The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals looking to avenge their 2024 loss to the Florida Panthers. Instead, the Panthers dominated with their offense, winning the series 4-2 and lifting their second consecutive Stanley Cup.
For the Oilers, however, it was a moment that exposed their goaltending struggles more than ever and showed their lack of intent in the Finals. But for former Oilers left winger Victor Arvidsson, hardly anything went right after this loss.
What Did Victor Arvidsson Say About His Time With the Oilers?
Before arriving in Edmonton, Arvidsson had already been a veteran of over 500 NHL games across the Nashville Predators and the Los Angeles Kings. But a desire to lift the Stanley Cup eventually led him to the Oilers this past season.
But in his recent interview with Hockey Sverige, he revealed how things weren’t exactly how he wanted them to be in Edmonton. Arvidsson mentioned how, despite reaching the finals, the Oilers still ended up losing to the Panthers.
He continued, “It was the final, which was also the reason why I went there. To try to win, and it was close.” Arvidsson soon saw himself getting traded to the Boston Bruins on July 1 by the Oilers for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
Arvidsson mentioned, “Personally, I was a little injured in the beginning for just over 15 games. My role in the team wasn’t quite what I had imagined, but it wasn’t what Edmonton had imagined either.”
He believes that while the season was slow, he still didn’t get enough role distribution and playing minutes. Arvidsson doesn’t hide the fact that he was disappointed after their finals loss. He mentioned, “Yes, it is. I won’t deny that. First of all, it was sad that we lost.”
“Then I wanted to get more out of my game,” he said. Arvidsson mentioned that he wanted to play more minutes. But with 27 points in 67 games, he had an underwhelming season in Canada. Eventually, Arvidsson decided that it was best for him to find something new.
He mentioned, “We looked around the market a bit, and I agreed with Edmonton that the best thing for me was to find something new that would suit me. Boston ended up being interested, so it’s going to be really fun.”
Arvidsson mentioned that the Bruins are a hard-working team, and they are great defensively. “It’s always been tough to get into that stadium and play because Boston’s fans are very passionate,” he said.
Remaining positive about his upcoming season at Boston, Arvidsson mentioned, “The whole city is a great sports town. That’s how I see it, and I want to get in there myself and spice it up.” He said that he will have the chance to play with other Swedes as part of the Bruins.
“Personally, I want to bounce back to the seasons I had in LA and also Nashville. That’s where I want to go back and be able to contribute to the offense in my game,” Arvidsson said. He believes that the team should be targeting the playoffs, and he’s excited about being part of it.