The Oilers’ mistakes in team-building provide valuable lessons for the Chicago Blackhawks, especially when it comes to surrounding star players with talent and handling contract situations.
By the numbers
- The Oilers have struggled to surround Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with the right talent on the wings in their ninth and 10th seasons.
- Darnell Nurse’s eight-year, $74 million contract with the Oilers has presented challenges as he played fourth defense during the playoffs.
Yes, but
While the Blackhawks have significant cap space now, they should remain cautious about future contract decisions as promising players like Connor Bedard will demand higher salaries.
State of the situation
- The Oilers’ experience highlights the importance of effective team-building strategies and prudent contract management.
- The Blackhawks have the opportunity to learn from past mistakes and make informed decisions to strengthen their roster and achieve sustained success.
Whats Next
The Blackhawks should prioritize strategic player acquisitions and contract negotiations to ensure long-term competitiveness and avoid the pitfalls experienced by other teams like the Oilers.
Bottom line
The Blackhawks can take advantage of the Oilers’ mistakes to build a solid team foundation and navigate future contractual challenges intelligently, fostering a path to sustained success in the NHL.
