**MISSION STANLEY: Oilers GM Stan Bowman Confronts Goaltending Crisis and Depth Dilemma After Back-to-Back Cup Final Losses — Offseason Decisions Will Define Edmonton’s Championship Window**
The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2025 offseason at a crossroads that will define not only the trajectory of the franchise over the next decade but also the legacy of their newly installed general manager, Stan Bowman. After consecutive Stanley Cup Final heartbreaks at the hands of the Florida Panthers, the optimism that surrounded the Connor McDavid–Leon Draisaitl era has begun to give way to the sobering reality that opportunity doesn’t last forever. Bowman, brought in for his championship pedigree, now faces a daunting task: addressing glaring issues in goaltending and depth while managing expectations, salary cap realities, and the psychological toll of back-to-back near-misses. The clock is ticking, the pressure is suffocating, and every decision made this summer could either bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton or shatter the team’s title window once and for all.
Bowman, who was appointed GM following Ken Holland’s departure in 2024, inherited a team that was already elite offensively but had long-standing issues defensively and in net. With McDavid and Draisaitl once again delivering world-class postseason performances, the Oilers had enough firepower to reach the Final—but not enough support to win it. The goaltending, in particular, was exposed brutally across both series losses to Florida. Stuart Skinner, despite a bounce-back regular season, faltered again when the lights were brightest. Calvin Pickard, while serviceable as a backup, proved incapable of elevating his play to a championship level. Together, they posted sub-.900 save percentages in the 2024–25 season, a statistic that is damning when compared to the playoff dominance shown by Sergei Bobrovsky for the Panthers.
Bowman has remained diplomatic in his public statements about the goaltending situation, emphasizing faith in Skinner’s development while also hinting that “everything is on the table” heading into free agency and trade season. Internally, however, there is growing urgency to find a solution. Edmonton’s defensive core is solid, if not elite, and their forwards can outscore anyone on a good night. But no team can win a Cup with below-average goaltending—especially not in the high-pressure environment of a Game 7, where one mistake can undo an entire season’s worth of progress.
Options for Bowman are limited, but significant. The free-agent market is not particularly rich in elite netminders, but names like Juuse Saros and Jacob Markström have surfaced as potential trade targets. Acquiring a proven, playoff-tested goaltender will not come cheap. It may cost the Oilers future first-round picks or a key piece from their NHL roster. However, the urgency of the moment may necessitate bold action. Edmonton can no longer afford to “hope” their goaltending is good enough—it has to be. The Panthers have shown what elite goaltending can do in the postseason; Bowman must now replicate that formula in the West.
Depth scoring is another critical area that Bowman must address. Beyond McDavid, Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the offensive production from the bottom six has been inconsistent at best. Young players like Dylan Holloway and Raphael Lavoie have shown flashes of brilliance but lack the consistency required for a deep playoff run. Veteran additions such as Warren Foegele and Derek Ryan have had their moments but were ultimately outmatched by the relentless depth of the Panthers. Florida rolled four lines with confidence; Edmonton was often forced to shorten their bench and rely on their stars for 25-plus minutes a night. Over a grueling seven-game series, that formula simply isn’t sustainable.
Bowman has hinted that internal development will play a role in improving depth, but he also understands that external reinforcements are needed. This offseason provides a valuable opportunity to identify affordable, high-impact depth forwards—players who can kill penalties, win face-offs, and chip in timely goals. Whether through free agency or the trade market, finding these complementary pieces will be a top priority. Bowman is known for his strategic mind, but he must also now prove he can identify hidden gems in a tight salary cap environment. Every dollar must count, and every contract must deliver value.
Complicating Bowman’s decisions is the looming contract situation with Leon Draisaitl. The German superstar is eligible to sign an extension this summer, and while both sides have expressed mutual interest in continuing the relationship, the negotiation will be heavily influenced by the team’s direction. If Draisaitl sees tangible commitment to winning—from upgrades in net to improved roster depth—he’s more likely to re-sign. But if he senses that Edmonton is spinning its wheels, other options will become more appealing. Losing Draisaitl, either through trade or free agency, would be catastrophic for the franchise. Bowman knows that retaining him goes beyond money; it’s about belief in the team’s vision.
Another factor working against Bowman is the psychological weight of two straight Stanley Cup Final losses. The Oilers’ core has now experienced playoff heartbreak in nearly every conceivable form—from early exits to blown leads to Game 7 defeats. There is no question about their talent or will to win, but repeated failures can take a toll on any group. Bowman must find ways to support his players mentally as much as physically. That may mean changes to the coaching staff, shifts in leadership structure, or simply a more rigorous approach to sports psychology and team culture. The best teams aren’t just built on skill—they’re forged through resilience. Bowman must reinforce that mindset across the entire organization.
The Oilers’ fans, famously loyal and passionate, are also reaching a breaking point. After decades of mediocrity, the past three years have rekindled belief in the possibility of another golden era. But belief, without results, turns quickly to frustration. Bowman cannot afford another season of “almost.” The expectations are clear: win now. That urgency is both a gift and a curse—it forces action, but it also leaves little room for error. Every signing, every trade, and every press conference will be scrutinized through the lens of “Does this get us the Cup?”
To his credit, Bowman has already made some bold moves in his first year. He retained head coach Kris Knoblauch, signaling confidence in the man who helped guide the team to the Final. He resisted the urge to blow up the roster after the 2024 loss, believing the core deserved another shot. But now, the calculus has changed. Two chances, two failures. The time for half-measures is over. This offseason must be transformative.
The salary cap is expected to rise slightly, giving Bowman a bit more flexibility, but that money will disappear quickly if not managed wisely. Players like Evan Bouchard are due raises in the near future, and Draisaitl’s extension, should it happen, will likely come with a hefty price tag. That means Bowman must find a delicate balance between improving the team immediately and maintaining long-term financial health. It’s a tightrope act that only the most skilled GMs can navigate successfully.
Critics of Bowman will point to his past tenure in Chicago, where his handling of the Blackhawks’ post-dynasty years left much to be desired. But they’ll also acknowledge his role in assembling a team that won three Cups in six seasons. Bowman understands what a championship core looks like, and he knows how quickly it can vanish if neglected. Edmonton isn’t in rebuild mode yet, but failure to act decisively this summer could put them on that path.
In the end, Bowman’s legacy in Edmonton will not be defined by how he talks about the problems—it will be defined by how he solves them. Goaltending, depth, leadership, and cap management are all interwoven threads in the tapestry of a contender. Fixing one without the others won’t be enough. Only a holistic, fearless approach will give McDavid and Draisaitl the support they need to hoist the Cup. Bowman has the resume. He has the resources. Now he must deliver.
As July approaches and trade rumors swirl, Oilers fans will watch every move with bated breath. Will Bowman make the blockbuster deal that finally solidifies the crease? Will he find the overlooked third-line winger who scores a playoff overtime winner? Or will another summer pass with promises unfulfilled and another season end with heads bowed at center ice?
