The 10th annual ‘best thing about each Edmonton Oilers players’ Christmas list is in.
And the best thing things about each of the following Edmonton players is…
Leon Draisaitl. He’s never played better — even as he has unheralded line-mates — which should give him an excellent shot at winning his second Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player.
Connor McDavid. The best player in hockey is revving it up again, on his way to what I predict will be his second straight Conn Smythe Trophy win, but this time with a Stanley Cup attached to it.
Adam Henrique. He no longer moves fast, but he moves decisively, smartly, and with both skill and intensity.
Zach Hyman. The perfect linemate for McDavid, as Team Canada is sure to belatedly recognize.
Viktor Arvidsson. Fast, aggressive and skilled, he’ll be a playoff ace for the Oilers, health permitting.
Kasperi Kapanen. Speed to burn, some skill, some defensive acumen, he’s earned a spot on this team.
Vasili Podkolzin. He hits, fights, goes to the net, and defends like a demon, deservedly rising up from the NHL junk pile to the second line of the Edmonton Oilers with Draisaitl as his running mate.
Corey Perry. He’s still as wily as they come when it comes to make plays around the net.
Connor Brown. He’s endeared himself to the Edmonton fanbase, even with low point totals, through an obvious and laudatory work ethic.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. A glue player on Edmonton’s power play, an ace puck-hunter on the PK, RNH is a special teams player extraordinaire.
Mattias Janmark. A 2024 playoff hero, he’s an inspirational player on this team, leading with his blazing speed and a willingness to muck it up.