The Edmonton Oilers‘ Stanley Cup-contending window could be closing much quicker than most had envisioned. After the 2024-25 season had wrapped up, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Oilers and Connor McDavid put pen to paper on a contract extension, though the 28-year-old remains unsigned past 2025-26 and could potentially be gone afterward.

That would be devastating for the organization and its fan base, who have watched this team transition into an elite group after going through a very tough decade in the 2010s. The good news, however, is that McDavid is still under contract as of now, meaning they will have at least one more shot to win it all.

Though the Oilers have played a lot of hockey over the last two seasons, given their back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, they have also proved that they run the Western Conference. That was particularly clear in this year’s run, as they dismantled both the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars in quick fashion. Their fan base should feel very optimistic that not only will the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final, but win it all this coming season. Here are the five main reasons that will come to fruition.

Hungrier Than Ever

While there have certainly been some tweaks to this roster, the core group of this team has suffered heartbreak in each of the past two seasons. Losing one Stanley Cup, let alone two in a row, is a devastating feeling for this group, who undoubtedly believe they are good enough to win it all.

That feeling of disappointment and frustration is certainly still with them, and leaves them with a massive chip on their respective shoulders heading into the 2025-26 season. They are hungrier than ever now, which is a scary thought for the other 31 teams across the NHL.

McDavid May Have One Final Shot to Finish the Job

While McDavid may wind up signing an extension with the Oilers, it is far from the guarantee it felt like it was going to be months ago. His main goal when heading to Edmonton was to bring the city its sixth Stanley Cup championship, and with the competitor that he is, you know it’s driving him crazy that he hasn’t been able to pull through.