The Edmonton Oilers, fresh off back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals, kicked off the 2025-26 season with high hopes of finally bringing the Cup back to Canada. But as the season unfolds, the journey has been anything but smooth.
With a 33-26-9 record through 68 games, the Oilers find themselves in a precarious position, sitting third in the Pacific Division. Just four points separate them from the LA Kings, who are nipping at their heels for a wild-card spot.
It’s a far cry from the dominance expected of a team featuring the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Yet, despite their star power, Edmonton looks more like a playoff hopeful than a surefire contender this season.
The Oilers’ recent struggles can be traced back to a grueling schedule and offseason changes. Losing key depth players has exposed cracks in their consistency.
Over the past four years, the team has logged an exhausting 75 playoff games, with three trips to the Western Conference Final. The toll of these deep runs is evident, with injuries and fatigue creeping in.
Adding to their fatigue, McDavid and Mattias Ekholm participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off, while McDavid and Draisaitl also competed in the Olympics. These commitments left them with little time to recharge, contributing to the team’s current struggles.
Despite the challenges, the core of McDavid, Draisaitl, Ekholm, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard remains intact. The significant change has been in goal, with Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram taking over the crease. This shift hasn’t instilled confidence, prompting speculation about another goaltending change for next season.
An early playoff exit, while disappointing, might just be the reset the Oilers need. It could offer them a chance to rest, regroup, and address roster needs, particularly in goal. With the right moves, Edmonton could emerge stronger and more prepared for a serious Cup run next season.