It’s early to project the opening-night roster for the Edmonton Oilers, but there are compelling reasons to do so. The large increase in salary cap (a $104 million ceiling in 2026-27) means every NHL team has room to wheel. It’s also a fun exercise since the Oilers haven’t named a head coach, so we don’t have to adhere to a risk-averse roster.Here’s a first blush look at the Oilers’ 2026-27 roster.GoaliesPlayer2026-27 cap2025-26 SPTristan Jarry$5.375M0.892Michael DiPietro$812,500.930 (AHL)When general manager Stan Bowman dealt for Tristan Jarry in December, the Oilers’ depth chart in goal was set for the next two seasons. The organization is committed to the player, so the internal analytics and eye test must be positive. Goaltenders are difficult to evaluate because of what is happening defensively in front of them, but the consensus seems to be that a more organized defence will mean improved results in net.The rumours have the Oilers looking for a ”goalie of the future” with names like Sebastian Cossa (Detroit Red Wings) and Devon Levi (Buffalo Sabres) in play. I’ve chosen Michael DiPietro, blocked on the Boston Bruins depth chart, because he had an exceptional year in the AHL and would require a smaller asset cost to acquire than Cossa or Levi.The overall cost of the goalies comes in at a solid number. The Jack Campbell buyout ($2.6 million toward the cap) is several years from expiring, though.DefenceLeft DefenceRight DefenceMattias Ekholm ($4M)Evan Bouchard ($10.5M)Morgan Rielly ($7.5M)Connor Murphy ($4M-est)Jack Walman ($7M)Ty Emberson ($1.3M)Spencer Stastney ($2M-est)The prediction here is that Bowman will deal Darnell Nurse to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Morgan Rielly. There is a gap in cap hit. The Oilers would be offloading most of $2 million in cap, suggesting a sweetener would be required from the Edmonton end. In addition, the Oilers sign pending UFA Connor Murphy in this model, and set sail with a new second pairing compared to last fall.The deal is not a flat-out win for either team. Nurse had a difficult season in 2025-26, but the late regular-season run with Murphy, who came over from the Chicago Blackhawks at the deadline, may give management pause. In 289 five-on-five minutes together down the stretch, the tandem delivered a 57 percent goal share, via Natural Stat Trick. Nurse’s endurance and foot speed remain quality.