The Edmonton Oilers’ training camp will be breaking news daily one month from now. There will be stories about a veteran player “in the best shape of his life” and a youngster whose footspeed spiked due to an innovative offseason training program. Good stories, but it only counts if those good things show up during the regular season.

This year’s team has a nice combination of experience and youth, reflected in the age and experience in net. Veteran Frederik Andersen guided the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup Final in the spring, while Tristan Jarry is looking to stay healthy and deliver the kind of quality season once common during his Pittsburgh Penguins days. Devon Levi, a quality goaltending prospect who has been waiting for a chance, rounds out a deep and substantial group.

With training camp closing in, what will the next six weeks bring? Here are five predictions for the coming season.

1. Significant roster moves

The past two seasons had management and coaching operating at cross purposes. Management acquired wingers Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, Trent Frederic and Andrew Mangiapane in an effort to shore up areas of need. However, each of them failed to deliver the intended impact. Oilers general manager Stan Bowman also traded for high-scoring college prospect Ike Howard, but coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t successfully integrate the veterans or the rookie into the team’s arsenal. Knoblauch used those players in roles that did not reflect their talent, and the results were miserable.

Babcock, an impatient man who hates to lose, should handle things differently. It seems unlikely Edmonton’s new coach will spend much time holding back about team shortcomings. Bowman has designed the team with layers of options, especially in goal and at left defence. Babcock’s discovery of the roster could take several weeks; expect outside answers to be required well before Christmas. The Tristan Jarry deal took place Dec. 12 last year. It’s a good bet Babcock agitates for a right-handed centre before that date this season.

Fans should be prepared for trades and recalls, and those tickets to Bakersfield could involve veterans. Mattias Janmark will be the bellwether player: if he’s healthy and can return to his checking and penalty killing roles, Babcock will love him. If he can’t, a trip to the injured list or the AHL Bakersfield Condors may come early.

Babcock is here for a good time, not a long time. There will be no passengers. Fans will be surprised by how quickly things change, especially in the first 40 games of the year.

2. Nugent-Hopkins moves to No. 3 centre and thrives

This idea has been mentioned before, but it makes more sense with the current depth chart. Based on established performance, Babcock will likely conclude Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are best on separate lines. The coach should also discover Jason Dickinson’s line is best suited as a shutdown unit deployed in the defensive zone.

That would mean Nugent-Hopkins, 15 years after arriving in the NHL, finally gets a chance to centre a soft-minutes line. A scoring unit that features Nugent-Hopkins, Howard in his first full season and a right winger with a range of skills could give the offence a major lift.

3. Howard surprises

Howard, one of the franchise’s top prospects, is currently a lightning rod for fans. Many believe he should be cashed for a veteran with more size and two-way acumen. Others worry Babcock will fade him before he gets a chance to show what he can bring.

A third, less-mentioned potential outcome is an impressive early season followed by some struggles and ultimately winning a regular job at left wing. Howard will have to prove he can play responsibly. That includes positioning and pressuring the puck carrier with zeal. If Howard can turn over pucks on the forecheck — he was doing it in Bakersfield late in the 2025-26 season — Babcock will use him.

The veteran coach deployed Zach Hyman and Connor Brown a decade ago when both were trying to establish themselves, helping them launch their careers. Howard is not the same kind of player, but skill needs skill, and Babcock will recognize Howard as a player who can score goals on a line with McDavid or Draisaitl. It won’t come right away, but Howard will deliver over the length of the season.

4. Levi emerges as real option

In all the activity around the Oilers this summer, Levi’s story got lost a little in the news cycle. His AHL performance a year ago was exceptional. His plus-16 goals saved above average (GSAA) ranked as one of the best in the minors and reflects his true level of ability.

Both veterans in front of him (Andersen and Jarry) can hold the net for periods of time, but both have recently struggled with injury and consistency. That kind of uncertainty should give Levi a sliver of daylight during the season, and there’s every chance he takes advantage. The prediction is Levi is the top goalie in Edmonton this time next year.

5. Frederic has strong season

Oilers fans have yet to see Trent Frederic at his best, although they did get a look at the forward going full speed late last season. After a miserable run with the team over the previous 12 months, Frederic found his way in February 2026. His line generated over 55 percent of expected goals at five-on-five, he posted 1.51 points per 60 and he found a productive partner in rugged winger Colton Dach. The two men played a rambunctious style and turned over pucks via a furious forecheck.

That’s the style of game Babcock likes to play. Great pace, aggressive pursuit of the puck and shifts spent 200 feet from the Edmonton net. That’s what Frederic provided with the Boston Bruins, and Oilers fans will get to see it live this season. The offence may not return to Bruins levels, but Frederic will have an effective season.

Bottom line

The prediction that I want to make? An exceptional increase in goal share for McDavid when playing five-on-five. Last year, McDavid was generating 52 percent, after having delivered far better five seasons in a row. The Babcock system will aid McDavid and the Oilers in shot and high-danger chance suppression, but the goaltending will have to improve in order to ensure a spike in goal share. That isn’t a prediction one can make until we see Babcock’s system with this team. The goaltending will determine how successful the plan will be.

The Pacific Division should go to Edmonton. The Stanley Cup is possible. Babcock and Bowman working together, Nugent-Hopkins and Frederic being used in ideal situations, and strong performances from youngsters Howard and Levi will count as the biggest surprises. Watch that McDavid goal share at five-on-five. If it is 55 percent, things are working. If it hits 60 percent? Expect Stanley.