In the heat of summer and the height of the offseason, NHL fans are left with naught but speculation. Through the offseason many fanbases will feel their most positivity as wonder abounds. With that in mind we polled our readers on their level of excitement for some new additions. With a few forward spots on the roster expecting changes, which new projected lineup regular are you most excited to see in an Edmonton Oilers jersey?

With a few forward spots on the roster expecting changes, which new projected lineup regular are you most excited to see in an #Oilers jersey?

— The Oil Rig (@oilrigEDM) July 11, 2025

Fans most excited for Mangiapaje

Finishing second in our poll is Andrew Mangiapane. Perhaps shrouded in memories from his time with the Calgary Flames, or buffered by a stint with the Washington Capitals, Mangiapane is a fairly proven middle-six winger. Though smaller, Mangiapane can handle himself defensively, often boasting strong flow of play metrics.

There is definitely some offence to Mangiapane’s game, though he is coming off of a down season production wise. Mangiapane saw his icetime and role decrease in his second season with the Capitals, who had much improved their lineup. Mangiapane might not replicate his career high of 35 goals, and his time on the power play will likely be seldom. Still, Mangiapane should be able to hit 40 points while helping his line control play.

While sharing some traits of both Connor Brown and Viktor Arvidsson, Mangiapane might prove to be the best blend at the right time. Entering his age 29 season, Mangiapane is the youngest of the three, and likely the most effective in this coming season. Of course some synergy with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl will help his cause, but Mangiapane can also help bring some scoring credibility to a checking line without sacrificing defence.

Firmly entrenched in the Oilers top-nine, Mangiapane might not inspire the same upside that other options in this poll might. That said, he is by far the best bet to hold down a meaningful roster spot next season. His reliability is not flashy, but Mangiapane should help the Oilers.

Hoping for Savoie’s debut

Somehow Savoie finishes third in our poll despite often being ranked as the team’s best prospect. The 2022 NHL draft class is set to come into its own this upcoming season, and Savoie was the ninth overall pick to Isaac Howard’s 31st and former Oilers pick Reid Schaefer’s 32nd that same year.

Savoie joined the Oilers in a trade last summer, and perhaps his one season with the AHL Bakersfield Condors was seen as disappointing to some. Still, Savoie grew throughout the year, increasing his role and production as an AHL rookie as the season went on. While not quite as shiny and new, Savoie has proven himself at a higher level than Howard.

With his combination of speed and playmaking, Savoie could be a great fit on Leon Draisaitl’s wing. Undoubtedly the Oilers will give Savoie a look in this spot, as oach Kris Knoblauch has a rotation seemingly at all times. The skill is undeniable, but perhaps the lessons Savoie has already learned as a professional will carry over and help him with the increased competition.

It might take some time, and rookies can often waver in their effectiveness with the demanding NHL schedule. Smaller, skilled forwards can often have their work cut out for them, trapped with the reality of having to produce as a top-six forward or be forced out of the lineup. Playing alongside Draisaitl or Connor McDavid can be its own hurdle as well, as there must be a balance between being too deferential and having to do more off puck work.

Howard to make a big splash

Speaking of which, Issac Howard will face many of the same challenges and opportunities. Like Savoie, Howard will likely have to sink or swim with a top-six role, and have limited power play time. Howard is somewhat similar in style as well, a speedy, undersized, and talented scoring winger. Howard seems to be more of a shooter than Savoie.

The two rookies might even make some magic on the ice together, though it might be a lot to ask to have both on the same line at even strength. Their skill level requires a centre who can keep up, but as a duo they might share some similar shortcomings or limitations. Howard and Savoie will have to find ways to contribute without the puck, and will require a linemate with enough size and strength to win contested ice.

Howard gets most of the vote here, perhaps unsurprising given his recent acquisition. In the spirit of the offseason, it is understandable that fans are taken with the possibilities that come with Howard. Coming off a Hobey Baker Trophy in the NCAA, Howard’s stock has been on the rise. College Hockey is stronger than ever, and excelling at that level is significant. Though Howard has no professional experience there is clearly a high level of offensive talent in his game already.

The thinking might be that Howard, as a dangling shooter, is a better fit with McDavid. In the same way that fans were looking forward to Jeff Skinner joining McDavid’s line last summer, the fit might not be as natural as it seems. McDavid clearly enjoys a more physical net front scorer, like Zach Hyman.

In the end, Howard, like Savoie, has enough talent that his inclusion in the top-six could be mandatory. Still, the task is quite tall, and it is less likely that either will be on a matchup checking line. It might be that the two rookies battle for the same spot, but knowing Knoblauch and inevitable injuries, chances are both might bounce around. Knoblauch’s line juggling might even offer paths for them to play limited minutes with skilled players in offensive situations.

Tomasek should be a great add

Between expectations and exposure, it is no surprise that Tomasek finished fourth in this poll. He is a rookie like Savoie and Howard, yet he is the age of Mangiapane. There is no guarantee that his game can translate to the NHL and not much of a runway to hope that he can grow into it. Some experience will help, and it might take a few months until he truly hits his stride, but Tomasek is an intriguing addition.

However, Tomasek’s career trajectory might suggest otherwise. He has steadily increased his quality each season, playing in several leagues across Europe after going undrafted. Most recently Tomasek spent two seasons in the SHL, leading his team in scoring both season and averaging more than a point per game over that span. In fact, last season he led the entire SHL in scoring.

As a right shot centre, Tomasek provides an inherent positional value as well. Tomasek might not be put in a scoring role, or used as a centre, but can still help with draws on his strong side or to fill the side with right shots. He plays more of an offensive game, which means that he might be caught in a similar position to Savoie and Howard. He might enjoy some limited power play time, as well as some looks with better linemates as Knoblauch rotates his lineup.

As always the x-factor will be if Tomasek can find any chemistry with McDavid or Draisaitl, but in all he is a mystery box. The $1.2M cap hit is fully burriable, meaning that there is little risk in the Oilers trying. Tomasek might be battling with a number of other players for lineup spots, including Noah Philp and Curtis Lazar as a centre, or Savoie, Howard, and Kasperi Kapanen on the wing. His puck protection and playmaking could make him an asset off the cycle, which could be a differentiating factor from other offensive options like Savoie or Howard.

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