3 Bold Predictions for Edmonton Oilers' 2024-25 Season

The Edmonton Oilers were oh so close to winning the Stanley Cup last season. Management has done a great job re-tooling on the fly, while keeping most of the team together, as the Oilers are once again the favorites out of the Western Conference.

There's a very good chance Edmonton is going to be active this season ahead of the trade deadline as they'll look to fine tune their roster for another Cup run. The Oilers dealt with some offer sheets this summer and had to navigate through some salary cap flexibility that came with losing both Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.

It's going to be a great season in Edmonton, here's three bold predictions for 2024-25:

Oilers win Stanley Cup

Yes, that's right, the Oilers are the pick to win the Cup. The core of the team is learning how to win and what's required to sacrifice in order to be successful. Connor McDavid will get the job done this season and lead his team to a parade. Look for the Oilers to add on defense before the trade deadline to push this roster to the promised land.

Evander Kane gets traded before deadline

Kane is out months currently after undergoing a series of surgeries and at $5.1 million against the cap this season and next, the money could be better suited on other players. Look for GM Stan Bowman to make Kane available ahead of the trade deadline as they could wind up moving him and a draft pick for an impact defenseman. Kane's had his moments with several of the team's core players, a trade shouldn't surprise many.

Jeff Skinner returns to point-a-game player

Skinner signed a one-year $3 million deal after being bought out by the Buffalo Sabres and among the top-six of the Oilers, look for Skinner to return to form. He'll have all the opportunity to play big minutes and on the lethal Oilers' power play, so the 32-year-old will be able to showcase he has tons left in the tank. The Sabres may have given up on Skinner, but that doesn't mean much moving forward as he'll find a new, long-term home in Edmonton.