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    Caleb Kerney
    Caleb Kerney
    Aug 24, 2025, 18:55
    Updated at: Aug 24, 2025, 18:55
    Darnell Nurse (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

    EDMONTON – The target is on their back.

    Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers head into the new season with massive expectations and sky-high dreams. Everyone knows it and feels it.

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    To achieve their goal of hoisting the Stanley Cup high over their heads, everyone needs to pull on the rope. Here are three Oilers who are feeling the heat more than others.

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    Trent Frederic

    Fresh off an eight-year extension, Trent Frederic is ready to prove the haters wrong. With a clean bill of health and a fresh coaching staff, the young bruiser can bring his full spectrum of talents to this Cup Contender.

    Darnell Nurse

    The Oilers have had plenty of scapegoats over the years, with Darnell Nurse being chief among them. 

    He might not have the offensive output of Evan Bouchard or the two-way dominance of Mattias Ekholm, but Nurse contributes in huge ways at even strength in addition to off the ice.

    However, with a sub-par playoff performance in the rearview mirror, he’s going to need to find his game again starting on Game 1 of the regular season.

    Stuart Skinner

    Much ink has already been spilled about Stuart Skinner and the Oilers' goaltending issues.

    Skinner had a down year compared to the two seasons prior. He’s going to need to find his game again. More importantly, he’ll need to bring a higher level of consistency to prevent the fans and media from bringing out the tar and pitchforks.

    There is no shortage of storylines to observe heading into this new season.

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