A way-too-early look at the Oilers’ 2023-24 season

For the past few years, the Edmonton Oilers have looked good and should have had some real playoff success with the two best players in the league: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

But this hasn’t exactly been the case. In the McDavid/Draisaitl era, the furthest the Oilers have gotten in the playoffs is the Conference Finals in 2022, in which they were swept by the Colorado Avalanche, who went on to win the Stanley Cup.

Last season, the Oilers were eliminated in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights, who then won the Cup as well.

And the two years prior to that, they lost in the qualifying round in 2020 against the Chicago Blackhawks and in the first round in 2021 against the Winnipeg Jets.

But Is It Finally The Oilers’ Time to Shine?

I think this upcoming season will be their best chance to win the Cup in all of the McDavid/Draisaitl era.

The Skill and Offence Are Off the Charts

Needless to say, McDavid and Draisaitl are once again expected to put up some amazing numbers and lead their team as far as they can. But it will be even easier with the help of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane. The offence doesn't lack talent.

Related: McDavid Can Crack 160 Points if Deployed Correctly

The Goaltending is Encouraging

Stuart Skinner is a promising long-term starter for the Oilers, and this could be a big season for him. On top of that, if Jack Campbell can bounce back and be the goaltender he was for the Toronto Maple Leafs (or better), this should be a solid tandem that could make for a deep playoff run.

Related: Oilers' Skinner Will Not Fall Victim to the Sophomore Slump

The Coaching is as Strong as Ever

With a full season as head coach under his belt, Jay Woodcroft is now fully equipped to prepare and take the Oilers far in the playoffs. He’s already proven to be a great coach, and more time with the team will only lead to better things.

The Defence is Improving

The defence is an area that could use improvement, but something to keep in mind is that a full season of Mattias Ekholm will be a huge plus.

He only played 21 games with the Oilers last season after being acquired at the trade deadline, so now that he’s most likely adjusted to this new environment, he should be an even bigger help on the blue line.

It also wouldn’t hurt to get a defensive defenceman: Carolina Hurricanes' Brett Pesce would be a great addition.

Related: 3 Assets the Oilers Could Use to Acquire Brett Pesce

Overall, with the right adjustments, I truly think this Oilers’ team could have its best chance at the Stanley Cup next year.