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10 BOLD Predictions for the Oilers 24/25 Season |
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Every year I post ten bold predictions surrounding the Edmonton Oilers season. I try to keep these interesting and go beyond the likes of "McDavid scores 140 points." I look forward as always to coming back to these after the season is finished and seeing how I did.
1.) Calvin Pickard Is Not The Backup Come The Start of the Post-Season
A year ago Pickard was the #3 goalie in the system; a veteran AHL netminder more expected to come up in case of injury instead of being a legitimate backup. While his win in the post-season against the Canucks is still fresh in many Oilers fans minds, I would rank Pickard in the lower levels of NHL backups this season. If he can't support Skinner and provide solid support I think we will see a new addition at some point.
2.) Matt Savoie Scores His First NHL Goal This Season
Savoie was sent down not too long ago and will play with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL. He isn't expected to play much in NHL games this season but if the Oilers find themselves with an injury in the top six, Savoie is easily the most skilled callup option. I don't know how many games he will see this season but I think we see him score his first NHL goal this year.
3.) The Oilers Go 7-2-1 in their first 10 games.
So much has been discussed about the Oilers brutal start to last season and how they spent so much of last year simply digging themselves out of the hole they made. This year the team has spoken at lengths about their poor start and I think we see an extra motivated Oilers team out of the gates. On that note...
4.) The Oilers Win Their Division
A wild stat to me is that the Edmonton Oilers have not won their Division since 1987. Edmonton has iced plenty of great teams since 87 but have not been at the top of their own division. That will change this season as the Edmonton Oilers will beat out the Vancouver Canucks for first place in the Pacific Division.
5.) Corey Perry Plays Fewer Than 20 NHL Games
Perry was an astute low risk signing last season but by the end of the playoffs it was clear that the veteran winger had run out of steam, offering very little in terms of on-ice production. I know the organization puts stock in the value he brings to the dressing room but I believe the likes of Philp and Lavoie will help to push Perry out of the lineup.
6.) Kane Misses Whole Season - Ready For Game 1
Kane is currently set to miss 4-5 months due to his surgery. That would put him back roughly in February by that timeline but I would not be shocked to see Kane have a "setback" with his injury or simply to require more time skating and easing himself back into game shape. With all of that, I do think Kane misses the entirety of the regular season but does pull a Mark Stone and is ready to gear up in Game 1 of the playoffs.
7.) Edmonton Has Seven 20+ Goal Scorers
Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Jeff Skinner, Zach Hyman, Victor Arvidsson, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard will each have 20 or more goals this season.
8.) Oilers Add Rasmus Andersson At Deadline
The Edmonton Oilers biggest need throughout the season will be a top four right shot defender and while Ty Emberson will do an admirable job, the team will still target a top four player to bolster their blueline. Rasmus Andersson checks a ton of boxes for the Oilers and while the team will pay a pretty penny for his services, they will add the blueliner and make the biggest trade they have ever made with their provincial rival.
9.) Evan Bouchard Wins The Norris
Bouchard broke out in a huge way this past season with an 82 point regular season and following it up with 32 points in 25 playoff games. This run will only continue for the 24 year old defender who is just entering his prime. Bouchard will have a 90+ point season with the Oilers, finish first in points among defensemen and will be the first Oilers player since Paul Coffey to win the award.
10.) Oilers Beat the Devils To Win The Stanley Cup.
Nuff said.
Thanks for reading.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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