Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I&#8217;ve got a brand new <a href="https://oilersnation.com/category/monday-mailbag">mailbag</a> ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take. This week, we&#8217;re discussing the Oilers&#8217; scoring woes, Isaac Howard&#8217;s spot in the lineup, puck management, 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_182758" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-182758" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-182758" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27402730-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27402730-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27402730-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27402730-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27402730-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27402730-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-182758" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 23, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
1) Allen asks &#8211; What do you see as the biggest problem with the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/stats">Oilers&#8217; offence</a> through this first stretch of the season?
Jason Gregor:
The big guns aren’t scoring at 5&#215;5. In the first 10 games McDavid, Draisaitl and Bouchard combined for two goals at 5&#215;5, and Draisaitl has both. When they produce more 5&#215;5 it will funnel down to the rest of the lineup.
Baggedmilk:
They refuse to shoot the puck. Instead of taking the chances that they&#8217;re given, the Oilers keep passing the puck out of the slot instead of taking a shot. We saw how putting pucks on net can be beneficial in the game against Montreal, and I&#8217;m truly puzzled why they don&#8217;t do it more often.
<figure id="attachment_182663" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-182663" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-182663" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27205834-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Issac Howard" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27205834-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27205834-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27205834-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27205834-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27205834-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-182663" class="wp-caption-text">Sep 26, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Issac Howard (53) waits for the play to begin against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
2) Jake asks &#8211; It seems like many of us think <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/10/14/edmonton-oilers-isaac-howard-would-benefit-from-some-minutes-ahl/">some time in the AHL</a> might be beneficial for <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/08/16/edmonton-oilers-summer-2025-prospect-countdown-2-isaac-howard/">Isaac Howard</a>, but where does everybody sit on having him with the big club vs. being with the Condors?
Jason Gregor:
Knoblauch has used him wisely. He didn’t put him in a position to face toughest competition in his first few games, or where they were was any pressure to produce. He has played better and got promoted to the top six in Seattle. If he plays 12+ min a game, I’d keep him in EDM, but when Hyman returns that could push him out of the top nine, and if so, then I&#8217;d rather he plays big minutes in Bakersfield.
Baggedmilk:
I think the injuries are going to give him some leash here, but I ultimately think some time in the AHL would do him some good. He&#8217;s not playing that many minutes with the Oilers right now, and I&#8217;d like to see him get a chance to play 20+ mins per night with the Condors. I think it would do some good for his confidence and ultimately what he&#8217;s able to do on the NHL roster.
<figure id="attachment_182486" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-182486" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-182486" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27370891-1024x683.jpg" alt="Detroit Red Wings celebrate goal" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27370891-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27370891-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27370891-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27370891-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27370891-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-182486" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 19, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) celebrates with defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka (44) after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Yves asks &#8211; Puck management has been a significant issue for Edmonton <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/10/07/milestones-all-time-rankings-watch-during-2025-26-nhl-season/">this season</a>, and I&#8217;m asking everyone for one practical tip that you think would help sort out all of these giveaways?
Jason Gregor:
Pass better. Make better decisions. Play with some physical intensity, but mainly just complete more passes and reduce the glaring giveaways.
Baggedmilk:
Pass to your teammates and not the other team. That would be super helpful. The other one would be to stop trying the breakout play where the forwards rush to the far blue line and hope for a miracle. That would also be helpful.
<figure id="attachment_182145" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-182145" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-182145" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279486-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279486-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279486-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279486-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279486-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279486-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-182145" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 8, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) looks to make a pass in front of Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary (47) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
4) Andrew asks &#8211; <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-how-many-goals-will-connor-mcdavid-score-2025-26-season">Connor McDavid said he wanted to score more goals</a> this season, but I still find he&#8217;s passing up plenty of opportunities to shoot the puck. What are you seeing in McDavid&#8217;s game right now and how do you think he could get his goal totals up?
Jason Gregor:
I spoke to him about it. He knows he needs to shoot more but admitted it isn’t natural for him. He’s been a pass-first player his entire life. His natural instinct is to pass. He can shoot more, and he has in the past, but through the first 10 games he’s averaging 2.8 shots/game. Not nearly good enough. The year he scored 64 goals he averaged 4.29 shots/game. He needs to shoot more and he knows it.
Baggedmilk:
He&#8217;s not shooting as much as he could be. He&#8217;s still thinking pass first and collecting assists, but he&#8217;s the best player on earth, and it&#8217;s okay for him to be selfish more often.
<figure id="attachment_182076" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-182076" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-182076" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27306251_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Noah Philp (48), his first goal in the NHL, during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Place." width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27306251_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27306251_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27306251_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27306251_168383996_lowres.jpg 1275w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-182076" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 11, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Noah Philp (48), his first goal in the NHL, during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
5) James asks &#8211; How much of an advantage do you think it will be, if at all, that the Oilers play so many home games in the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/schedule">back half of the season</a>? Getting to those games is going to be intense, but it could set them up nicely for the stretch drive.
Jason Gregor:
The big advantage is they don’t have to go to the Eastern time zone after December. That will help, and they have much less travel in the second half, combined with more home games. I think the rest and home crowd should help them down the stretch, as long as they remain relatively healthy.
Baggedmilk:
Has to be a good thing, right? Line matching, sleeping in your own bed, and having the home side behind you can only help. That said, the Oilers need to make sure Rogers Place is a rink no one wants to play in. Otherwise, what does it matter?
<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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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins GDB Edmonton Oilers Toronto Maple Leafs

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I've got a brand new <a href="https://oilersnation.com/category/monday-mailbag">mailbag</a> ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take. This week, we're discussing the Oilers' scoring woes, Isaac Howard's spot in the lineup, puck management, 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_182758" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-182758" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27402730-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 23, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

1) Allen asks - What do you see as the biggest problem with the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/stats">Oilers' offence</a> through this first stretch of the season?

Jason Gregor:

The big guns aren’t scoring at 5x5. In the first 10 games McDavid, Draisaitl and Bouchard combined for two goals at 5x5, and Draisaitl has both. When they produce more 5x5 it will funnel down to the rest of the lineup.

Baggedmilk:

They refuse to shoot the puck. Instead of taking the chances that they're given, the Oilers keep passing the puck out of the slot instead of taking a shot. We saw how putting pucks on net can be beneficial in the game against Montreal, and I'm truly puzzled why they don't do it more often.

[caption id="attachment_182663" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-182663" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27205834-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Issac Howard" width="1024" height="683" /> Sep 26, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Issac Howard (53) waits for the play to begin against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

2) Jake asks - It seems like many of us think <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/10/14/edmonton-oilers-isaac-howard-would-benefit-from-some-minutes-ahl/">some time in the AHL</a> might be beneficial for <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/08/16/edmonton-oilers-summer-2025-prospect-countdown-2-isaac-howard/">Isaac Howard</a>, but where does everybody sit on having him with the big club vs. being with the Condors?

Jason Gregor:

Knoblauch has used him wisely. He didn’t put him in a position to face toughest competition in his first few games, or where they were was any pressure to produce. He has played better and got promoted to the top six in Seattle. If he plays 12+ min a game, I’d keep him in EDM, but when Hyman returns that could push him out of the top nine, and if so, then I'd rather he plays big minutes in Bakersfield.

Baggedmilk:

I think the injuries are going to give him some leash here, but I ultimately think some time in the AHL would do him some good. He's not playing that many minutes with the Oilers right now, and I'd like to see him get a chance to play 20+ mins per night with the Condors. I think it would do some good for his confidence and ultimately what he's able to do on the NHL roster.

[caption id="attachment_182486" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-182486" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27370891-1024x683.jpg" alt="Detroit Red Wings celebrate goal" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 19, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) celebrates with defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka (44) after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Yves asks - Puck management has been a significant issue for Edmonton <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/10/07/milestones-all-time-rankings-watch-during-2025-26-nhl-season/">this season</a>, and I'm asking everyone for one practical tip that you think would help sort out all of these giveaways?

Jason Gregor:

Pass better. Make better decisions. Play with some physical intensity, but mainly just complete more passes and reduce the glaring giveaways.

Baggedmilk:

Pass to your teammates and not the other team. That would be super helpful. The other one would be to stop trying the breakout play where the forwards rush to the far blue line and hope for a miracle. That would also be helpful.

[caption id="attachment_182145" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-182145" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279486-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 8, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) looks to make a pass in front of Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary (47) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

4) Andrew asks - <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-how-many-goals-will-connor-mcdavid-score-2025-26-season">Connor McDavid said he wanted to score more goals</a> this season, but I still find he's passing up plenty of opportunities to shoot the puck. What are you seeing in McDavid's game right now and how do you think he could get his goal totals up?

Jason Gregor:

I spoke to him about it. He knows he needs to shoot more but admitted it isn’t natural for him. He’s been a pass-first player his entire life. His natural instinct is to pass. He can shoot more, and he has in the past, but through the first 10 games he’s averaging 2.8 shots/game. Not nearly good enough. The year he scored 64 goals he averaged 4.29 shots/game. He needs to shoot more and he knows it.

Baggedmilk:

He's not shooting as much as he could be. He's still thinking pass first and collecting assists, but he's the best player on earth, and it's okay for him to be selfish more often.

[caption id="attachment_182076" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-182076" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27306251_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Noah Philp (48), his first goal in the NHL, during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Place." width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 11, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Noah Philp (48), his first goal in the NHL, during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

5) James asks - How much of an advantage do you think it will be, if at all, that the Oilers play so many home games in the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/schedule">back half of the season</a>? Getting to those games is going to be intense, but it could set them up nicely for the stretch drive.

Jason Gregor:

The big advantage is they don’t have to go to the Eastern time zone after December. That will help, and they have much less travel in the second half, combined with more home games. I think the rest and home crowd should help them down the stretch, as long as they remain relatively healthy.

Baggedmilk:

Has to be a good thing, right? Line matching, sleeping in your own bed, and having the home side behind you can only help. That said, the Oilers need to make sure Rogers Place is a rink no one wants to play in. Otherwise, what does it matter?
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
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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: Why are the Oilers having trouble scoring goals?

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