After finally addressing their defense, how much better will the Edmonton Oilers be in 2016-17?
For the first time in a decade, the Edmonton Oilers seem to have a reason for hope. After years of squandering high first round picks, they have finally found a franchise center in Connor McDavid. The No. 1 overall pick energized a starving fan base by averaging over a point per game in his rookie season. He bounced back strong from a terrible clavicle injury.
A lot went wrong for the Oilers in the 2015-16 season. But that broken road could be good for them down the road. The Oilers’ young players showed impressive improvements. For the first time in a while, Oilers fans can see the light at the end of the dark tunnel. Is a playoff berth possible for the Oilers in 2016-17?
Offseason Review
Here’s a quick review of what the Oilers have done this offseason.
Additions: D Adam Larsson (Devils), F Kris Versteeg (PTO), F Drake Caggiula (college free agent), F Milan Lucic (Kings), G Jonas Gustavsson (Bruins), F Jesse Puljujarvi (2016 NHL Draft)
Losses: F Taylor Hall (Devils), D Nikita Nikitin, F Lauri Korpikoski, D Adam Pardy, D Eric Gryba, D Adam Clendening (Rangers)
Retained: D Jordan Oesterle, D Brandon Davidson
