Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I’ve got a post-draft, pre-free agency mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever’s on your mind. This week, we’re discussing potential Oilers contract extensions, bold predictions for the 2025-26 season, playing physical in the playoffs, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at baggedmilk@oilersnation.com or on Twitter at @jsbmbaggedmilk, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

I don’t think that was the reason they lost Game 5 and 6 this year or Game 7 in 2024. I didn’t see Florida running their show. However, having a physical element never hurts and having players who are capable of using it helps. I do think they missed Zach Hyman’s physical presence this year. He’d be incredibly physical until his fluke injury.

They didn’t lose the Stanley Cup by not being physical enough. They lost the Stanley Cup because they didn’t score enough and didn’t get good enough goaltending in Games 3, 5 and 6.

They need more guys who can score and get to the middle of the net. In my opinion, that was the biggest reason they lost to the Florida Panthers. I don’t think I’ve ever or could miss Zach Hyman more than I did in that second SCF.

McDavid is a no-brainer. I’ve stated for over a year he’ll re-sign so when he does I don’t think anyone will be surprised. Podkolzin is a pending RFA, and getting him signed this summer at a lower AAV could benefit them. Walman and Ekholm make sense, but for different reasons I could see Bowman waiting a bit. Ekholm will be 36 when his new deal kicks in, so it is more about what will his AAV be. Walman had a great year last year, and most of his points came at EV, which is good, and if you commit to him at a mid-range term (4-5 years), do they want him and Ekholm both at $6m+. That is the dance Bowman has to manage.

Of the bunch, the only one I have apprehension about right now is Ekholm. He’s 35 years old and is coming off an illness and injury-plagued season. I think there needs to be a wait-and-see with him this year. For as good as he’s been, he’s getting up there in age.

Give me the McDavid contract NOW. Kidding. Whenever he wants to get it done works for me — I just want to dunk on Leafs fans. Also love the Walman idea. That guy rocks and I’m a big fan of how he’s played since coming over from the San Jose Sharks. Ekholm makes me nervous mostly because of his age and term. Pods? Let’s do it.

Skinner has a sv% above .908.

Stuart Skinner solidified himself as the No. 1.

Matt Savoie wins the Calder.

I don’t see any. They have loads of forwards and defence. However, I could see them looking at the waiver wire for a goalie late in preseason.

Jack Roslovic (if he lasts that long), Viktor Olofsson and Max Pacioretty could make sense.

I’m more so curious to see if Stan Bowman claims anyone off waivers in that early season rush to get players through. As for the PTOs… PTO everyone. Why not?

Marriage is like friendship. Respect one another, chirp each other and when you do disagree, don’t have it carry over. Address it once and move on.

Live, laugh, love.

Their wedding was awesome and I’m so happy for Tyler and Amber. They’re going to do great. Keep laughing and going on adventures together.

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