Episode Details

What can a powerhouse team like the Edmonton Oilers learn from a rebuilding-turned-contender squad like the Montreal Canadiens? More than you think.

In this Thursday edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis continues the Final Four comparison series by diving deep into the massive gap in organizational coherence between Edmonton and Montreal. While the Oilers have stacked individual talent like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, they are treating roster construction like a simple math problem—ignoring how those pieces actually fit together. Meanwhile, Montreal’s leadership triad of Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes, and Marty St. Louis has established a flawless, metronomic blueprint for player optimization and development that Edmonton desperately needs to replicate.

From the misuse of free agents like Jeff Skinner and Andrew Mangiapane to the short leashes on top prospects, we break down why the Oilers are in a synchronized panic and how they can fix it before the window slams shut

05:11 Hiring Jeff Gorton for rebuild

07:22 Montreal's long-term rebuilding plan

11:56 Coaching young NHL players

14:58 Oilers' roster and coaching challenges

18:06 Team Strategy and Player Development

20:38 Promoting ED treatment and tips

25:51 Player lineup and performance challenges

26:57 Oilers player management issues

The SHOCKING Lesson The Edmonton Oilers MUST Learn From The Montreal Canadiens 
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

5-Hour ENERGY
Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl