Oilers Seeking First Division Title Since 1986-87

It’s been 40 years since the Edmonton Oilers last won their division. It’s the longest active division title drought in major North American professional sports. There’s a good chance the Oilers will finish first in the Pacific Division in the 2026-27 NHL season not because they’ve vastly improved but because the other teams in the division haven’t done much to improve their rosters, except for the San Jose Sharks. Here’s a closer look at why the Oilers should be the favourite for the Pacific Division crown going into the 2026-27 season.

Coaches Mike Babcock and DJ Smith Will Be Difference Makers

I have to admit the Oilers’ offseason coaching change has slowly grown on me. Call it a gut feeling or intuition, but there’s a good chance that the duo of head coach Mike Babcock and associate coach DJ Smith will make a positive difference in how the Oilers perform in 2026-27. Babcock has a lot of pride and much to prove that he could be the right guy to light a fire under an Oilers team that has routinely underachieved during the regular season.

Smith will be a welcome voice, especially on defence and on the penalty kill, and fans can expect the Oilers to tighten up in their own end. The Oilers have had some good head coaches during Connor McDavid’s time in Edmonton, but this coaching duo might finally be what the team has needed to play winning hockey on a consistent basis.

Goaltending Will Be Stronger

If there’s been one glaring hole in the Oilers’ arsenal over the past decade, it’s been inconsistent goaltending. This could be the season that changes all that. The goaltending trio of Frederik Andersen, Tristan Jarry and Devin Levi will push each other and, in all likelihood, provide a sense of calm and confidence that has been missing for a long time. Andersen, who is coming off a Stanley Cup victory with the Carolina Hurricanes, has played for Babcock before, and he should provide stable veteran leadership.

Meanwhile, Jarry is looking for a bounce-back season after a rough 2025-26 campaign and will be pushed by Levi, who is out to make a name for himself. It’s going to be an interesting season just watching the goaltenders, but I think you can expect the trio to provide the Oilers with the goaltending they need to win the Pacific Division.

Key Oilers Players Will Be Rested

Do not ever underestimate the power of rest. After playing the most games in the NHL over the past four seasons, the Oilers experienced a lengthy offseason to heal nagging injuries and rejuvenate their minds and bodies. Veterans such as McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will especially benefit from the long rest and fans should expect to see a difference in their game in the 2026-27 NHL season.