NHL Season Secrets: Uncover the Surprising Strengths, Hidden Weaknesses, and Game-Changing X Factors for Every Team
Last season: 48-29-5 (101 points), lost in Stanley Cup Final
Stanley Cup odds: +800
Projected points: 103.1
Biggest strength: A supporting cast that appears threatening. Every team in a championship window is faced with the annual problem of building a strong supporting cast with limited cap space. The Oilers jettisoned quite a few players in the offseason to do just that, with the intent of reaching a third straight Cup Final — hopefully with a different outcome. Oilers GM Stan Bowman used his team’s tight space to add Andrew Mangiapane, and traded for Isaac Howard, knowing that the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner — along with Matt Savoie — gives them a pair of promising top-nine forwards at a team-friendly price.
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