Oilers ‘Hungry’ to Get Back to Cup Final With New Additions…
After falling just short of hockey’s ultimate prize, the Edmonton Oilers are heading into the 2025–26 NHL season with a clear message: they’re not satisfied. With key offseason signings and an invigorated roster, the Oilers are gearing up for another deep playoff run—this time with the Stanley Cup as the only acceptable outcome.
A Painful But Motivating Finish
The Oilers’ heartbreaking loss in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final still lingers in the minds of players, coaches, and fans alike. Despite a heroic performance from stars Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, the team ultimately fell to a deeper, more resilient opponent.
“It stung. There’s no sugarcoating it,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “But that experience also gave us clarity. We now know what it takes—not just physically, but mentally—to go the distance. That hunger is what’s driving every decision this offseason.”
Key Additions Fuel Optimism
General Manager Jeff Jackson acted quickly once free agency opened, making calculated moves that reflect both ambition and restraint. The most notable additions include:
Andrew Mangiapane – Winger
Signed to a two-year, $7.2 million deal, the former Calgary Flame and Washington Capital brings a mix of scoring touch, tenacity, and two-way responsibility. Mangiapane is expected to slot into the top-six forward group, possibly complementing McDavid or Draisaitl.
“He’s exactly the kind of player you want in the trenches,” Jackson said. “Fast, aggressive, and playoff-tested.”
Curtis Lazar – Center/Right Wing
A familiar face returns. Lazar, a former Edmonton Oil King, joins on a one-year, $775,000 contract. Known for his leadership and versatility, he’s a low-risk, high-character addition aimed at solidifying the bottom six.
“Coming back to Edmonton feels right,” Lazar said. “This team has unfinished business.”
Evan Bouchard Extension
The Oilers locked up their top offensive defenseman with a four-year, $42 million extension. At just 25, Bouchard is already one of the league’s premier puck-moving blueliners and a cornerstone of Edmonton’s power play.
“This contract shows belief in my role,” Bouchard noted. “Now it’s time to bring a championship home.”
Chemistry Over Fireworks
While some fans hoped for bigger headline signings, management emphasized continuity and chemistry over splashy moves. Much of the team’s core remains intact, including McDavid, Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Stuart Skinner. The additions are meant to complement, not overhaul.
“There’s no need to reinvent the wheel,” said assistant GM Bill Scott. “We were three wins away from a Cup. These signings aim to close that final gap.”
Eyes on the Prize
Training camp this September will bring fresh competition for roster spots, especially among depth forwards and defensive pairings. However, expectations have clearly shifted from potential to delivery.
“Everyone’s locked in,” said McDavid during a recent media availability. “There’s one goal now: win it all.”
The Oilers’ schedule features an early October rematch with their Cup Final opponents—a date that already has fans circling their calendars. But the team insists they’re focused on building momentum across the entire season.
Conclusion: A Cup or Bust Mentality
For the 2025–26 Edmonton Oilers, the mission is simple yet daunting: go back, and win it. Fueled by last season’s near-miss and fortified by smart offseason additions, the team enters the new season hungrier than ever.
As GM Jeff Jackson put it: “We’ve been to the mountain top—and now, we’re coming for the summit.”
