5 Oilers Who Can Have Career Seasons in 2022-23

The Edmonton Oilers are expected to take the next step in transitioning to Stanley Cup contenders after their final four finish last season. With the signing of Jack Campbell to improve their netminding and the re-signing of Brett Kulak, they’ve taken the necessary measures to ensure they’re stable defensively, but their main strength heading into the 2022-23 season will be their dynamic offense.

Because of that, let’s look at five Oilers who are likely to set career-highs in points next season — aside from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The two former Hart Trophy winners reached a new level of play in the postseason, finishing first and second in points, despite not playing the final round. They’re in the prime of their careers, and it’s almost automatic at this point that they’ll surpass their highest point totals. With that in mind, below are five other Oilers who have a shot of having career years in the 2022-23 season.

Evander Kane

Evander Kane’s previous career high in points was 57 in 74 games in the 2011-12 season with the Winnipeg Jets. He joined the Oilers midway through the 2021-22 season in late January but missed half the season and needed time to adjust to the speed of the game. Still, he still recorded 39 points in 43 regular season games. He lit up the postseason when he scored 13 goals in 15 games and led the entire NHL. Additionally, Kane scored the third most goals in a series in franchise history, when he buried seven in the series against the Los Angeles Kings.

There’s no new news on his grievance hearing with the San Jose Sharks, but assuming he returns to the Oilers next season to start his fresh new four-year deal, it’s a safe bet that he’ll start where he left off, which was on the number one line right beside Connor McDavid.  

With a full training camp and preseason to be in game shape when the season starts, and the abundant chemistry he’s built with McDavid, Kane should outproduce his career-high 57 points by a wide margin. If he stays healthy, it wouldn’t be surprising for him to tally a 40-goal and 70-point season.

Evan Bouchard

Evan Bouchard’s first full season as an Oiler was a slam dunk. He averaged 19:48 time on ice (TOI), had a 55 percent Corsi share and tallied 12 goals and 31 assists in 81 games, finishing 28^th overall in NHL points by defensemen. There was a learning curve…