Stunning rash of early injuries not causing Oilers GM Bowman to panic
Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman is downplaying concerns regarding early training camp injuries to several key players. He emphasized that these injuries are a normal part of the sport and provide opportunities for other players to step up.
Why it matters
Managing player health and depth is critical for NHL teams aiming for success during a long and demanding season.
Carolina Hurricanes' Frederik Andersen plays during Game 3 in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Philadelphia. (Matt Slocum/AP) EDMONTON — Among the many personality traits necessary to retain one’s sanity as a National Hockey League general manager, a high panic threshold ranks right up there.
In Canada, a wise GM leaves that to the fan base. And here in Edmonton, that fan base is emoting over the Oilers’ Wednesday news release that four players — Frederik Andersen , Matt Savoie , Mattias Janmark and fringe defenceman Alec Regula — will all miss training camp with various undisclosed injuries.
“No, it's not great when guys are hurt,” allowed Oilers GM Stan Bowman, speaking over the phone Thursday from his home in the Chicago area. “But internally, we're not nearly as concerned or nervous about it as the fans or the media.
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