NHL Pacific Division 2015-16 Offseason Rankings

Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle (14) and forward Benoit Pouliot (67) celebrate forward Taylor Hall (4) goal. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Pacific Division #5 Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers barely edged out the Canucks for 5th in our consensus ranking. Not at the bottom this year? Yes! It is like a miracle and largely thanks to Edmonton’s savior, the second coming of Gretzky, Connor McJesus… or… uh… Connor McDavid. Is that a lot of pressure on this kid? Well, maybe a little… While he is certainly a generational talent, Edmontonians will need to temper expectations. Improving by nearly 40 points for a playoff spot is a big jump.

"“As an Oilers fan, I naturally expect too much every season. After some thought, I am not going to expect too much this year. We will see a huge improvement under McLellan, but they need defensive prospects to develop a bit before they make the playoffs.” – Jason Feddema, Staff Writer"

Don’t get us wrong, there have been a lot of positive developments in Edmonton. Bringing in a successful coach, Todd McLellan, may make the biggest impact. Keep in mind, it will likely take some time for the team to adjust to a new coaching staff. Further, the defense is also questionable. They have some great defensive prospects, but they will need these prospects to develop a bit more before they make the playoffs.

"“It has yet to be seen whether Connor McDavid will be the savior everyone is making him out to be. However, with additions like Andrej Sekera and Cam Talbot on the backend, this team will be better than last year. It’s time for former top picks Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov to step their respective games up. Oilers don’t get the number #1 pick next year.” – Martin Strachan, Staff Writer"

Lastly, the Oilers have some competition between 3 goaltenders for the roster. Chiarelli brought in Cam Talbot, who is projected as the starting goaltender. The problem is that he has not spent a full season as a starting goaltender. This is familiar of how the Oilers acquired Ben Scrivens who struggled last season. At times, both goaltenders have shown that they are legit NHL goaltenders, and it may be the defense that needs to improve more than goaltending. They do have a risky insurance plan, Anders Nilsson, who may surprise everyone and steal a job.

In the end, the Oilers will make excellent progress, but will not contend for the playoffs this season. The 2016-17 season is whole different question.

"“I believe Edmonton’s defense would be much better, even without Andrej Sekera.  Adding him in the top four only makes them better.  And that McDavid guy might be good.  If Cam Talbot is the real deal this team could be 35-40 points better.  The playoffs aren’t out of the question. “ – Adam Savard, Staff Writer"

Next: This Team Will Improve Slightly to 4th