Valentine’s Day is all about love, and for hockey fans in Edmonton, there’s a lot to love about the Oilers right now. After years of struggles and rebuilds, the Oilers have become one of the NHL’s premier teams, capable of competing for the Stanley Cup year in and year out. Whether you’ve been a fan since the dynasty days of the 1980s or hopped on the bandwagon more recently, there’s no denying that the Oilers give us plenty of reasons to celebrate. Here are three things to love about the Edmonton Oilers this Valentine’s Day.
1. Connor McDavid – The Best Player in the World
How lucky are we to watch Connor McDavid in an Oilers uniform every single night? McDavid isn’t just the best player in the NHL, he’s one of the most electrifying athletes in all of sports. His combination of speed, skill, and hockey IQ is unmatched, making him a constant threat every time he steps on the ice.
McDavid’s ability to take over a game is something truly special. Whether it’s his breathtaking rushes from coast to coast, his highlight-reel assists, or his uncanny ability to score in clutch moments, he gives Oilers fans a reason to be on the edge of their seats. Since being drafted first overall in 2015, he has transformed the franchise from a perennial bottom-dweller into a legitimate contender.
Beyond his individual brilliance, McDavid’s leadership has also been instrumental in shaping the Oilers’ winning culture. He sets the standard for excellence and demands the best from his teammates, and it’s clear that the rest of the team follows his lead. For Oilers fans, loving McDavid isn’t just about what he does on the ice, it’s about what he represents: hope, excitement, and the promise of bringing a Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.
2. Leon Draisaitl – The Perfect Superstar Teammate
If Connor McDavid is the heart of the Oilers, then Leon Draisaitl is the soul. The German superstar has become one of the NHL’s most dominant players, proving that Edmonton isn’t just a one-man show. Draisaitl’s mix of size, skill, and intelligence makes him one of the toughest matchups in the league.
Draisaitl isn’t just a great player, he’s an elite scorer and playmaker in his own right. He’s won a Hart Trophy, an Art Ross Trophy, and consistently ranks among the league’s top point producers. His chemistry with McDavid is undeniable, but what makes Draisaitl even more impressive is that he doesn’t need McDavid to dominate. He’s proven time and time again that he can carry his own line, making Edmonton’s attack even more dangerous.
Fans love Draisaitl not only for his talent but also for his competitive fire. He’s not afraid to play with an edge, he steps up in big moments, and he has a knack for delivering in the playoffs. Watching him and McDavid together is a gift that Oilers fans should never take for granted.
3. The Oilers Are Finally Stanley Cup Contenders
For years, Oilers fans endured heartbreak, missed playoffs, and disappointing seasons. But those dark days are over, Edmonton is finally a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, and they aren’t going away anytime soon.
With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers have built a team that can compete with anyone in the NHL. They have the firepower to outscore opponents, a decent defensive core, and goaltending that has shown it can carry the team deep. The team’s deep playoff run last season, culminating in a Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Final, only fueled their hunger for more. Now, they’re back with unfinished business and a roster built to win.
Oilers fans have waited a long time to feel this confident about their team’s chances, and now, every season brings genuine hope that this could be the year they bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton. It’s a feeling that was missing for far too long, and it’s something worth celebrating on Valentine’s Day and every day.
There’s never been a better time to love the Edmonton Oilers. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge and the team poised to be a championship contender for years to come, Oilers fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. This Valentine’s Day, let’s appreciate just how special this era of Oilers hockey is, because love, like a Stanley Cup window, doesn’t last forever. Here’s hoping the Oilers can make this season one to remember!