Edmonton Oilers: Predictions for the Pacific Division
By Kris Hansen
Mandatory Credit: Chris LaFrance-USA TODAY Sports
5th. Edmonton Oilers
Additions: McDavid, Letestu, Korpikoski, Sekera, Gryba, Reinhart, Talbot, Nilsson.
Subtractions: Aulie, Bachman, Fasth, Fraser, Gordon, Marincin, Roy.
Yeah, I have the Oilers finishing fifth in the division. Which is in between two predictions I’ve read so far: The Sports Forecaster having them at 4th and the Hockey News having them at 6th. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Oilers and Canucks traded spots.
No playoffs for the Oilers, but I think there’s some progress for sure. I would want to be sitting around the 80 point mark, which would actually be an impressive leap forward. There’s a lot of talent in that front six and some tinkering on the back end. Still, there’s a lot of question marks: the defense is still a bottom third quality and the goaltending is a mystery (even though I think Talbot WILL pan out.).
It helps having a competent GM in Peter Chiarelli and a caliber coach like Todd McLellen. It’ll be nice having a coach who will hopefully not be fired after a year or two.
Patience is still needed in Edmonton.
Next: 4th. San Jose Sharks