Ryan Shea looks like Stan Bowman’s best signing as Oilers GM

Although very early, Ryan Shea looks like Stan Bowman's best free agent signing since taking over as Edmonton Oilers GM

By Gordon Munro · Oil On Whyte

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 8:08 PM

Key Things to Know

Writer Gordon Munro argues Ryan Shea is Stan Bowman's best free-agent signing as Edmonton Oilers general manager.
The Oilers signed defenseman Ryan Shea to a five-year, $20 million contract worth $4 million annually in free agency.
Shea has recorded one goal and two assists through his first eight games with Edmonton.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Gordon Munro of Oil On Whyte argues that defenseman Ryan Shea is shaping up to be general manager Stan Bowman's best free-agent signing for the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton signed the 29-year-old former Pittsburgh Penguins blueliner to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $4 million during the summer free agency period.

Munro notes that Shea effectively replaced Darnell Nurse at a fraction of the cost, making an immediate impact on Edmonton's blue line. Through eight games, Shea has tallied three points while averaging 22:44 of ice time per game under head coach Mike Babcock, ranking third on the team in total minutes.

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Ryan Shea looks like Stan Bowman’s best signing as Oilers GM

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