Unveiling the Most Underrated Edmonton Oilers Player of Last Season Who Quietly Made a Significant Impact Beyond the Spotlight
The Edmonton Oilers, a team often spotlighted for their superstar forwards like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have had many players contribute quietly but significantly to their success. While the flashy point-getters grab headlines and dominate highlight reels, hockey is a team sport where contributions come from all corners. Last season, amid the noise of star performances and high expectations, one player stood out as the most underrated—someone whose impact was critical but often overlooked. This article will delve into who that player was, examining his role, stats, and intangible qualities that made him essential to the Oilers’ performance while flying under the radar.
When we talk about the Edmonton Oilers, the conversation almost immediately shifts to their generational talents. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl consistently deliver jaw-dropping performances that captivate fans and analysts alike. Their offensive brilliance and ability to carry the team make them the faces of the franchise, and rightfully so. However, focusing solely on these two stars often obscures the contributions of players who don’t have the same flash but provide immense value in less glamorous roles. The most underrated player on the Oilers last season was someone who combined defensive responsibility, timely scoring, leadership, and a work ethic that helped stabilize and elevate the team’s overall play.
One name that often emerges in discussions around underrated Oilers players from the 2023-2024 NHL season is Tyson Barrie. While Barrie is known around the league as a capable offensive defenseman, his role with the Oilers last season was far more nuanced and impactful than many fans realize. Unlike the high-scoring forwards, Barrie’s contributions came in various facets of the game, including defensive coverage, power play setups, and puck movement. His ability to quarterback the power play quietly created opportunities for McDavid and Draisaitl to capitalize, yet his contributions rarely made the highlight reels or garnered widespread acclaim.
Barrie’s offensive numbers last season were solid but not eye-popping by his standards, leading some to underestimate his importance. However, his possession metrics, zone entries, and passing accuracy tell a different story. He was a reliable puck-mover who could transition defense into attack smoothly, making him a crucial piece in the Oilers’ system. What makes Barrie particularly underrated is how he balanced offensive production with defensive responsibility—a combination not always present in offensive defensemen.
Another compelling candidate for the most underrated Oilers player is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Long before the Oilers assembled their current superstar core, Nugent-Hopkins was a central figure in the team’s lineup. Over the last few seasons, some have questioned whether he fits alongside McDavid and Draisaitl or if his best days were behind him. However, last season proved that Nugent-Hopkins still offers valuable versatility, strong two-way play, and leadership. His ability to play in various situations—from penalty killing to power play—and adapt to different linemates made him a critical glue player for the Oilers.
Nugent-Hopkins’ impact isn’t always visible in scoring alone; it is his consistent effort in puck retrieval, forechecking, and defensive positioning that often tips the balance in close games. His presence allows the Oilers to maintain structure and compete effectively against tough opponents, particularly in tight playoff battles. Moreover, Nugent-Hopkins provides a calming veteran presence in the locker room, a factor often overlooked when assessing player value purely on statistical output.
While Barrie and Nugent-Hopkins have strong cases, the conversation would be incomplete without mentioning Evander Kane. After joining the Oilers, Kane brought physicality, grit, and secondary scoring that the team desperately needed. His ability to drive to the net, win battles along the boards, and create space for skill players added a layer of toughness and unpredictability. Kane’s contributions were particularly important in playoff situations, where physical play and net-front presence become paramount.
Kane’s journey hasn’t been without controversy and challenges, which might contribute to his underrated status. However, when viewed purely through the lens of hockey performance, he was a vital cog in the Oilers’ machinery last season. His secondary scoring and willingness to engage physically helped take pressure off the stars and created more balanced offensive threats.
In addition to these forwards and defensemen, the Oilers’ goaltending depth also featured underrated performances. Stuart Skinner, who saw increased starts due to health issues for the primary goaltender, provided stability in net when called upon. Often overshadowed by Mike Smith or other goalies in the league, Skinner’s calm and composed style helped the Oilers stay competitive in many games. His ability to step in and perform at a high level with limited NHL experience was an essential factor in the team’s resilience.
What unites these players—Tyson Barrie, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, and Stuart Skinner—is their quiet but impactful presence. None dominated headlines like McDavid or Draisaitl, but their contributions were integral to the Oilers’ structure, both offensively and defensively. Their roles highlight the importance of depth and versatility on a team that aims for championship success.
Underrated players often go unnoticed because their strengths don’t translate into flashy highlight plays or gaudy scoring totals. Instead, their value lies in consistency, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure in less glamorous roles. For the Oilers last season, these players filled gaps, stabilized lines, and gave the coaching staff reliable options in critical moments.
Analyzing advanced statistics also sheds light on these players’ contributions. Metrics like Corsi, Fenwick, expected goals, and zone starts provide a deeper understanding of how players influence puck possession, defensive responsibility, and scoring chances. Barrie’s positive impact on puck possession, Nugent-Hopkins’ responsible zone deployments, Kane’s net-front presence affecting expected goals, and Skinner’s save percentages during high-danger chances collectively paint a picture of underrated excellence.
Furthermore, their intangible qualities—leadership, work ethic, experience, and locker room presence—help build team culture and chemistry. For a team chasing a Stanley Cup, these elements are invaluable, often making the difference in tight playoff series where mental toughness and cohesion are critical.
The Oilers, like many NHL teams, rely on star players for scoring and playmaking, but their ultimate success hinges on the entire roster’s contributions. Last season showed that having underrated players step up, whether in key defensive roles, secondary scoring, or goaltending support, can push a team deeper into the postseason and sustain competitiveness through the grueling NHL schedule.
In conclusion, while many players contributed to the Edmonton Oilers last season, the most underrated was likely Tyson Barrie due to his vital, multifaceted role on defense and special teams that didn’t receive widespread recognition. However, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, and Stuart Skinner also deserve strong consideration for their consistent, impactful performances that flew under the radar. These players exemplify how crucial depth, versatility, and grit are in complementing superstar talents and achieving team goals. Their quiet excellence reminds us that hockey success is a collective effort where every role matters, even if it doesn’t make the headlines.
Ultimately, recognizing these underrated players not only gives credit where it is due but also enriches our appreciation for the complexities of building and sustaining a winning NHL team. The Edmonton Oilers’ journey last season highlighted that beyond the spectacular plays and top-line scoring, the backbone of the team’s performance lies in these unsung heroes who elevate the team in subtle yet essential ways.
