For the first time in nearly three decades the Edmonton Oilers will enter an NHL season with Stanley Cup expectations. The question is can they deliver?
Edmonton is coming off its best season in quite some time and one of the league’s most talented young cores is expected to take another step forward this coming year. Led by reigning Hart and Art Ross trophy winner Connor McDavid, the Oilers have their sights set on winning it all in 2017-18.
How They Finished Last Season
Hockey fans in Edmonton are filled with hope and optimism after nearly making it to the Western Conference Final a year ago. The Oilers upset the San Jose Sharks in the opening round and then pushed the Anaheim Ducks to the brink before losing their second round series in a deciding seventh game. It was a bit of a disappointment for the Oilers as they looked to be in control of their second-round series. They won both games in Anaheim to start the series and then the Oilers blew a three-goal lead with three minutes to go in Game 5, eventually losing in overtime. It felt like the Oilers left something on the table in a run that could have gone longer.
Edmonton reloaded in the offseason looking to build on last year’s success. A Pacific division title isn’t beyond expectations after falling just two points shy of the Ducks atop the standings despite posting one more win a year ago. If they can secure home ice advantage for at least the first two rounds of the playoffs, it could go a long way towards boosting their Stanley Cup potential.
What Changed In The Offseason
The Oilers made a splash in the offseason when they traded Jordan Eberle to the New York Islanders in exchange for Ryan Strome. Edmonton would love to pair Strome with Connor McDavid on their top line, but he will need to prove he is up to the task. The Oilers also waived goodbye to Benoit Pouliot following a disappointing season and signed Jussi Jokinen as a free agent. Perhaps the biggest boost will come from within as top picks Jesse Puljujarvi and Kailer Yamamoto could make the roster out of camp. Yamamoto has looked good while playing some top line minutes with McDavid in the preseason. Meanwhile, Puljujarvi could slide in to a top-six forward role and might even end up on the top line with McDavid at some point.
Most Valuable Fantasy Hockey Asset
There is no doubt about McDavid’s place among the NHL’s elite. McDavid led the NHL with 100 points and scored 30 goals to win both the Art Ross and Hart trophies last season. The Oilers captain is still just 20-years-old and it’s scary to think that he could be even better heading in to his second full season. Edmonton plans to split up McDavid and Leon Draisaitl this season so it will be interesting to see whom he ends up playing with. Patrick Maroon appears to be a lock for one spot on McDavid’s line with Strome, Yamamoto and Puljujarvi challenging for the other spot this season.
Regular Season Win Total Outlook
The NHL futures regular season win total for the Oilers is right in line with where they finished last season when they recorded 47 wins. Edmonton will need one more victory to go over their total this season but that shouldn’t be too difficult considering the circumstances. McDavid, Draisaitl, Puljujarvi, Oscar Klefbom and Adam Larsson are all one year older and more experienced. The Oilers grabbed Jokinen and Strome in the offseason with the hope that they can provide another boost while complimenting the young core they already had in place. Cam Talbot was excellent last season and if he can somehow duplicate the 2.39 goals against average he posted in 73 games last season then the sky is the limit for this Edmonton team. The Oilers have the potential to challenge for a Stanley Cup this season. First, they will set their sights on a Pacific division title and the best record in the Western Conference.
Pick: Over 47.5 Wins
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