The Athletic’s comparison of Canada’s other Stanley Cup contenders with the Edmonton Oilers

Comparing the Edmonton Oilers to Other Stanley Cup Contenders in Canada

The Edmonton Oilers have become one of the NHL’s most thrilling and dynamic teams in recent seasons. Superstars like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid have made the Oilers a team to watch, particularly as they try to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since the 1980s. But how do they compare to other Canadian teams competing for the same title? The Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Winnipeg Jets are the other major Canadian contenders, and each of them offers something special to offer. This article will examine the Oilers’ standing in relation to their Stanley Cup-chasing domestic opponents.

1. Edmonton Oilers: Strength in Stars, Weakness in Depth

The Edmonton Oilers’ greatest strength lies in their offensive talent. McDavid, regarded as the best player in the league, is the centerpiece of this team, regularly posting jaw-dropping numbers. Draisaitl, a Hart Trophy winner, complements McDavid to form one of the most potent duos in hockey. When these two are on the ice together, they make the Oilers a constant offensive threat.

However, despite their top-tier forwards, the Oilers’ depth has often been a point of concern. Their secondary scoring has been inconsistent, and in recent seasons, there has been pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl to carry the team offensively. The Oilers have tried to address this issue by adding depth players in free agency and through trades, but it remains to be seen if these acquisitions will translate into long-term success.

Defensively, the Oilers are solid but not elite. While they have strong individual defenders like Darnell Nurse, their blue line still lacks the consistency and shutdown ability necessary for a deep playoff run. The addition of solid goaltending would also be pivotal for Edmonton’s aspirations, as the team’s netminding has been inconsistent in recent years. Despite some notable performances by goalie Jack Campbell, the Oilers still need more stability between the pipes to compete with the league’s best.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs: Talent Across the Board, But Playoff Failures

The Toronto Maple Leafs are consistently among the most talented teams in the NHL, especially in terms of offensive firepower. Players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares create one of the best forward groups in the league, complementing each other well in both skill and versatility. Unlike the Oilers, who rely heavily on McDavid and Draisaitl, the Leafs are known for their depth across all lines, making them an offensive juggernaut.

However, for all their regular-season success, the Leafs have struggled in the playoffs, particularly in the first round. Despite being favored in multiple recent playoff appearances, Toronto has failed to make it past the first round, which raises questions about their ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Some critics point to defensive lapses and a lack of physicality as potential weaknesses that hinder their playoff success.

Toronto’s defense has also been a point of contention, though they have some solid defensemen like Morgan Rielly and the acquisition of Jake McCabe bolstered their blue line in recent years. Goaltending is another area of concern for the Leafs, with the team looking for consistent performances from either Matt Murray or Ilya Samsonov. While both have had moments of brilliance, their inconsistency has been a key issue for Toronto, especially in postseason play.

3. Calgary Flames: Balanced Roster, High Expectations

The Calgary Flames boast a well-rounded team that is built to contend for a Stanley Cup. With a strong blend of offensive talent, defensive stability, and reliable goaltending, the Flames have the tools to go far in the postseason. Players like Johnny Gaudreau (before his departure), Elias Lindholm, and Nazem Kadri give the Flames dynamic playmaking abilities, while their defense core, led by the likes of Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar, is one of the most formidable in the league.

One of Calgary’s biggest strengths lies in their commitment to a two-way game, where every player on the ice is expected to contribute both offensively and defensively. This work ethic has helped them perform well during the regular season, but they’ve often fallen short in the playoffs in recent years. In particular, the lack of consistent goal-scoring depth beyond their top lines has been a recurring issue.

The goaltending situation in Calgary is one of the most stable in Canada, with Jacob Markström providing a reliable presence between the pipes. Markström had a stellar 2021-2022 season, earning the Vezina Trophy nomination, and while his performance dipped the following year, his ability to step up in big games makes him a critical piece of the Flames’ Stanley Cup hopes.

4. Winnipeg Jets: Defensive Mastery with Offensive Upside

The Winnipeg Jets are another team with a lot of potential, especially when considering their strong defensive play and solid goaltending. The Jets’ blue line is anchored by veteran defenders like Josh Morrissey, who can drive the play forward while also being a reliable defender. Additionally, Winnipeg has one of the most accomplished goaltenders in the league in Connor Hellebuyck, who has been one of the league’s top netminders for several seasons.

Offensively, the Jets are led by skilled players like Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, who can create scoring opportunities at a high rate. Their offensive depth is solid, but they have lacked the star power that some other teams in Canada possess, such as McDavid in Edmonton or Matthews in Toronto. However, Winnipeg has demonstrated the ability to win as a complete team, relying on their defensive system and goaltending to shut down opponents while executing opportunistic offense.

Like Calgary, Winnipeg has faced challenges in the postseason. Their defensive strengths have often been overshadowed by their inability to generate enough offense when it matters most. While the Jets have a sound defensive structure and elite goaltending, they may need more scoring punch to seriously contend for the Cup.

5. Comparing the Contenders: Who Has the Edge?

When comparing the Oilers to the other Canadian Stanley Cup hopefuls, it’s clear that each team has a distinct identity and set of strengths. The Oilers’ greatest asset is their high-powered offense led by McDavid and Draisaitl. However, the question remains whether their defensive play and goaltending will be enough to help them survive the rigors of a playoff run, particularly in a league where defense and special teams can make or break a championship campaign.

In contrast, Toronto’s strength lies in its overall depth, particularly up front, but the Leafs’ inability to get past the first round of the playoffs raises doubts about their ability to handle playoff pressure. Their defense and goaltending have also been inconsistent, which has made it difficult to rely on them in high-stakes situations.

Calgary’s balanced approach, with a top-tier defense and reliable goaltending, gives them a solid foundation to challenge for the Cup. However, their lack of elite scoring depth and a recent tendency to fall short in the postseason are major obstacles that could hinder their success. Calgary will need more from their secondary scorers if they want to truly compete for the title.

Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets have the potential to be a dark horse contender, with a solid defensive core and elite goaltending in Hellebuyck. However, their inability to generate consistent offense may be their biggest hurdle, especially in a playoff series where scoring can be at a premium.