Edmonton Oilers

A Look Back at the Edmonton Oilers’ 2023-24 Season

Looking back at the Edmonton Oilers calendar year of 2024, what milestones did the Oilers’ key players reach during the year?

by
Old Prof
January 1, 2025

The Edmonton Oilers have delivered a 2024 calendar year for the history books. The team experienced record-breaking individual performances and standout team contributions. As the Oilers push deeper into the 2024-25 campaign, here’s a reflection on the key moments and achievements that defined their stellar year. It was one that saw them get incredibly close to a Stanley Cup but fall just short. Can they overcome that final hurdle in 2025?

Connor McDavid Led a Dominant Oilers’ Offense

Connor McDavid continued to etch his name alongside hockey’s all-time greats with a phenomenal 2024. First, he joined Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux as the only players in NHL history to reach 180 points in a single calendar year, including playoffs. He proved he’s the leader and one of the most dominant scorers of a new generation of elite hockey talents.

Second, McDavid posted 39 multi-assist games in 2024, matching another exclusive milestone set by Gretzky. Anytime a Gretzky record is reached or surpassed, it’s a huge deal. McDavid was the driving force behind the Oilers’ dynamic and record-setting offense.

Stuart Skinner Had a Milestone Year in the Oilers’ Crease

While fans might not think of Stuart Skinner as an elite goalie, he anchored the Oilers with a season that will be remembered as one of the finest by a goaltender in franchise history. Skinner became the first Oilers netminder to earn 50 wins in a calendar year.

By hitting this milestone, he joins the ranks of elite active goalies like Andrei Vasilevskiy and Sergei Bobrovsky. His steady play has been a key factor in the Oilers’ success this season.

Leon Draisaitl Has Become a Scoring Machine

Leon Draisaitl continued to prove why he’s one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NHL. By scoring 10 goals in December, he reached a historic feat. With his hot December (unseasonable for Edmonton), Draisaitl reached double-digit goals in a single month for the eighth time in his career.

In franchise history, he trails only Oilers legends Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, and Glenn Anderson. His ability to lift his game at crucial times remains a vital asset for the team. He’s especially been a horse in the postseason, pulling the Oilers’ wagon as far as he can take them.

Leon Draisaitl Oilers on Podkolzin — Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers

How Far Can the Oilers Go in 2024-25?

Speaking of the Oilers’ postseason, how far can the team go in 2024-25? With McDavid and Draisaitl at the peak of their powers and Skinner providing elite goaltending (depends which Skinner shows up), the Oilers have the talent to contend for the Stanley Cup.

However, questions remain about their defensive depth. The team would like to make an upgrade on their blue line, and hopefully, there’s a trade out there similar to the one they made when the team acquired Mattias Ekholm. If Edmonton can maintain its offensive firepower and tighten up defensively, there’s little doubt they’ll make a deep playoff run. The Oilers could bring the Stanley Cup back to Alberta.