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 Isaac Howard, roster comparisons, organizational needs, 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_178416" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-178416" style="width: 782px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-178416" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Isaac Howard" width="782" height="522" 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: 782px) 100vw, 782px" /><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>
1) Yves asks &#8211; How do you see <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/03/01/oilers-healthy-scratch-matt-savoie-for-second-straight-game/">Matthew Savoie</a> and <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/09/scouting-report-isaac-howard-newest-edmonton-oilers-forward/">Isaac Howard</a> contributing to the Oilers&#8217; lineup this season? Stan Bowman said he wanted to find some youth, and to this point, it appears he&#8217;s done that.
Jason Gregor:
Both will be given a good opportunity to play in the top-nine, and/or top-six. Considering neither will be on the top unit PP, a very good season would be 30-40 points. Anything above would be outstanding. I also think having some youthful exuberance in the locker room will be a good addition. The Oilers are a very serious, business-like group, and I think at times would benefit from having some excitable youth around.
Zach Laing:
At risk of getting far too ahead of myself, is it really all that out of the question that they could be Calder trophy contenders? It would undoubtedly take a massive season from, but Howard has the ninth-best odds and Savoie the 13th-best odds, according to Bet365. Looking back at the last number of winners, it&#8217;s going to take at least a 25-goal, 60-point season to really get into the mix. They&#8217;ll have all the chance in the world if they can break into the top-six.
Baggedmilk:
I think both of these players are going to get real looks with quality linemates, and it will be up to them to show they belong there. Kris Knoblauch also has to be good with these two kids making mistakes from time to time.
<figure id="attachment_177701" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177701" style="width: 829px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-177701" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26376679-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Stuart Skinner Calvin Pickard" width="829" height="553" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26376679-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26376679-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26376679-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26376679-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26376679-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177701" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) reacts with goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) after defeating the Florida Panthers in overtime for game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
2) Blake asks &#8211; <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/02/edmonton-oilers-thoughts-maintaining-cap-flexibility-after-july-1-success-stan-bowman/">Finding a new goalie</a> to pair or replace Stuart Skinner looks like it&#8217;s going to be easier said than done, and I&#8217;m wondering how important everyone thinks an upgrade in net will be ahead of next season?
Jason Gregor:
I expect them to add a goalie, more in the role of a backup who can push for starting time. I could see them waiting until late in camp when goalies will be available on waivers. Bowman could look at trading for one before they hit waivers, to ensure he gets one, or just wait for waivers. Daws in New Jersey, Silovs in Vancouver, Dipietro in Boston would be options.
Zach Laing:
I&#8217;m willing to run it back and see what Skinner can do with a new goaltending coach. After all, this team is constructed in a way that has little money allocated to goaltending. Assuming Connor McDavid signs a $15-million deal and Jake Walman a deal paying him $5-million – numbers projected by Evolving Hockey — that leaves the team with $25-million in cap space next summer, needing to fill a third-line centre, two spots on the fourth line, two spots on the blue line and decisions to be made in the crease. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard will both be unrestricted free agents next summer. That&#8217;s when it feels like the big change could be made.
Baggedmilk:
I maintain that I think they&#8217;ll trade for a goalie that can push Skinner for the starting job. It&#8217;s not what you want to hear, but I believe it to be the truth.
<figure id="attachment_177100" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-177100" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-177100" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26456070-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Corey Perry" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26456070-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26456070-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26456070-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26456070-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26456070-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-177100" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90) during the warmup period against the Florida Panthers in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Terrance asks &#8211; Looking at the players who moved on (Perry, Kane, Arvidsson, Brown) compared to who came in (Mangiapane, Howard, Lazar), what&#8217;s your too-early take on how you think the Oilers&#8217; lineup stacks up against last season?
Jason Gregor:
They will be younger and a bit quicker. Perry, Skinner, Arvidsson, Brown and Ryan combined for 64 goals in the regular season. I think Mangiapane, Frederic, Savoie, Howard and Lazar/Philp will be able to produce similar, if not more.
Zach Laing:
The Oilers are younger and faster, but have more unproven pieces between Howard, Savoie, Mangiapane, and to a certain extent, Trent Frederic. It&#8217;s on them to step up and show what they can do.
Baggedmilk:
I think having more youth and speed in the lineup will be helpful, but they also have to find a way to replace 64 regular season goals. Magiapane, Savoie, and Howard will have the chances to score, what we&#8217;ll have to wait and see is whether they can convert. They also lost some jam and dickishness in Evander Kane and Corey Perry, which will be something others will need to step up to contribute.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-156596" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GRGNRmAakAAKkwy-1024x590.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jeff Jackson" width="808" height="466" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GRGNRmAakAAKkwy-1024x590.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GRGNRmAakAAKkwy-300x173.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GRGNRmAakAAKkwy-768x442.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GRGNRmAakAAKkwy.jpg 1250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 808px) 100vw, 808px" />
4) Oilers fan in Van asks &#8211; When Jeff Jackson came aboard as CEO, he said he wanted the Oilers to be best in class in all facets of the organization. Is there any such area you&#8217;d like to see the team or organization continue to build out or improve upon?
Jason Gregor:
I’d look to build out a goalie department. Also, I’d like to see them incorporate more skill-based drills during practice. I find teams focus so much on technical and tactical drills, they overlook continued skill development. I’d look to continue to the skill development of my NHL players, as much as I do on prospects. I actually find it odd how much time is spent on player development or prospects, when most will never play, compared to how little teams do with their actual NHL players.
Zach Laing:
The Oilers have taken massive steps forward in their usage of analytics, and it&#8217;s an area they need to continue to push deeper into. As Jason Gregor <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/dustin-schwartz-wont-return-edmonton-oilers-goalie-coach-replacement-options" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://oilersnation.com/news/dustin-schwartz-wont-return-edmonton-oilers-goalie-coach-replacement-options&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1752536484384000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MY0xPKojOg53IKjQXXGbN">alluded to last week</a>, building out a deeper organizational goaltending department is something they need to do next.
Baggedmilk:
Keep building out the support staff and areas of the org where there is no salary cap. Scouting, analytics, goaltending, development, and anything else they can throw cash at to help the organization out beyond what&#8217;s happening on the ice.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-172601" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-10.51.34 AM-1024x712.png" alt="Josh Samanski" width="813" height="566" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-10.51.34 AM-1024x712.png 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-10.51.34 AM-300x209.png 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-10.51.34 AM-768x534.png 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-10.51.34 AM-1536x1069.png 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-10.51.34 AM.png 1972w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px" />
5) Philip from Germany asks &#8211; I was wondering about the chances of Joshua Samanski making the NHL Roster or getting some Ice Time this year with the Oilers. I&#8217;m only reading about Savoi, Tomasek, and now Howard making the Team, but never a word about Samanski. Is he so far behind the names mentioned above? Thanks for your insights on this.
Jason Gregor:
Maybe in the second half, but he needs to be given time to adjust to the North American game in the AHL. His coach told me Samanski has made great strides in his improvement the past three years. He’s a bit of a late developer, so let’s see what he does in the AHL first. I full season in Bakersfield is the most likely path, unless the Oilers have a string of injuries.
Zach Laing:
Ruling him out of NHL games at this point would be foolish, but the truth of the matter is the North American game is much different from that played in Europe. Unless he has an outstanding training camp showing an ability to adjust to the NA game, I think he starts the year in Bakersfield and he will be a recall option at some point.
Baggedmilk:
Me no know answer. Me no know player too good. Me no contribute at all.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
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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 Isaac Howard, roster comparisons, organizational needs, 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_178416" align="aligncenter" width="782"]<img class=" wp-image-178416" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_25269380-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Isaac Howard" width="782" height="522" /> 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]

1) Yves asks - How do you see <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/03/01/oilers-healthy-scratch-matt-savoie-for-second-straight-game/">Matthew Savoie</a> and <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/09/scouting-report-isaac-howard-newest-edmonton-oilers-forward/">Isaac Howard</a> contributing to the Oilers' lineup this season? Stan Bowman said he wanted to find some youth, and to this point, it appears he's done that.

Jason Gregor:

Both will be given a good opportunity to play in the top-nine, and/or top-six. Considering neither will be on the top unit PP, a very good season would be 30-40 points. Anything above would be outstanding. I also think having some youthful exuberance in the locker room will be a good addition. The Oilers are a very serious, business-like group, and I think at times would benefit from having some excitable youth around.

Zach Laing:

At risk of getting far too ahead of myself, is it really all that out of the question that they could be Calder trophy contenders? It would undoubtedly take a massive season from, but Howard has the ninth-best odds and Savoie the 13th-best odds, according to Bet365. Looking back at the last number of winners, it's going to take at least a 25-goal, 60-point season to really get into the mix. They'll have all the chance in the world if they can break into the top-six.

Baggedmilk:

I think both of these players are going to get real looks with quality linemates, and it will be up to them to show they belong there. Kris Knoblauch also has to be good with these two kids making mistakes from time to time.

[caption id="attachment_177701" align="aligncenter" width="829"]<img class=" wp-image-177701" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26376679-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Stuart Skinner Calvin Pickard" width="829" height="553" /> Jun 4, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) reacts with goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) after defeating the Florida Panthers in overtime for game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images[/caption]

2) Blake asks - <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/07/02/edmonton-oilers-thoughts-maintaining-cap-flexibility-after-july-1-success-stan-bowman/">Finding a new goalie</a> to pair or replace Stuart Skinner looks like it's going to be easier said than done, and I'm wondering how important everyone thinks an upgrade in net will be ahead of next season?

Jason Gregor:

I expect them to add a goalie, more in the role of a backup who can push for starting time. I could see them waiting until late in camp when goalies will be available on waivers. Bowman could look at trading for one before they hit waivers, to ensure he gets one, or just wait for waivers. Daws in New Jersey, Silovs in Vancouver, Dipietro in Boston would be options.

Zach Laing:

I'm willing to run it back and see what Skinner can do with a new goaltending coach. After all, this team is constructed in a way that has little money allocated to goaltending. Assuming Connor McDavid signs a $15-million deal and Jake Walman a deal paying him $5-million – numbers projected by Evolving Hockey — that leaves the team with $25-million in cap space next summer, needing to fill a third-line centre, two spots on the fourth line, two spots on the blue line and decisions to be made in the crease. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard will both be unrestricted free agents next summer. That's when it feels like the big change could be made.

Baggedmilk:

I maintain that I think they'll trade for a goalie that can push Skinner for the starting job. It's not what you want to hear, but I believe it to be the truth.

[caption id="attachment_177100" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-177100" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26456070-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Corey Perry" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90) during the warmup period against the Florida Panthers in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Terrance asks - Looking at the players who moved on (Perry, Kane, Arvidsson, Brown) compared to who came in (Mangiapane, Howard, Lazar), what's your too-early take on how you think the Oilers' lineup stacks up against last season?

Jason Gregor:

They will be younger and a bit quicker. Perry, Skinner, Arvidsson, Brown and Ryan combined for 64 goals in the regular season. I think Mangiapane, Frederic, Savoie, Howard and Lazar/Philp will be able to produce similar, if not more.

Zach Laing:

The Oilers are younger and faster, but have more unproven pieces between Howard, Savoie, Mangiapane, and to a certain extent, Trent Frederic. It's on them to step up and show what they can do.

Baggedmilk:

I think having more youth and speed in the lineup will be helpful, but they also have to find a way to replace 64 regular season goals. Magiapane, Savoie, and Howard will have the chances to score, what we'll have to wait and see is whether they can convert. They also lost some jam and dickishness in Evander Kane and Corey Perry, which will be something others will need to step up to contribute.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-156596" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GRGNRmAakAAKkwy-1024x590.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jeff Jackson" width="808" height="466" />

4) Oilers fan in Van asks - When Jeff Jackson came aboard as CEO, he said he wanted the Oilers to be best in class in all facets of the organization. Is there any such area you'd like to see the team or organization continue to build out or improve upon?

Jason Gregor:

I’d look to build out a goalie department. Also, I’d like to see them incorporate more skill-based drills during practice. I find teams focus so much on technical and tactical drills, they overlook continued skill development. I’d look to continue to the skill development of my NHL players, as much as I do on prospects. I actually find it odd how much time is spent on player development or prospects, when most will never play, compared to how little teams do with their actual NHL players.

Zach Laing:

The Oilers have taken massive steps forward in their usage of analytics, and it's an area they need to continue to push deeper into. As Jason Gregor <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/dustin-schwartz-wont-return-edmonton-oilers-goalie-coach-replacement-options" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://oilersnation.com/news/dustin-schwartz-wont-return-edmonton-oilers-goalie-coach-replacement-options&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1752536484384000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MY0xPKojOg53IKjQXXGbN">alluded to last week</a>, building out a deeper organizational goaltending department is something they need to do next.

Baggedmilk:

Keep building out the support staff and areas of the org where there is no salary cap. Scouting, analytics, goaltending, development, and anything else they can throw cash at to help the organization out beyond what's happening on the ice.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-172601" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-02-at-10.51.34 AM-1024x712.png" alt="Josh Samanski" width="813" height="566" />

5) Philip from Germany asks - I was wondering about the chances of Joshua Samanski making the NHL Roster or getting some Ice Time this year with the Oilers. I'm only reading about Savoi, Tomasek, and now Howard making the Team, but never a word about Samanski. Is he so far behind the names mentioned above? Thanks for your insights on this.

Jason Gregor:

Maybe in the second half, but he needs to be given time to adjust to the North American game in the AHL. His coach told me Samanski has made great strides in his improvement the past three years. He’s a bit of a late developer, so let’s see what he does in the AHL first. I full season in Bakersfield is the most likely path, unless the Oilers have a string of injuries.

Zach Laing:

Ruling him out of NHL games at this point would be foolish, but the truth of the matter is the North American game is much different from that played in Europe. Unless he has an outstanding training camp showing an ability to adjust to the NA game, I think he starts the year in Bakersfield and he will be a recall option at some point.

Baggedmilk:

Me no know answer. Me no know player too good. Me no contribute at all.
<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" />

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