Edmonton Oilers

2025 Bold Predictions for the Oilers Include a Blockbuster Trade

Looking at the 2025 year for the Edmonton Oilers, we made three bold predictions as the team strives to win the Stanley Cup.

by
Jim Parsons
January 9, 2025

As the Edmonton Oilers push to get back to the Final and, this time, win a Stanley Cup, the first few months of 2025 are shaping up to be integral to the team’s aspiring success. Not likely to make huge shake-ups, the team is looking for an upgrade and possible depth pieces. Looking at three bold predictions, a blockbuster trade might be among the list of possibilities.

A Blockbuster Trade to Help the Blue Line?

The Oilers must be happy with the way their blue line has improved since the start of the season. There was change over the summer, and it took some time for the new pieces to mesh with defensemen who stayed. Chemistry was a bit of an issue, as was the hit to the roster in terms of penaltykillers. That said, this group has shown remarkable improvement.

Stan Bowman Oilers GM trade talk 2025 predictions

New general manager Stan Bowman said in a recent interview, “In hindsight, there was a lot of change for the group — even though a lot of the main guys came back.” That might suggest he’s hesitant to make other moves, but I’m still predicting Bowman swings for the fences. Expect Edmonton to target a top-pairing defenseman at the trade deadline, possibly moving a first-round pick and a young forward to make it work.

There has been a who’s who of names already linked to Edmonton. It’s a given that some solid players will be open to joining the Oilers for a chance to contend. Who ultimately shakes loose and attracts Bowman’s attention will be an intriguing storyline to watch.

2025 Bold Prediction: Oilers trade with the free-falling Rangers and acquire Will Borgen, along with Jonathan Quick as a third-string goalie for depth in case of injury.

Leon Draisaitl Hits a Career High

Already on pace to be a Hart Trophy favorite this season, Leon Draisaitl is poised to be remembered this season as the Oilers’ best player. That’s high praise anytime you’re on a team that includes Connor McDavid.

There’s something in the way Draisaitl has taken over games and been solid both offensively and defensively that suggests he’s found another level. With a big new contract in hand, he knows the expectations and he’s living up to them. Don’t be surprised if he surpasses the 60-goal mark or gets close to his career-best in terms of points. He scored 128 in 2022-23 and he’s on pace to finish just shy of that this season.

2025 Bold Prediction: Draisaitl wins the Hart Trophy

Stuart Skinner Proves Himself as Vezina Candidate

A few players are showing that Team Canada overlooked some obvious choices when the left off Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard, and Stuart Skinner from the 4 Nations roster. Skinner has been excellent for the Oilers, and as he often does for stretches each season, he gets in a groove and looks like one of the best in the league. He might be hitting that stretch now, and if it lasts, the naysayers might finally give him the credit he deserves.

Skinner is poised to prove his critics wrong. A rough start suggested he was so much worse than he actually is, but he’s quickly bringing those numbers back up. If this trend continues, he could post career-best numbers, including a .920+ save percentage and multiple shutouts. He was robbed of one on Tuesday.