Culture in a hockey room doesn’t happen by accident, and the Oilers’ leadership picture goes well beyond Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Fans only get small windows into what goes on behind the scenes, but interviews, game footage, body language, community appearances and Oilers+ content all offer clues about who sets the tone. Former Oilers winger Jack Roslovic said his time in Edmonton left a strong impression: “I think it was a big learning process for me; the culture was really good. I think it was the work ethic off the ice that was a big learning curve for me”.
Behind the two superstars, a few other names stand out as the next layer of dressing room voices.
Zach Hyman fits the bill as one of the most important people in that group. He’s known as a steady, well-spoken presence who leads through his habits.
Hyman brings consistency every night, and that kind of reliability matters in a room full of pros. He also has a sharp sense of humor and usually looks like he’s enjoying himself.
That mix of seriousness and personality makes him easy to follow, and it’s no surprise teammates, coaches and management value him so highly. Even before he wore the assistant captain’s letter, he looked like a natural leader.
Vasily Podkolzin brings a different kind of energy. He’s the guy who gets the group going before puck drop, banging his stick and helping set the tone as the team heads onto the ice.
He’s also first at the rink and first on the ice, which says plenty about his focus. That edge and commitment show up in the room too.
He captained Russia’s World Junior and U18 teams a few years ago, and that background makes his presence around the team easier to understand.
Connor Murphy is another player whose influence is felt in more than one way. One of the two character additions Stan Bowman brought in from the Chicago Blackhawks at last season’s trade deadline, Murphy is the kind of defenseman who throws himself into the hard jobs.
He blocks shots, lands heavy hits and stands up for teammates. He’s also a strong voice in the room, and since arriving he’s added more energy to the group.
Jason Dickinson brings a blunt, veteran edge. The Oilers’ third-line centre is the type who says what he thinks and expects a lot from himself and everyone around him.
He has the ear of other players, and his media availability suggests he’s not afraid to speak plainly. That same approach likely carries into the dressing room, where he can call out the team or individual players when needed.
Devon Levi has also become a major part of the conversation. Michael Menzies said on DFO Edmonton’s Post Gaming show recently, “This could change the game for the franchise long term.”
Levi is 8-1, and his numbers look strong if the first game of the season is set aside. Beyond the performance, his attitude has helped the culture around the team.
Last Saturday, Mike Babcock described him this way: “He’s got a smile on his face every time you see him. He works really hard.
His personality is infectious, and he shares himself with his teammates, and it’s good for us.”
Max Jones is the quieter culture piece, but his impact shows up in a different lane. He’s outgoing, he helps keep things loose, and teammates clearly enjoy having him around.
His stats don’t leap off the page, but he brings size, some skill and a willingness to stand up for his teammates. He also knows Evan Bouchard from their time together with the London Knights in the OHL, and those kinds of connections matter in a room.
Sometimes a player’s value isn’t just in the box score. Jones is a good example of someone who understands his role and fits the group.
In Other News...
Connor Murphy Is Becoming An Oilers Problem They Can't Ignore
Even with the Oilers piling up wins, Connor Murphys place on the blue line has become harder to gloss over. The veteran defenseman has drawn criticism for the numbers underneath the surface, and the concern is less about one bad night than a pattern that has made his minutes a talking point around the team. Edmontons overall record can hide a lot, but it does not erase the fact that Murphy has not driven play the way the club needs from a regular defenseman.
The bigger issue is that Murphy may not be the only problem, which is what makes this situation tricky for Edmonton. The second defensive pairing has been thin enough that his struggles are being viewed in the context of weak support around him, and the Oilers next move could depend on who returns to the lineup and how much depth they can trust. If the team wants to stabilize that side of the defense, it may have to make a decision that changes Murphys role, even if that answer is still unfolding. [Read more 🡒]
Oilers Trade Buzz Suddenly Centers On One Believable Star Target
The Oilers have not made any recent trades, but the conversation around their next move is starting to sharpen. If Edmonton decides to add, the focus would be on either a top-six forward or a top-four defenseman, which is exactly the kind of upgrade that can matter most when a contender is trying to squeeze a little more out of its roster.
Among the names being weighed, Quinn Hughes looks like a long shot and Elias Pettersson comes with obvious contract questions, leaving the discussion to drift toward a different established star. Roman Josi stands out as the cleanest fit for Edmontons needs and the most believable of the options, even if there is still plenty standing between speculation and an actual deal. [Read more 🡒]
Babcocks Return To Toronto Adds Extra Heat For The Oilers
Mike Babcocks return to Toronto gives this Oilers road trip a little extra edge, even beyond the standings and the usual late-season noise. Now behind Edmontons bench, the former Maple Leafs coach is back in the building where he spent a memorable stretch with one of hockeys biggest franchises, and he spent time reflecting on both the good and the difficult parts of that run while also taking stock of his current group, which sits atop the Pacific Division.
For the Oilers, the setting adds another layer to a meeting that already matters, with Toronto trying to steady itself under new coach Jim Hiller while the Leafs continue to search for traction in the Atlantic Division. Babcocks presence turns the matchup into more than just another cross-conference game, because the conversation around it is as much about history and unfinished business as it is about the points on the line. [Read more 🡒]