The Edmonton Oilers are facing a difficult stretch early in the 2025–26 season. Their 6-6-4 record places them seventh in the Pacific Division, a position far below expectations for a team that entered the year with championship ambitions. Their offensive power, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, continues to deliver, but defensive struggles and shaky goaltending have repeatedly cost them valuable points.
A humbling 9-1 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche over the weekend only amplified the concern. As the team regroups to face the Columbus Blue Jackets, emotions are high in the Oilers’ locker room, and one of their leaders isn’t shying away from speaking his mind.
What Did Leon Draisaitl Mean by Getting ‘Slapped In The Face’?
Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers’ alternate captain, addressed the media before the Blue Jackets game and admitted the team needed a wake-up call. His statement reflected the frustration building in the locker room. The Colorado blowout wasn’t just a bad night; it exposed deeper issues in Edmonton’s defensive play and overall consistency.
“Sometimes it’s, you know, easier to get really whacked across the face instead of, you know, kind of pity-patting around for another couple of weeks and, you know, win one, lose two, and, you know, you never really find it,” Draisaitl said. “So sometimes a slap on the face is just what you need. And, you know, again, we got to respond.”
Despite the team’s struggles, Draisaitl has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise uneven start to the year. Through 16 games, the 30-year-old forward has 10 goals and 8 assists for 18 points, maintaining his status as one of the NHL’s most reliable offensive players. His ability to perform under pressure and drive play remains vital for Edmonton’s success, especially with the power play currently second-best in the league and one of their few consistent strengths.
Signed to an eight-year, $112 million contract with a $14 million cap hit, Draisaitl’s value to the Oilers is undeniable. His deal runs through the 2032–33 season, ensuring that he and Connor McDavid will continue to form one of the league’s most dynamic duos for at least three more years. But as much as Draisaitl continues to produce, he’s also demanding more accountability from the team.
Saturday’s game was among the most one-sided losses the Oilers have faced in recent years. Nathan MacKinnon recorded four points, while Cale Makar and Parker Kelly each scored twice, exposing Edmonton’s defensive lapses and goaltending issues. Even McDavid’s lone power-play goal couldn’t shift the momentum, as the Oilers struggled to keep up with Colorado’s speed and precision.
Also read: Oilers Fans Push for 662-Win Head Coach To Replace Kris Knoblauch
Adding to their troubles, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed today that forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been placed on injured reserve for at least a week. The veteran center’s absence removes a key playmaker from an already unstable lineup, further challenging the team’s depth.