The Edmonton Oilers' season ended in disappointment—a first-round exit at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks and their worst points percentage since 2018-19. But the real alarm bells are ringing louder than ever. Both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have publicly voiced concerns about the franchise's direction. That's not just a red flag; it's a flashing neon sign.

So, the question on every Oilers fan's mind: Has general manager Stan Bowman done enough to keep his job?

Let's give credit where it's due. Bowman hasn't struck out on every move. Trading a fourth-round pick for Vasily Podkolzin? That's a steal. And the three-year extension he signed? A bargain in today's market. Acquiring Jake Walman at the trade deadline last year also looked smart at the time—he was one of Edmonton's best defensemen during the 2025 playoffs.

But then came the head-scratchers. Walman's seven-year, $49 million extension raised eyebrows given the Oilers' cap crunch, and he averaged under 19 minutes a night during the regular season. Then there's Trent Frederic's eight-year deal—a move that's aged poorly. Frederic managed just four goals and seven points in 74 games and found himself a healthy scratch more often than not.

The cap space squandered and questionable roster decisions have painted the Oilers into a corner. With championship hopes fading, Edmonton no longer has the luxury of pushing for a Stanley Cup during the prime years of Connor McDavid's contract. That's a tough pill to swallow for a team with two of the game's best players.

December brought another bold move: Bowman shipped Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry and AHL forward Samuel Poulin. On paper, the logic made sense—Jarry was a known commodity with term, and the goaltending situation needed fixing. But Jarry posted an .8 save percentage, and the gamble hasn't paid off.

As the Oilers' free agents pack their bags for the offseason, the mood isn't bitter—but it's far from confident. The front office has some serious soul-searching to do. For fans rocking Oilers gear, the hope is that Bowman can find a way to turn things around before the window closes on this talented core.