The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2024-25 NHL season with renewed hope and expectations. Their near-miss in final season’s Stanley Cup Last drives the workforce ahead. Coming off a roller-coaster 2023-24 season that noticed the workforce begin disastrously earlier than discovering their stride beneath new head coach Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers are decided to capitalize on their present window of alternative.
Subsequent: Leon Draisaitl Indicators Enormous 8-Yr Contract with Edmonton Oilers
With Leon Draisaitl re-signing this week and star gamers like Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard nearing contract renewals, the urgency to win now has by no means been greater. So, what would a best-case state of affairs for the Oilers this season appear like?
Greatest Case State of affairs One: On Offense: Extra Firepower & Extra Targets
Final season, the Oilers boasted one of many league’s prime offenses, rating fourth in objectives per recreation and dominating at 5v5 and on the facility play. McDavid, Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had been the driving forces behind this success, and they are going to be anticipated to guide the cost once more. Nonetheless, the offseason additions of Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson add much more firepower to the highest six. These acquisitions ought to present McDavid and Draisaitl with wingers who can end their setups, making the Oilers’ offense much more potent.
If every thing clicks, McDavid could possibly be on tempo for an additional 150-point season, Draisaitl might push for 60 objectives, and Hyman might repeat his 54-goal efficiency from final yr. With Bouchard quarterbacking the facility play and chipping in 80-plus factors from the blue line, the Oilers’ offense might simply rank first within the league, overwhelming opponents on a nightly foundation. The depth supplied by Adam Henrique, a possible bounce-back season from Connor Brown, and contributions from younger gamers like Vasily Podkolzin or Matthew Savoie might be certain that Edmonton rolls 4 efficient traces.
Greatest Case State of affairs Two: On Protection: A Steady, Dependable Core
Although typically overshadowed by their offensive prowess, the Oilers’ protection quietly improved final season, ending tenth in objectives in opposition to per recreation. Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm’s pairing emerged as one of many league’s finest, and they’re going to once more anchor the blueline this season. The important thing for Edmonton’s protection can be sustaining that stability whereas working with new additions like Ty Emberson and Josh Brown.
In a best-case state of affairs, Emberson excels in powerful minutes, whereas Brown performs effectively in a extra structured defensive system. If Darnell Nurse can regain consistency in a shutdown function and Brett Kulak continues to offer regular play, the Oilers might see a marked enchancment of their defensive depth. This is able to permit them to deal with the playoffs higher, avoiding the issues that plagued them final season.
Greatest Case State of affairs Three: On Goaltending: Stuart Skinner’s Breakout Yr
Goaltending was an enormous problem for the Oilers early final season, however Stuart Skinner’s mid-season turnaround helped stabilize the workforce. This yr, Skinner will enter the season because the clear starter, anticipating continued development. Within the best-case state of affairs, Skinner builds on his late-season success, posting a save share north of .915 and rating among the many league’s prime goaltenders in objectives saved above anticipated (GSAx).
If Skinner can preserve this stage of play, it can give the Oilers confidence they will win shut video games, notably within the playoffs. Backup Calvin Pickard should present dependable assist when referred to as upon, however Edmonton’s goaltending scenario could possibly be rather more steady than in earlier years.
Greatest Case State of affairs 4: On Teaching: Knoblauch Has Continued Success
Kris Knoblauch’s affect on the Oilers was simple final season. After taking up as head coach, he led the workforce to a 46-18-5 file. In his first full season behind the bench, Knoblauch will look to construct on that success, refining his programs and additional instilling a profitable tradition within the locker room.
Knoblauch’s method resonates with the gamers in a best-case state of affairs, resulting in improved consistency and fewer efficiency lapses. The Oilers might discover themselves on the prime of the Pacific Division, setting the stage for an additional deep playoff run.
Greatest Case State of affairs 5: On Rookies: A Shock Contributor Emerges
Whereas the Oilers’ prospect pool isn’t extremely regarded, the workforce might nonetheless profit from a shock contribution from a younger participant. Matthew Savoie, acquired within the offseason, could possibly be that participant. If Savoie impresses in coaching camp and earns a roster spot, his power and talent might give the workforce a wanted spark, particularly if accidents strike the ahead group.
The Backside Line: The Oilers Path to a Stanley Cup
Within the best-case state of affairs, the Oilers’ 2024-25 season ends with McDavid, Draisaitl, and the remainder of the workforce hoisting the Stanley Cup. Edmonton might lastly break Canada’s lengthy championship drought with an much more harmful offense, improved defensive depth, dependable goaltending, and powerful management from Knoblauch. The window to win is now, and the Oilers have all of the instruments to make it occur.
Associated: Draisaitl’s Deal Means “100 P.c” McDavid Re-Indicators with Oilers
