2024-25
Record: 48-29-5, 3rd in Pacific Division
Playoffs: Lost in Stanley Cup Final
Key Losses
Connor Brown (F – Signed with NJ), Corey Perry (F – Signed with LA), Evander Kane (F – Trade with VAN), Viktor Arvidsson (F – Trade with BOS), Jeff Skinner (F – Signed with SJ), and John Klingberg (D – UFA)
Key Additions
Andrew Mangiapane (F – Signed via FA), Curtis Lazar (F – Signed via FA), and Isaac Howard (F – Trade with TB)
2025-26 Preview
Make It or Break It for McDavid
Going into a contract year, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid will have a big decision to make this season. Does he re-sign with the Oilers, or does he want to test free agency and hit the market. For the Oilers, it’s a no-brainer that they want to re-sign McDavid, and will do whatever they can to make it happen. However, if things don’t go the way they plan and McDavid doesn’t look to be inclined to re-sign with the Oilers, do they try to move him before the deadline or after the playoffs have concluded?
With the Oilers looking like a Stanley Cup contender again, could the third time be the charm for McDavid and the Oilers? Only time will tell as we watch the Oilers and McDavid this season.
The Goaltending Situation
For the Oilers, the biggest question mark they have this season is between the pipes. The Oilers need to get their goaltending under control. Stuart Skinner needs to pick up his game and become the perennial number one they need him to be. Calvin Pickard played well in the playoffs for the Oilers, but is primarily a backup.
Skinner went 26-18-4 last season with a 2.81 goals against average and a .896 save percentage. While he did post a season-high 3 shutouts in the regular season, in the playoffs Skinner was 7-7 with a 2.99 goals against average, .889 save percentage, and 3 shutouts. He needs to be better if the Oilers expect to get over the hump, and win the Stanley cup.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Connor McDavid — Zach Hyman
Andrew Mangiapane — Leon Draisaitl — Vasily Podkolzin
Isaac Howard — Trent Frederic — Adam Henrique
Matt Savoie — Mattias Janmark — Kasperi Kapanen
Defense
Mattias Ekholm — Evan Bouchard
Darnell Nurse — Brett Kulak
Jake Walman — Ty Emberson
Goalies
Stuart Skinner
Calvin Pickard
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