The 2024-25 NHL season is almost upon us, and with it comes the return of Last Word on Hockey’s Puck Drop Previews! This season, we will be taking a closer look at each team’s current outlook and the key stories to watch for in the upcoming year. So sit back, grab your popcorn, and get ready for some in-depth analysis as we dive into the world of hockey.
Today, we set our sights on the 2024-25 Edmonton Oilers. Despite a heartbreaking end to their season last year, the Oilers showed incredible resilience by coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the series to force a Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. However, the Panthers ultimately emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, leaving the Oilers to reflect on what could have been. One shining light in the darkness was Connor McDavid, who was awarded the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP, despite being on the losing team.
The offseason brought about a number of changes for the Edmonton Oilers, both in terms of subtractions and additions. General Manager Stan Bowman made some bold moves, choosing not to match offer sheets for Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, who both departed for the St. Louis Blues. Additionally, the Oilers traded away Ryan McLeod to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for promising prospect Matthew Savoie.
On the defensive end, Cody Ceci was sent packing to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Ty Emberson. The Oilers will also have to navigate a portion of the season without Evander Kane, who is recovering from a sports hernia injury sustained during the finals. In free agency, the team lost Vincent Desharnais to the Vancouver Canucks and saw Warren Foegele, a key contributor in terms of point production, depart for the Los Angeles Kings.
But fear not, Oilers fans, as the team made moves to bolster their lineup. Jeff Skinner was brought in on a one-year deal after being bought out by the Sabres, while Viktor Arvidsson and Vasily Podkolzin also joined the squad on multi-year deals. These additions will help fill the void left by the departing players and provide some much-needed depth to the roster.
Looking back at the 2023-24 season, Bowman’s biggest move was securing a new contract for Leon Draisaitl. The German superstar will now be the highest-paid player in the NHL on an annual basis, thanks to an eight-year deal worth $14 million AAV. With Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers have a solid core in place to make a run at the Stanley Cup.
As we gear up for the start of the 2024-25 season, one thing is clear: the Edmonton Oilers are poised to make some noise in the NHL. With a mix of talent, experience, and determination, this team is ready to take on all comers and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with on the ice. So buckle up, hockey fans, because the Oilers are ready to make their mark this season.
