It’s been a busy off-season for the Edmonton Oilers so far, but now that we’ve got some time dead zone time on our hands, why not drop some way-too-early bold predictions for next season that will age like cottage cheese in the Edmonton sun?

It’s so hot in the city, and I swear I’m going outside to enjoy it after I post this article, but as I drink my second cup of coffee, I’m still thinking about the Oilers. Last season was so much fun, and even though it’s only July 20th, I’m already looking forward to watching whatever the boys can do for an encore. And with only 81 days until the season opener, it’s time for some way-too-early BOLD predictions for the 2024-25 season.

It’s funny to think how spoiled we are to watch Connor McDavid do his thing on a nightly basis. Despite his 100-assist campaign and 132 points on the year, plenty of us wondered why he only had 32 goals one season after finishing with 64. It’s absurd to wonder about a “down year” in the goal-scoring department when McDavid is flourishing everywhere else, but that’s where we’re at after nearly a decade of enjoying him.

This year, I’m betting on Connor McDavid getting back to the 50-goal mark, reclaiming his spot atop the NHL’s scoring race, and bringing home his fourth Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP. Despite having a fine campaign a year ago, I predict that Connor McDavid will go supernova in 2024-25 and put up the best season of his career, resulting in an extension needed for his trophy case at home. 50 goals, Art Ross, and the Hart Trophy — book it.

We’re all thinking about Leon Draisaitl’s extension, and I’m betting on him starting the 2024-25 campaign with a fresh eight-year extension that carries a $14 million AAV. The contract will feature a full no-move clause and similar annual bonuses to what Connor McDavid gets right now. This city will be elated with the news of Draisaitl’s extension and will give him a standing ovation when his name is announced during the Oilers’ home opener in early October.

If Viktor Arvidsson can stay healthy — something he was not in 2023-24 — I predict that he will score 30 goals for the third time in his career. No offense to the guys he was playing with in Los Angeles, but none of those centreman on the Kings are anywhere close to what he’ll have beside him in either Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid. That presents an opportunity for Arvidsson — a skilled pest with plenty of upside — to set a new career high in points even though he’s already been in the league for nine years. Of course, we’ll need some luck with his health and hope that he can settle in quickly, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to suggest that Arvidsson will score some goals in orange and blue.

Jeff Skinner was bought out by the Sabres after 427 games played, during which he produced 153 goals and 291 points. During those six years in Buffalo, like the eight before them in Carolina, Skinner never played a single minute of playoff hockey. Not one. After 1006 NHL games—an incredible feat on its own—our newly signed friend has no idea whether he can grow a beard or not.

I can only imagine how excited he is to come to Edmonton for the chance to make the playoffs and make some noise once he gets there. That’s why I’m predicting that he comes to town as motivated as he’s ever been to make an impact with his new team, leading to a 35-goal season as the sniper alongside one of the league’s premiere centremen. Obviously, the guy wants to get his first taste of playoff action, but I also think he will find a way to settle into Edmonton’s lineup and be productive. That’s why I’m predicting Jeff Skinner will come up with the fourth 35+ goal season of his career.

We all know how much NHL voters love when a defenceman can produce offence, and Evan Bouchard is one of the best in the league at doing precisely that. In 106 games played in 2023-24 — regular season and playoffs — Bouchard put up an incredible 114 points (24G, 90A), and I genuinely believe that’s only scratching the surface of what he’s capable of doing. Bouchard got better and better as the last season wore on, and I’m predicting that his fourth full NHL season will be a monster.

Not only does he have the skillset to make magic happen on a nightly basis, but we all know how players tend to elevate in contract years, and I’m expecting all of those factors to work in Dad’s favour. I’m predicting that he will go over a point per game in the regular season for the second straight year and that he will do the same in the playoffs, resulting in the kind of campaign that lands him as a finalist for the Norris Trophy.

I know the proposed plan is for Edmonton to slow play Matthew Savoie’s jump to the NHL, but I’m predicting that he makes a full time leap to the big leagues in the final quarter of the season and lights it up immediately. You know when hear stories about a rookie that gets recalled for a playoff push and starts producing like a house on fire despite a total lack of experience? That’s what I think will happen with the newly acquired Matthew Savoie.

I’m predicting that Savoie will get a late-season recall, and he will start producing offence immediately. Even though he won’t be counted on to be a big offensive guy at this stage, his playmaking and puck skills are so strong that he’ll start chipping in anyway. That secondary scoring will keep Savoie with the big club through the remainder of the year, and he will find the back of the net 10 times in very short order.

It’s time to dust off those clubs and hit the greens for the 7th Annual Oilersnation Golf Tournament presented by Oodle Noodle on August 30th, 2024! An 8am shotgun start at the Mill Woods Golf Club will kick off an unforgettable day of golf, laughs, and camaraderie with your fellow Nation Citizens. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just out there to hack away and have a good time, this tournament is for everyone. Grab your buddies or sign up as a single, and let’s make this year’s Oilersnation Golf Tournament the best one yet. Don’t miss out – Be there or be square! Visit nationgear.ca to register today. See you on the course!