The Edmonton Oilers have the best player in the world, Connor McDavid, in addition to of course others Leon Draisaitl, who is one of the best players in the world. However, even with all of that superstar talent, Edmonton has lost two Stanley Cups in the last three seasons, and most recently, were eliminated in the 2025-26 playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks in a 4-2 series loss. The problem for the Oilers has been rooted mainly in their poor goaltending, and the Utah Mammoth can learn from this.
The Oilers lack of a good goalie cost them dearly over the last few seasons
Even with a very powerful offense, the Oilers haven't exactly been great over the last few seasons, mainly because of their lack of a good goalie. In the 2023-24 season, the Oilers managed to reach the Stanley Cup after an amazing run in the playoffs, but after going down 3-0 in the Stanley Cup against the Florida Panthers, Edmonton would win the next three games before being eliminated in game seven. Stuart Skinner, then the goalie for the Oilers, performed well in the Stanley Cup that season. However, not in the regular season, which is still very important to note.
In the 2024-25 season, Edmonton would again reach the Stanley Cup, and again would play the Florida Panthers. But after going up 1-0 in the series, the Oilers would lose the next four out of five, thanks to really bad goaltending from Calvin Pickard and Skinner, as both couldn't contain Florida's offense. Finally, this season, the Oilers would lose 4-2 in the series against the Ducks, allowing 25 goals in six games, with Connor Ingram and Tristian Jarry this time struggling for the Oilers. Ultimately, Edmonton just couldn't keep the puck of the net, and it has been the difference that has kept them from winning several Stanley Cups.
What Utah can learn from Edmonton
The Mammoth should definitely be looking for depth and a overall better goalie position. The Oilers were literally destroyed for three straight seasons because of their lack of a goalie- and it was really at it's worst against Anaheim. Jarry had an absolutely horrible .858 SV% this season for Edmonton, a save percentage so bad it wouldn't be unreasonable to never see Jarry again in the NHL again. Meanwhile, Ingram was inconsistent and this pushed the Oilers into a corner they couldn't get out of.
With all of that being said, either by a trade or something else, the Mammoth should strengthen their goalie position. Karel Vejmelka was 38-20-3, but allowed 2.75 goals per game and had an okay .897 SV%. Their main backup though was Vitek Vanecek, who they cannot resign after he was 5-13-3 with an ugly .883 SV%. The Mammoth still have Jaxson Stauber, but he has only 12 career games under his belt, highlighting his inexperience.
If the Utah want's to avoid a situation like that of the Oilers, then they must find a way to deal with their goalie position. Utah was already been reportedly interested in a Red Wing goalie a few days ago, meaning they are looking to strengthen the position. The story of the Edmonton Oilers over the last few seasons has been a sad one, and the Mammoth should absolutely try to avoid a similar situation.
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