For what feels like an eternity, the Edmonton Oilers’ blue line has been a source of consternation, a puzzle with missing pieces, a constant topic of heated debate among fans and analysts alike. The yearly offseason narrative was as predictable as a Connor McDavid highlight-reel goal: “The Oilers need a top-pairing defenceman.” It was a refrain sung in sports bars, shouted on call-in shows, and typed furiously into online forums.
But as we look ahead to the 2025-26 season, a strange and unfamiliar quiet has settled over the conversation. The frantic calls for a defensive saviour have subsided, replaced by a cautious optimism. For the first time in a long time, the Oilers aren’t just hoping their defence will be good enough; there’s a genuine belief that it could be a significant strength. General Manager Stan Bowman has been vocal about his desire to get younger without sacrificing the team’s status as a perennial contender, and the current defensive alignment seems to be a testament to that philosophy. Let’s break down the projected pairings and personnel that have Oilers fans dreaming of a Stanley Cup parade down Jasper Avenue.
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The Puck-Moving Powerhouse: Walman and Bouchard
Projected to be the Oilers’ top pairing, the duo of Jake Walman and Evan Bouchard has the potential to be not just good, but elite. In today’s NHL, where a quick and efficient transition game is paramount, having two defenders who can move the puck with the skill and poise of Walman and Bouchard is a massive advantage.
Evan Bouchard, fresh off his recent contract extension, has solidified his place as one of the league’s premier offensive defencemen. His vision, passing, and booming shot from the point make him the lynchpin of the Oilers’ power play and a constant threat in the offensive zone. But it’s the addition of Walman that could truly unlock this pairing’s potential.
Acquired in a trade that has quickly become a fan favourite, Walman brings a dynamic, smooth-skating element to the back end. At 29 years old, he’s in the prime of his career, and there’s a sense that his game is still on an upward trajectory. The speculation around the Oilers’ front office is that extending Walman will be a top priority, perhaps even ahead of veteran Mattias Ekholm. The reasoning is sound: Walman is younger, likely more cost-effective, and represents a player the Oilers can build around for the next several seasons. If this pair can find chemistry early and live up to their potential, they could very well be one of the best defensive tandems in the entire league, capable of logging big minutes against tough competition while driving play in the right direction.
The Veteran Presence: Nurse and Emberson
The second pairing features Darnell Nurse alongside Ty Emberson. Nurse’s situation is, without a doubt, one of the most polarizing topics in the Oilers’ dressing room. His eight-year, $74 million contract, signed back in 2021, is a frequent target of criticism. Now heading into its fourth year, the deal is often labeled as one of the worst in the league, a product of previous management’s inability to lock him up on a more team-friendly deal earlier in his career. With a full no-movement clause in effect until the summer of 2027, Nurse isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Despite the contract, Nurse remains a vital part of the Oilers’ defence. He brings a physical, competitive edge that is essential for any team with championship aspirations. He logs tough minutes, kills penalties, and is a leader in the locker room. The key for the Oilers is to put him in a position to succeed, and that’s where Emberson comes in.
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Acquired from the San Jose Sharks in the deal that sent Cody Ceci and a third-round pick packing, Emberson is a young, right-shot defenceman who showed promise in his 76 games with the Oilers last season, tallying two goals and 13 assists. At 25 years old, he fits perfectly into Stan Bowman’s vision of a younger, more mobile blue line. The hope is that Emberson’s steady, responsible game will complement Nurse’s more aggressive style, creating a balanced and effective second pairing. If Emberson can earn a spot out of training camp and prove to be a reliable partner for Nurse, it would go a long way in stabilizing the Oilers’ top four.
The Swedish Stalwart and the Reliable Veteran: Ekholm and Kulak
The projected third pairing of Mattias Ekholm and Brett Kulak is a testament to the depth the Oilers have managed to build on their back end. Ekholm, since his arrival from Nashville, has been an integral part of the team’s defensive core. His calming presence, veteran savvy, and defensive acumen have been invaluable. However, there are some long-term questions surrounding the 35-year-old. A recent groin injury, combined with his age, introduces an element of uncertainty regarding his future value. While he is by no means being pushed out the door, the consensus among insiders is that securing Walman’s extension takes precedence. Ekholm’s next contract, should there be one, will likely be addressed later.
Brett Kulak, on the other hand, is the quintessential reliable, no-frills defenceman that every good team needs. He can move the puck, play a physical game when necessary, and be counted on to provide solid minutes on the third pairing. Together, Ekholm and Kulak form a dependable duo that can be deployed in a variety of situations, giving the coaching staff a great deal of flexibility.
The Big Picture: Championship Aspirations
For the first time in a long time, the narrative surrounding the Oilers is not about what they lack, but what they have. The defensive corps, once a source of anxiety, now looks to be a position of strength. With a dynamic top pairing, a physical and potentially balanced second pairing, and a reliable and experienced third pairing, the Oilers have the pieces in place to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup. The days of desperately searching for a top-four defenceman appear to be over. The blueprint is in place, and for Oilers fans, the future looks bright.
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