Oil Report - Edmonton Oilers Preparing for a 3rd PFHL Season

It feels like ages since the Edmonton Oilers blew a 3-1 series lead to the eventual PFHL champion Vancouver Canucks. Although the disappointment was huge, not all was negative as the Oilers did have a fairly impressive season situated in the ultra tough Pacific Division. With a 48-26-8 record finishing 3rd in the Pacific and 8th overall in the PFHL, the Oilers seemed to take some strides forward. The Oilers joined fellow Pacific division team the Vegas Golden Knights as the only 2 teams in the PFHL with Multiple 100+ point players, led again by the dynamic duo of Bo Horvat (39-65-104) and Patrik Laine (39-72-111).



As players dispersed for different parts of the globe, the off-season saw the Edmonton Oilers management preparing for the upcoming 2023 Entry Draft. The Oilers made 6 selections in this years draft headlined by 1st round selection Quentin Musty of the Sudbury Wolves at 23rd overall. Musty is a bit of a gamble, as he has a fair bit of upside as he is a powerful, physically gifted winger with a heavy release. Musty needs to improve his processing speed and overall awareness on the ice but could grow into an impactful NHL forward for the Oilers with proper development.



This off-season also saw the departure of fan favourite Tom Wilson. “We really really wanted to keep Tom an Oiler, but cap wise we were not able to make it work” General Manager Travis Chorostkowski said. Wilson left the Oilers for Eastern Division Columbus Blue Jackets signing a 4 year $8,000,000 contract. “ I love Tommy, but at least he went to the Eastern division so we don’t have to see him on the ice very often” quipped veteran center Devin Shore. The Oilers hope to fill the large void left by the departure of Wilson with the Free Agency signing of Cam Atkinson, who comes to the Oilers from the Los Angeles Kings. “I am really excited to be here in Edmonton, I think they have a legit shot to compete over the next couple of seasons. Things didn’t work out great in LA, but I am looking forward to a fresh start.” Atkinson said at he sat watching the Oilers rookie camp.



As the Oilers embark on the upcoming PFHL season, preparations are already well under way, and expectations are high. “We have one job to do this year, and that ends with a Stanley Cup.” Captain Bo Horvat stated during a sit down with the Edmonton Journal. Lofty expectations from the Captain. We will find out shortly if Horvat and the Oilers can deliver.

Peter Parker

Edmonton Journal