NHL Analyst Gives Oilers Concerning Prediction

Coming off another loss in the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers front office has been trying to figure out how to get over the hump. Edmonton has reached two straight Stanley Cup Finals, but the team has dropped both to the Florida Panthers.

This Oilers squad has a lot of talent across the roster, but it hasn't been enough to get the job done. And with the impending free agency of star Connor McDavid, the pressure is on for the Oilers.

However, the team hasn't been very active this offseason in terms of upgrading the roster. In fact, they have lost some key pieces, and it could impact how competitive they are next season.

NHL writer Sara Civian of Bleacher Report ranked the top-10 Stanley Cup Final contenders for next season, and the Oilers came in at No. 5. Civian is concerned about the lack of depth that Edmonton has on its roster currently.

"It's tough to look at two straight seasons of losing in the Cup final and not wonder if this Oilers team has run out of chances. The Oilers have also lost a lot of depth this offseason in Corey Perry, Jeff Skinner, Connor Brown and Evander Kane," Civian wrote.

Edmonton was dangerous this past season due to the strong depth that the team accumulated around the star players. If the Oilers can't replicate that, it could cause some real issues as they enter the season.

Not only do the Oilers have next season to think about, but if they can't contend again, McDavid could leave in free agency. There is still time for the Oilers to add to this team, but the front office will need to get creative since many teams have slowed things down his offseason.