Who's the Oilers' Version of the Maple Leafs' "Core 4"?
Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Tavares make up the Maple Leafs's Core 4. Who makes up the Oilers Core 4?
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are the two best Canadian teams in the NHL. Both were knocked out in the second round of the playoffs this year. Both have incredible fan bases eagerly anticipating another Stanley Cup Final appearance.
There's speculation that one of the Maple Leafs Core 4 could be on the move. While we wait to see what happens with the Maple Leafs, let's look at who comprises the Oilers Core 4.
Maple Leafs Core 4
The Core 4 of the Maple Leafs is made up of four forwards: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares. Tavares is the captain of the team while Matthews and Marner serve as alternates. All four players were big contributors in the playoffs, regardless of the 2nd round exit.
The Maple Leafs Core 4 are also their top four point producers in the 2022-23 season. Marner led the way with 99 points followed by Nylander (87), Matthews (85) and Tavares (80). Zeroing in on goals, Nylander and Matthews were tied for team lead with 40, then Tavares (36) and finally Marner (30). That's 351 points and 146 goals for this team's Core 4.
Who Are the Oilers' Core 4?
The two most obvious choices are Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid is the captain and perennial leader in points. Draisaitl is an elite passer, alternate captain and sniper extraordinaire. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (RNH) and Zach Hyman could be the other two forwards of the Oilers' Core 4. Both are favorites among the fans; Hyman with his positivity and warm personality and RNH being the longest serving Oiler on the team and alternate captain.
There are a couple defencemen that could make a case to be included in the Core 4. Darnell Nurse is a leader on and off the ice, plays with intensity and is another alternate captain. He rarely plays on the power play, so most of his point production is at even strength. Evan Bouchard is an offensive force who exploded in the playoffs and will look to build on that production next season.
Evander Kane warrants consideration. He is a force on the ice when healthy, but has yet to play a full 82 game season with the Oilers. His point production isn't at the same level as the players I selected above, and that's the biggest reason for his exclusion.
The Oilers Core 4 Are Better
McDavid led the team with 153 points, followed by Draisaitl (128), RNH (104) and Hyman (83). Just looking at goals scored McDavid had the most with 64, then Draisaitl (52), RNH (37) and finally Hyman (36). That's 468 points and 189 goals for the Oilers' Core 4. With 43 more goals and 117 more points, the Oilers' Core 4 are more offensively productive than the Maple Leafs'.
Points aren't everything, but this drastic difference suggests a lot. Until one of these teams makes it to the Stanley Cup Final, points is about all we can compare between the two.