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Edmonton Oilers: Questions Loom After Playoff Run

By Sammi Silber

May 10, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers players react following the 2-1 loss against the Anaheim Ducks in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers players react following the 2-1 loss against the Anaheim Ducks in game seven of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers made a historic run in their 2016-17 campaign, but it, unfortunately, came to a close in a 2-1 Game 7 loss to the Ducks.

Now that the season is over, there are still questions that loom in regards to the team. However, their future is bright; they showed that through their run this year. With the expansion draft nearly a month away, and the Oilers looking to continue their success into next year, here’s some input on where this team is headed.

What to do about the “core” players of the past?

It’s obvious that there is a new wave of core players taking over the Oilers roster. Led by Connor McDavid, players like Leon Draisaitl, Patrick Maroon and even Drake Caggiula have been great. This will likley be the new core the team works around, but raises questions.

What about Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? Their future with the team is definitely a question, as both of them put up lacklustre performances this past year. Eberle also greatly struggled when it came to putting pucks on net. Nugent-Hopkins didn’t perform like a top-six centre or create too many scoring chances.

Both of these players are at risk of seeing a change in scenery this off-season, but if there’s one that’s more likely to go, it’s the 2008 first-round pick.

What About Vegas?

When it comes to the expansion draft, there are many names the team has to protect. The Brandon Davidson trade made it a lot easier for the Oilers to hold onto a lot of their players, but it will be interesting to see who ends up leaving for the expansion club.

There are many names that are unprotected (we break down the entire scenario here). But considering the exposed names, the biggest targets will likely be Eberle/ Nugent-Hopkins (if EDM elects to keep them exposed), Benoit Pouliot, Tyler Pitlick, Jujhar Khaira or Laurent Brossoit).

I cannot imagine that Edmonton doesn’t try to at least get something for Eberle or RNH, but they could also leave them open to heading to Vegas. This would help them clear up cap space as well, and lead them to make big free agent signings.

The Oilers should protect Pitlick or Khaira as well, and Vegas will likely go with better backup names than Brossoit. As for Pouliot, his time in Edmonton also could be coming to a close, and he could join the Golden Knights if that’s where protection leads the team.

Overall, there are many questions about the Oilers as the offseason kicks off, but we will get answers as each day goes by.

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