Oilers reset in net after a shocking early exit, with McDavid's future looming

The Edmonton Oilers enter 2026-27 with something to prove after a stunning disappointment. A team that had been to the Stanley Cup Final and reached the Conference Finals in recent years suffered a shocking first-round exit in 2026, and the offseason has been about addressing weaknesses — and confronting the enormous question of Connor McDavid's future.

Fixing the roster

Edmonton made a pair of meaningful moves. The Oilers finally shed defenseman Darnell Nurse's burdensome contract, trading him to San Jose to open critical cap flexibility. They also addressed their perennial goaltending uncertainty, signing reigning Stanley Cup champion goaltender Frederik Andersen and adding depth in net. For a top-heavy team that has long searched for stability in the crease, upgrading the goaltending could be the difference between another early exit and a return to contention. The cap relief also gives Edmonton flexibility to make additions at the trade deadline.

The McDavid question

Looming over everything is McDavid, the best player in the world, whose contract situation is the biggest storyline in hockey. Edmonton's entire outlook — and arguably the franchise's future — hinges on keeping him. Alongside Leon Draisaitl, who battled a lower-body injury late last season, McDavid gives the Oilers a duo capable of beating anyone. Ensuring his long-term future in Edmonton is the organization's paramount task.

Season outlook

The Oilers enter 2026-27 determined to bounce back and reclaim their status as a Western contender. The core of McDavid and Draisaitl is championship-caliber, and the improved goaltending addresses a long-standing weakness. The questions are health, whether the reset in net holds up, and above all, the McDavid contract that hangs over the season. If Andersen stabilizes the crease and the stars stay healthy, Edmonton has more than enough talent to make a deep run and wash away the memory of the early exit. This is still a team built around two of the game's best — and it's motivated to prove the first-round loss was an aberration.