Connor McDavid speaks to media during Hockey Canada’s 2025 National Teams Orientation Camp(Image Source – Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers had ended the offseason with an excruciating loss in the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Final and were defeated by Florida Panthers in Game 7. This was the second Final the team had in recent years and this was a defeat, which showed how far of a ways this team struggles to win a championship.The constraint of low salary cap space and the park already having veteran players with high salaries meant that this was the time to look inside the organization to grow and produce your own talent. The comments made by Captain Connor McDavid after the Final created a simple expectation to the organization emphasizing on self conduction rather than add new people.
Connor McDavid speaks after Game 7 loss at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise Florida
After the Game 7 loss at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, McDavid spoke to reporters during a post-game press conference. This was the first time the team’s leadership publicly commented on the defeat and what lies ahead. While addressing the gathered media, which included folks from NHL.com, CBC, and the Edmonton Journal, McDavid showed his frustration but also his determination. He stated, “Everyone’s got to find a new level. It’s not like we have a ton of cap room and we got a long list of highly touted prospects knocking on the door.”This statement was included in a wider contemplation about the season, with McDavid noting the team’s impressive play while highlighting the necessity for individual improvement to break through their current barriers.Edmonton came back from a 3-0 series deficit against Florida, pushing it to a crucial Game 7, but ended up losing 2-1. McDavid, who snagged the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP even in defeat, pointed out the team’s limitations due to the NHL salary cap, which was around $92.5 million for the 2025-26 season.With key players like McDavid (cap hit of $12.5 million), Leon Draisaitl ($14 million), and Darnell Nurse ($9.25 million) consuming a large portion of the salary cap, there were restrictions on major free-agent acquisitions. McDavid pointed out that any enhancements need to arise from the current team and new talent, rather than depending on trades or signings.It was also with this opening statement that the silence of the team was broken regarding the loss, as the disappointing side of the story was transformed into a suitorial one. It found expression in subsequent group missives, in which McDavid stressed, “I know that’s cliché, but it’s true. Everyone’s got to find a new level. It’s not like we have a ton of cap room, and we’ve got a long list of highly touted prospects knocking on the door.”
Stan Bowman speaks on TSN 1050 about the need for Edmonton Oilers player development
As the offseason dragged on, we received more information on the strategy of the team as McDavid has urged the team to improve internally. In 2025, aiming at preventing another disaster, Oilers GM, Stan Bowman was a guest on Overdrive on the radio of the sound OFF TSN 1050 in Toronto, where the program was hosted by Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill, and Jamie McLennan. In this radio discussion Bowman expressed how people should do this talent building internally just as McDavid had earlier said.He stated, “We didn’t see a lot of growth from within, so the players who were good in November were good again in April.” Bowman discussed this within the case of the 2024-25 season whereby the team is heavy on its senior players, which did not give young players a chance to grow and play mid-season.Bowman’s observations shed more light on the organization’s approach. He highlighted the need for patience with new members while urging them to step into more significant roles, mentioning, “We’re going to have to work with them and be patient but also help them come along so that they can add something to the mix.”.This was set against the history of previous seasons when players like Evan Bouchard took a long time to land a top-four defense position, while others like Philip Broberg moved on through an offer sheet because of not enough ice time. Bowman also talked about adding to the roster at the trade deadline but emphasized that it shouldn’t be the only way to make improvements.The interview showcased particular prospects that are expected to boost this internal growth. As per NHL.com’s 32-in-32 prospect rankings published on August 10, 2025, the top prospects for the Oilers are:Matt Savoie (forward, age 21), acquired in a trade and seen as a high-skill center with potential NHL impact.Isaac Howard (forward, age 21), a 2022 first-round pick known for his scoring ability.Beau Akey (defenseman, age 20), valued for his mobility and puck-moving skills.Maxim Berezkin (forward, age 22), a Russian import with size and offensive upside.Roby Jarventie (forward, age 23), coming off injuries but with proven AHL production.Other names mentioned include David Tomasek, Atro Leppanen, Alec Regula, and Samuel Jonsson, who were highlighted in prospect breakdowns by Daily Faceoff on July 21, 2025, as potential contenders for roster spots. Bowman shared his enthusiasm for these players during his Overdrive interview, saying, “I am pretty excited to see how a lot of these new players come in and give our team a little bit of a different look.”As the Oilers gear up for training camp in September 2025, they’re seen as strong contenders. According to NHL.com’s fantasy rankings from August 10, 2025, McDavid, Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and Zach Hyman are all listed as top fantasy picks.Also Read: Carter Hart’s NHL comeback feels dead in the water after bottom-tier save numbers and a lost seasonThe Hockey Writers’ forward point projections from September 10, 2025, predict McDavid will score over 140 points, while also highlighting the importance of contributions from prospects like Savoie and Howard.