This one goes out to my wife, who has been bugging me to write this article for months. Whenever we’re watching an Oilers game, she inevitably turns to me and says, “If he were a dog, what kind would he be?” and "I think Hyman would be a Golden Retriever" and while I usually laugh it off or toss out a quick answer, I figured it was finally time to take the plunge and settle this once and for all.
So, here it is: if the top Edmonton Oilers were dogs, based on their playing style, personalities, and energy, here’s who they’d be.
Zach Hyman – Golden Retriever
There’s no debate here, Zach Hyman is the Golden Retriever of the team. He’s endlessly energetic, fiercely loyal, and completely tireless. Whether he’s chasing down loose pucks or crashing the crease for a greasy goal, he does it with a work ethic and enthusiasm that makes him impossible not to love. Like a Golden, he’s always dependable, always positive, and plays with heart on every shift.
Connor McDavid – Border Collie
Connor McDavid is the Border Collie of the NHL, intelligent, ultra-fast, and laser-focused. Border Collies are natural leaders, constantly reading the field (or in this case, the ice), and moving with purpose. McDavid doesn’t just play hockey, he orchestrates it. His ability to anticipate plays and dictate tempo makes him the ultimate alpha dog in any situation.
Leon Draisaitl – Doberman Pinscher
Draisaitl is sleek, powerful, and when he’s in a mood, downright intimidating. Much like a Doberman, he brings a commanding presence. Dobermans are sharp, strategic, and not afraid to get a little "pissy" when things aren’t going their way. Sound familiar? Leon’s combination of skill and stubbornness gives the Oilers bite when it’s needed most.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Shiba Inu
Nuge isn’t the in-your-face type. He’s calm, composed, and quietly brilliant, much like the Shiba Inu. This breed is known for its independence, emotional intelligence, and low-maintenance loyalty. Nugent-Hopkins has been through it all with the Oilers: the rebuild years, the playoff collapses, the resurgence. Like a Shiba, he’s not showy, but he’s always there. He’s the heartbeat of the team, subtle but essential.
Darnell Nurse – Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Scrappy, strong, and ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone, Nurse brings the fight like a Staffy. These dogs are known for their muscular build and unshakeable tenacity. Nurse plays a physical game, wears his heart on his sleeve, and isn’t afraid to jump into the fray. He’s the protector of the pack, and whether you love him or criticize him, you can’t deny the fire.
Mattias Ekholm – Giant Schnauzer
With that glorious beard and calming veteran presence, Ekholm has Giant Schnauzer energy all over him. These dogs are intelligent, reliable, and distinguished, just like Ekholm’s play on the back end. Since arriving in Edmonton, he’s brought structure and leadership. He’s not flashy, but like a Schnauzer, he’s dependable, commanding, and a key stabilizer for the team.
So there you have it, a full lineup of Oilers turned tail-waggers, each bringing their own breed of brilliance to the ice. Whether it’s Hyman’s boundless Golden Retriever energy or McDavid’s Border Collie precision, this team truly is a pack with bite.