The 10 best players from each NHL team: Edmonton Oilers

Stuart Skinner has taken on the role of starting goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, and while he’s had some ups and downs along the way, he’s earned the trust of the organization. He isn’t always flawless between the pipes and has shown some inconsistency at times, especially in high-pressure situations, but his ability to bounce back and deliver solid stretches of play has been a stabilizing factor for the team.

Skinner brings a calm, composed presence to the crease, and his mental resilience is one of his strongest assets — something that’s especially important in a market as intense as Edmonton. He may not be considered one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders just yet, but he’s shown that he can be counted on more often than not. As the Oilers continue to chase a championship, Skinner’s continued growth and maturity remain crucial to their success.

Darnell Nurse has been a cornerstone of the Edmonton Oilers’ blue line for several seasons now. Known for his size, physicality, and ability to log big minutes, Nurse plays in all situations and often takes on the toughest assignments defensively. He brings grit and edge to the back end, and even if his offensive numbers have cooled off slightly in recent years, his presence is still felt all over the ice.

Nurse isn’t always the best player on the ice and he's faced criticism at times for costly mistakes, but there’s no denying how important he is to the Oilers’ defensive structure. He plays with intensity, leads by example, and continues to be one of the team’s emotional leaders. As Edmonton looks to stay competitive, having a steady, rugged defender like Nurse anchoring their top-four is a huge asset.

Mattias Ekholm brought exactly what the Edmonton Oilers needed when they acquired him: experience, poise, and defensive reliability. Since joining the team, he’s solidified the blue line with his calm presence and smart decision-making. He doesn’t panic under pressure, moves the puck well, and has the ability to shut down top opposing forwards.

His ability to complement more offensive-minded defensemen is very, very valuable. He often plays alongside Evan Bouchard, creating a duo that balances skill and stability.

While he’s not the flashiest or most vocal player, Ekholm’s impact is undeniable — he makes the team better when he’s on the ice. At 34, he's still playing high-quality hockey and remains a key pillar of Edmonton’s defensive core.

Evan Bouchard is a fundamental part of the Edmonton Oilers’ defensive core, combining smooth skating with strong offensive instincts. His ability to manage the puck and make precise passes allows him to set up scoring opportunities effectively. Bouchard’s presence is crucial on the power play, where his vision and shot contribute significantly to the team’s attack.

Defensively, he has made important strides, improving his positioning and decision-making to better support his teammates in their zone. At 25 years old, Bouchard consistently logs heavy minutes and takes on more responsibility each season. His blend of skill and growing defensive reliability makes him an essential player for the Oilers as they aim for playoff success.

Andrew Mangiapane signed a one-year deal last offseason to bet on himself, but things didn’t quite pan out the way he had hoped with the Capitals. That said, Mangiapane still brings offensive upside and a proven ability to contribute at 5-on-5 to the Oilers. 

Now with the Edmonton Oilers, he fits well into their high-tempo, attack-heavy system — especially alongside stars like McDavid and Draisaitl. Edmonton continues to load up on talent up front, even though everyone knows their real concern lies on the back end. As they say: defense wins championships.

Trent Frederic was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers in a trade with the Boston Bruins, and it came at a fairly steep price — a clear indication of how much the Oilers value what he brings to the table. Frederic isn’t the kind of player who will lead the team in scoring, but his physical presence, versatility, and edge make him a perfect fit for a deep playoff run.

He can play both center and wing, kill penalties, chip in offensively when needed, and most importantly, he gets under the skin of his opponents. Edmonton was looking to add grit and bite to its bottom six, and Frederic brings exactly that — along with a growing reputation as one of the league’s more underrated agitators.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been a key piece of the Oilers’ core for over a decade now. As the longest-serving member of the team, his importance goes well beyond the scoresheet. He’s versatile, responsible defensively, and can play anywhere in the lineup — whether it’s centering his own line or playing alongside McDavid or Draisaitl.

While he may not always grab the spotlight, Nugent-Hopkins consistently produces offensively and contributes in all situations: power play, penalty kill, late-game shutdown roles. He’s the kind of player every contending team needs — steady, smart, and committed. And for the Oilers, he remains one of the pillars of their push for a Stanley Cup.

Zach Hyman has become one of the most valuable players on the Oilers’ roster — not just because of his scoring touch, but because of the way he works for every inch on the ice. Since arriving in Edmonton, he’s been a model of consistency, delivering 30+ goals, excelling on the forecheck, and doing all the little things that help teams win.

His relentlessness is crazy. He battles in the corners, creates space for his linemates, and never takes a shift off. He’s become a fan favorite in Edmonton not just for his production, but for the passion and grit he brings night after night. On a team loaded with star power, Hyman’s hardworking, no-nonsense approach is a perfect complement — and a key part of the Oilers' identity.

Leon Draisaitl is, without question, one of the most dominant and complete players in the NHL. With his elite hockey sense, pinpoint passing, powerful shot, and ability to dictate the pace of play, he's been at the heart of Edmonton’s offense for years. Whether he’s setting up Connor McDavid or taking over a game himself, Draisaitl is a force that opponents always have to account for.

But what makes him truly special is his versatility. He can play center or wing, excels in all situations — power play, penalty kill, overtime — and consistently delivers in high-pressure moments, especially in the playoffs. His size and strength allow him to protect the puck with ease, and his vision is among the best in the world.

As one of the league’s top point producers, Draisaitl is the kind of player who can tilt the ice all by himself. He’s not just a star — he’s a game-changer, and a cornerstone of everything the Oilers hope to accomplish.

Connor McDavid is, quite simply, the most electrifying player in the NHL today — and one of the most gifted talents the sport has ever seen. His combination of blazing speed, elite edgework, unreal vision, and soft hands allows him to do things on the ice that defy logic and leave both fans and defenders speechless. When he has the puck, there's always a sense that something magical is about to happen.