Training and rookie camp is just around the corner which means hockey season is closing in on us. It was a shorter offseason than most Edmonton Oiler fans were accustomed to because the orange and blue went all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. While they did end up losing, it showed that the team is close to winning the sixth Stanley Cup in Franchise history. So, what are expectations like this season?
Regular season expectations
First off, the Oilers CANNOT go through another terrible slump to start the season off like last year that cost the jobs of Jay Woodcroft, Dave Manson, and Jack Campbell. While there are gonna be ups and downs during a year, you cannot start out as flat as they did last season again. A strong start to the season is a must, and something the Oilers haven’t really done well in the 97 era. The Oilers have a pretty favourable schedule this season and must use it to their advantage.
The Oilers are still looking for the first divisional title in the Connor McDavid era, which we’re entering year 10 of by the way. As fans, I think we just want to win the conference and division for once and secure home ice for the first three rounds at the very least. I think we all can agree that four teams are in contention for the top spot in the West: Edmonton, Vancouver, Dallas, and Colorado.
As for players wise during the season, we should all expect guys like Leon Draisaitl and McDavid to reach 50 goals once more, Zach Hyman probably falls back a bit (maybe say 35 goals like he did in 2022–23) due to the astronomical numbers he put up last year goal-scoring wise and the fact that McDavid’s oblique is healed. Jeff Skinner should be good for 30 goals, Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins should be between 20-25, and I personally believe Evan Bouchard hits the 20-goal mark as well. Evander Kane’s health is a wildcard but he should be good for 20 goals as well. Adam Henrique was on a 20=goal pace when acquired by Edmonton and guys like Matt Savoie and Podkolzin are X-Factors as well.
Depth scoring may be a bit of an issue but until the deadline it should be okay. Of course, the second RHD spot is wide open and should be addressed by then as well. I really believe Dante Fabbro is a good fit.
While I don’t think Calvin Pickard is going to be as strong as he was last season, he’s fine for 20 games. I don’t want Stuart Skinner to be overworked come playoff time again, as well since he has another child on the way. I’d like to see Olivier Rodrigue get into some game action.
The Oilers are a lock for ~50 wins as they were the last three seasons. But, regular season success doesn’t matter in Oil Country anymore.
Playoff predictions
There’s one expectation here: WIN THE CUP! That’s it.
They dug their own grave last year by going down 0–3 to Florida. The Oilers should easily get by their first round opponent which could consist of the likes of the Los Angeles Kings, Seattle Kraken, Las Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets, or the Utah Hockey Club. None of these series should go past five games, with the exception of Vegas in my opinion.
I think we’re locked in for a second round rematch against the Canucks, and potentially a rematch against Dallas in Round 3. Obviously, it depends on how hot/cool teams are coming in and even depends on the deadline moves. But, would it really shock anyone to see Edmonton face three or even four of the same teams they played last year? Not to me. This is the Oilers best chance at winning since 2025 to 2027 will be hard with the cap. It’ll be a retool phase. This is the year. Do the thing.
I’m excited to see what this season beholds. I truly think the Oilers are one to two pieces away from being the Stanley Cup favourites, as they would have no holes left. 97 and 29 are going to be extra motivated. Exciting times ahead!
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
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