What the Edmonton Oilers Playoff lineup should look like based on the evidence.

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, expectations for the team have never been higher. With two of the best players in the world, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, leading the charge, the Oilers are built to compete at the highest level. However, achieving playoff success in the NHL requires more than just elite talent; it requires a well-balanced lineup, strong depth, and the ability to excel in all areas of the game.

As the regular season draws to a close, Edmonton’s playoff lineup will be shaped not only by the performances of its star players but also by the contributions of key role players, defensive stability, and special teams efficiency. In this article, we will break down what the Oilers’ playoff lineup should look like, based on performance, team needs, and matchups. This lineup will consider factors such as forward lines, defensive pairings, and goaltending decisions, providing a comprehensive look at how Edmonton can maximize its chances for a deep playoff run.

1. The Offensive Core: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl

At the heart of the Edmonton Oilers’ lineup are their two superstars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Both are top-of-the-line performers who can take over games and lead their team to victory. The Oilers’ playoff success will largely depend on how well McDavid and Draisaitl perform, as they have historically been the catalysts for the team’s offensive attack.

Connor McDavid – First Line Center

Connor McDavid is arguably the best player in the world, and his role in the Oilers’ playoff lineup cannot be overstated. His ability to control the puck, generate scoring chances, and elevate the play of those around him makes him indispensable. McDavid’s blistering speed, combined with his vision and hockey IQ, allows him to create plays out of seemingly impossible situations. In the playoffs, where intensity and physicality are ramped up, McDavid’s speed and skill can become an even greater weapon.

McDavid should remain as the Oilers’ top center on the first line, where he will likely play alongside a mix of skilled wingers depending on matchups. The key will be finding wingers who can complement McDavid’s playstyle by getting open in space and finishing off the scoring chances he creates.

Leon Draisaitl – First Line Right Wing

While Leon Draisaitl is often considered the second-best player on the team, his contributions are vital to the Oilers’ offensive juggernaut. Draisaitl is one of the most complete players in the NHL, excelling in both playmaking and goal-scoring. He is also a physical presence in the offensive zone and has a heavy shot that can make him dangerous in all situations.

Draisaitl should also play alongside McDavid on the top line, as the two have proven to be one of the most lethal duos in hockey. Their chemistry is undeniable, and having Draisaitl on the same line as McDavid gives Edmonton the best chance to score consistently throughout the playoffs. The duo’s ability to operate in a two-man game, especially on the power play, will be critical to the Oilers’ success.

2. Building Depth: Second and Third Lines

While McDavid and Draisaitl are essential to the Oilers’ success, playoff hockey is often decided by depth players who can contribute on all lines. Edmonton has a wealth of talent that can provide valuable support to the star duo.

Zach Hyman – Second Line Left Wing

Zach Hyman’s playoff experience and two-way ability make him a perfect fit on the second line alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and perhaps Evander Kane. Hyman is known for his relentless forechecking, puck retrieval, and ability to drive to the net. These qualities are particularly important in the playoffs, where every shift counts, and getting pucks to the net is critical.

Hyman also brings versatility, being able to move between lines as needed. On a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman’s ability to play a physical style while also contributing offensively could give the Oilers a balanced second line that can be relied upon in both even-strength and special teams situations.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Second Line Center

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is an intelligent, well-rounded center who can provide playmaking and support for the team’s top lines. Though Nugent-Hopkins may not have the same offensive firepower as McDavid or Draisaitl, he is an excellent distributor of the puck and knows how to create opportunities for his linemates.

In the playoffs, Nugent-Hopkins’ ability to play a responsible game while generating offense from the second line will be crucial. His chemistry with Zach Hyman makes this line a potentially lethal one, with both players able to cycle the puck down low and create sustained pressure in the offensive zone.

Evander Kane – Third Line Left Wing

Evander Kane is a power forward who can be a difference-maker in the postseason. Kane’s physicality, coupled with his ability to score, provides the Oilers with a unique dynamic on the third line. His presence around the net, both offensively and in battles along the boards, gives the Oilers a much-needed edge, especially in a physical playoff series.

Kane’s offensive capabilities—his quick release and ability to finish plays—make him a key player to watch in the postseason. On a line with a playmaking center like Nugent-Hopkins, Kane could be the ideal player to provide a secondary scoring threat to the Oilers’ top lines.

3. The Bottom Six: Key Role Players

In addition to the top two lines, the bottom six forwards are often the unsung heroes in the playoffs. These players will need to contribute defensively, kill penalties, and provide energy when needed. While the Oilers’ star power lies with McDavid and Draisaitl, it is the play of the bottom six that can determine whether or not they go deep in the playoffs.

Dylan Holloway – Third Line Center

Dylan Holloway has shown significant promise in his young career, and his speed and physicality make him an ideal candidate for a third-line center role. Holloway’s ability to get up the ice quickly and forecheck aggressively will be key in making the Oilers’ bottom six more impactful. If he can chip in with a few goals and assist in the defensive zone, Holloway could prove to be a valuable asset in Edmonton’s playoff run.

Nick Bjugstad – Fourth Line Center

Nick Bjugstad is another physical presence who can be relied upon to provide energy and grit. While he may not contribute offensively as much as some of the other players, his defensive responsibilities and faceoff prowess will be crucial, particularly in late-game situations when the Oilers need to secure a draw in their own zone.

Bjugstad’s size and ability to play an effective two-way game will be valuable as the Oilers navigate the more physical nature of playoff hockey. Having Bjugstad on the fourth line allows the team to play a more balanced game, while also giving head coach Jay Woodcroft the option to use him in key defensive moments.

4. Defensive Pairings: Building Stability on the Back End

While the Oilers’ offense is undeniably potent, the team’s defensive play will be just as critical in the playoffs. The Oilers’ defensemen must be able to contribute both offensively and defensively to help keep the puck out of their net while also supporting the offensive transition.

Darnell Nurse – Top Pairing Left Defense

Darnell Nurse is a leader on the back end and one of the Oilers’ most consistent defenders. Nurse’s skating ability, size, and physicality make him a key part of the team’s defensive group. He’s also capable of contributing offensively, and his ability to play in all situations—on the power play and the penalty kill—makes him indispensable in the playoffs.

Nurse will need to be at his best, playing a solid defensive game while also being a factor on the offensive side of the puck. He and his partner on the top pairing will be tasked with shutting down the opponent’s top offensive players.

Cody Ceci – Top Pairing Right Defense

Cody Ceci’s steady defensive play makes him the perfect partner for Nurse. While Ceci may not be as flashy offensively, his ability to play a responsible game in his own zone allows Nurse the freedom to jump into the play and contribute offensively. Ceci’s physical presence and leadership will be critical in matchups against the opposing team’s top lines.

Together, Nurse and Ceci form a pairing that balances offense and defense, and their ability to shut down opponents in high-pressure situations will be vital during the playoffs.

Evan Bouchard – Second Pairing Right Defense

Evan Bouchard is a budding star on the Oilers’ blue line. Known for his puck-moving ability and offensive production, Bouchard’s skills are an asset for Edmonton in transition. His ability to generate offense from the back end will be crucial in giving the Oilers an extra layer of depth, especially on the power play.

Bouchard’s ability to contribute offensively while playing a solid defensive game will be key to the Oilers’ success. Pairing him with a reliable defender like Brett Kulak will give the Oilers a solid second pairing that can both produce offensively and provide a defensive presence in their own zone.

5. Goaltending: A Crucial Factor in the Playoff Picture

In the playoffs, goaltending often becomes the deciding factor in a series. The Oilers have one of the league’s most talented netminders in Stuart Skinner, who has shown he can handle the pressure of a playoff run. The Oilers need Skinner to continue his strong play in goal, as his ability to make key saves in high-leverage situations will be the difference between advancing to the next round or going home early.

Skinner should be the starting goaltender in the playoffs, with backup Jack Campbell available in case of injury or performance issues. Skinner has shown he can handle the workload and play effectively under pressure, and the Oilers will need him to be their backbone if they are to make a deep run in the playoffs.