Five years from now, the Edmonton Oilers' roster will be a fascinating mix of seasoned stars and promising young talent. Leon Draisaitl, still under contract, will be 35, just two years away from free agency. Connor McDavid, the franchise's cornerstone, will be 34 and likely under a new deal, having reached free agency in 2028. The team's success in the 2027 and 2028 playoffs will be pivotal in McDavid's decision, but the smart money is on him signing another extension with the Oilers. The captain's value goes beyond wins and losses; it's about the franchise's soaring value and owner Daryl Katz's commitment to keeping McDavid in Alberta. McDavid's interviews on free agency consistently emphasize winning the Stanley Cup with the Oilers, a goal that will be within reach if the team continues its recent success.
Draisaitl, at 31, is one of the team's unicorns, with exceptional foot speed in the 92nd percentile. Expect him to age gracefully, much like Evgeni Malkin. Evan Bouchard, whose contract expires in 2029, is on track for a substantial raise if he maintains his current pace, scoring 95 points in the 2025-26 season. His foot speed, in the 61st percentile, will impact his playing time, but Bouchard will remain a productive force into his 30s, even as his offensive output declines. The Oilers' defense is bolstered by veterans like Mattias Ekholm, Connor Murphy, and Jake Walman, all of whom are likely to be playing in the NHL five years from now.
The Oilers' youth movement is centered around Matt Savoie and Vasily Podkolzin, with promising prospects like Ike Howard, Devon Levi, Ty Emberson, and Shakir Mukhamadullin. However, the organization's draft picks are limited, and finding impact scorers outside the top 20 is a challenge. David Pastrnak, a free-agent addition, is a strong choice, as he's aging well and has consistently scored 100 points. The team's defense will benefit from the development of Asher Barnett and Beau Akey, who are building solid resumes, and the Oilers may seek a significant player after Ekholm's contract ends.
In conclusion, the Oilers' future looks promising, but it also highlights the need for a rebuild. By 2031, the team's practice of trading first-round draft picks will be evident, and the organization may need to consider trading McDavid and Draisaitl to maintain competitiveness. The Oilers' success in the next five years will depend on their ability to balance their current strengths with strategic acquisitions and a thoughtful approach to player development.
