With the 2025-26 NHL season on the horizon, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a slightly altered landscape after a summer of strategic roster adjustments. Several familiar faces have departed, each leaving a unique void in the team's dynamic. While the focus remains on the core group led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the question arises: which former Oiler will sting the team the most in the upcoming season?
Several players who have recently departed Edmonton could potentially make an impact against their former team. These include Evander Kane, Corey Perry, Viktor Arvidsson, John Klingberg, Jeff Skinner, and Connor Brown. Each player brought a different skill set and presence to the Oilers, and their absence will undoubtedly be felt in various ways.
Evander Kane, now with the Vancouver Canucks, stands out as a significant wild card. When healthy and focused, Kane is a dynamic power forward capable of scoring goals, playing with physicality, and shifting the momentum of a game. As he enters a contract year, he is expected to be a major force for Vancouver, provided he can avoid penalties and injuries. Kane has expressed positive sentiments about his time in Edmonton, but he will undoubtedly be motivated to play against his former team. With the Oilers and Canucks in the same division, they will face each other multiple times, and a potential playoff matchup could add even more intensity to the rivalry. The Oilers may be younger and faster, but they might lack the same level of toughness that Kane brought. His ability to impose his will on the game could present a challenge for Edmonton.
Corey Perry, who signed with the Los Angeles Kings, provided a spark for the Oilers in the playoffs. Despite his age, he contributed offensively, brought valuable championship experience, and played with considerable heart and soul. Perry's decision to join the Kings raises questions about his departure from Edmonton. Did he believe he had a better chance of winning a Stanley Cup in Los Angeles, or was it more about setting up his retirement and securing a lucrative contract? Regardless of his motivations, Perry's experience and agitating style could make him a difficult opponent for the Oilers.
The departures of other players such as Viktor Arvidsson, John Klingberg, Jeff Skinner and Connor Brown will also impact the Oilers. Arvidsson, traded to the Boston Bruins, provided scoring depth and playoff experience. Klingberg, Skinner and Brown each brought different skill sets to the team, and their absence will test the Oilers' depth and ability to replace their contributions.
Ultimately, determining which former Oiler will sting the team the most in 2025-26 is a matter of speculation. However, Evander Kane's potential impact as a power forward with a chip on his shoulder makes him a prime candidate. Corey Perry's playoff experience and agitating style could also pose a challenge. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these former Oilers perform against their old team and whether their departures ultimately benefit or hinder Edmonton's pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
