Analytics model giving Edmonton Oilers some of the highest Stanley Cup odds
At least one analytics model is liking the Edmonton Oilers offseason so far.
GM Stan Bowman has been busy this summer, revamping the goaltending situation and shipping out Darnell Nurse in a cap-clearing trade. It’s been an interesting few weeks, and debate has already started on whether or not the team is better off for it.
The Oilers’ forward group has gone more or less untouched, with Edmonton seemingly satisfied with how the front-end of the roster is shaping up. The only new forward joining the roster, so far, is depth Mathieu Joseph.
The changes on defence have seen Ryan Shea and Shakir Mukhamadullin added into the fray, and of course, Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi will join Tristan Jarry as part of the three-goalie system between the pipes.
There are sure to be more significant changes coming before next season’s deadline, as the Oilers have already been rumoured to be targeting a top-six forward after striking out on Claude Giroux earlier this summer.
As it stands, however, it does appear that at least one analytics model is like how the Oilers are shaping up. According to HockeyStats.com, the Oilers currently hold the fifth-best Stanley Cup odds in the NHL, and the third-best in the Western Conference.
They are giving Edmonton an eight percent chance of finally winning the Stanley Cup next season.
HockeyStats.com
On the surface, those may not seem like the best odds, but they are among the best in the entire league at the moment. The only Western Conference teams with better odds are the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, who are both sitting at 11 per cent.
Out East, the Florida Panthers are being given an 11 per cent chance while the Tampa Bay Lightning are sitting pretty at 10 per cent. Surprisingly, the Oilers have the edge over the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, who sit one point lower at seven per cent.
HockeyStats.com is projecting the Oilers to finish atop the Pacific Division with 100 points, which would be the franchise’s first divisional title since the 1986-87 season.
The Oilers’ reputation took a hit around the league after a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks last season, but Connor McDavid and company will be looking for revenge this upcoming season.