Oilers Win McEichel Sweepstakes!

It took nine years, but the Oilers sly plan has finally come to fruition.  They've won the chance to draft a decadal talent in Connor McDavid.  Though the Oilers had just an 11.5 percent chance, to win the first pick in the draft, the dug deep and called on the plan and won the player that will finally fix the franchise.

Investment Pays Off

The investments made by Kevin Lowe in the Draft Lottery organization, including luminaries like Steve Tambellini, Craig MacTavish, Scott Howson, Stu MacGregor and Daryl Katz' son come full circle as McDavid's arrival in Edmonton brings to light the long-term vision of the franchise.

Jesus McDavid

Though the Oilers have not committed to draft McDavid, the pick is a foregone conclusion.  McDavid has single-handedly rescued the Erie Otters from the depths of the OHL, scoring points like no one in the CHL since Sidney Crosby.

Defensive Focus

With the forward contingent now well in hand, as Leon Draisatl and McDavid will solidify the centre situation, the Oilers will focus on getting Andrew Ference in the best shape of his career as he heads to camp and focus on getting Nikita Nikitin's weight down to the levels that made him the top flight defenseman he is.

Playoffs

McDavid accelerates the timeline and the Oilers become and immediate playoff threat in 2016, a team that no one wants to play with the loads of talent and devil-may-care attitude of the run-and-gun young Oilers.