As the year draws to a close, the Edmonton Oilers reflect on a 2025 filled with more highs than lows, marking a notable shift from quieter seasons past. While fans experienced joy throughout the year, the heartache of another playoff exit still lingers, particularly after a disappointing loss to the Boston Bruins. Scheduled to conclude the season on a high note, the Oilers faced an unexpected setback, losing 6-2. Goalie Connor Ingram, following a strong run, faltered in what was his least impressive outing since joining the team.
Despite the loss, the Oilers finished the year as the top team in the Pacific Division, a commendable achievement given their challenging schedule early in the season. Looking back on 2025, it is hard to argue against the success of a year that brought three playoff series victories, another Conference Championship, and a second consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. While this may not constitute ultimate success for the franchise, it certainly stands as a promising achievement compared to the experiences of teams across the league.
Ending the year, Connor McDavid showcased his prowess, solidifying his reputation as the best player in the world. His performance peaked in December, where he achieved a personal best with 34 points, surpassing his previous record of 31 points. His contract extension with the Oilers, though a relief for fans, is only for two years, leaving some uncertainty about his long-term future with the team.
Adding to the team”s challenges, Tristan Jarry has been sidelined with injury, raising questions about the team”s goaltending issues. Meanwhile, forward Andrew Mangiapane has struggled to find his footing alongside the elite centers of the team. His recent performances have led to limited ice time, and speculation surrounds his future with the franchise as trade rumors swirl. Mangiapane”s lack of production has drawn parallels to Jeff Skinner“s similar struggles last season, yet his response to the situation has raised eyebrows.
When asked about his current standing with the team, Mangiapane offered a vague response, indicating uncertainty while expressing his desire to remain with the Oilers. His situation reflects a broader issue; if a player is ready to give up in December, how reliable will they be in critical moments come playoff time? As the Oilers look toward the future, they will need to address both individual performances and overall team dynamics to ensure continued success.
The management may want to reevaluate their strategies as July 1 approaches, a date that has historically brought complications rather than solutions. The acquisitions made over the past two seasons have not yielded the desired results, with players like Trent Frederic underperforming against their contracts. With Frederic managing only three goals and seven points during his time with the Oilers, the organization must consider the long-term implications of their decisions.
As 2025 concludes, the Oilers find themselves at a crossroads, celebrating successes while facing the realities of their challenges. The coming months will be crucial in determining how they navigate these issues as they aim for greater achievements in 2026.
