GM Once Criticized for Oilers’ Trade Deadline Moves Now Vindicated by Team’s Success
Back in March, shortly after the NHL trade deadline passed, Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman was widely panned by hockey analysts and fans alike. The consensus at the time was that the Oilers had failed to make the necessary moves to improve their roster for a serious playoff push.
Critics lined up to deliver harsh grades, asserting that Bowman didn’t do nearly enough. But with the benefit of hindsight, that verdict is starting to look misguided.
One of Bowman’s key acquisitions, defenseman Jake Walman, has since become a crucial component of Edmonton’s dynamic, puck-moving defensive corps. Walman has been paired with John Klingberg—a free-agent signing from January—forming a formidable second pairing. Together, they contribute to a blue line that excels at transitioning the puck out of the defensive zone.
During Stanley Cup Final media day in Edmonton, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized the importance of these puck-moving defensemen in neutralizing Florida’s relentless forecheck.
“Florida is aggressive on the forecheck,” Knoblauch said. “The best counter to that is having defensemen who can move the puck efficiently. If we just clear the zone without purpose, we give possession right back and spend the game defending. Our defensemen have been outstanding at keeping play moving in our favor.”
He added that Bowman made “smart additions” at the deadline, singling out Walman and Klingberg as key contributors who brought depth at a crucial time in the season.
It’s now evident that Walman and Klingberg have significantly improved the Oilers’ even-strength play, which has become one of their biggest advantages in the 2025 playoffs. Together with defenders like Evan Bouchard, Brett Kulak, Darnell Nurse, Mattias Ekholm, and Troy Stecher, Edmonton’s blue line has been transformed into a strength rather than a liability.
Perceived Failures at the Deadline
Back in March, however, Bowman faced an onslaught of criticism. Many believed he failed in his most important task: fixing the team’s questionable goaltending. Some also felt he didn’t add enough forward depth, especially a high-end winger to complement Leon Draisaitl. Others wanted a tough, top-four defenseman to help balance the back end.
Instead, Bowman traded a first-round pick to San Jose for the largely unheralded Walman. He also sent second- and fourth-round picks to Boston to acquire gritty forwards Trent Frederic and Max Jones. While some viewed Walman and Frederic as solid additions, the moves didn’t carry the same flash as trades made by rivals like Dallas (which acquired Mikko Rantanen) or Florida (which added Seth Jones and Brad Marchand).
On deadline day, TSN’s Ryan Rishaug noted the Oilers had made only modest additions. He pointed out that the team’s goaltending remained unchanged, and that no significant top-six winger had been added. The hope, he said, was that someone already on the roster would step up.
Several pundits were even more blunt in their criticism. Former NHLer Jordan Schmaltz declared, “They didn’t address any of their needs.” Sportsbook Review’s Gary Pearson said the Oilers’ championship odds had declined. Mark Lazerus of The Athletic noted that other contenders had made bigger moves, and that the Oilers were falling behind in the so-called “arms race.” Other writers, including Adam Gretz (Yardbarker), Zachary Rotman (Fansided), and Hall of Famer Terry Jones, all agreed the team had underperformed at the deadline.
Even Oilers fans on social media piled on. One fan, @Doppa_D, summarized the prevailing sentiment: “Huge fail by management. Gross… Another year of wasting McDavid and Draisaitl.”
Some Voices of Support
Not everyone shared the pessimism. Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff argued that the Oilers didn’t need flashy moves to improve. He praised the addition of Frederic as a solid, physical option for the bottom six and highlighted Walman’s value on defense. Former Oilers player Georges Laraque called Walman a smart addition. Fan-turned-analyst Kevin McCurdy defended the strategy, saying the team addressed real needs without overpaying.
Perspective with Time
Reflecting on the deadline, the article’s author admits he had low expectations, in part due to uncertainty over cap space related to Evander Kane’s injury. When Kane was ruled out for the rest of the regular season, it freed up funds that were used to acquire Walman. The moves to bring in Frederic and Jones also made sense given Edmonton’s need for more size and toughness.
Yes, a goalie acquisition would have been ideal, the author concedes. But Edmonton’s goaltending—while not elite—has generally been effective when the team defends well in front of the net. The Oilers’ improved structure and commitment to team defense have helped mitigate the risk posed by not upgrading the crease.
Ultimately, the Oilers now look like legitimate Cup contenders. If they continue playing structured defense—especially against Florida’s forecheck—they have a real shot at winning it all.
The criticism may have been loud in March, but the results speak louder now.
