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 Stan Bowman&#8217;s first full offseason, Calder Trophy dreams, defensive contract extensions, 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_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>
1) Dale asks &#8211; How would you grade Stan Bowman&#8217;s <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/01/edmonton-oilers-2025-free-agency-live-blog/">first full off-season</a> with the Oilers so far?
Jason Gregor:
They made it to the Cup final. He acquired Podkolzin for a 4th, Kapanen on waivers, Klingberg as a UFA and acquired Walman and Frederic. I’d say an A.
Liam Horrobin:
B &#8211; I&#8217;ve liked all the moves he&#8217;s made this far. He didn&#8217;t overspend on a bad free agency class either, which is a huge positive. Everyone is pointing at the lack of moves between the pipes, but a new goalie coach could change that.
Zach Laing:
I&#8217;d give him a B. The Oilers got younger and faster, and really reshaped the forward group.
Baggedmilk:
He&#8217;s not done yet&#8230; at least, I don&#8217;t think so. We still have to see some of the rumoured extensions before training camp starts, but overall, I think he&#8217;s done an okay job with the limited cap space and trade assets.
<figure id="attachment_160600" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-160600" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-160600" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-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-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Edmonton-Oilers-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Edmonton-Oilers-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Edmonton-Oilers-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Edmonton-Oilers-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-160600" class="wp-caption-text">Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie at the Penticton Young Stars Tournament 2024</figcaption></figure>
2) Cliff asks &#8211; Do you think either Matthew Savoie or Ike Howard has a reasonable chance at the Calder Trophy given some of the other young talent that will be playing across the league this season?
Jason Gregor:
What is reasonable? On one hand they have a chance to play top six with either McDavid or Draisaitl, but on the other, they are trying to crack the lineup of one of the best teams in the NHL. It is challenging. It is possible, but I’d lean towards unlikely as they won’t get any first unit PP time, unless there is an injury.
Liam Horrobin:
100% but it&#8217;ll be one or the other, not both. Savoie has the better chance of the two. He&#8217;s got a pro season under his belt and a handful of games played in the NHL, too. Also, did we all forget he was the 9th overall pick? Savoie can play, and he&#8217;s going to be exciting.
Zach Laing:
I think one of them have as shot, and I lean towards Savoie due to his prior NHL experience. Bet365 has Howard at +1600 (5.88 percent implied probability) and Savoie at +3500 (2.78 percent implied probability), for what it&#8217;s worth.
Baggedmilk:
I say yes! I&#8217;m predicting Matt Savoie will surprise and earn the franchises first Calder Trophy. I know there&#8217;s some still competition from other clubs in the league, but I&#8217;m in full Kool-Aid mode right now.
<figure id="attachment_177175" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177175" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-177175" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26465711-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26465711-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26465711-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26465711-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26465711-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26465711-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177175" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) passes the puck against the Florida Panthers during the second period in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Yves asks &#8211; Hard to believe Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is in year 14 with the Oilers. What’s his best-case scenario this season?
Jason Gregor:
Interesting question. Best case is he plays all year in top six on the wing and produces 75 points. Realistically I think he’s around 50-55 points, which is still solid and he splits time in the top six and on the third line.
Liam Horrobin:
The best case is that he scored 70 points, which means he starts producing on the power play again.
Zach Laing:
I&#8217;d love to see him get back to his point-per-game ways, but I can see him being 3C this year, so it could be in the 50-60 point range realistically.
Baggedmilk:
I think he&#8217;ll split between being McDavid&#8217;s winger and the 3C, so I&#8217;ll say 24 goals and 60 points. Totally reasonable for him.
<figure id="attachment_175474" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-175474" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-175474" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26107912-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jake Walman" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26107912-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26107912-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26107912-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26107912-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26107912-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-175474" class="wp-caption-text">May 6, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) warms up before game one against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
4) Angel asks &#8211; With Bouchard now at $10.5M AAV, Ekholm and Walman seem like they&#8217;d be more budget-friendly—how should the team prioritize extensions?
Jason Gregor:
I’d sign Walman first as he’s younger. I’d want to re-sign Ekholm, but I might wait and see how he’s recovered and how he looks. He will be 36 when his next contract begins so there are some risks, albeit not huge, in re-signing him.
Liam Horrobin:
They should prioritise Walman since he is younger and likely to improve this season. You can keep Ekholm around, but a 35-year-old shouldn&#8217;t be trumping a Walman in contract talks.
Zach Laing:
You take care of Walman now and Ekholm next summer.
Baggedmilk:
You prioritize Walman because he&#8217;s six years younger. That&#8217;s not to say I don&#8217;t want Ekholm back, but we also don&#8217;t know how healthy he is after that groin injury and what he&#8217;s looking for as a 35-year-old veteran.
<figure id="attachment_174932" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-174932" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-174932" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26162427_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26162427_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26162427_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26162427_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26162427_168383996_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26162427_168383996_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-174932" class="wp-caption-text">May 12, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers centre Adam Henrique (19) celebrates a goal the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
5) Clay asks &#8211; Adam Henrique had a quiet season in 2024-25. What do you see as reasonable expectations for the veteran centre?
Jason Gregor:
I’d like to see him on the wing. He can still take faceoff, especially on the PK, but I could see him get back to 15-17 goals if he plays regularly in the top nine.
Liam Horrobin:
Anything from 30 to 45 points would be a reasonable expectation for Henrique. He&#8217;s still a good player but isn&#8217;t getting those top line minutes he was in Anaheim. Its hard for him to produce consistently.
Zach Laing:
Henrique was relatively productive, with 12 goals and 27 points in 81 games, adding four goals and seven points in 22 playoff games. All of that, mind you, with his most common linemates in the regular season being Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark and Brown and Trent Frederic in the playoffs. I don&#8217;t think the expectations are high on him to produce offence, as I look at him as the new Derek Ryan.
Baggedmilk:
Right now, Henrique is slotted as the 3C or 4C unless Kris Knoblauch moves him to the wing. I think if we want more production from Henrique, he has to play on the wing in an offensive role, but I don&#8217;t know how likely that is after spending the bulk of his career down the middle.
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GDB Mattias Ekholm Edmonton Oilers Photoshop Vancouver Canucks

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 Stan Bowman's first full offseason, Calder Trophy dreams, defensive contract extensions, 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_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]

1) Dale asks - How would you grade Stan Bowman's <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/01/edmonton-oilers-2025-free-agency-live-blog/">first full off-season</a> with the Oilers so far?

Jason Gregor:

They made it to the Cup final. He acquired Podkolzin for a 4th, Kapanen on waivers, Klingberg as a UFA and acquired Walman and Frederic. I’d say an A.

Liam Horrobin:

B - I've liked all the moves he's made this far. He didn't overspend on a bad free agency class either, which is a huge positive. Everyone is pointing at the lack of moves between the pipes, but a new goalie coach could change that.

Zach Laing:

I'd give him a B. The Oilers got younger and faster, and really reshaped the forward group.

Baggedmilk:

He's not done yet... at least, I don't think so. We still have to see some of the rumoured extensions before training camp starts, but overall, I think he's done an okay job with the limited cap space and trade assets.

[caption id="attachment_160600" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-160600" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie" width="1024" height="683" /> Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie at the Penticton Young Stars Tournament 2024[/caption]

2) Cliff asks - Do you think either Matthew Savoie or Ike Howard has a reasonable chance at the Calder Trophy given some of the other young talent that will be playing across the league this season?

Jason Gregor:

What is reasonable? On one hand they have a chance to play top six with either McDavid or Draisaitl, but on the other, they are trying to crack the lineup of one of the best teams in the NHL. It is challenging. It is possible, but I’d lean towards unlikely as they won’t get any first unit PP time, unless there is an injury.

Liam Horrobin:

100% but it'll be one or the other, not both. Savoie has the better chance of the two. He's got a pro season under his belt and a handful of games played in the NHL, too. Also, did we all forget he was the 9th overall pick? Savoie can play, and he's going to be exciting.

Zach Laing:

I think one of them have as shot, and I lean towards Savoie due to his prior NHL experience. Bet365 has Howard at +1600 (5.88 percent implied probability) and Savoie at +3500 (2.78 percent implied probability), for what it's worth.

Baggedmilk:

I say yes! I'm predicting Matt Savoie will surprise and earn the franchises first Calder Trophy. I know there's some still competition from other clubs in the league, but I'm in full Kool-Aid mode right now.

[caption id="attachment_177175" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-177175" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26465711-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) passes the puck against the Florida Panthers during the second period in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Yves asks - Hard to believe Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is in year 14 with the Oilers. What’s his best-case scenario this season?

Jason Gregor:

Interesting question. Best case is he plays all year in top six on the wing and produces 75 points. Realistically I think he’s around 50-55 points, which is still solid and he splits time in the top six and on the third line.

Liam Horrobin:

The best case is that he scored 70 points, which means he starts producing on the power play again.

Zach Laing:

I'd love to see him get back to his point-per-game ways, but I can see him being 3C this year, so it could be in the 50-60 point range realistically.

Baggedmilk:

I think he'll split between being McDavid's winger and the 3C, so I'll say 24 goals and 60 points. Totally reasonable for him.

[caption id="attachment_175474" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-175474" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26107912-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jake Walman" width="1024" height="683" /> May 6, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) warms up before game one against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images[/caption]

4) Angel asks - With Bouchard now at $10.5M AAV, Ekholm and Walman seem like they'd be more budget-friendly—how should the team prioritize extensions?

Jason Gregor:

I’d sign Walman first as he’s younger. I’d want to re-sign Ekholm, but I might wait and see how he’s recovered and how he looks. He will be 36 when his next contract begins so there are some risks, albeit not huge, in re-signing him.

Liam Horrobin:

They should prioritise Walman since he is younger and likely to improve this season. You can keep Ekholm around, but a 35-year-old shouldn't be trumping a Walman in contract talks.

Zach Laing:

You take care of Walman now and Ekholm next summer.

Baggedmilk:

You prioritize Walman because he's six years younger. That's not to say I don't want Ekholm back, but we also don't know how healthy he is after that groin injury and what he's looking for as a 35-year-old veteran.

[caption id="attachment_174932" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-174932" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26162427_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique" width="1024" height="683" /> May 12, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers centre Adam Henrique (19) celebrates a goal the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images[/caption]

5) Clay asks - Adam Henrique had a quiet season in 2024-25. What do you see as reasonable expectations for the veteran centre?

Jason Gregor:

I’d like to see him on the wing. He can still take faceoff, especially on the PK, but I could see him get back to 15-17 goals if he plays regularly in the top nine.

Liam Horrobin:

Anything from 30 to 45 points would be a reasonable expectation for Henrique. He's still a good player but isn't getting those top line minutes he was in Anaheim. Its hard for him to produce consistently.

Zach Laing:

Henrique was relatively productive, with 12 goals and 27 points in 81 games, adding four goals and seven points in 22 playoff games. All of that, mind you, with his most common linemates in the regular season being Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark and Brown and Trent Frederic in the playoffs. I don't think the expectations are high on him to produce offence, as I look at him as the new Derek Ryan.

Baggedmilk:

Right now, Henrique is slotted as the 3C or 4C unless Kris Knoblauch moves him to the wing. I think if we want more production from Henrique, he has to play on the wing in an offensive role, but I don't know how likely that is after spending the bulk of his career down the middle.
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Monday Mailbag: Should the Oilers prioritize Jake Walman or Mattias Ekholm extensions?

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