Are the  Edmonton Oilers  about to go on a goal-scoring burst?

After two straight seasons of declining offensive output, the Edmonton Oilers appear ready to reverse the trend — and they might do it in a big way. Sportsnet’s Mark Spector recently predicted that not only will the Oilers’ team scoring rise, but that Connor McDavid’s personal point total will benefit most.

“If goal scoring goes up, the guy whose points are going to change is McDavid,” Spector said. “If he stays healthy, he beats his average — he gets over 130.”

For Edmonton, the logic is simple: more goals from the team means more production from their captain. And based on the roster tweaks, internal growth, and tactical changes heading into 2025-26, there’s a compelling case for why the Oilers’ offense could explode again.

1. New Additions: Isaac Howard and Andrew Mangiapane

One of the most obvious upgrades is the addition of Isaac Howard and Andrew Mangiapane. Howard is a college star but an unknown in the NHL. The Hobey Baker Award winner is going to get every opportunity to show what he can do and why the Oilers gave up one of their best young prospects in a trade with Tampa Bay to acquire him. 

Howard is known for his elite shot and quick release, which is exactly the kind of weapon that could thrive alongside McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

Meanwhile, Andrew Mangiapane arrives in Edmonton after a down season in Washington. Still, he has a 35-goal season on his NHL resume.

The duo isn't as proven as Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson were, but there is much higher upside here. 

2. A Quicker, More Energetic Lineup

Part of what makes the Mangiapane and Howard acquisitions exciting is that it's clear management has prioritized speed, youth, and agility while constructing this season's roster. That could make a massive difference with Edmonton's elite forwards and puck-moving defensemen. 

If the forwards can collect the puck with speed, stretch the ice, and finish plays quickly, that will be difficult for defenses to stop.  There will be more odd-man rushes. It could mean more goals against, but it should every game should offer up the kind of plays that translate into higher goal totals for the Oilers.

It also gives McDavid and Leon Draisaitl more support in transition, making Edmonton even more dangerous off the rush.

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3. Healthier Core Players

Last season saw stretches where key contributors battled through injuries. Evander Kane was out all season, which took 20 goals out of the lineup. McDavid played just 67 games, and Leon Draisaitl only 71. Zach Hyman missed nine games, and others were out as well. 

Kane is now gone, but a fully healthy McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman (the hope is he's ready by training camp), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins mean the Oilers start the year at full capacity.

Injuries will be  factor every season, but a healthy lineup also allows for more consistent line chemistry, which can boost production.

4. Improved Power Play Execution

One of the things Spector pointed out as the drop in the Oilers’ power play production. It has been elite in the past, but last season it was not the same lethal weapon opposing teams feared. 

With a new power play coach (Glen Gulutzan took the head coaching job in Dallas), a renewed focus on puck movement and set plays — plus the shooting threat of Howard — Edmonton’s man advantage should rebound.

Even a modest bump in power play efficiency could add 15–20 goals over a season.

5. Connor McDavid’s Drive for Another Scoring Title

When McDavid sets a personal benchmark, he often exceeds it. And, as he's set to sign the biggest contract in NHL history before the year starts, he'll have something to prove. Not only that, but the chip on his shoulder from two Stanley Cup Final losses should motivate him in a way fans have never witnessed.

Spector took the over on 130 points and then suggested that it will naturally drag the team’s overall goal production upward. As McDavid goes, the Oilers go. If McDavid's totals go up, expect Draisaitl's totals to as well. Hyman scored far less in 2024-25 than he did the previous season. He'll get a boost if McDavid's numbers soar. 

6. Better Depth Scoring

Edmonton has struggled at times with secondary scoring, but offseason signings and player development should ease the load on the top line. 

If players like Kasperi Kapanen, Vasily Podkolzin, Matt Savoie, and, specifically, Trent Frederic improve, there will be more goals from the group as a whole. 

Head coach Kris Knoblauch has hinted at a looser, more attack-oriented system that plays directly into Edmonton’s skill-based roster.

The McDavid Factor

All these factors circle back to the same point: if Edmonton’s scoring goes up, McDavid will be at the center of it. His production is tightly linked to the team’s output — more goals for the Oilers almost guarantees another career year for their captain.

Spector noted, “If it goes up, it’s because he’s going to make it go up… he’s going to have a huge hand in the overall.”

Given the additions, youth movement, and renewed offensive approach, the conditions are in place for a potential scoring surge.