What Now for an “Average” and “Disappointed” Oilers Team?

The Edmonton Oilers saw their 2025-26 season come to a disappointing end, eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks after a year that never quite came together. Despite being led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team struggled to find consistency from start to finish.

“We were an average team all year,” McDavid admitted. “Never really found what you need to find this time of year, especially to go all the way. In my opinion just not good enough,” added Draisaitl. Both players posted solid numbers in the regular season, but failed to lead a less-experienced group out of the first round.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch said, “We had some holes with our team. I thought we made the most of it.”

Holes and questions in goals. Oh, and injuries.

Every team deals with injuries, but the Oilers got there’s at the exact wrong time. Perhaps it wouldn’t have made a difference, given that the team just wasn’t as good as in they were in 2023-24 or 2024-25 when they made their previous runs to the Stanley Cup Final. Still, to have McDavid at 50-60%, Draisaitl and Zach Hyman still dealing with injuries, Jason Dickinson not nearly where he should be, and no Adam Henrique, Edmonton’s strength up the middle became a weakness that the Anaheim Ducks exposed.

Goaltending uncertainty also loomed all season. Management opted not to address the position early, eventually bringing in Tristan Jarry from Pittsburgh in a trade for Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak. They later called up Connor Ingram, whom they acquired from the Utah Mammoth. While Ingram showed flashes, neither provided the stability needed for a deep playoff run.

Up front, the Oilers lacked depth. Offseason departures and questionable additions left the roster thin beyond its top stars, with only rookie Matt Savoie and Vasily Podkolzin emerging as bright spots.

What Now for the Oilers?

Now, following an early loss to a Ducks team that will only get better as its young core gains experience, the focus shifts to a critical offseason in Edmonton.

With multiple pending free agents and ongoing questions in goal and forward depth, significant changes are expected. With too many floaters, Bowman can’t just hand out contracts to existing players when it seems clear upgrades are needed. He can’t run the same goaltending duo back, can he?

Perhaps most pressing is maximizing the remaining window with McDavid, who has two years left on his deal—making the pressure to contend immediately even greater.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Hurricanes, Flyers & Gallagher