Edmonton Oilers Power Rankings: Olympic Break Brings Minimal Shifts
The Edmonton Oilers player power rankings have returned with their bi-monthly assessment of contributions and value to the club. This evaluation considers recent performances, statistical achievements, occasional shortcomings, and various intangible factors that influence player impact on the ice.
Top Performers Maintain Positions
The Olympic break has resulted in minimal movement within the rankings, as key players continue to demonstrate their importance to the team's structure and success.
1. Connor McDavid (Previous Rank: 1)
Connor McDavid retains his position at the top of the power rankings, returning from Italy as Captain Canada with enhanced stature among hockey enthusiasts nationwide. While Team Canada's gold medal aspirations concluded in a narrow 3-on-3 overtime defeat, McDavid's leadership in Sidney Crosby's absence proved remarkable.
The Oilers captain established new NHL player records during the Olympic Games with eleven assists and thirteen points, showcasing his exceptional skill on the international stage. The question now becomes what toll this extended international commitment might exact upon McDavid's performance as he rejoins his teammates who enjoyed rest during the break.
Whether this demanding schedule might eventually affect his standing in future power rankings remains uncertain, but betting against McDavid maintaining his elite position would be unwise given his consistent excellence.
2. Leon Draisaitl (Previous Rank: 2)
Leon Draisaitl continues to hold the second position after representing Germany as their mannschaftskapitän and flagbearer alongside seven-time world ski-jumping champion Katharina Schmid. Though Germany's Olympic journey concluded with a 6-2 quarterfinal loss to Slovakia, Draisaitl and fellow countryman Josh Samanski represented their NHL club with distinction.
Draisaitl recorded three points during the tournament, including a goal and two assists in Germany's 5-1 victory over Team France that secured their playoff berth. This performance made him the first German-born player to achieve a three-point game in Olympic competition. An unexpected benefit emerged from Germany's early elimination, as Draisaitl gained additional recovery time compared to McDavid before returning to Oilers duties.
3. Evan Bouchard (Previous Rank: 3)
Evan Bouchard maintains his third-place ranking despite being omitted from Team Canada's Olympic roster. Selection concerns centered around which version of Bouchard would appear—the early-season performer prone to costly errors or the more disciplined mid-season defender.
The offensively gifted defenseman has demonstrated noticeable improvement since December, with his point production continuing to accumulate while defensive lapses have diminished. Bouchard currently ranks third in team scoring behind the two superstar forwards, though his defensive capabilities remain under scrutiny.
The Olympic break has highlighted defensive concerns for the Oilers, who share the league's third-worst position with 200 goals against. This defensive vulnerability has prompted organizational adjustments, including the return of defensive assistant Paul Coffey to the coaching staff and potential systematic changes to improve defensive performance.
As the Oilers resume their regular season schedule, these power rankings reflect both the stability of top performers and the ongoing challenges facing the team's defensive structure.
