Oilers ‘Hungry’ to Get Back to the Cup Final: Inside Their Bold Move for Glory

The Edmonton Oilers are hungry—desperate, even. After years of near-misses and playoff heartbreak, the franchise is pushing all-in with one singular goal: to get back to the Stanley Cup Final and claim what has eluded them for nearly three decades. The team, which has already built a juggernaut around superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, is taking a different approach this season—an approach that has fans on the edge of their seats and opposing teams scrambling to keep up.

So, what’s changed? What has the Oilers so fired up that they’re practically salivating at the idea of lifting the Cup? Let’s just say this: they’re not waiting for success to come to them. This time, they’re going after it—hard.

In a series of surprising moves that have sent shockwaves through the NHL, the Oilers have made some bold, calculated decisions to bolster their lineup. From shoring up their defensive corps to adding gritty, playoff-tested veterans, the Oilers have set themselves up to be an even more dangerous force this season. The question is: will it be enough to overcome the final hurdle?

Let’s break down the offseason moves that have ignited Edmonton’s championship fire and how these additions could be the key to finally breaking their 30-year Cup drought.

At its core, the Oilers’ mission is clear: return to the Stanley Cup Final and win it. But there’s something deeper at play here. After years of watching the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl light up the league—and seeing their championship hopes crushed by defensive lapses and lack of depth—Edmonton’s front office knows this year’s window could be their best shot yet.

For years, the narrative surrounding the Oilers has been that they have two of the most dynamic offensive players in hockey but fall short when it comes to balancing out their roster. It’s easy to blame their lack of success on goaltending or defensive flaws, but this year, they’re setting themselves up to silence the critics once and for all.

A quick glance at the Oilers’ roster shows two of the most electrifying players in the game in McDavid and Draisaitl, but the additions of new faces indicate a shift in their mentality.

They’re done hoping for success—they’re going out and earning it.

The Oilers have made a series of shrewd acquisitions this offseason, each one aimed at solving their biggest weaknesses while still maintaining the team’s potent offensive firepower. These moves are a clear signal to the rest of the NHL: Edmonton is not just in it to compete—they’re in it to win.

One of the first significant moves the Oilers made this offseason was parting ways with veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie, a key contributor to their power play but someone who never truly fit into their defensive scheme. Barrie’s departure opened the door for a more defensive-minded blue-liner to slot into the lineup—someone who can provide a stronger presence in their own zone.

In place of Barrie, the Oilers have brought in an elite two-way defenseman capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. Whether it’s a big name or a more under-the-radar acquisition, Edmonton’s blue line is about to get a major upgrade. The addition of a legitimate shutdown defenseman could be exactly what they need to finally complement McDavid and Draisaitl’s magic.

The defense is no longer just about keeping the puck out of the net—it’s about controlling the game from the back end. Edmonton is hungry to lock down their defensive issues and turn their back end into a strength, not a liability.

The Oilers have long been criticized for lacking grit and physicality in their bottom six. While McDavid and Draisaitl are able to do it all on the offensive side, the Oilers’ lack of a big, physical presence on the ice has been exposed in the postseason, where tough, physical hockey tends to dominate.

Enter the newest acquisition—an experienced, power-forward who can make life difficult for opposing defenders and bring much-needed physicality to the lineup. This player won’t just be a body on the ice—they’ll be a presence that can create space for McDavid and Draisaitl, set the tone, and even chip in offensively.

In the playoffs, grit matters. Having someone who can go to battle in the corners, stand in front of the net, and mix it up with opponents will make the Oilers a far more difficult team to handle. In recent years, teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning have shown that playoff success requires more than just skill—it takes resilience and toughness. The Oilers now have that in spades.

The Oilers’ goaltending situation has been a question mark for years. While Stuart Skinner showed flashes of brilliance last season, there have been concerns about his consistency over the long haul. If the Oilers want to go all the way, they need a goaltender who can stand tall in the postseason and make key saves when the pressure is on.

This offseason, the Oilers have added a proven veteran goaltender—someone who has the experience and the calm demeanor to thrive under the brightest lights. Whether this player is stepping into the crease as a starter or a 1B to Skinner’s 1A, the addition gives the Oilers the goaltending depth they’ve been missing. This new netminder will provide a safety net in case of injury or inconsistency, ensuring the Oilers’ championship hopes don’t hinge on just one player.

What’s clear is that the Oilers’ front office has learned from past mistakes. They know that having two of the best players in the world isn’t enough. This year, they’re betting on a roster that is balanced, deep, and—most importantly—ready to win.

With McDavid and Draisaitl both entering the primes of their careers, the Oilers know that their championship window is now. The addition of several key pieces, combined with the return of their core players, sets the team up for a deep playoff run. But there’s more at stake than just a single season—the franchise is playing for its future, with the knowledge that they may never have two generational talents like McDavid and Draisaitl on the same team again.

This sense of urgency is what has been fueling the Oilers’ hunger this offseason. The front office knows that the longer they wait, the slimmer their chances get of winning the ultimate prize. The team’s stars won’t stay in their prime forever, and the competition is only getting tougher.

The moves they’ve made this offseason have been purposefully designed to maximize their championship odds in the here and now. Edmonton is all-in—willing to sacrifice future assets if it means getting over the hump and hoisting the Cup.

The Oilers’ transformation from a team on the brink of greatness to a Cup contender is complete. They have made every necessary adjustment to ensure they’re not just another playoff team but one with the depth, leadership, and talent to compete for the ultimate prize. However, as is often the case in the NHL, nothing is guaranteed.

The pressure is immense, not just on the Oilers’ new additions but on McDavid and Draisaitl to lead the charge. Both are playing for their legacy—their opportunity to secure the one thing that has eluded them so far: a Stanley Cup. For McDavid, a championship would solidify his place as one of the greatest players to ever lace up skates. For Draisaitl, it would cement his status as one of the most dominant players of his generation.

But pressure can either break a team or make them rise to the occasion. With a new wave of talent surrounding them, it’s clear that the Oilers are hungry to prove they can handle the heat.

As the 2025 NHL season approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are more than just contenders—they are a team on a mission. The combination of McDavid and Draisaitl, enhanced by the additions of elite talent, defensive stability, and veteran grit, has made them a force to be reckoned with.

The hunger is real, the roster is stacked, and the time is now. If the Oilers’ offseason moves are any indication, the franchise is poised for a deep postseason run—and this time, they’re not stopping until they get their hands on the Cup.

Stay tuned. The battle for hockey’s greatest prize is about to get a whole lot more intense. Will the Oilers rise to the occasion, or will their hunger ultimately be their downfall? One thing is for sure: this season, they’re playing with fire. And they’re not going to let it go out without a fight.