Stan Bowman’s recent comments about building around Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard offer a glimpse into the challenges and strategies he plans to employ as the new general manager of the Edmonton Oilers. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and what they mean for the Oilers moving forward:
**1. ** Managing the Cap with Superstar Salaries
Bowman’s acknowledgment of the cap challenges underscores a familiar situation for many teams with superstar players. McDavid and Draisaitl, in particular, command significant portions of the salary cap, making it imperative to carefully balance the roster. The goal is to maintain the elite performance of these stars while surrounding them with a competent supporting cast.
**2. ** Experience from Chicago
Bowman’s experience with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he successfully managed a similarly high-profile roster with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, is notable. His track record of building a championship team around superstar forwards will be crucial for the Oilers. It suggests he has a solid blueprint for integrating high-salaried stars with complementary pieces.
**3. ** Importance of the Supporting Cast
One of Bowman’s main focuses is on finding and developing a strong supporting cast. This includes:
- Drafting: Emphasizing late-round picks and gems who can contribute significantly without demanding high salaries.
- Trades and Free Agents: Identifying players who can fit into the salary structure while providing value.
- Undrafted Free Agents: Making use of all available avenues to find talent that can contribute at a lower cost.
**4. ** Development and Scouting
Bowman stressed the importance of robust scouting and development, particularly in late rounds of the draft. The goal is to find players who can shorten their development curve and make an impact sooner. This approach is crucial for maintaining a competitive team while managing cap constraints.
**5. ** Future Contract Extensions
With McDavid and Draisaitl’s contracts coming up, securing their long-term commitment will be a key focus. Managing these extensions while ensuring there’s enough cap space for a balanced team will be a significant challenge.
What’s Next for the Oilers?
The Oilers’ success under Bowman will hinge on his ability to execute his strategies effectively:
- Finding Value: Identifying players who provide high value for lower costs.
- Cap Management: Balancing the books while maintaining a competitive roster.
- Player Development: Ensuring that drafted players and prospects are ready to contribute as quickly as possible.
Bowman’s approach suggests a focus on smart roster construction and player development, aimed at maximizing the performance of McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard while managing the inevitable salary cap constraints. If he can replicate or even surpass his success with the Blackhawks, the Oilers could find themselves consistently competing at the highest level.