In terms of offensive pedigree, the Oilers find themselves at the top of NHL. The boys over at The Hockey News have made some bold predictions for this season, as they have 7 Oilers forwards breaking through the 30+ goal mak. Here's the official breakdown:
Ryan Nugent-HopkinsRyan Nugent-Hopkins can do it all. He can penalty kill, he's on the top power play, and everything in-between. Unfortunately for the man affectionately referred to as "Nuge," he's only scored 30 goals one other time in his career. But with the Oilers pushing for another ticket all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, everyone is going to be pulling on the rope to get there.
Viktor ArvidssonViktor Arvidsson joined the Oilers organization this past off season. The 10-year veteran has had some health issues during his career, and hasn't played a full 82-game season, yet. Arvidsson has had two seasons of scoring more than 30 goals. If he can remain healthy and find chemistry playing alongside Draisaitl and Skinner, 30 goals is very attainable for the winger.
Evander KaneEvander Kane is no stranger to scoring goals. He has 326 goals in 930 career games. However, in his 16-year career he has only cracked 30 goals in two of those seasons. The last time he did that was during the 2018-19 season with the San Jose Sharks.
Connor McDavidMcDavid has scored 30 goals every season except in his rookie year. Of course, that year he missed half of the season with a collarbone injury and only played 45 games. Predicting that he scores 30 goals this season is the easiest thing any hockey fan or pundit could do.
Leon DraisaitlThe only prediction as easy as saying McDavid will score 30 goals, is saying that Draisaitl will score 30 goals. The German center signed an eight-year extension this off season and is poised to continue his dominance. He has scored at least 30 goals for six straight seasons. And, he scored 32 goals on the power play in 2022-23.
Zach HymanHyman has played with the Oilers for three seasons. He has scored 27 goals, 36 goals and 54 goals respectively. He's the kind of player who seems to get better and better. While the chances of him scoring 50 goals again this season aren't favorable, he's a lock for scoring north of 30.
Jeff SkinnerSix of the 14 seasons that Jeff Skinner has spent in the NHL he has scored 30 or more goals. Two of those seasons have been in the past three years. Skinner is a pure shooter, and an ideal linemate of either Draisaitl or McDavid. Even if he falls out of the top-six from time to time, there is no reason he should have less than 30 goals by the time the playoffs hit.
source: The Hockey NewsOilers Possess 7 Sure Fire 30-Goal Scorers
POLL | ||
15 SEPTEMBRE | 46 ANSWERS 7 Oilers are predicted to get 30+ goals Will the listed players breakthrough 30+ goals? | ||
Yes | 42 | 91.3 % |
No | 4 | 8.7 % |
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