Insider Expects Chaotic Offseason if Oilers Lose to Ducks in First Round

There are far worse positions the Edmonton Oilers could be in than tied 1–1 in their first-round series with the Anaheim Ducks as they hit the road for the Honda Center. That being said, very few gave the Ducks a chance in this matchup, and the first two games have already led to some concern creeping in among Oilers Nation.

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Connor McDavid has struggled — which we almost never see — and is now dealing with an apparent ankle injury. Connor Ingram has allowed eight goals in two games, and the power play has gone 0-for-6, looking somewhat rusty after Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman missed chunks of time to end the regular season.

These things could all turn around rather quickly and result in Edmonton taking care of business against Anaheim. However, if they don’t and the Oilers fall in shocking fashion, insider Jeff Marek believes it could spark major changes this summer.

Marek said:

“You want to talk about an inferno of an offseason? Have the Ducks beat the Oilers in the first round. If you want to talk about chaotic offseasons with a furious owner — the expectation is Conference Final. Conference Final for this team or there are going to be real questions and probably bodies leaving…,”

He went on to mention a coaching change, despite the fact that Kris Knoblauch’s three-year contract extension with the team doesn’t even kick in until the start of next season (2026–27).

Such a loss would also reignite questions about McDavid’s future in Edmonton, as we know the clock is ticking on the window to win with this group, even with his short-term extension yet to begin.

Those are all what-ifs for now, but if the first two games in this series have told us anything, it’s that the Ducks are no pushover, and the Pacific Division side of the playoffs may not be the pillow fight many felt the Oilers would cruise through with ease.

Next: Oilers Offer Injury Updates on McDavid and Other Key Players