Three former Edmonton Oilers are making a significant impact in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, even as their old team struggles. Brett Kulak, Taylor Hall, and Ryan McLeod are all playing crucial roles for teams with strong championship aspirations.
Taylor Hall's Resurgence
Taylor Hall, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, is leading his team in playoff scoring with 12 points in eight games and a plus-minus of +10. At 34, Hall is proving his critics wrong after a career that saw him play for six different NHL teams since leaving Edmonton. His performance has been instrumental in Carolina's deep playoff run.
Brett Kulak's Consistency
Brett Kulak is serving as a reliable second-pairing defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, averaging 20:40 of ice time per game. His steady play mirrors his time in Edmonton, where he consistently elevated his game in the postseason. Kulak's departure was part of a trade to acquire goaltender Tristan Jarry, a move that has not panned out for the Oilers.
Ryan McLeod's Role
Ryan McLeod, now with the Buffalo Sabres, is playing the third most minutes among Sabres forwards in the playoffs. While his scoring is not as flashy as Hall's, McLeod has provided solid two-way play, posting 54 points in the regular season and a plus-25 rating. His trade for Matt Savoie is still being evaluated, but Buffalo has already benefited from McLeod's contributions.
The success of these three players underscores the controversial trades made by the Oilers during the Connor McDavid era. While Edmonton's management moved on from them, each player is now thriving in a new environment, with Hall and Kulak on teams favored to meet in the Stanley Cup Final.
As the playoffs continue, fans may find themselves rooting for their former Oilers to achieve the ultimate hockey dream: winning the Stanley Cup.
