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 Stuart Skinner&#8217;s next contract, the Oilers&#8217; power play, a bounce-back year for Darnell Nurse, 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_177537" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177537" style="width: 859px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-177537" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413894-1-1024x590.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Glen Gulutzan" width="859" height="495" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413894-1-1024x590.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413894-1-300x173.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413894-1-768x442.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413894-1-1536x885.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413894-1-2048x1180.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 859px) 100vw, 859px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177537" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers bench looks on during the third period against the Florida Panthers in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
1) Andrew asks &#8211; With <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/06/29/edmonton-oilers-looking-extend-contract-kris-knoblauch-dallas-stars-hire-glen-gulutzan/">Glen Gulutzan now in Dallas</a>, what do you think the Oilers plan to do about the power play situation? Do you think there will be significant changes?
Jason Gregor:
I don’t see a need to make any significant changes. The main five guys have been the best PP for the past four seasons. We will see some subtle changes, but I think the one change will be that the second unit gets a bit more PP time. They want the second unit group to get a few more touches.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I really don&#8217;t think so. I can maybe see them starting to use a second unit a little bit more or even trade out everyone except McDavid and Draisaitl at the minute mark and give some of their younger players a chance.
Baggedmilk:
I think they&#8217;re going to be fine. This group has played together so long they can probably pull out Gulutzan&#8217;s PP plays with their eyes closed.
<figure id="attachment_177704" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177704" style="width: 869px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-177704" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Stuart Skinner" width="869" height="579" 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: 869px) 100vw, 869px" /><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>
2) Ben asks &#8211; Assuming <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/26/bold-predictions-edmonton-oilers-2025-2026-season/">Stuart Skinner</a> takes another step in a contract year, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/18/lukas-dostal-new-contract-edmonton-oilers-stuart-skinner-next-contract-comparison/">what kind of deal</a> are we talking about? Bridge? Long-term? How much money is he looking at if he plays like a legit No. 1 again?
Jason Gregor:
Minimum $5m. There are currently 22 active goalies making $5m+. Skinner is younger than all of them except Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger who are both the same age (26). If he has a decent year he will get at least a five year deal, and I think if he has an above average year he’ll likely get at least a $6m AAV.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I am a big Stuart Skinner believer, but I would not go long-term with him unless the cost was very low and I&#8217;m not sure why he would sign a contract like that. Let&#8217;s say he has a solid year where he&#8217;s in the top half of NHL goalies in the regular season and is solid in the playoffs. If that were to happen, I could see a three year deal somewhere around $5-6m.
Baggedmilk:
I bet he signed another 2-4 year contract when this season is up. I don&#8217;t think they go long-term unless his season blows everyone&#8217;s wheels off. Either way, I bet the next number starts with a $5 and people are gonna be mighty upset about it.
<figure id="attachment_177094" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177094" style="width: 871px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-177094" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26478338_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg" alt="Florida Panthers score goal Stanley Cup Final" width="871" height="580" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26478338_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26478338_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26478338_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26478338_168383996_lowres-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26478338_168383996_lowres.jpg 1942w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 871px) 100vw, 871px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177094" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) celebrates after scoring a goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the first period in game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Grant asks &#8211; If <a href="https://oilersnation.com/combinations">the Oilers</a> don’t win the division this year, is it considered a failure? Or is everyone just focused on surviving the regular season and being healthy for the playoffs?
Jason Gregor:
The main focus will be how they do in the playoffs, but ending the NHL’s longest division drought would make their path to the Stanley Cup a bit easier as they’d have home ice. They’ve made the Cup Final two years in a row by having home ice in only one of the six rounds v. Western Conference teams, so it isn’t a must, but it would be beneficial.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
No. After these past two seasons, we really shouldn&#8217;t be putting too much stock into the regular season. Just make the playoffs and stay healthy. Having home ice advantage would be nice, but they just proved that it&#8217;s not neeeded to go on a long playoff run.
Baggedmilk:
No, it wouldn&#8217;t be a failure but it sure would be a nice-to-have accomplishment at the end of the season.
<figure id="attachment_174868" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-174868" style="width: 846px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-174868" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24903268-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Darnell Nurse Defence" width="846" height="564" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24903268-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24903268-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24903268-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24903268-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24903268-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 846px) 100vw, 846px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-174868" class="wp-caption-text">Dec 3, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
4. Yves asks &#8211; It&#8217;s time for <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/26/darnell-nurse-has-another-good-not-great-season-2024-25-edmonton-oilers-player-review/">Darnell Nurse</a> to shut up the haters. What does a “bounce-back” season look like for him in terms of expectations and usage?
Jason Gregor:
Just play consistent and don’t try to do too much. When he plays to his strengths he is a positive asset, but when he tries to do too much is when he gets into trouble. It would help him if the Oilers acquired a strong second pair right shot defender at the deadline.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
If he can drive the second pairing and give the Oilers 22+ minutes a night, then no one will be complaining. Evan Bouchard proved this past spring that he is capable of being a legit top-pairing defenseman who plays in every scenario, but if Nurse can take on some tough defensive assignments and put up decent numbers while starting in the d-zone more often than not, that would be huge.
Baggedmilk:
He needs to be simple Darryl and he&#8217;ll be fine. The problem, of course, is that there&#8217;s nothing he can really do to shut up the haters so long as he&#8217;s making $9.25 million. I would have signed the deal too. Thanks, Ken.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-119618" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Toronto-Blue-Jays-1024x763.png" alt="Toronto Blue Jays" width="771" height="575" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Toronto-Blue-Jays-1024x763.png 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Toronto-Blue-Jays-300x223.png 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Toronto-Blue-Jays-768x572.png 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Toronto-Blue-Jays-1536x1144.png 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Toronto-Blue-Jays.png 1898w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 771px) 100vw, 771px" />
5. Calvin asks &#8211; What’s the most underrated sport to watch when there’s nothing else on? Something you throw on and get way too into.
Jason Gregor:
The Tour du France is excellent. I highly recommend watching the Tour du France series on Netflix and then watching the Tour next year. You get to know the racers and learn how crazy hard that sport is. Some of the crashes are wild.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Golf or baseball for me. Don&#8217;t need to be dialed into every pitch, don&#8217;t need to be watching your favourite team or player, but the big moments will still be electric. Honourable mention goes to the Olympics whenever they&#8217;re happening.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;d love to go to a playoff game in the MLB. The vibes are electric in October, and I think that would be a tonne of fun to witness first hand.
<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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Stan Bowman Edmonton Oilers GM free agency live blog

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 Stuart Skinner's next contract, the Oilers' power play, a bounce-back year for Darnell Nurse, 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_177537" align="aligncenter" width="859"]<img class=" wp-image-177537" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413894-1-1024x590.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Glen Gulutzan" width="859" height="495" /> Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers bench looks on during the third period against the Florida Panthers in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images[/caption]

1) Andrew asks - With <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/06/29/edmonton-oilers-looking-extend-contract-kris-knoblauch-dallas-stars-hire-glen-gulutzan/">Glen Gulutzan now in Dallas</a>, what do you think the Oilers plan to do about the power play situation? Do you think there will be significant changes?

Jason Gregor:

I don’t see a need to make any significant changes. The main five guys have been the best PP for the past four seasons. We will see some subtle changes, but I think the one change will be that the second unit gets a bit more PP time. They want the second unit group to get a few more touches.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I really don't think so. I can maybe see them starting to use a second unit a little bit more or even trade out everyone except McDavid and Draisaitl at the minute mark and give some of their younger players a chance.

Baggedmilk:

I think they're going to be fine. This group has played together so long they can probably pull out Gulutzan's PP plays with their eyes closed.

[caption id="attachment_177704" align="aligncenter" width="869"]<img class=" wp-image-177704" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26413746-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Stuart Skinner" width="869" height="579" /> 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]

2) Ben asks - Assuming <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/26/bold-predictions-edmonton-oilers-2025-2026-season/">Stuart Skinner</a> takes another step in a contract year, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/18/lukas-dostal-new-contract-edmonton-oilers-stuart-skinner-next-contract-comparison/">what kind of deal</a> are we talking about? Bridge? Long-term? How much money is he looking at if he plays like a legit No. 1 again?

Jason Gregor:

Minimum $5m. There are currently 22 active goalies making $5m+. Skinner is younger than all of them except Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger who are both the same age (26). If he has a decent year he will get at least a five year deal, and I think if he has an above average year he’ll likely get at least a $6m AAV.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I am a big Stuart Skinner believer, but I would not go long-term with him unless the cost was very low and I'm not sure why he would sign a contract like that. Let's say he has a solid year where he's in the top half of NHL goalies in the regular season and is solid in the playoffs. If that were to happen, I could see a three year deal somewhere around $5-6m.

Baggedmilk:

I bet he signed another 2-4 year contract when this season is up. I don't think they go long-term unless his season blows everyone's wheels off. Either way, I bet the next number starts with a $5 and people are gonna be mighty upset about it.

[caption id="attachment_177094" align="aligncenter" width="871"]<img class=" wp-image-177094" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26478338_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg" alt="Florida Panthers score goal Stanley Cup Final" width="871" height="580" /> Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) celebrates after scoring a goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the first period in game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Grant asks - If <a href="https://oilersnation.com/combinations">the Oilers</a> don’t win the division this year, is it considered a failure? Or is everyone just focused on surviving the regular season and being healthy for the playoffs?

Jason Gregor:

The main focus will be how they do in the playoffs, but ending the NHL’s longest division drought would make their path to the Stanley Cup a bit easier as they’d have home ice. They’ve made the Cup Final two years in a row by having home ice in only one of the six rounds v. Western Conference teams, so it isn’t a must, but it would be beneficial.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

No. After these past two seasons, we really shouldn't be putting too much stock into the regular season. Just make the playoffs and stay healthy. Having home ice advantage would be nice, but they just proved that it's not neeeded to go on a long playoff run.

Baggedmilk:

No, it wouldn't be a failure but it sure would be a nice-to-have accomplishment at the end of the season.

[caption id="attachment_174868" align="aligncenter" width="846"]<img class=" wp-image-174868" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_24903268-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Darnell Nurse Defence" width="846" height="564" /> Dec 3, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images[/caption]

4. Yves asks - It's time for <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/26/darnell-nurse-has-another-good-not-great-season-2024-25-edmonton-oilers-player-review/">Darnell Nurse</a> to shut up the haters. What does a “bounce-back” season look like for him in terms of expectations and usage?

Jason Gregor:

Just play consistent and don’t try to do too much. When he plays to his strengths he is a positive asset, but when he tries to do too much is when he gets into trouble. It would help him if the Oilers acquired a strong second pair right shot defender at the deadline.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

If he can drive the second pairing and give the Oilers 22+ minutes a night, then no one will be complaining. Evan Bouchard proved this past spring that he is capable of being a legit top-pairing defenseman who plays in every scenario, but if Nurse can take on some tough defensive assignments and put up decent numbers while starting in the d-zone more often than not, that would be huge.

Baggedmilk:

He needs to be simple Darryl and he'll be fine. The problem, of course, is that there's nothing he can really do to shut up the haters so long as he's making $9.25 million. I would have signed the deal too. Thanks, Ken.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-119618" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Toronto-Blue-Jays-1024x763.png" alt="Toronto Blue Jays" width="771" height="575" />

5. Calvin asks - What’s the most underrated sport to watch when there’s nothing else on? Something you throw on and get way too into.

Jason Gregor:

The Tour du France is excellent. I highly recommend watching the Tour du France series on Netflix and then watching the Tour next year. You get to know the racers and learn how crazy hard that sport is. Some of the crashes are wild.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Golf or baseball for me. Don't need to be dialed into every pitch, don't need to be watching your favourite team or player, but the big moments will still be electric. Honourable mention goes to the Olympics whenever they're happening.

Baggedmilk:

I'd love to go to a playoff game in the MLB. The vibes are electric in October, and I think that would be a tonne of fun to witness first hand.
<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: Is every non-Cup year considered a failure for the Oilers?

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