Edmonton Oilers team preview: Cup hopes collide with McDavid uncertainty

The Edmonton Oilers have achieved what few teams can, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back seasons. Yet, after falling short of the ultimate prize both times, there remains a burning desire for a championship.

Led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have an unstoppable one-two punch, but their back-to-back playoff losses highlight a bigger problem: top-heavy talent alone isn’t enough to win a championship.

Last season was a reminder of what works and what doesn’t. Edmonton powered through deep post-season runs thanks to their superstars and contributions from role players. But when the margin got razor-thin, the team’s deficiencies were exposed.

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While the Oilers had the star power, their championship hopes were ultimately undone by key failures in their own end. Defensive lapses, a dip in goaltending under pressure, and inconsistent secondary scoring were cracks the Florida Panthers were able to exploit. To win the Cup, Edmonton must prove it can shore up these critical weaknesses.

Instead of making blockbuster moves this summer, general manager Stan Bowman took a more subtle approach. He made it a priority to re-sign Evan Bouchard, ensuring that a cornerstone player on their blue line wasn’t in a position to test free agency, while also adding forward depth with Andrew Mangiapane and Ike Howard.

Will those tweaks be enough to put the team over the top?

Unfortunately, the Oilers will have to deal with the uncertain future of their captain as McDavid hasn’t put pen to paper on an extension yet. He could become a UFA next summer.

“If guys can’t play hockey because people are talking outside the room, this is probably not the line of work for you,” McDavid said about whether his status will be a distraction in the locker room. “It’s a loud market, it’s a story, sure, but we’ve played through coaching changes, GM changes, winning streaks, freezing cold streaks where we can’t win a game and it’s just as loud.”

Time will tell if that will be the case.

Our look at 32 teams in 32 days continues with the Edmonton Oilers.

Top Prospect: Matt Savoie

The Oilers haven’t had many blue-chip forward prospects in recent years in part because of their push to contend for a Stanley Cup. However, the trade for Matt Savoie changed that. Acquired from the Buffalo Sabres as part of Edmonton’s long-term plan to refresh its talent pipeline, the 21-year-old enters this season looking to realize his potential. Savoie has shown what he can do at the AHL level, showcasing elite skating, creativity with the puck, and the ability to finish plays. Last season with Bakersfield, he had 19 goals and 54 points in 66 games. The biggest question for Savoie going into the season is where he fits in right now. Given Edmonton’s cap constraints and the pressure to maximize their current Cup window, getting NHL-level contributions from players on entry-level deals is crucial. If Savoie can stick and make an impact this season, it won’t just help the Oilers’ depth — it could be one of the subtle advantages that pushes them over the top come playoff time.

Newcomer to Watch: Andrew Mangiapane

The Oilers weren’t in a position to go after the biggest names in free agency, but by signing Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year deal, Edmonton landed a player who should help their depth in a big way. The 29-year-old winger brings the type of qualities that can become invaluable in the playoffs. Mangiapane has had an up-and-down career in terms of production. He’s hit the 30-goal mark once in his career. In Edmonton, the hope is that playing with their high-end talent will reignite his scoring. Or he can be used as a reliable middle-six contributor who can both chip in offensively and handle tough defensive assignments.

Three Burning Questions

1. How much of a distraction will McDavid’s future be?

As we inch closer to the start of the season, the noise around McDavid’s contract status will have ripple effects. This is a three-time Hart Trophy winner who has proven to be a difference-maker every time he steps on to the ice. Every day that McDavid remains unsigned into the regular season, it’s hard to think it wouldn’t impact the mindset of the group, as much as the captain thinks it won’t. That’s not to say a deal can’t be struck in the coming days, weeks or months. Sure, at some point, Bowman and the front office would like to receive some clarity and commitment from the face of the franchise. McDavid said that all options are on the table when it comes to the type of deal that he’ll sign. He certainly wants to strike a balance in the raise he receives while also providing a chance for his team, whether in Edmonton or elsewhere, a chance to remain competitive.

2. Will Edmonton’s goaltending situation improve?

Edmonton’s path to a championship likely hinges directly on who will be in the crease. Goaltending has been a persistent issue, with both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard showing a mix of promise and vulnerability last season. Neither netminder posted consistent results in the playoffs, especially in the final against Vezina-calibre goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. With Skinner likely to begin the season as the starter, the pressure is on him to provide the stability that has eluded him in recent campaigns. Last season, Skinner had a 26-18-4 record during the regular season with a 2.81 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage. In the playoffs, he went 7-7 with a 2.99 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage. Those numbers simply won’t get the job done, even with McDavid and Draisaitl able to carry the team offensively.

3. Is third time the charm in Stanley Cup hunt?

The Oilers have been to the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years, but to get to three straight will be a tough task. For the longest time, it was rare to see a team go back-to-back-to-back; now both the Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have been to three straight finals. If Edmonton wants to do the same, others will have to step up for them. The off-season additions show the Oilers are going to continue to make a push with this core. However, will fatigue from consecutive seasons with deep playoff expectations start to set in? Is this the last chance the team makes a push for a Cup with McDavid? Obviously getting there will be the first challenge, but it’s hard to count out this Oilers group based off what they have been able to accomplish.

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