Stan Bowman believes he knows what he wants to add during the season, but admitted Mike Babcock’s new system could determine the team's next move.
If the Edmonton Oilers add anyone in the next few months, expect that player to be a forward. While general manager Stan Bowman didn't completely rule out trading for a goaltender or a defenseman, the team's next acquisition likely won't be at either position.
During Friday’s edition of Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, Bowman was asked about his roster plans ahead of the 2026-27 season. He said that the team is finally in a good position when it comes to the salary cap. He likes having the flexibility and expects to start the regular season with $4-$4.5 million.
That means he'll spend money later. And what will he spend it on? He explained, “We have three goalies and a lot of D, so it’s more likely if we were going to be adding a player, it would be a forward."
That could change, however.
Bowman added, “But we’ve got to see how some of these players play in the new system with Mike [Babcock]. He’s going to get familiar with the players, number one, but also the style that he wants to play, the accountability that he’s going to hold."
It sounds like Babcock will have some input on who stays and who goes. If he doesn't like what he sees, or if there's a player who doesn't fit what he wants to do, Bowman seems to be hinting the Oilers will look to make a move.
On the flipside, there could be players who struggled under Kris Knoblauch or other coaches who excel in the style Babcock wants to play.
"I think some players who maybe didn’t thrive in the past are going to have a chance to start fresh, and maybe the way that Mike wants to play will be up their alley.”
So who thrives and who doesn't? That will be an interesting storyline to watch as the season gets underway.
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