Edmonton Oilers Aim for Deep Playoff Run While Maintaining Consistency and Building Toward a Potential Stanley Cup Championship in 2025-26 Season
The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2025-26 NHL season with a familiar blend of optimism and measured expectations. Having established themselves as a consistent playoff team in recent years, the Oilers are no longer simply hoping to get into the postseason—they are aiming to make a meaningful run. Fans and analysts alike know that with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, the bar is set high, but realistic projections still need to account for the challenges of a long NHL campaign.
A reasonable expectation for this season is for the Oilers to secure a top-three spot in the Pacific Division. This would mean avoiding the danger of a wild-card race and putting themselves in a better position for a deep playoff run. Edmonton’s offensive firepower remains one of the league’s most dangerous assets, and as long as McDavid and Draisaitl stay healthy, the Oilers should continue to be among the NHL leaders in goals scored. The supporting cast—players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane—must provide consistent contributions to ease the pressure on the top two.
On defense, the Oilers made strides last season, but stability will be the key in 2025-26. The blue line will rely heavily on Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Mattias Ekholm to maintain a balance between shutdown defense and puck movement. Bouchard’s continued development as an elite offensive defenseman could be a difference-maker, especially on the power play. Edmonton’s defensive structure has been criticized in the past for lapses, but if the team can cut down on costly turnovers and limit odd-man rushes, they will be a tougher opponent come playoff time.
Goaltending remains an area where steady performance could make or break the season. Stuart Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency will be vital. If Skinner can solidify himself as a true No. 1 goaltender, Edmonton’s chances of making a deep playoff push will rise dramatically. The addition of a reliable backup will also be important to prevent overuse and fatigue.
Special teams should continue to be a strong point. The Oilers’ power play has been historically good, and even if it regresses slightly, it will remain among the league’s best. The penalty kill, however, will need continued improvement to prevent opponents from gaining momentum in key moments. Winning the special teams battle can often be the deciding factor in tight playoff series.
In terms of playoff expectations, it’s reasonable to predict that the Oilers should at least win one series. Anything less would feel like a step back given their roster’s talent and recent postseason experiences. A run to the Western Conference Final would be a solid accomplishment, and a Stanley Cup Final appearance is within reach if everything clicks. The challenge will be maintaining peak performance through an 82-game season and into the grueling playoff grind.
For the fanbase, patience is wearing thin when it comes to “waiting for the future.” The Oilers are in their competitive window right now. McDavid and Draisaitl are at the height of their powers, and the supporting core is strong enough to contend. The team’s front office must be willing to make moves at the trade deadline if depth becomes an issue, especially on defense or in the bottom-six forward group.
Ultimately, a reasonable expectation for the Oilers in 2025-26 is a 100-plus point regular season, a secure playoff berth, and at least one playoff round victory. From there, the potential for a magical run to the Cup Final exists, but it will require health, discipline, and timely goaltending. The pieces are in place—the Oilers simply need to put them together when it matters most.
If Edmonton can combine their elite offensive skill with a tightened defensive game and reliable goaltending, they have every chance to be playing deep into the spring. This season isn’t about proving they belong; it’s about proving they can finish the job. And for a city hungry for its first Stanley Cup since 1990, reasonable expectations might just be the beginning of something much bigger.
