5 Bold Predictions For the 2022-23 Season

As the summer comes to a close and we approach the upcoming NHL season, I wanted to make my predictions for the upcoming season. Here are my 5 boldest predictions for the Oilers in 2022-23:

1. McDavid gets over 150 Points

After posting 105 points in the 56 game 2020-21 season McDavid had a slight decline in his shooting percentage, dropping from 16.5% to 14%. However McDavid returned to 16.4% shooting in the post-season, where he scored 33 points in just 16 games. In his 80 games this year, if McDavid shot 16%, he would have scored 50 goals on top of his 79 assists, which is a number that will only raise with a whole season of Evander Kane and Zach Hyman on his wings. If McDavid were to reach this mark, he would be the first since Mario Lemieux in 1995-96.

2. Zach Hyman will win the Selke Trophy

There is no doubt that Zach Hyman brought a very valuable two-way impact to the Oilers last season, with 54 points and boosting the teams Corsi For Percentage by 2.7 percent while he is on the ice. His tenacious defensive ability partnered with a clear upgrade in goal, Hyman’s defensive numbers might just propel him into the Selke conversation along with the likes of Patrice Bergeron.

3. The Oilers will win the Pacific Division

With the News of Robin Lehner missing next season for Vegas, The Oilers have a somewhat clear road to the #1 spot in the Pacific next season. After upgrading their biggest weakness and returning mostly the same lineup as the one that went to the Western Conference Finals, the Oilers look like the favourite to win the division. After their showing of dominance over the flames in the 2nd round of the playoffs, the club finally looks like a top competitor in the league and will likely make quick work of their Division in 2022-23

4. Markus Niemelainen will end up as the Oilers 3rd Left Defenseman

After a short stint in the NHL last season Neimelainen impressed me enough to say he will beat out Slater Koekkoek and Phillip Broberg for the Oilers 3rd pairing Left D spot. Niemelainen brings a solid physical game which the Oilers lack on the back end. At 24 years old, Niemelainen is nearing the prime of his career and I personally believe he will end up positively impacting the club this season and in years to come.

5. Ken Holland wins the Jim Gregory Award for best GM

Its no secret that Ken Holland has worked a masterclass this offseason to keep the Oilers a top competitor in the league. By signing both Evander Kane and Brett Kulak to some very team friendly deals, as well as addressing their goaltending woes by bringing in Jack Campbell, Holland has managed to tackle the seemingly impossible task of keeping such key players to last years playoff run while still improving their situation between the pipes.