Edmonton Oilers admit hard reality in locker room about last Stanley Cup loss
Photo credit: The Drop - Oilers+
The Edmonton Oilers internal feeling is that the team took a step back last season from their Cup Final run in 2024, according to insider Chris Johnston.
Even with a weaker roster, the Oilers still returned to the Stanley Cup Final with little stress through the first 3 rounds of the playoffs - but they were no match for the Panthers, and the team is admitting it.
NHL insider reports Oilers believe their team was weaker in 2025 Cup Final
Chris Johnston reported on TSN that the Oilers are internally admitting their roster wasn't as good in 2025.
The internal feeling in Edmonton is that they took a step back from 2024 to 2025, that, you know, look - it says a lot of how great a team they are that they were down to the last 2 standing, but they lost ground to the Panthers in that 12 months.
It could be Connor wants to see what the team has this season. How do things start, how does it feel? I just think he would be really concerned, and not just with Edmonton but anywhere he might think about playing at any time, he's not going to box himself in somewhere where he doesn't feel he doesn't have a great chance to win.
It could be Connor wants to see what the team has this season. How do things start, how does it feel? I just think he would be really concerned, and not just with Edmonton but anywhere he might think about playing at any time, he's not going to box himself in somewhere where he doesn't feel he doesn't have a great chance to win.
The obvious concern for the Oilers is keeping their window for Cup Contention open while to keep McDavid happy in Edmonton. They're facing two big problems on that front: aging supporting players, and weak goaltending.
The Oilers have made a few moves to inject youth into their system, but they'll need those players to hit their stride early - and still need to look at change in the crease.
If they can accomplish those goals and get the team trending upward once again, McDavid would likely be happy playing his whole career in Edmonton.
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