The Edmonton Oilers are no longer at the top of players’ no-trade lists, according to a recent player survey.

The Edmonton Oilers, once the team that players dreaded being traded to, are now emerging as one of the most respected and competitive franchises in the NHL. For years, Edmonton was infamous for being placed at the top of players’ “no-trade” lists. With a history of underperformance, management turnover, and a lack of success, the Oilers became a place that few players were eager to go to. However, a recent player poll indicates that those days are long gone. According to the survey, the Oilers are no longer a team that players are quick to avoid, and in fact, they are now considered a top destination by many.

This shift in perception is a significant change from the team’s previous struggles to attract talent and has serious implications for the Oilers’ future. The poll results come at a time when the Oilers are experiencing a resurgence, fueled by their star-studded lineup, a stable management structure, and a sense of optimism about their prospects. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers are no longer in the rebuilding phase that defined much of the last two decades. Instead, the team is now viewed as a legitimate contender, and that has had a profound impact on how the league views them.

The Oilers’ Previous Struggles with Attracting Players

For much of the 2000s and early 2010s, the Oilers were stuck in a never-ending cycle of rebuilding. Despite a rich history of success in the 1980s, including five Stanley Cup victories, the Oilers became one of the league’s bottom-dwellers for over a decade. After trading away their iconic players and winning championships in the 1980s, the team found itself in a difficult situation, with poor draft selections and an inability to build a strong roster.

The Oilers’ struggles were marked by a series of high-profile disappointments. Despite drafting several top players over the years, including Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Nail Yakupov, the team couldn’t develop them into consistent contributors. On top of that, the franchise was marred by constant front-office changes. From general managers to coaches, the Oilers lacked stability, making it harder for the team to build a cohesive vision. As a result, the Oilers spent most of the 2000s and early 2010s at the bottom of the NHL standings.

The lack of success led to a reputation that lingered around the franchise. Players in the league knew that Edmonton wasn’t a competitive team. The city’s remote location and long winters made it even less desirable. For many, the Oilers were not a destination of choice. In fact, Edmonton was often the team placed on players’ no-trade lists — a significant roadblock in building a winning roster.

It wasn’t just about the city itself. The Oilers’ inability to compete for playoff spots made them unattractive to players who wanted to win. Free agents and players with no-trade clauses preferred to go to teams with established rosters and a winning culture, which left the Oilers on the outside looking in during key moments in the free-agent market and trade deadlines. The organization’s inability to surround its young talent with complementary players and build a competitive team only further cemented their place as one of the league’s less desirable franchises.

The Arrival of Connor McDavid: A Game-Changer

The turning point for the Edmonton Oilers came in 2015 when the team won the first overall pick in the NHL Draft and selected Connor McDavid. McDavid was widely regarded as the most hyped prospect to enter the league in years, with comparisons to the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby. His combination of speed, vision, and hockey IQ made him a once-in-a-generation talent, and his arrival in Edmonton marked the beginning of a new era for the Oilers.

Suddenly, the Oilers were no longer a team stuck in mediocrity. With McDavid on board, the team had a bona fide superstar who could lead them back to the postseason. The Oilers, who had been mired in the lottery for many years, now had a player capable of transforming the franchise’s fortunes. His arrival not only provided hope for the fans but also attracted the attention of players around the league.

McDavid’s impact on the Oilers cannot be overstated. His dazzling skill set and leadership quickly transformed the Oilers from a bottom-tier team into a legitimate playoff contender. For the first time in a decade, the Oilers were back in the postseason in 2017. McDavid won the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP that year, and the Oilers came within one round of reaching the Western Conference Finals.

However, McDavid’s influence goes beyond just his on-ice performance. The arrival of such a generational talent signaled to the rest of the league that the Oilers were now a team to be reckoned with. Suddenly, Edmonton was no longer seen as a dead-end for players’ careers. With McDavid at the helm, the Oilers were poised to make a deep playoff run, and that drastically altered the perception of the team within the NHL.

The Rise of Leon Draisaitl and Supporting Cast

While McDavid has been the centerpiece of the Oilers’ resurgence, he is far from the only star on the team. Leon Draisaitl, a German-born forward who has blossomed into one of the best players in the world, has become McDavid’s trusted partner. Together, they form one of the most dangerous duos in the NHL. Draisaitl’s ability to score goals, create plays, and contribute in all areas of the ice has made him an indispensable part of the Oilers’ success.

Draisaitl’s rise as a top-tier talent has also changed the way players view Edmonton. With two elite players in McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers have a one-two punch that is difficult to match. The team’s offensive firepower has made them a more attractive destination for players looking to join a high-scoring team with championship aspirations. The presence of both McDavid and Draisaitl has elevated the Oilers from a team with potential to a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

In addition to their two superstars, the Oilers have made smart moves in adding complementary pieces around McDavid and Draisaitl. The acquisition of players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane has helped solidify the team’s depth. Edmonton now boasts a solid lineup that can compete on both ends of the ice, with an impressive mix of offensive firepower and defensive stability.

These improvements in the roster have been crucial in changing the perception of the Oilers as a whole. Players looking for a competitive team can now see Edmonton as a place where they can contend for a championship. The franchise’s improved outlook, coupled with the star power of McDavid and Draisaitl, has made it more appealing for free agents and trade targets to consider Edmonton as a potential landing spot.

Ken Holland’s Impact on Team Building

Another factor in the Oilers’ turnaround has been the stability provided by general manager Ken Holland. After years of instability at the top, Holland brought a sense of direction and experience to the team when he took over as GM in 2019. Holland, who had built successful teams with the Detroit Red Wings, has focused on bringing in experienced players who complement the Oilers’ star duo.

Holland’s moves in free agency and trade markets have been instrumental in improving the Oilers’ overall competitiveness. The acquisitions of Hyman, Keith, and Ceci, among others, have added valuable depth to the roster, improving the team’s chances of success in both the regular season and the playoffs. Holland’s approach to team-building has helped transform the Oilers from a team with one or two stars into a balanced, well-rounded squad.

Holland’s leadership has also provided the team with a greater sense of stability, which was missing during the years of constant turnover. With a clear vision for the future and a commitment to winning, Holland has created an environment that is conducive to success. Players looking at Edmonton now see a franchise that is focused on competing for championships, which is a significant change from the team’s previous struggles.

The Player Poll: A Reflection of the Oilers’ Resurgence

The recent player poll that revealed the Oilers’ new status as a more desirable team is a testament to the progress the franchise has made in recent years. For the first time in over a decade, the Oilers are no longer at the top of players’ “no-trade” lists. Instead, they are considered a top destination by many players, a dramatic shift in perception from the past.

The poll results reflect the Oilers’ newfound status as a competitive team with a legitimate chance at winning the Stanley Cup. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge and a solid supporting cast around them, the Oilers are now viewed as a team on the rise. Players are more willing to consider Edmonton as a landing spot, and the franchise’s improved reputation is a key factor in that.

This change in perception is important for the Oilers’ long-term success. Being seen as a desirable destination will make it easier for the team to attract free agents, make key trades, and fill out the roster with talent that can help them compete for championships. The Oilers are no longer a team that players avoid; they are now a team that players want to be a part of.