Have the Edmonton Oilers Protected Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl Enough?

TSN: Mike Johnson and Craig Button debate whether or not the Edmonton Oilers have done enough in terms of offseason acquisitions for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to reach the Stanley Cup Final again.
** NHLRumors.com transcription on board Johnson: It was an incredible season last year for the Edmonton Oilers; so close to winning their first Stanley Cup since their franchise’s return; until game seven where they fell short to Florida Panthers. As for changes this summer and how the team looks different. They made some drastic moves this summer with new personnel added, changing up some positions on players that appeared familiar for this team last season to those that may look new now.”
Craig asks himself one big question this season – have the Oilers put enough pieces in place around McDavid and Draisaitl this year for them to win?
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Button: “Not yet; therefore not definitively no.” After losing (Philip) Broberg and Dylan Holloway to offer sheets, now seems an appropriate time for teams to explore ways they might give themselves cap flexibility or add something major before the trade deadline arrives.
Mike, I know you understand their top pair of Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard is among the finest blue line combinations in all of hockey, but in order to compete for a Stanley Cup victory it becomes much harder without further strengthening this unit.
That is where they should focus their efforts, because McDavid and Draisaitl cannot win a Stanley Cup with an inferior blue line structure; significant upgrades must be implemented immediately.”
Johnson: “Thankfully, Craig, you aren’t telling Edmonton Oilers anything they didn’t already know. This summer they made moves to maintain flexibility to address precisely this question and improve defense a bit more – with Darnell Nurse and Ty Emberson perhaps not being enough – though for once in some time we now have space in the roster to address this concern head on.”
Though, I will say this much: the forwards currently available to them are stronger than what they had at the end of last season. Arvinson will likely do well; Jeff Skinner could finally break through, make the playoffs and reach his potential. We know what Hyman, Nuge, Adam Henrique can bring as part of that group – I don’t see many returning players that rank him over Hyman/Nuge/etc in that grouping though! Adam Henrique deserves special consideration.
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So I think in net, Stuart Skinner fits nicely. Up front there should be no doubts at all; Edmonton Oilers should acquire significant players like Mattias Ekholm. Consider what an impactful player he was when paired up with Pierre Bouchard; they quickly emerged as one of the premier pairings in the league. When Darnell Nurse returns healthy they need someone that complements and maximizes him to ensure reliability and efficiency on that second pair pairing.
Once they acquire Craig, then you have to say the Edmonton Oilers not only possess the capability of winning the Stanley Cup but may be favorite candidates as soon as the trade deadline passes in spring 2019.
Button: “And exactly, how they will look. There should be no question when discussing whether to match or not match Broberg and Holloway offer sheets – young players drafted early who showed some very promising signs during last season’s playoff run will always present opportunities.”
But now the Edmonton Oilers’ goals have changed; they seek something much larger than Broberg and Holloway can offer at this stage; thus the need for cap flexibility as a rationale to not match offer sheets from potential trade partners.
Coming up on trade deadline and prior, many significant defenders should become available – just as Mattias Ekholm’s trade not only made the team better and stronger but allowed Evan Bouchard to elevate his game as well.
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They can make an immediate and tangible impactful contribution towards challenging for a Stanley Cup.”
Craig Johnson: “Craig, the Oilers are in an advantageous position right now as they position themselves to maximize Connor McDavid’s greatness as one of the all-time greatest players and setters. He’s breaking records such as Gretzky’s assist record in playoff games – there seems no challenge too great for him.”
Draisaitl coming back is huge for them and should allow them to maximize on his greatness; with two more years under contract and his prime already well past its peak – I believe even without any additions they’d still be contenders due to Conor McDavid, Greg, Craig and their respective abilities.
Once Edmonton Oilers add just a small boost in terms of defensive depth, top forward talent and up front players, then they have more than enough to win a Stanley Cup by 2025.”