Oilers Lose Season Opener to Jets

The Edmonton Oilers faced a disappointing start to the 2024-25 NHL season, losing their opener against the Winnipeg Jets, which many fans are calling one of the worst in team history. This follows a tumultuous previous season that saw significant roster changes and the firing of head coach Jay Woodcroft due to poor performance. The coaching staff's decision to rest veterans during preseason may have contributed to the team's slow start, as they struggled to find the right pairings. Key players like Leon Draisaitl now have new linemates, Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, who are expected to make a significant impact. Despite a promising roster, the Oilers must quickly regain momentum to avoid repeating last season's disastrous opening. The situation is compounded by salary cap constraints that have influenced roster decisions, including the recent placement of Evander Kane on LTIR, which opens up some financial flexibility but also complicates player availability.