Top Oilers analyst relays harrowing take on team's chances at Stanley Cup in 2026
Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
According to analyst Allan Mitchell, Edmonton won't reach the Finals this year, in part because of the lack of cohesion in the roster, and in part because of how its being deployed by the head coach.
Mitchell is one of the more level-headed Oilers analysts, but even he's now unsure of what he's seen this year.
I've been writing this blog for 22 years and can say without doubt that this team is more interesting than all of the past teams outside 2005-06, 2023-24 and 2024-25. I don't see this team making the Final in 2026. They aren't good enough and the kids who might be able to help remain on the outskirts.
- Allan Mitchell
- Allan Mitchell
A detachment exists between primary and secondary players in lineup
Kris Knoblauch has tried an excessive amount of different line combinations this year, with the most consistent and negative factor being the high TOI for McDavid and Draisaitl, and the low TOI for its rookies and depth-forwards.
Analyst Alan Mitchell believes Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are being played far too much and criticises Kris Knoblauch for that decision.
Draisaitl played 25:14 in the loss to New York recently, the second time he's exceeded 25 minutes. and the fourth time he's played above 24 minutes.
Connor McDavid played 24:33, his fourth-highest TOI in this campaign. His average TOI is 23:35. That's 1:32 more than last season. Both these players risk being fatigued by the end of the regular season. Given the amount of games they've played the last two campaigns, the likelihood is quite high.
Of course, if the team were winning more games, the TOI could be excused; but they are only a hair above .500, and 5th in the Pacific Division.
The lack of cohesion extends beyond the individual lines even, to the defense and offense because of the lack of confidence in Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse, both of whom have been liabilities at different times in recent games, causing goals against and scattered play in the defensive-zone.
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