The Edmonton Oilers added Andrew Mangiapane to their forward group but can the former 30-goal scorer recapture that form in a top-six role? On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down Mangiapane’s usage history, scoring profile, and why his forechecking and puck retrieval could be a great fit alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Plus: the risk-reward of a reclamation project, and how this move compares to last year’s disappointing Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsso...
Jul 04, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1044
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild are here to talk about the big moves of free agency so far, including the Mitch Marner saga finally coming to an end, what the heck the LA Kings are doing, and where Nikolaj Ehlers is going to end up! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app...
Jul 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1043
With NHL Free Agency cooling off, host Nick Zararis takes a full look at what the Edmonton Oilers' lineup might look like on opening night. From a top six built around Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, to depth concerns at forward and a likely unchanged goalie tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, Nick breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and what still needs to happen before October. Plus: the case for Matthew Savoie, why the defense looks strong on paper, and why a dea...
Jul 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1042
On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis reacts to the Edmonton Oilers signing Evan Bouchard to a massive $10.5M AAV extension and trading Victor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins for cap relief. With Jeff Skinner also gone, Corey Perry and Connor Brown out, and no goaltending solution in sight, how will the Oilers fill key forward and net minder roles? Nick breaks down the future of the forward group, remaining free agent options, internal promotion risks, and why Stan Bowman is r...
Jul 02, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1041
On the morning of NHL Free Agency, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves trapped by the salary cap again. With Evan Bouchard due for a massive extension and holes remaining in the top six, bottom six, and goaltending, Nick Zararis breaks down why the Oilers are stuck, what they can do with limited money, and why running it back might be the plan. We also examine the $1.3M Kasperi Kapanen deal, Stan Bowman’s early offseason moves, and why a deadline goalie rental seems inevitable. 0:00 Intro: NHL f...
Jul 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1040
On today’s Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down a huge start to the offseason for Edmonton including the surprise trade of Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks, the long-term extension for bottom-six winger Trent Frederic, and why the Oilers still don’t seem willing to solve their goaltending problem. Can the Oilers still win without a real upgrade in net? Is Frederic really a Kane replacement? And what does Stan Bowman’s first week running the show say about the plan going forward? ...
Jun 30, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1039
The Edmonton Oilers just lost a winnable Stanley Cup Final with the worst goaltending tandem of the cap era. So… what happens next? In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why goaltending is the league’s most volatile position, why the Oilers aren’t likely to upgrade, and what it means if Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard remain the plan for next season. From Alex Lyon and Jake Allen to Soderblom and Georgiev, we explore what’s actually realistic on the goalie market and what’...
Jun 27, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1037
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Armando Velez (Locked On Panthers) are here to talk about the upcoming NHL draft, any potential free agency surprises, and about Alexander Mogilny finally making it into the Hall of Fame! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL and use code LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off today. Gametime Today's episode is brought t...
Jun 26, 2025•32 min•Ep. 1038
The Edmonton Oilers are heading into the “Big 3” era with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard likely commanding over $40 million in cap space combined. On today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down what it will take to keep this core intact, build around them, and still remain a Stanley Cup contender over the next three seasons. From long-term cap projections to depth archetypes, defensive needs, and goaltending dilemmas, this is the full roadmap to Edmonton’s competitive f...
Jun 26, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1036
Evan Bouchard is about to get paid the only question is how much. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why the 24-year-old defenseman is critical to Edmonton’s Stanley Cup window, where he ranks among the league’s elite, and how much his next deal could cost. Should the Oilers go long term? Could Bouchard take a short bridge deal and test free agency? What does this mean for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's future? All that and more on today’s episode. 0:00 Intro: Evan Bouchard'...
Jun 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1035
Connor McDavid is eligible for an extension this summer and the Oilers must get it done. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why McDavid holds all the leverage, what his next contract might look like, and why trading him is not just impossible it’s illogical. We also examine past superstar exits (like John Tavares and Johnny Gaudreau) and why Edmonton’s long-term plan must center on McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard. 5:13 McDavid's responsibility to raise ...
Jun 24, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1034
The 2025 NHL offseason is here and the Edmonton Oilers have huge decisions to make. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down who’s staying, who’s likely gone, and how Edmonton should manage the cap while keeping Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard. Plus: Goaltending options, why Evander Kane and Victor Arvidsson may be traded, and what to expect from McDavid's contract negotiations. 0:00 Intro: Oilers offseason decisions ahead 5:12 Key players under contract for next s...
Jun 23, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1033
After another Stanley Cup Final heartbreak, the Edmonton Oilers head into a critical offseason. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down the franchise’s biggest priorities: keeping Connor McDavid, fixing the goaltending problem, and retooling the roster for another run. What’s next for Evander Kane, Victor Arvidsson, and the Oilers’ forward group? How does Edmonton build around McDavid and Leon Draisaitl without losing what makes them great? 0:00 Intro: Oilers face offseason...
Jun 20, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1032
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild), David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about why the playoffs are lasting so long, how to fix that, whether the NHL will finally close the LTIR loophole some teams have been using, and what to make of the early Olympics roster announcements! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch...
Jun 19, 2025•34 min•Ep. 1031
Jun 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1030
For the second straight year, the Edmonton Oilers fall in the Stanley Cup Final. In today’s emotional Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down what went wrong in Game 6 against the Florida Panthers, why goaltending and offensive depth failed the Oilers when it mattered most, and how close this team really was to winning it all. Plus, a heartfelt look at what comes next from offseason questions to roster decisions, and what fans should take away from another run that came up just short. 0:...
Jun 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1029
It’s do or die for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down who should start in net Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard and why Connor McDavid must carry this team to Game 7. From goaltending numbers to scoring depth issues and Florida’s suffocating structure, this is a high-stakes breakdown of what needs to happen for Edmonton to stay alive. 0:00 Intro: Oilers face do-or-die Game 6 5:46 McDavid needs to elevate his game 11:53 Pow...
Jun 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1028
The Edmonton Oilers trail 3–2 in the Stanley Cup Final after a frustrating Game 5 loss to the Florida Panthers. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down why the Panthers’ counterattack overwhelmed Edmonton, how the Oilers’ offense dried up at the worst time, and who should start in net for Game 6: Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard. From goaltending breakdowns to scoring droughts and the need for urgency in Game 6, this is a critical look at where things stand — and how the Oi...
Jun 16, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1027
The Edmonton Oilers tied the Stanley Cup Final 2–2 in dramatic fashion, but the story isn’t over. In today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis dives into the gutsy comeback in Game 4, explains why Connor McDavid is due for an offensive eruption, and builds the case for Leon Draisaitl as the Conn Smythe front-runner. From Corey Perry’s leadership to Calvin Pickard’s composure and the importance of home ice in a best of three, this is your inside look at the mindset, matchups, and momentum...
Jun 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1026
The Edmonton Oilers made Stanley Cup Final history, erasing a 3–0 deficit after the first period to defeat the Florida Panthers in overtime. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down how the Oilers dug deep, changed momentum, and proved they’re not just alive they’re dangerous. From Darnell Nurse’s redemption goal to Calvin Pickard’s calm in net, and from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' leadership to Leon Draisaitl’s signature moment, this is one of the great wins in Oilers playoff hist...
Jun 13, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1025
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild) and Tom Callahan (Locked On Mammoth) are here to talk about how the Panthers are outclassing the Oilers, as well as the coaching drama happening in Dallas! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the s...
Jun 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1024
In this special crossover edition of Locked On Oilers and Locked On Panthers, hosts Nick Zararis and Armando Velez dive deep into the state of the Stanley Cup Final heading into Game 4. From Connor McDavid’s five-on-five struggles and Stuart Skinner’s short leash, to Florida’s suffocating structure and elite net-front chaos, this is the full tactical breakdown ahead of a pivotal swing game. Will the Edmonton Oilers find answers or fall into a 3–1 hole? Will the Florida Panthers continue to grind...
Jun 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1023
After a blowout loss in Game 3, the Edmonton Oilers face a crucial Game 4 in the Stanley Cup Final. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis dives into what went wrong from a possible goalie change in going from Stuart Skinner to Calvin Pickard, potentially returning Troy Stecher to the lineup and more philisophical changes for team execution, nothing is off the table. Should Chris Knoblauch go to Calvin Pickard? Can Connor McDavid get any help offensively? And how does Edmonton fight t...
Jun 11, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1022
The Edmonton Oilers completely unraveled in Game 3, falling 6–1 to the Florida Panthers in a Stanley Cup Final embarrassment. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down what went wrong from defensive breakdowns and emotional overreaction to a special teams collapse and frustration boiling over. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl neutralized, and Stuart Skinner struggling plus the Panthers taking advantage of every Oilers mistake, this is a moment of reckoning for Edmonton. What needs...
Jun 10, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1021
After a gut-punch 2OT loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers return home with the series tied but far from broken. In today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down how the Oilers let a winnable game get away, what worked well, what needs fixing, and how this series is still within reach. From Connor McDavid’s brilliance and Corey Perry’s clutch goal to Evan Bouchard’s volatility and the net-front chaos Florida thrives in, this is your all-in bre...
Jun 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1020
In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, where the Edmonton Oilers pulled off a dramatic overtime win against the Florida Panthers after trailing 3-1. Nick analyzes how the Oilers executed a near flawless game plan, highlighting their effective transition defense, aggressive forecheck, and the physical presence of depth forwards like Kasperi Kapanen and Vasily Podkolzin. He explains why the Oilers’ defense led by Jake Walman and Joh...
Jun 06, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1019
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) are here to talk about the Stanley Cup Final beginning and where Mitch Marner is going to go in free agency, as well as some other key free agents! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get sna...
Jun 05, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1018
The Edmonton Oilers flipped the script in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. After trailing 3–1, they fought back and beat the Florida Panthers in overtime thanks to two massive goals from Leon Draisaitl. Nick Zararis breaks down what changed mid-game, how Victor Arvidsson, Podkolzin, and Kapanen shifted the energy, and why this team looks like a different animal than last year’s. Plus: Draisaitl's movement, defensive improvements, and what comes next in the series. Leon Draisaitl Dominates as Edm...
Jun 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1017
The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final, and it’s time to finish what they started. On this Game 1 edition of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why this year’s team is better positioned to handle the Florida Panthers, how Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can tilt the ice, and where the Panthers could spoil the dream. From special teams tactics to penalty kill breakdowns and the psychological edge of a rematch, this episode is everything you need before puck drop. Plus: one l...
Jun 04, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1016
We are one day from puck drop in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, and in this crossover edition of Locked On Oilers and Locked On Panthers, hosts Nick Zararis and Armando Velez break down every angle. From Connor McDavid’s line combinations to Aleksander Barkov’s shutdown role, and from Sergei Bobrovsky’s playoff calm to Stuart Skinner’s resurgence, the matchups are fascinating. The hosts preview forwards, defense, goaltending, special teams and make their official Stanley Cup picks and Conn Smythe s...
Jun 03, 2025•33 min•Ep. 1015
