2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. We’ll preview the Edmonton Oilers in this post.
2021 Offseason
The Oilers had a busy offseason following a disappointing first round exit. They added Zach Hyman, Warren Foegele, and Derek Ryan up front. On defense, they shifted to a considerably more veteran group with Adam Larsson, Ethan Bear, and Caleb Jones moving on and Duncan Keith and Codi Ceci coming in. The Oilers also re-signed Mike Smith Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Tyson Barrie.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The new forward additions this summer bolstered the forward group alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and the group now looks competitive on the whole. The moves on defense leave more questions. The top pair looks capable, however the defense corps looks weak beyond that. Goaltending looks capable behind the questionable defense.
Forwards
With two world-class players leading the way, the Oilers forward group has an excellent foundation. Finding wingers to complement Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has been a problem in the past and the Oilers brought in Zach Hyman as a potential solution. Edmonton was able to sign him for a reasonable cap hit and he projects as a high caliber second line forward. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also returns on a new contract and, although projected value is below median, projects as a top line forward.
The Oilers also made a couple of solid acquisitions for their bottom six this offseason. They acquired Warren Foegele from Carolina and signed free agent Derek Ryan away from the rival Flames. Both have very strong projected impacts for depth players and their projected value is high based on their cap hits.
Defensemen
The Oilers defense has been a problem area in past seasons and they made some changes this offseason to try to address it. Tyson Barrie and Darnell Nurse are back as the top pair and will likely see much of their playing time with McDavid and/or Draisaitl as they did last season. Moving down the depth chart, things start to get hairier. Duncan Keith and Codi Ceci look likely to start the season as the second pair, although neither has a projected impact that suggests they fit the role. William Lagesson, Kris Russell, and Evan Bouchard are likely to battle for playing time on the bottom pair.
Goaltenders
The Oilers goaltending tandem from 20/21 returns for the 21/22 campaign. Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen have solid projected impacts for their expected roles.
Team Performance
The Oilers will be able to score their way out of trouble with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the offense and their forward depth has improved over the offseason, meaning they should be less reliant on their two superstars. Team defense remains a concern and is likely the limiting factor for how far this team can go.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
