Oilers fans hope for revived Stanley Cup chase in 2026

A heartbreaking end to the Edmonton Oilers’ season at the hands of the Florida Panthers — for the second year in a row — has left fans stunned and frustrated.

“It sucks, man,” said one fan. “They were outplayed. They were outcoached.”

“They played a better game. They deserved it. I wish it was our Oilers that were doing it,” added another.

Now, it’s time to pick up the pieces and start again — and fans in Edmonton are calling for change.

“Get a broom and start sweeping house,” one fan said. “Some players have to go.”

Getting back to the final won’t be easy. This offseason carries more weight than the last, as the Oilers head into the final year of Connor McDavid’s contract.

“He’s due to become the highest-paid player in the NHL again,” said Matt Rose, co-host of The Big Show on Sportsnet.

Rose said no matter what, the money will be there for McDavid — but it’s the opportunity to win that could ultimately decide what jersey he wears in the future.

“You can tell the frustration is starting to set in,” said Rose. “This is a big offseason for that team to show Connor McDavid they can actually put together a winning roster that allows him to be a champion.”

On the other side, the Florida Panthers are knocking on the door of dynasty status, even as several key players head into free agency.

Florida — one of several U.S. states with no personal income tax — continues to be an attractive destination for free agents. In fact, five of the last Stanley Cup-winning teams have come from states without personal income tax, saving players millions over the course of long-term contracts.

Some argue the tax structure gives certain teams an unfair advantage in building contenders.

Rose sees both sides of the debate.

“Florida was the joke of the league for a long time — until the last five, six, seven years,” he said. “You can point to income tax as being a big part of it, but you can also just say some of these teams are just a lot better run than they used to be.”

After suffering back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses, some Oilers fans worry the team’s window is closing — but not shut just yet.

“If the Tampa Bay Lightning can make three Cup finals, and the Florida Panthers can make three Cup finals, so can the Edmonton Oilers,” said a hopeful fan.

Florida’s victory marks the 32nd straight year an American team has hoisted the Stanley Cup. The last Canadian team to win was the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.