2026 Season Preview: Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers made one of the most controversial moves of the summer proving that nothing matters more for the potential to win it all.
If there’s any team in the league that’s in full-blown “win now” mode, it’s the Edmonton Oilers. As Connor McDavid enters the first year of the two-year, hometown-discounted extension he signed last summer, the clock is officially ticking for Edmonton to accomplish the ultimate goal.
2025-26 Outcome
Regular Season Results: 41-30-11
Postseason Results: Lost 4-2 to Anaheim
The Oilers finished the regular season second in the Pacific Division with a total of 93 points. The wild thing about that is 93 points were good enough for second in the Pacific while the Detroit Red Wings had a near identical record (one fewer point) and they finished sixth in the Atlantic. Nevertheless, the Oilers clinched their playoff spot and home ice advantage. After back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final in 2023 and 2024, however, the Oilers became a first round exit to a team many weren’t even expecting at this time last year to even be a playoff team.
While the expectations were much higher, it’s understandable that the team ran out of gas after playing an enormous amount of hockey in the last three years. The question is, did they do enough this summer to prepare to get back to Cup contention status? Let’s find out.
Who’s In and Who’s Out
Generally speaking, it’s fair to say the Oilers got better this offseason, but there are valid concerns if those moves are enough. There’s no doubt that goaltending was their biggest area for improvement for years now, and they really covered all their bases with the additions of Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi. They got a veteran who has been there before (and is fresh off a Stanley Cup title of his own), as well as added an unproven prospect who has shown potential of being a starting goaltender in the NHL. Plus, they still have Tristan Jarry. So between the three, they should be at least good enough in net.
On the blue line, I don’t view Ryan Shea as a massive improvement from Darnell Nurse, but he’s certainly a more cost efficient option there. Shakir Mukhamadullin is the addition I’m more excited about, as he has potential to elevate his game in Edmonton. Offensively, Mathieu Joseph is not the same caliber player as Jack Roslovic, but the Oilers have enough young guys who should be able to fill that void.
