The dust has settled on the Edmonton Oilers’ season after another year where they don’t have a Stanley Cup to show for it. Of course, doom and gloom have shrouded the state of the organization because of it, but it’s time to put a pause on that noise.

Many have been quick to say their window is closed, fuelled by a fear-mongering buzz around the franchise that they won’t win the ultimate prize during Connor McDavid’s prime.

You can call it delusion, or ‘copium,’ as the kids like to say. But I do believe this window with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can be extended.

All anyone has wanted to talk about is the worst-case scenario, but I would prefer to look at the best-case scenario.

There are many ways the Oilers can extend this window as Draisaitl and McDavid enter their 30s, and changes will be needed. Fortunately, they already have pieces, including those who can take the next step, those who can take time to recharge, and those who can bring in a fresh voice.

Growth in a turbulent storm

Last season was rather turbulent for the Oilers results-wise. With how they sputtered along, one could say the writing was on the wall for an early post-season exit.

But we still saw growth from multiple players, not only in Edmonton but also in Bakersfield.

Matt Savoie became a regular in the Oilers lineup, and while the first half of the season wasn’t ideal for him minutes-wise, it was after the Olympic break that fans watched him turn into a player who can play with the big guns and contribute in a top-six role.

At 22 years old, the Oilers have a young forward with the skill, speed, and hockey IQ to become a coveted top-six winger for Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid — one they’ve been hunting for in the trade market or in free agency for years. With players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman aging, it’s important that the Oilers have players like Savoie take the next step and potentially fill their shoes when the time comes.

Vasily Podkolzin was another player who grew and took a step forward. He matched Savoie’s 37 points, but he brings an edge of physicality and an unmatched work ethic. At 24 years old, he can definitely improve. Who knows how high his ceiling is, but his progression reminds me of Zach Hyman. While they’re different archetypes of players, Hyman didn’t pot 20-plus goals until he was 27, while Podkolzin was a goal shy of that mark this year.

Progression isn’t linear, of course. Players can have down years, but in 2025-26, we did see players grow with the chance of playing important roles in years to come. These are players you can depend on. Other names that come to mind are Josh Samanski, Ty Emberson, and Colton........

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