The Edmonton Oilers, who have made it to the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons, are facing a significant challenge this year: a lack of depth, which is impacting their performance. As the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Oilers find themselves in a position that's far from the dominant form they've displayed in recent years.
Currently, the Oilers hold the second spot in the Pacific Division with a record of 28-22-8. However, this standing is somewhat misleading, as their point total is lower compared to the previous two seasons at the same point. In the 2023-24 season, they had 74 points after 58 games, and in 2024-25, they had 72. The Oilers' current point percentage of .552 places them 19th in the league, a stark contrast to their elite status in prior seasons.
One of the key issues plaguing the Oilers is their reliance on a few star players. While Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard consistently fill the net, the team struggles when this quartet isn't at their peak. The lack of secondary scoring has become painfully obvious, particularly in games where McDavid is held without a point, all of which have resulted in losses for the Oilers.
The Oilers' depth players have struggled to produce, leading to roster instability. Players like Isaac Howard have been frequently moved between the Oilers and their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. There have also been rumors of Andrew Mangiapane being traded, and the team is reportedly seeking a top-nine forward to bolster their scoring. The team even terminated David Tomasek's contract due to his lackluster performance as a rookie.
This season, the Oilers have missed on some additions to their roster. Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic have not performed as expected, echoing the issues from the previous season with Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson. The Oilers once boasted third lines that could contribute in all aspects of the game, but that is no longer the case.
The Oilers' defensive play has been inconsistent, ranging from adequate to poor. A change in goaltending personnel, swapping Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard for Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram, has only marginally improved their goals-against average and save percentage. The team's penalty kill is also among the worst in the NHL, with a success rate of just 76.9%.
The Oilers' struggles aren't solely due to player performance; coaching decisions have also come under scrutiny. Coach Kris Knoblauch's heavy reliance on star players and limited ice time for the bottom-six forwards have created a divide within the team. This imbalance makes it difficult for the other lines to generate momentum and contribute offensively. Leon Draisaitl has publicly criticized the team's inconsistency and emphasized the need for everyone, including the coaches, to be better.
The Oilers have struggled against top teams, posting a 9-13-3 record against teams currently in a playoff spot. Against teams with a point percentage of .600 or better, their record is even worse at 5-12-3. This suggests that the Oilers are not among the league's elite this season.
As the Oilers enter the Olympic break, they face serious questions about their status as a Stanley Cup contender. The team needs to address its depth issues, improve its defensive play, and find more consistent scoring beyond its top stars. Whether they can turn things around remains to be seen, but the challenges they face are undeniable.