The Stanley Cup Final has been an emotional whirlwind for the Edmonton Oilers, leaving little room to ponder the future. Key questions loom: Who will be the next general manager? Will Leon Draisaitl sign this summer? How will the team manage the salary cap? And most intriguingly, what if the Oilers clinch Game 7?
O Canada!
It’s been 30 years since a Canadian team last lifted the Stanley Cup, a drought dating back to 1993. Canadian NHL teams have repeatedly fallen short, with the Calgary Flames (2004), Oilers (2006), Ottawa Senators (2007), Vancouver Canucks (2011), and Montreal Canadiens (2021) all coming close but failing to secure the title.
A win by the Oilers would spark nationwide celebrations, a far-fetched notion not long ago. Yet, this Oilers team has captivated fans across Canada, evident when Edmonton’s recent win was met with cheers at a Toronto Blue Jays game.
The entire country is primed for celebration. If the Oilers secure the Cup, the pressure to win during the Connor McDavid era will dissipate.
For the players, it would be the culmination of a lifelong dream. For fans, it would be the ultimate reward after nearly two decades of disappointments. For owner Daryl Katz, it would mark the end of a 16-year journey from fan to owner to champion, mirroring Mike Ilitch’s path with the Detroit Red Wings.
Katz’s growth as an owner has been crucial to reaching this moment.
Youth Development Importance
Throughout the spring, the Oilers have aggressively promoted young talent. Goaltender Stuart Skinner, in just his second full NHL season, has been impactful in the final, boasting a .909 save percentage, surpassing Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky (.889).
Defenceman Philip Broberg has been a difference-maker, logging significant ice time and leading the team’s defenders in goal share in the final. Forward Dylan Holloway has also played a vital role, contributing two goals and significant minutes alongside Leon Draisaitl.
This push of young players during the playoff run will benefit the Oilers in future seasons.
Coach Kris Knoblauch, though not a player, represents part of this new wave of impactful personnel leading the team.
Contract Challenges
The impending negotiations with Draisaitl will dominate the summer. It’s unclear if a Stanley Cup win will influence his decision to re-sign, but securing his contract, along with that of Evan Bouchard, who becomes a free agent in 2025, will be crucial for the team’s future.
Managing the salary cap remains a challenge, potentially involving moves like a buyout of Jack Campbell. A Stanley Cup win could make the team more attractive to free agents, who might sign at a discount for a shot at the Cup in 2025.
Holland’s Legacy
General Manager Ken Holland could end his tenure with a Stanley Cup win, potentially enhancing his prospects for future roles despite his age (68).
McDavid’s Legacy
Winning the Stanley Cup would solidify Connor McDavid’s legacy, overcoming numerous hurdles throughout his career with the Oilers, including a string of questionable trades and fierce competition from new expansion teams.
Bottom Line
Regardless of the outcome against the Panthers, this Oilers team has proven exceptional. A win would cement their place in history, marking perhaps the greatest comeback in NHL history and eclipsing even the legendary 1980s Oilers.