Last week, the roundtable debated what comes next for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This time, we shift our focus West to another team that fell short in the second round of the playoffs despite significant star power: the Edmonton Oilers, who plenty of us believed had a chance to go all the way in 2022-23.
Superstar Connor McDavid said this week that it’s “Stanley Cup or bust.” Fill in the blank, then: To reach the summit next season, the missing piece for the Edmonton Oilers is ________.
MATT LARKIN: I’ll go with Connor Hellebuyck. The Oilers have the greatest player of the last quarter century, the best power play in NHL history, multiple lines that can score, great team toughness and even a shutdown blueliner after adding Mattias Ekholm at the trade deadline. What’s missing? Starting goaltender Stuart Skinner got pulled four times in the postseason, and they still trusted him to tend their goal more than they did Jack Campbell. Edmonton’s .889 team save percentage this spring just didn’t cut it. McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have three and two years, respectively, remaining on their contracts. It’s imperative to win in this window when they remain in their prime years. So pony up for a Hellebuyck trade. With just a year left on his deal and so much uncertainty in Winnipeg, there has never been a better chance to get him.
STEVEN ELLIS: I’m with Matt here; the Oilers need a goaltending upgrade. Hellebuyck is the one in the rumor mill now, and if it’s really over in Winnipeg, Edmonton would be an excellent landing spot. But what about one of Boston’s goalies, like Jeremy Swayman or Linus Ullmark? Brandon Bussi has emerged as a potential backup option, and perhaps the Bruins could look to cash in on one of their two starter-caliber goaltenders this year. The Oilers can’t keep wasting time — McDavid and Draisaitl deserve better. And any of Hellebuyck, Swayman or Ullmark could take No. 1 duties next year.
MIKE MCKENNA: For me it’s a new defensive system. Seeing the Oilers chase all around creation in their defensive zone against the Golden Knights was tortuous to watch. And without a complete overhaul to Edmonton’s personnel — at both the defense and forward positions — I don’t see how coach Jay Woodcroft can possibly think the current man-on-man system is going to work against the West’s best. The Oilers were so confused in their defensive zone. Coverage was blown left and right while Edmonton players accidentally double- and triple-teamed the Vegas puck-carrier. The Oilers are so talented that they can get away with it against lesser teams. But their defensive structure simply hasn’t been effective in the postseason. Playing man-on-man takes effort, awareness and brainpower. And I don’t think Edmonton ever had all three ingredients available this season.
NICK ALBERGA: Furthering Mike’s sentiments, I think it’s paramount that Edmonton adds at least one more quality top-four blueliner. Up front, I truly believe they have a good enough roster to get the job done. Additionally, Dylan Holloway’s a player that needs to take a significant step next season in order for the Oilers to have success. While it’s easy to blame the goaltending for the latest postseason exit, I just don’t think Edmonton has nearly enough depth on the back end, especially when you compare them to some of the league’s elite teams. And don’t get me wrong, grabbing Mattias Ekholm at the trade deadline was huge. They just need more.
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