The Edmonton Oilers are entering a new chapter with Mike Babcock behind the bench, and every roster decision is being viewed through that lens. While the spotlight falls on established veterans and marquee additions, one under-the-radar signing has started generating unexpected buzz.
The player does not arrive with the biggest contract or the strongest resume, yet his style may perfectly match what Edmonton’s new coach wants from his lineup.
Elliotte Friedman Says Eduards Tralmaks Fits Mike Babcock’s System Best
Among Edmonton’s many additions this summer, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes Eduards Tralmaks stands out as the player who best reflects Babcock’s coaching philosophy.
Speaking on the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman explained that while bigger names dominated the headlines, Tralmaks immediately caught his attention because of the way he plays the game.
“The most interesting guy I thought they signed was Eduards Tralmaks,” Friedman said. “To me, he seems to be one of those guys Babcock would kind of like. Just a no-nonsense… He played a hard, straight-line game for Latvia. I’m just curious about this guy. I’ve seen guys like this play for Babcock before.”
Friedman also noted that he has watched similar players thrive under Babcock in previous stops, making Tralmaks an intriguing fit before playing a single game for Edmonton.
The 29-year-old winger signed a 1-year, $850,000 two-way contract after producing the best season of his professional career.
Tralmaks recorded 26 goals and 42 points in 64 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate, while also making an impact internationally. Representing Latvia, he scored three goals in four games at the Winter Olympics before adding another six points at the IIHF World Championship.
His game is built around traits Babcock has consistently valued throughout his coaching career. At 6-foot-3 and 221 pounds, Tralmaks plays a physical north-south style, wins battles along the boards, pressures defenders on the forecheck, and willingly does the difficult work away from the puck.
These habits often matter as much as offensive production for coaches who prioritize structure and accountability.
Edmonton’s roster changes also create an opportunity for players like Tralmaks to compete for meaningful roles. The Oilers reshaped their goaltending by adding Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi, cleared significant salary cap space through the Darnell Nurse trade, signed Ryan Shea, and extended Shakir Mukhamadullin.
With nearly $6 million still available under the cap, the front office retains enough flexibility to pursue another experienced forward if the right opportunity arises.
READ MORE: Edmonton Turns Attention Away From Claude Giroux to 23-Goal Former Minnesota Veteran
Veterans such as Claude Giroux and Vladimir Tarasenko remain possible targets, but Friedman believes Tralmaks deserves just as much attention because of his potential fit within Babcock’s system.
Rather than arriving as a headline signing, he enters camp with an opportunity to earn trust through consistency and effort.
If that happens, Tralmaks could become one of Edmonton’s most valuable depth additions. His contract carries little financial risk, and his style of play closely mirrors the identity Babcock has demanded from successful teams throughout his coaching career.
