The Edmonton Oilers’ over-achieving Bottom 6 fueled by intense internal competition.

The Edmonton Oilers have been making waves in the NHL, and not just because of their star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The team’s bottom six players have been outperforming expectations, and one reason why is the fierce internal competition for roster spots. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how this competitive atmosphere is driving the Oilers’ success.


On Game Day 69, the Dallas Stars visited Edmonton to take on the Oilers. The Oilers’ superstars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, had another milestone night at Rogers Place in their win against the Ottawa Senators. McDavid achieved the highest single-season point total of any NHL player this century, while Draisaitl scored two goals, including the game-winner, and reached 100 points for the season. However, this article focused on how the Oilers perform without their leading men. The Oilers struggled in the past without McDavid and Draisaitl, but in 2022-23, they have found success with a solid supporting cast built by GM Ken Holland. The team has seen their goal share soar by an impressive 16% above the rate established over the prior three seasons and they are close to break-even at 5v5, achieving success on special teams and other manpower situations. McDavid and Draisaitl are more than carrying their weight on Edmonton’s powerplay unit, which converts opportunities at a 31.6% rate. Some of the success can be attributed to the increased level of internal competition, as players battle for ice time and ultimately, a contract down the road. Oilers players on expiring contracts, excluding Evan Bouchard, would currently be best defined as a Bottom-6 forward. This includes young players like Ryan McLeod and Klim Kostin, who have been making strides for the team. Other players on expiring contracts include Derek Ryan, Mattias Janmark, and Devin Shore. While it’s unlikely all four players will earn a contract extension, they are making their best case to stick around.


In conclusion, the Edmonton Oilers’ Bottom 6 players have been on fire this season, outperforming expectations and proving their worth on the ice. Their fierce internal competition has fueled their drive to succeed and has brought out the best in each player. With the NHL season still in full swing, it will be exciting to see how these players continue to evolve and contribute to the team’s success. One thing is for sure – this determined group of players will not be underestimated anytime soon.