Edmonton enters the 2025-26 NHL season carrying the weight of two straight Stanley Cup Final defeats. The question facing the franchise, its fans, and the betting public remains straightforward: can this team finally break through? Current evidence from bookmakers, statistical models, and market behavior suggests the answer leans toward yes.

The Numbers Behind Edmonton's Favoritism

Sportsbooks across North America have positioned the Oilers at the top of their Stanley Cup futures boards. Covers lists them at +640, making them the outright favorite ahead of Carolina at +750 and Colorado at +850. BetMGM places Edmonton at +775, while ESPN BET and Bleacher Report both offer +850. These odds translate to an implied probability between 10 and 14 percent, which ranks unusually high in a league containing 32 teams.

Statistical models paint an even more optimistic picture. Moneypuck's advanced analytics assign Edmonton an 84.8 percent chance of making the playoffs and a 51.8 percent probability of reaching the Stanley Cup Final. Both figures lead the league as of October 27, 2025. The Jets trail at 81.6 percent and 42.2 percent, respectively, while the Capitals sit at 80.7 percent and 42.4 percent.

Betting Markets React to Oilers' Championship Push

The Oilers' position as Stanley Cup favorites has created notable movement across betting platforms in Alberta and beyond. Local sportsbooks report increased wagering volume on Edmonton futures, with bet365 and Sports Interaction adjusting their lines from +800 to +750 in response to heavy action. BetVictor and Betway have followed suit, while platforms featured on Covers' list of betting apps in Alberta show similar patterns of line movement favoring the Oilers.

Sharp money continues backing Edmonton despite their slow offensive start this season. Professional bettors are capitalizing on the value before odds shorten further, particularly after Florida's Barkov injury and Vegas dealing with Mark Stone's absence. The consensus among betting syndicates suggests the current +640 to +850 range won't last long if Edmonton maintains their health advantage over conference rivals.

Early Season Struggles Follow Familiar Pattern

Edmonton's offensive production has started poorly this season. The team ranks fourth-worst in goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five with 1.6, and ties Nashville for fourth-fewest goals per game at 2.5. This mirrors their pattern from previous seasons when slow regular season starts gave way to dominant playoff performances.

The power play and penalty kill units have performed below expectations through the first month. Special teams efficiency typically determines playoff success, and Edmonton's coaching staff will need to address these deficiencies before April. Their ability to overcome similar starts in past seasons provides some reassurance, though relying on late-season surges carries inherent risks.

Health Advantages Over Key Competitors

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain healthy and productive, providing Edmonton with the league's most dangerous offensive duo. The team's defensive corps and goaltending tandem have avoided major injuries through October, contrasting sharply with several championship contenders.

Florida faces an extended absence from captain Aleksander Barkov, who suffered torn ACL and MCL ligaments. Vegas continues managing Mark Stone's wrist injury on a week-to-week basis. Colorado has dealt with defensive injuries that have disrupted their early season structure. Edmonton's relative health provides them with a roster stability that eluded them during portions of previous campaigns.

The McDavid Factor and Supporting Cast Questions

McDavid's performance level continues to exceed standard superstar production. His ability to control games during playoff series has been established through two Finals runs. Draisaitl provides elite secondary scoring that few teams can match. The question becomes who steps forward from the supporting cast when opponents focus their defensive schemes on neutralizing these two players.

Goaltending remains Edmonton's most scrutinized position. The team lacks a proven elite netminder comparable to what Florida, Tampa Bay, or the Rangers possess. Their approach relies on committee goaltending and outscoring opponents in high-scoring affairs. This strategy has taken them to consecutive Finals but failed at the final hurdle both times.

Pacific Division and Western Conference Positioning

Edmonton holds favorite status to win the Pacific Division at +170, which implies roughly 40 percent probability. Their Western Conference futures sit at +400, placing them among the top two choices to emerge from the West. The Pacific Division lacks another legitimate Cup contender, with Vegas dealing with injuries and Seattle, Los Angeles, and Calgary all showing limitations.

The broader Western Conference presents more formidable challenges. Colorado's championship pedigree and Dallas's consistent excellence create potential roadblocks. Winnipeg's strong start and Minnesota's depth could complicate Edmonton's path. Still, bookmakers and models favor Edmonton's chances over these competitors.

What Makes This Season Different

Two factors distinguish this season from Edmonton's previous Finals appearances. First, key Western Conference rivals face more substantial roster challenges than in recent years. Second, the betting market's confidence in Edmonton has reached unprecedented levels, with sharp bettors backing the Oilers at higher volumes than previous seasons.

The team's leadership group has gained valuable Finals experience through their recent losses. Young players have matured into reliable contributors. Management avoided major roster disruption during the offseason, maintaining chemistry while making targeted depth additions.

Conclusion

Edmonton's championship odds reflect both their proven ability to reach the Finals and lingering doubts about their capacity to win four games against elite competition in June. The betting market's assessment, ranging from +640 to +850, positions them as the league's top contender. Statistical models support this evaluation, projecting Edmonton's path to the Finals as more probable than any competitor.

Their early offensive struggles follow established patterns that have not prevented previous playoff success. The health advantages over Florida and Vegas provide immediate value. McDavid and Draisaitl remain elite performers capable of carrying the team through difficult series.

The Oilers possess legitimate championship credentials. Market sentiment, analytical projections, and roster construction all point toward a third consecutive Finals appearance. Converting that opportunity into Edmonton's first Stanley Cup since 1990 will require solving the final-round puzzle that has twice proven beyond their reach.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we maintain and update our existing Top 50 lists annually.  As such, we are delighted to present our pre-2025/26 revision of our top 50 Edmonton Oilers.

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey, we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Hockey League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Oilers had another phenomenal campaign, winning the Western Conference for the second consecutive year. However, in both seasons, they lost to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals.  There were no new entrants, but there were multiple elevations.

As always, we present our top five, which saw a slight change. 

1. Wayne Gretzky
2. Connor McDavid
3. Mark Messier
4. Leon Draisaitl
5. Jari Kurri

You can find the entire list here.

Connor McDavid was #2 last year, and while he did supplant Gretzky for the top spot, he is getting closer.

Leon Draisaitl, who is a former Hart Trophy winner and runner-up last year, edged up over Jari Kurri for the fourth spot.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins moved up one rung to #11. 

Defenseman Darnell Nurse also climbed up one spot.  He is now ranked #14.

Another Defenseman, Evan Bouchard, advanced to #31 from #35.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists and consistently look to update them when necessary and based on necessity. As such, we are delighted to present our post-2023-24 revision of our top 50 Edmonton Oilers.

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Hockey League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, Edmonton made it to the Stanley Cup Finals but could not win it, falling in seven to the Florida Panthers.  We had two new entrants to the Top 50 and multiple elevations.

As always, we present our top five, which saw some significant changes:

1. Wayne Gretzky
2. Connor McDavid
3. Mark Messier
4. Jari Kurri
5. Leon Draisaitl

You can find the entire list here.

Regarding the top five, Connor McDavid added the Conn Smythe to his list of trophies.  He overtook Mark Messier for the second spot.  Leon Draisaitl also enters the top five, by passing Paul Coffey for that spot.

Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins moved one spot to #12.

Defenseman Darnell Nurse advanced five spots to #15.

Defenseman Evan Bouchard makes his first appearance at #35.

The second debut was Zach Hyman, who entered at #37.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Zach Hyman played the first six seasons of his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but his career took off when he signed with Edmonton in 2021.

Hyman broke 50 Points for the first time in his inaugural season with the Oilers, and he rose that to 83 Points the year after.  In 2023-24, Hyman scored 54 Goals, placing him third overall, and he was especially outstanding in the 2024 Playoffs, where he led all players in Goals (16), Even Strength Goals (10), Power Play Goals (6), and Shots (90), but he regressed to 44 Points last year.

Hyman would have to return to this 2022-23/2023-24 to make another big jump on this list.

An offensively-skilled Defenseman, Evan Bouchard has dazzled fans with a powerful slap shot, elite puck control, and skilled passing, to become one of the top blueliners as we enter the 2025-26 Season.

After a pair of 40-point years, Bouchard exploded in 2023-24 with 82 Points and a fifth-place Norris finish, which he followed with 67 Points the year after.  Without Bouchard, the Oilers would not have reached back-to-back Stanley Cups (2024 & 2025), and he is still improving.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022/23 revision of our top 50 Edmonton Oilers.

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Hockey League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, Edmonton made it to the Second Round of the playoffs where they were knocked out by the eventual champions, Vegas.  There are no new entrants on the Top 50, but four players increased their rank.

As always, we present our top five, which saw one change:

1. Wayne Gretzky

2. Mark Messier

3. Connor McDavid

4. Jari Kurri

5. Paul Coffey

You can find the entire list here.

Last year, McDavid had the best season of his life, and doesn’t that say something?  He won his third Hart, fifth Art Ross, sixth First Team All-Star, first Rocket Richard Award and set personal highs in Goals (64), Assists (89) and Points (153).

Leon Draisaitl continues his climb, moving from #7 to #6.

Fresh off his first 100-Point year, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins advanced to #13 from #16.

Defenseman, Darnell Nurse, moved to #20 from #24.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post 2021/22 revision of our top Edmonton Oilers.

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Hockey League. 

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Oilers finally made it to Conference Finals, which considering their two young superstars, Connor McDavid & Leon Draisitl, was projected for them before now.

As always, we present our top five, which changed from last year:

1. Wayne Gretzky

2. Mark Messier

3. Jari Kurri

4. Connor McDavid

5. Paul Coffey

You can find the entire list here.

McDavid, who won the Art Ross last year for the fourth time, moved up from #6.

2020 Hart Trophy winner, Leon Draisaitl, climbed to #9 from #7.

Center, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, went up two ranks to #17.

Defenseman, Darnell Nurse went up from #26 to #24.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our pre-2021-22 revision of our top 50 Edmonton Oilers.

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the NHL. 

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Please note, that this is our first revision in in the last two years, and it has generated one new entry, and four elevations.

As always, we present our top five immediately, although there are no changes from our last list:

1. Wayne Gretzky

2. Mark Messier

3. Jari Kurri

4. Paul Coffey

5. Grant Fuhr

You can find the entire list here.

Connor McDavid, who won the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in 2021, moves from #11 to #6.  He will likely overtake Fuhr and enter the top five soon.

Fellow Hart Trophy and Art Ross winner (2020), Leon Draisitl, rocketed from #20 to #9.

Center, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, moved up from #22 to #19.

Defenseman, Darnell Nurse, debuts at #27.

Defenseman, Oscar Klefbom, climbed to #47 from #50.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

After the Edmonton Oilers used their First Round (7^th Overall) Pick in 2013, the squad allowed their highly touted Defenseman, Darnell Nurse, to stay in the OHL with Sault Ste. Marie.  After a year in the AHL, Nurse was ready to be promoted to the NHL.

The Oilers “nursed” the Defenseman along, limiting his playing time, but keeping him on the roster to gain experience.  With imposing size and speed, Nurse’s early years were focused on the defensive side, but each year his offensive skill set improved.  

In 2020/21, Nurse had his breakout campaign, though it was vastly underreported.  Finishing seventh in Norris voting, Nurse posted 36 Points, his third consecutive 30-plus season, but he lit the lamp 16 times, 15 of which were on even strength.  Nurse led the NHL in Defensive Point Shares and had a stellar Plus/Minus of +27.  In 2022-23, Nurse had his best offensive year, with a personal best of 43 Points, and since then, he has been a defensive anchor on an Oilers squad that has gone to two straight Stanley Cup Finals.

Nurse is poised to rise even higher on this list, as his potential has now been realized.

Charlie Huddy was a member of all five Stanley Cup wins for the Edmonton Oilers, and while many of those Oilers stars are inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Huddy has not been, it does not mean that his accomplishments for Edmonton should be discounted.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  We have a new one to unveil today, that of the Edmonton Oilers. 

Debuting as the Alberta Oilers in 1972 in the World Hockey Association, they would exchange the Alberta for Edmonton after one year.  The Oilers were an original WHA team, who would be one of four franchises that would be absorbed into the NHL in 1979.  When they joined the NHL, they had a young Wayne Gretzky in tow, and after drafting players like Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, Mark Messier and Grant Fuhr, a dynasty occurred that would win four Stanley Cups in the 1980s and one in 1990.  Since that time, they made the Finals once in 2006.  

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2. Traditional statistics and how they finished in the NHL.

3. Playoff accomplishments.

4. Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Remember, this is ONLY based on what a player does on that particular team and not what he accomplished elsewhere and also note that we have placed an increased importance on the first two categories.

This list is updated up until the end of the 2018-19 Season.

The complete list can be found here, but as always we announce our top five in this article.  They are:

1. Wayne Gretzky

2. Mark Messier

3. Jari Kurri

4. PaulCoffey

5. GrantFuhr

We will continue our adjustments on our existing lists and will continue developing our new lists.  

Look for or All-Time Top 50 Colorado Avalanche coming next!

As always we thank you for your support.

Bill Guerin only played 211 Games for Edmonton, but his combination of speed, skill, and grit made him a fan-favorite for any small-market Canadian city.

From Finland, Risto Siltanen was one of the first Finnish Defenseman to make his way to North America to play professional hockey.

In the 1997-98 season, the Edmonton Oilers were able to trade for Roman Hamrlik from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who were selling off assets.  Hamrlik was a former number one draft pick, who was gifted at both ends of the ice and could be utilized in any situation.  He scored 26 Points in his half-season with the Oilers and followed that with campaigns of 32 and 45 Points, respectively.  In all three years that Hamrlik was with Edmonton, they would make the post-season.

Brett Callighen was traded from the New England Whalers to Edmonton in his first pro year, and it proved to be the right home for the forward.  Callighen would have 50 Points in his first full year with the Oilers, and he would have 70 points the following season, making history as Wayne Gretzky's first Left Wing with Edmonton.

Dave Hunter first signed with the Edmonton Oilers as an underage Free Agent in 1978, and the Edmonton brass was impressed with his checking skills, despite only scoring 32 Points.  That was the last year that the Oilers were in the World Hockey Association, and they would covet Hunter, whose rights were held by Montreal in the NHL.  They claimed him from Edmonton in the Expansion Draft, and he remained with the Oilers until November of 1987. 

Ethan Moreau played 653 Games with the Edmonton Oilers, and while he was not a forward with a scoring touch on the NHL level, he was considered an upper-echelon leader. 

Before Dustin Penner arrived in Edmonton, he had won a Stanley Cup with Anaheim, and when he left, he would win a second with the Los Angeles Kings.  While he never played a post-season game with the Oilers, his best individual play happened with that team.

Eric Brewer played 1,009 Games in the National Hockey League, with 315 of them in an Oilers uniform.  It was in the Province of Alberta where he arguably played his best on a professional level.

Jason Arnott was the 7^th Overall Draft Pick in 1993, and as a rookie, he would have one of the best seasons of his career.  The Center scored 68 Points and was the runner-up for the Calder Trophy, losing to future Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur.  Arnott would never match that total again as an Oiler, but he would have two more campaigns where he had at least 57 Points.  He would also be named an All-Star in 1997.