32 Thots - The Fantasic Four - #4 - Edmonton Oilers

As the author of 32 thots I am finally writing about myself

Leon Yu’s Edmonton Oilers absolutely dominated the regular season.

  • Record: 58-13-8 (1st in Pacific Division)
  • Power Play (PP): 24.9% (3rd) — lethal with the man advantage.
  • Penalty Kill (PK): 84.65% (5th) — top-tier defensive effort.
  • Goals For (GF): 4.0 (1st) — the highest-scoring team in the league.
  • Goals Against (GA): 2.32 (1st) — the stingiest defense too.

This team wasn't just good — it was a machine. First in goals scored, first in goals allowed, and top 5 special teams on both sides.
Leon built a near-perfect squad, boasting elite firepower and lockdown defense. The Oilers enter the playoffs as overwhelming Cup favorites.

In short: This was an absolute masterclass of roster construction and execution.
Anything less than a championship would feel like a disappointment given how dominant they were across the board.

 

Forwards Grade: A+

Your forward group is absurdly good.

  • Superstars: Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, Timo Meier, Troy Terry
  • Elite Depth: Mats Zuccarello, Mason Marchment, Viktor Arvidsson, Mathieu Joseph, JT Miller
  • Role Players: David Kampf

This group is unstoppable. You have multiple MVP-caliber players (McDavid, Matthews), elite wingers (Marchand, Meier, Reinhart), and even the "secondary" guys are top-6 talents on most teams. It's relentless firepower from line 1 to line 4.

Defense Grade: A-

A very solid blueline overall:

  • Top-End Talent: Morgan Rielly, Rasmus Andersson
  • Strong Veterans: Jonas Brodin, Jared Spurgeon, Matt Roy
  • Good Depth: Sean Durzi

The defense is deep and smart, but slightly lacks a true Norris-caliber #1 like Cale Makar or Adam Fox. Still, it’s good enough when paired with your elite scoring and goaltending.

Goaltending Grade: A-

  • Connor Hellebuyck: One of the best goalies in the world, a Vezina candidate.
  • Jonathan Quick: Veteran presence but aging and unreliable now.

Hellebuyck is a true workhorse, but you might want a slightly more reliable backup if Quick falters.

Prospect Pool Grade: C

  • Top Prospects: None immediately elite
  • Notables: Tyson Jugnauth, Tanner Ludtke, Jeremy Langlois

Your prospect list is thin and lacking top-end talent. It’s understandable though — your current team is built to win now, not later. Most of your prospects would be considered longshots.

Draft Picks Summary:

  • 2025: NJD 3, NJD 4, EDM 4, EDM 6
  • 2026: EDM 3, SJS 3, EDM 4, EDM 5, EDM 6, SJS 6, EDM 7

Solid mid-to-late round capital. No 1sts or 2nds, but still enough picks to either reload depth or package in future trades.

Overall Team Outlook: A+

You are in clear win-now mode and your team is built perfectly for a championship run.
The elite forwards, deep defense, Hellebuyck in net, and powerplay dominance make you the heavy favorite in the BRHL.

Offseason Strategy Suggestions:

1.      Find a Better Backup Goalie
Quick is no longer reliable. Look for a cheap, competent 1B goalie to back up Hellebuyck.

2.      Add a Norris-Caliber Defenseman (If Possible)
If you want to be completely unbeatable, try acquiring a true #1 D. Even though your D is good, a Makar or Fox type would make it lethal.

3.      Prospect Pool Reset (Optional)
Your prospect depth is weak. If you dominate again next season, consider moving some aging pieces (like Marchand) for high-end futures before they lose value.

Final Word:
You are the team to beat.
It would be a major upset if you don't seriously contend for the BRHL Championship this year.

If you don’t win, it’s time to give up and go full rebuild.

 

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