he replace Jeff Skinner or Viktor Arvidsson’s production from last year? I think he can.
<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: How should the Oilers prioritize contracts for non-McDavid UFAs?

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