Edmonton Oilers Exploring Depth Options by Inviting Three Potential Roster Additions on Professional Tryout Contracts Ahead of 2025-26 NHL Season
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly making moves to bolster their roster depth ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, with three players linked to joining the team on professional tryout (PTO) contracts. While these deals do not guarantee a spot on the opening night roster, they provide both the team and the players with an opportunity to assess fit, performance, and potential contributions before committing to a standard contract. For the Oilers, who are firmly in their championship window, adding proven veterans or promising depth players on low-risk agreements could be a key strategic move.
The Oilers have been active in identifying talent that can complement their core of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the supporting cast. PTOs are a smart tool for teams in this position, as they allow Edmonton to evaluate players in training camp without long-term salary cap implications. While the names of the three players have not been officially announced, the expectation is that they will include at least one forward, one defenseman, and possibly a goaltender or versatile utility player.
In recent years, PTOs have been a pathway for several players to extend or revive their NHL careers. The Oilers have had success in the past with tryout signings who managed to impress enough in camp to earn contracts, adding valuable depth and experience for playoff pushes. This year’s potential additions could be seasoned veterans looking for one more shot in the league or younger free agents hoping to prove they belong at the NHL level.
For Edmonton, the goal is clear—find players who can fill specific gaps without disrupting the chemistry of the team’s top lines and defensive pairings. One of the tryout candidates is believed to be a gritty bottom-six forward with penalty-killing experience, which would address one of the Oilers’ persistent weaknesses in recent seasons. Another may be a depth defenseman capable of handling third-pairing minutes and stepping into larger roles when injuries strike. The third could be a goaltender with NHL experience, providing an insurance option behind Stuart Skinner in case of injury or inconsistency.
The Oilers’ front office knows that while star power drives success, depth wins championships. Injuries and slumps are inevitable over an 82-game season, and having reliable depth players ready to step in is essential for sustained success. By using PTOs, Edmonton can test out players in their system before making a financial commitment, ensuring that any addition fits both on and off the ice.
Training camp will be the proving ground for these hopefuls. Players on PTOs often bring extra energy and urgency, knowing that every shift could determine whether they earn a contract or remain unsigned. For the Oilers’ coaching staff, these tryouts also provide valuable competition for existing roster spots, pushing current players to perform at their best.
While it is rare for PTO players to become major impact contributors, the possibility is not unheard of. For a team like Edmonton, even finding one reliable bottom-six forward or injury replacement on a PTO can make a difference in a playoff series. With the Oilers expected to be contenders once again, these potential signings are part of a bigger strategy to build the most complete roster possible.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Oilers’ management will keep an open mind during training camp. If one or more of these three tryout players can impress enough to earn a spot, they could become valuable pieces in Edmonton’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup. For now, fans will wait to see which names appear on the PTO list and how they perform once the skates hit the ice in camp.
In the high-stakes world of the NHL, every roster spot matters, and for the Oilers, these PTO opportunities could be the subtle but significant moves that help shape their championship chase.
