2015-16 record: 31-43-8 (70 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: TBA
The same story of the Edmonton Oilers missing the playoffs yet again keeps going, but this time, it feels different, as the current regime are actually sticking to a plan. Yes, these are not the Oilers of recent years, as they've made an effort to not only build from the back out, something that was started prior to last season, but also get bigger. Let's not forget that there is that McDavid kid up front that is expected to be the one to lead them into the playoffs.
It's Connor McDavid's team for better or for worse, as the off-season trade of Taylor Hall almost officially makes him the face of the franchise. Despite missing half the season, he did manage just over a point a game to finish third on the team in scoring. He makes everyone better, and the latest player that may get the opportunity will be Milan Lucic, a big, physical player that fits the vision of General Manager Peter Chiarelli and head coach Todd McClellan. He joins fellow bigs Patrick Maroon and Zack Kassian as guys you'd have to get through if you're going after McDavid and Co. That should afford the latest first round pick Jesse Puljujarvi the luxury of not having to face the best players off the bat. On the blue line, it's still a work in progress, and the return for Hall was Adam Larsson, who may very well be finding his stride. Still, like the rest of the group, he does come with questions, as he doesn't provide great offensive numbers, a sore spot that saw only Andrej Sekera provide anything from the blue line. In time, Oscar Klefbom and Brandon Davidson could help, but both had injury issues last season. Darnell Nurse provides a physical presence while the sixth spot will be a rotating group amongst Griffin Reinhart, Mark Fayne, and Mark Fraser. In goal, Cam Talbot struggled for the first month of the season, losing the starting goaltending spot for a time to then-backup Anders Nilsson. However, between Nilsson's struggles and Talbot finding his game, it seems that Talbot is now comfortable as starter and will look to have a more consistent season. Jonas Gustavsson will back him up this season. Special teams were middle of the pack, as the power play only needs a quarterback from the point on that unit. Penalty killing wise, having everyone healthy will go a long way to determining what is needed for improvement.
Prediction: 5th in the Pacific Division
The Oilers are inching closer to making the playoffs for the first time since 2006, but they may be a year away before that streak finally ends. They're building around Connor McDavid, and it is unquestionably his team now, but more consistency from the back end will be needed if they want to be more than just on the cusp of a playoff spot team.
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