There will be a lot of focus on the Buffalo Sabres‘ ending of their playoff drought whenever they officially clinch a spot in the postseason, which can happen as soon as Thursday.
But despite a 14-year absence from the playoffs, that might not be the craziest active drought in the NHL. When you turn to division titles, the Edmonton Oilers have a streak you wouldn’t believe.
The Oilers haven’t won the division on a streak last 37 seasons and counting.
For what it’s worth, they’re two points behind the Anaheim Ducks right now for first place in the Pacific Division.
Their last division title came in 1986-87.
The Sabres are about to break the longest playoff drought in the NHL. But they don’t have the longest active division title drought (which they could win, too). That belongs to – incredibly – the Edmonton Oilers at 37 seasons! pic.twitter.com/HtRvbIE7S5
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) April 1, 2026
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Mind you, this is a team that played in the Stanley Cup Finals each of the past two seasons.
Even if we just consider the current era, it’s been a decade with Connor McDavid, who is considered the best hockey player on the planet. And clearly they know how to win games against Western Conference foes in the postseason.
Yet somehow, a bit by randomness and luck and a bit by whatever odd hockey forces are out there, the Oilers haven’t end up quite at the top of their division in a long time.
Maybe they’ll change that this year, or maybe they’ll continue on this wild streak for years to come.
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