Have the Edmonton Oilers gone in the wrong direction?

Yes, according to stars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, who have openly expressed concerns after the team's first-round playoff exit to the Anaheim Ducks in 2026. Following back-to-back Stanley Cup finals appearances in 2024 and 2025, the Oilers struggled in the regular season and failed to replicate their previous success. This regression highlights issues with depth, consistency, and management decisions that need urgent addressing to return to contention.

What happened in the Oilers' recent playoff runs?

In 2024, the Oilers made an epic Stanley Cup final run against the Florida Panthers, rallying from 3-0 down to force Game 7 but losing 2-1. They repeated the feat in 2025 with a rematch, showcasing resilience through overtime wins but again falling short. However, in 2026, fatigue and depth issues led to a shocking first-round loss to the Ducks in Game 6 by 5-2, marking a significant step back.

What did Leon Draisaitl say about the team's direction?

Leon Draisaitl bluntly stated, 'We’re not trending in the right direction. We’ve taken big steps backwards,' after the playoff exit. He pointed to regular-season lapses where the team failed to build comfort in key moments, which carried over into the playoffs. Draisaitl emphasized that everyone, from players to management, must improve for the Oilers to contend again.

Why has the team's depth diminished since 2024?

The 2024 Oilers had strong depth with contributors like Evander Kane, Corey Perry, Ryan McLeod, and others who stepped up during their Cup run. Post-2024 management decisions, including free agency losses and poor cap management, led to many of these players being traded, injured, or underperforming. By 2026, this thinner roster was exposed by Anaheim's balanced attack, underscoring the need to rebuild layers similar to championship teams like Colorado in 2022.

What challenges does management face moving forward?

GM Stan Bowman is under scrutiny for not bolstering the roster around McDavid amid limited cap space and few trade assets. Key areas like goaltending, defense, and forward depth need fixes, as noted by analyst Martin Biron. Offseason moves must prioritize regular-season consistency and cost-effective additions to reverse the trend and capitalize on the stars' narrowing window.

How can the Oilers chart a path forward?

Reversing course requires addressing regular-season consistency and building comfort in clutch situations, as stressed by coach Kris Knoblauch. Management should pursue trades and free agency for depth players while fostering broader contributions beyond McDavid and Draisaitl. With the team's hunger from near-misses intact, a strong offseason could reignite contention for another Stanley Cup run.

Edmonton Oilers Trending Wrong Direction? Draisaitl & McDavid Concerned After 2026 Playoff Exit

The Edmonton Oilers have experienced a rollercoaster in recent seasons. After reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup finals in 2024 and 2025, the team suffered a shocking first-round exit to the Anaheim Ducks in 2026. 1 2 Stars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid have openly expressed concerns about the team’s trajectory, admitting they’ve taken steps backward. This has sparked debates about whether the Oilers are heading the wrong way.

While two finals appearances prove they were close to glory, a first-round loss after struggling to even make the playoffs signals trouble. Draisaitl called it out bluntly, and McDavid agreed the organization needs to do better. The question now is if management can reverse course.

A look back at recent Stanley Cup final runs

The Oilers’ 2024 Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers was epic. Trailing 3-0, they rallied to force Game 7 but fell 2-1. That near-miss showed their potential. 3

In 2025, they returned to the final in a rematch with the Panthers. Winning overtime thrillers to reach Game 6 highlighted their resilience. Yet, they couldn’t seal the deal again.

These runs weren’t flukes. The team peaked at the right time with strong depth and star power. However, repeating that feat three years straight is rare—only teams like the Panthers and Lightning have done it recently.

Fatigue from heavy playoff minutes since 2022 played a role. Kris Knoblauch noted the need for broader contributions beyond three or four players. The 2024 squad had that balance.

Compare to the 2026 version. Early struggles in the regular season carried over, leading to a hard-fought but losing series against Anaheim. Ducks won Game 6 5-2, eliminating Edmonton. 4

Players admit the team took a step back

Leon Draisaitl didn’t hold back after the playoff exit. “Yes, I am concerned about that… we’re not trending in the right direction. We’ve taken big steps backwards,” he said. 3 5

Draisaitl pointed to regular-season lapses. The team failed to build comfort in key moments, which showed in the first round. He stressed everyone must improve.

Connor McDavid echoed this post-Game 6 against the Ducks. “The organization as a whole is taking a step back. And that starts with me, starts with Leon,” he stated. 6

Both stars called the team average this year. McDavid reiterated his feelings days later, urging a mindset shift.

This honesty from leaders is rare but necessary. Players like them have carried the load, but depth issues exposed cracks.

The common theme: top-to-bottom improvement. Without it, contending stays out of reach.

The depth that vanished from 2024

In 2024, Edmonton boasted impressive depth. Players like Evander Kane, Corey Perry, Ryan McLeod, Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Vincent Desharnais, Cody Ceci, and Warren Foegele stepped up. Draisaitl called that group their best.

Here’s a quick look at key 2024 contributors now gone or diminished:

Evander Kane: Traded or injured out.
Corey Perry: Veteran presence lost.
Ryan McLeod: Speed and penalty kill.
Philip Broberg: Emerging defenseman.
Dylan Holloway: Young forward upside.
Vincent Desharnais: Physicality on D.
Cody Ceci: Steady minutes.
Warren Foegele: Energy line role.

Management decisions post-2024 eroded this. Free agency losses and poor handling of cap space hurt.

By 2026, the Ducks exposed the lack. Anaheim’s balanced attack overwhelmed Edmonton’s thinner roster. 7

Rebuilding that depth is crucial. Look at Colorado’s 2022 Cup win—their layers won games.

Management under the microscope

GM decisions are key. Stan Bowman faces criticism for not bolstering around McDavid, especially after his extension. 8

With limited cap space and few assets, fixing goaltending, defense, and forwards is tough. Analyst Martin Biron questioned: “What are you going to do with goaltending?” 8

Offseason moves must prioritize identity and regular-season seriousness. For more on potential fixes, see recent analysis.

The path back exists, but buy-in from all is needed. McDavid’s commitment buys time, but action is urgent.

Charting a path forward

Reversing direction means addressing root causes. Regular-season consistency tops the list—get comfortable in clutch spots.

Knoblauch wants bigger roles for others. Management must find cost-effective depth via trades or free agency.

McDavid and Draisaitl lead by example, but the roster needs support. Their window is narrowing.

The Oilers were one goal from a Cup in 2024. That hunger remains, but execution must follow. A strong offseason could reignite contention—what it means for the championship is everything hangs on these changes.