‘Tis the season! And with it being so, we posted an engagement graphic on our social media channels to learn what presents the fans of Oilersnation want Santa to deliver to Rogers Place for the team. For this, I decided to dive into the comment sections on Facebook, Instagram, and X to see what everyone had to say.
A healthy Evander Kane
Health would be massive for many fans of the Edmonton Oilers, specifically for one fan favourite: Evander Kane.
“A healthy and impactful Evander Kane would be bloody fantastic, would a deadline Victor Arvidson trade be the worst thing in the world? Go get Jonathan Marchessault lol And Stauffer at a public skate with cocktail in hand always warms the heart in these cold winter months” – Daniel Freier via X
It’s hard to disagree here. I feel the Oilers have missed Evander Kane’s physical presence and the swagger that he brings to the ice. I wonder what kind of impact he can have with a clean bill of health.
The last time Kane was fully healthy was when he first signed with the Oilers in January of 2022. After that, he went on to have 35 goals and 56 points in 58 games, which included playoffs. His first few months were electric, it’s hard to say if he will ever get back to that level but when healthy, Evander Kane can produce.
Health, in general, would be incredible throughout the lineup, especially later in the season and into the playoffs. Like many Oilers fans, I often wonder how the Cup Final would’ve gone if they had a healthier version of Kane, Draisaitl, and McDavid.
Trades, trades, and more trades
If there’s one thing Oilers fans love to discuss, it’s trades. But according to Frank Seravalli on Oilersnation Everyday, the Oilers have been barely active in the trade market thus far.
Marcus Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins is a name that’s been floated around. The Swedish defenceman is 28 years old, shoots left, and is 6-foot-5. According to PuckPedia, he has a cap hit of $4.03 million and is on the last leg of his current contract.
Another gift would be a second-pairing right-handed defenceman on the Oilers’ blue line. I’d be shocked if this didn’t happen. On his show Oilers Now, Bob Stauffer has mentioned multiple times that the club would like to acquire a defenceman, however, it could be a left-handed player who can play on the right side. Tyler Yaremchuk has said he feels Michael Matheson from the Montreal Canadiens would be the ideal candidate. Or it could be someone who hasn’t even been mentioned yet and could become available closer to the NHL trade deadline.
The Stanley Cup
Hopefully, Santa’s sleigh has enough space for Lord Stanley. From all the comments I read, it’s the one gift Oilers fans want the most, and I’m sure the players do, too.
Meeting Florida in the finals again and bringing Stanley back to Edmonton. Perry retires with a “curse” broken. – Poppindonuts via IG
Who would want to see a re-match with the Panthers? Based on their last meeting, it would make for must-see TV once again. However, I wouldn’t mind seeing a different opponent like the New York Rangers, but that’s if they can get their act together.
I have a different view on this because I feel the Stanley Cup being gifted doesn’t seem right. It should be earned and presented. Maybe I’m taking this a little too seriously.
Stocking stuffers
“A conference title. If we have home ice advantage in playoffs, we’re unstoppable IMO.” – Derek Van De Keere via Facebook
Before the season started, I felt that the Oilers needed home-ice advantage in all stages of the playoffs. And as Derek mentioned, they need to win the Western Conference or President’s Trophy to do so, depending on who they face in playoff time. On paper, that doesn’t seem like a crazy idea as they’re only seven points behind the Winnipeg Jet, who are first place in the NHL at the time of writing this article.
“Another 16-game win streak, but this one starting mid April” – ewalker8 via Instagram
That would be the sweetest gift of all. I love how he put that one together.
“Prime Chris Pronger or Pokey Reddick” – Balf94 via X
Considering that both players listed have won the Stanley Cup, I’m sure the experience would be beneficial. My knowledge of Pokey Reddick isn’t the greatest, however, I do know Pronger would be a rockstar on this Edmonton blueline.
If Santa can fit the Stanley Cup under the tree at Rogers Place or give the gift of health to Evander Kane, Zach Hyman, and any other Oilers who get injured down the road, fans would be more than happy. That said, I’d like to wish you all a fantastic and safe holiday and thank you for your overwhelming support on the Oilersnation socials over the last year.
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