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Edmonton Oilers Can Be a Playoff Team in 2016-17

By Ryan Ritchie

Feb 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) reacts during an NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Oilers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Jordan Eberle (14) reacts during an NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Oilers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers: Two Moves to Become Playoff Team in 2016-17

Heading into 2015-16, expectations had shifted for the Edmonton Oilers. Stepping in was a new general manager in Peter Chiarelli, and new head coach Todd McLellan. Joining the pair was a young phenom superstar named Connor McDavid.

After several disappointing seasons which resulted in first overall picks on numerous occasions, the Edmonton Oilers were thought to have the pieces in place heading into this season to compete with a tough Western Conference. Expectations heading into the year for the hockey world and their fan base was to see growth – a team heading in the right direction.

Sitting at the bottom of the West, the Edmonton Oilers are 22-34-6 with 50 points in 62 games so far. They’re once again flirting with the number one pick in the draft lottery, an idea that has some infuriated questioning what the league might be forced to do if such occurs.

Give the Oilers credit. They’ve dealt with significant untimely injuries throughout 2015-16. They opened the season with F Jordan Eberle on the IR, only to lose F Connor McDavid a couple of games prior to Eberle’s return. They also had D Oscar Klefbom and F Nail Yakupov out for periods of time. Not to mention, the most recent casualty of F Ryan Nugent-Hopkins going down long-term after blocking a shot with his hand – and of course, this occurred just prior to McDavid’s return. 

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We have learned a few things about the Edmonton Oilers this season. Firstly, this group of current forwards (minus Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) is talented enough to compete in 2016-17.

We also know that G Cam Talbot is capable of carrying the load as starter, although an upgrade at backup is needed. Prospect Laurent Brossoit may be the answer.

Last, and most important, we’ve learnt the Edmonton Oilers defense is their achilles heel. Sure, the addition of D Andrej Sekera helped, and we see now why Edmonton signed D Oscar Klefbom to a lengthy extension with limited NHL experience. Top defensive prospect Darnell Nurse also continues to show promise, and looks to be an important core piece moving forward. Unfortunately, there’s a major drop off beyond those three.

Two-Step Process to Make the Edmonton Oilers a Playoff Team

Jan 2, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) skates with the puck against the Arizona Coyotes during the shoot out period at Rexall Place. Edmonton Oilers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) skates with the puck against the Arizona Coyotes during the shoot out period at Rexall Place. Edmonton Oilers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

1) They’ve got a pair of teenagers that have locked down the 1-2 spots up the middle for the next decade plus. Former 1st overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is suddenly expendable, and it makes zero sense to keep him. The Edmonton Oilers are in no rush to make a move. It’s more likely to happen closer to the draft or into the offseason. Earlier rumors suggest RNH was offered to Nashville around the time they made the deal to acquire Ryan Johansen.

Target a young defenseman around the same age or younger

Potential Options: Sami Vatanen ANA, Tyson Barrie COL, David Savard CLB, Dmitry Kulikov FLA, Jonas Brodin/Matt Dumba MIN, Kevin Shattenkirk STL

2) Regardless of where Edmonton is scheduled to pick at the 2016 NHL Draft – They only have two options with their top pick. Whether they need to trade up or down to get one of two potential options, eyes should be squarely focused on D Olli Juolevi and D Jakob Chychrun. 

Head-to-head, Juolevi has more upside. He’s the whole package for a somewhat undersized defender. Strong in his own end, Juolevi makes a strong first pass, skates well, and has a high hockey IQ. He contributes on both sides of the puck. His NHL comparable is Buffalo Sabres D Rasmus Ristolainen – although it’s worth noting Juolevi is further developed in his draft year than Rasmus was.

Son of former NHLer Jeff Chychrun, and nephew of Luke Richardson, Jakob has been on scouts radars for a while. A big, physical, two-way defenseman who like Juolevi, is strong on both sides of the puck. He was a surprise late cut of Team Canada at the World Juniors – makes you wonder if they regret it now with so many breakout performances from draft-eligible players. Many scouts compare him to Florida Panthers D Aaron Ekblad. It expected he can step up in 2016-17 and play in the NHL immediately.

Next: Connor McDavid's Calder Trophy Chances

If the Edmonton Oilers take the necessary steps to make the above happen, we could be talking about Peter Chiarelli as a buyer at this time next year. With so much parity in the NHL nowadays, it sometimes only takes a few minor tweaks to force dramatic change.

So, while the latest rumors continue to link F Nail Yakupov and F Jordan Eberle to trade talks, the moves to watch will be the ones Edmonton makes in the offseason.

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