Oilers have major roster problem that may cost them Stanley Cup
The Edmonton Oilers are fully loaded to make a repeat run to the Stanley Cup Final next year, but according to one hockey figure, they have one problem that will stand in their way - the roster's average age.
In the last 9 years, no Stanley Cup champion has had more than 2 forwards over the age of 32. If the Edmonton Oilers win the Cup next year, they will have 9.
ESPN's John Buccigross has pointed out that the Oilers are one of the league's oldest teams, especially up front. In recent NHL history, no team has won with multiple forwards over the age of 32, and the Oilers are chalked full of veteran forwards.
Plenty of forwards will be turning 32 years old over the next season, and a few are well over the hump. Corey Perry, Adam Henrique, and Derek Ryan are all much older forwards. Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and Jeff Skinner are currently 32. During next season, Mattias Janmark, Victor Arvidsson, and even Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will turn 32 years old.
Plenty of these forwards will be playing key roles on the team, which could add a concern for their conditioning and ability to keep up with younger players. It is true too that with a heavily aging supporting cast, the Oilers may need to replace plenty of players in the near future to remain competitive.
Oilers president Jeff Jackson has already started re-stocking the cupboards with two high end prospects in Matthew Savoie and Sam O'Reilly. Seeing that the team is currently skewing towards the back nine of their careers, the Oilers may make it a priority to target younger players under Jeff Jackson's administration.
Source: John Buccigross on X
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