The Edmonton Oilers’ hidden asset has become significantly more powerful in the quest for the Stanley Cup.
The Edmonton Oilers’ Hidden Asset: The Rising Power Behind Their Stanley Cup Pursuit
When you think about the Edmonton Oilers, several key elements immediately come to mind: Connor McDavid’s unmatched skill, Leon Draisaitl’s lethal scoring ability, and a potent power play that is often the envy of the league. These headline features are the obvious reasons why the Oilers are considered one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL. But for all their high-profile stars, the team’s pursuit of the Stanley Cup will ultimately hinge on a much less obvious asset—one that has slowly evolved into a significant force driving their success. This hidden asset is none other than the team’s improved defensive play and goaltending, areas that, until recently, were often cited as weaknesses for the Oilers.
The 2024–25 season has marked a shift in how the Oilers are viewed across the league. Once known primarily for their offensive firepower, they now possess a more balanced and formidable game, particularly on the defensive side of the puck. This transformation is the result of strategic changes, player development, and adjustments made both on the ice and behind the bench.
The Oilers’ Early Struggles and the Quest for Improvement
For years, the Edmonton Oilers were stuck in a frustrating cycle. Despite having two of the top players in the world—McDavid and Draisaitl—their defense and goaltending were often inconsistent at best and a significant liability at worst. While their offensive prowess was never in doubt, it wasn’t enough to carry the team deep into the playoffs, and as recent as the 2020-21 season, they were often eliminated in the first or second round.
The Oilers’ defensive game had been a recurring point of concern. Even though they had talented defensemen, the team was often exposed in key moments, struggling to limit scoring chances and protect their net. Goaltending was another major issue. Mikko Koskinen, while a solid presence at times, lacked the consistency to be considered a true playoff-caliber starter. The Oilers’ depth on defense and their ability to suppress shots were regularly exposed, and while the offensive fireworks could light up the scoreboard, they were too often chasing games or playing catch-up.
It wasn’t until 2023 that the Oilers took a step forward in addressing these concerns. Under coach Jay Woodcroft, who took over the helm in mid-2022, the team began to find more stability in their defensive zone and in net. A key part of the team’s success in the 2023 postseason was their improved ability to lock down games, especially in crucial moments. Still, it was clear they needed to continue developing a more complete, two-way game if they wanted to go the distance and seriously contend for a Stanley Cup.
The Evolving Role of the Defense
Edmonton’s defensive core underwent a series of changes and improvements over the past few seasons. While veterans like Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci remained anchors, the Oilers also made key acquisitions and internal developments to round out their blue line.
One of the most significant moves was the signing of Mattias Ekholm in 2023. Ekholm, a well-rounded defenseman with a reputation for being solid in his own zone, instantly made a huge difference for the Oilers. His presence allowed Nurse to focus on more offensive opportunities, while Ekholm himself could step in as a stabilizing force. His experience and leadership provided the Oilers with a calm and steadying presence, particularly in tight games where puck management and defensive positioning were key. Ekholm’s ability to play in all situations, including power play and penalty kill, has been a crucial element of the team’s improvement.
Another development that has played a pivotal role in the Oilers’ defensive transformation is the emergence of Evan Bouchard. Once viewed as a promising but inconsistent young defenseman, Bouchard’s development has been one of the most encouraging storylines for the Oilers. In 2024–25, Bouchard has stepped into a more prominent role, not only as a key power-play quarterback but also as a reliable two-way defenseman. His increased confidence and maturity on both ends of the ice have allowed the Oilers to add another layer of depth to their defense, which was previously missing in past seasons.
The Oilers also saw improvements from players like Vincent Desharnais and Philip Broberg. Desharnais, a towering presence, has become a force on the penalty kill, while Broberg’s smooth skating and increasing defensive IQ have provided valuable depth. Collectively, this defensive group is not only more reliable but also more dangerous on the offensive side of the puck. The Oilers now boast a defense that can support the high-flying offense without leaving their goaltender exposed in the process.
Goaltending: A Key to Success
Perhaps the most significant factor in the Oilers’ quest for the Stanley Cup is their goaltending. For years, the Oilers were hamstrung by inconsistent goaltending, but this season, they appear to have finally found stability. Stuart Skinner, the team’s starter, has shown that he is capable of handling the pressure and responsibilities of a playoff goaltender.
Skinner’s development has been a remarkable story. After an impressive 2022–23 campaign, the 24-year-old has continued to grow into one of the league’s most promising young goaltenders. His numbers in 2024–25 speak for themselves, as he has put up consistent performances with improved save percentages and a calm demeanor in net. What has been most impressive is his ability to step up in big moments, especially during crucial stretches of the season. In tight playoff games, his ability to maintain focus and keep the team in the game has been vital.
Perhaps just as importantly, Skinner’s growth has been complemented by the steady presence of Jack Campbell as the backup. While Campbell’s start with the Oilers in 2022–23 was rocky, he has since found his stride as a reliable second option. The team’s ability to have a trustworthy backup goaltender, along with Skinner’s continued progress, has eliminated a potential weakness that haunted the Oilers in previous seasons.
Goaltending was a major weakness in Edmonton’s Cup pursuit just a few seasons ago, but with Skinner and Campbell providing the stability the Oilers needed, the team is now entering the postseason with confidence in their crease. This newfound strength in net could be the missing link in the Oilers’ quest for the ultimate prize.
The Oilers’ Balanced Approach
As the 2024–25 season progresses, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Oilers have become a more well-rounded team than they were in years past. The balance between their offense, defense, and goaltending has been a key to their success.
While McDavid and Draisaitl remain the centerpieces of the team’s attack, the Oilers have been able to complement their offensive stars with a more complete team game. They have shown an ability to win in different ways, whether that means engaging in high-scoring affairs or grinding out low-scoring, defensive battles. The team’s depth scoring has also been on the rise, with players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane playing pivotal roles on the second and third lines.
In addition, the Oilers have become a more disciplined and structured team in recent seasons. With a much-improved penalty kill, thanks in large part to the defensive adjustments and goaltending, the team has been able to reduce the number of games where they are forced to play catch-up. This balance, which includes improved defense, reliable goaltending, and continued offensive production, has been the hidden asset that has pushed the Oilers to the next level.
The Path Forward: Stanley Cup Aspirations
As the 2024–25 season enters its final stretch and the playoff picture comes into focus, the Oilers find themselves in an enviable position. They are a team that has addressed many of the areas that previously held them back, and they now have a more complete roster capable of competing with the best in the league.
The key to the Oilers’ success will continue to be their ability to maintain this balance between offense and defense, while also benefiting from the rising strength of their goaltending. McDavid and Draisaitl will always be the focal points, but it is the defense and goaltending that have become the true hidden assets fueling their Stanley Cup ambitions.
With a more complete and balanced roster, the Oilers are no longer viewed as a one-dimensional team relying solely on their offensive stars to win games. They have evolved into a squad that can win in multiple ways, and that versatility could be the factor that allows them to finally break through and lift the Stanley Cup once again.
As Edmonton continues its quest for the ultimate prize, the hidden asset that is their improved defense and goaltending has become a powerful weapon that could carry them to the promised land. Whether or not they achieve their goal remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Oilers are more dangerous than ever before.
