Edmonton Oilers Player Grades – 55-Game Report Card
The Edmonton Oilers have reached the 55-game mark of the 2024-25 season with a roster showing sharp contrasts between elite production and troubling declines. Individual evaluations reveal a team carried by historic offensive performances while grappling with inconsistent defense and goaltending.
Following their run to Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers entered this season with elevated expectations. Recent player grades reflect mixed results, with standout efforts from established stars offset by significant struggles among key veterans and emerging players who previously showed promise.
This analysis examines the complete report card through 55 games and playoff performance data, breaking down the criteria behind each evaluation and what these ratings indicate for the franchise’s championship aspirations.
What Are the Latest Edmonton Oilers Player Grades?
Leon Draisaitl: A+ (Leads NHL in goals and points)
B- to C+ (Mixed defensive and goaltending results)
Draisaitl confirmed at “entirely new level”
Mattias Ekholm: A- at age 34
Key takeaways from the evaluation period reveal specific patterns across the roster:
- Historic offensive production: Draisaitl has reached “an entirely new level,” leading the entire NHL in both goals and points.
- Defensive inconsistency: The blue line shows polarized results, ranging from Ekholm’s A- to Bouchard’s C-.
- Goaltending concerns: Both Stuart Skinner (C-) and Calvin Pickard (C) received below-average marks through 21+ appearances.
- Veteran decline: Adam Henrique’s grade dropped to D after strong two-way play “fell off a cliff.”
- Playoff parity: McDavid and Draisaitl matched each other with 33 points across 22 playoff games.
- Sophomore regression: Evan Bouchard struggled to build on his 82-point 2023-24 campaign.
The complete evaluation breakdown through 55 games shows the following distribution:
| Player | Position | Grade | Key Statistical Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leon Draisaitl | Forward | A+ | Leads NHL in goals and points |
| Mattias Ekholm | Defense | A- | Trusted in all situations at age 34 |
| Darnell Nurse | Defense | B | Minimized chaos, simplified game |
| Zach Hyman | Forward | C+ | Recovering from horrendous start |
| Calvin Pickard | Goaltender | C | Average at best through 21 appearances |
| Evan Bouchard | Defense | C- | 23 points in 22 playoff games |
| Stuart Skinner | Goaltender | C- | Horrendous start to season |
| Adam Henrique | Forward | D | Two-way play declined significantly |
Note: Connor McDavid’s specific letter grade is not explicitly documented in the evaluation material, though his playoff production matched Draisaitl’s totals.
Who Received the Top and Bottom Player Grades on the Oilers?
Elite Performers Leading the Roster
Leon Draisaitl stands alone with an A+ evaluation, having reached what analysts describe as “an entirely new level” while pacing the entire league in scoring categories. At 34 years old, Mattias Ekholm earned an A- grade, recognized as “an extremely hard-nosed player who can be trusted in all situations” while effectively shutting down opposing stars and contributing offensively.
Darnell Nurse received a B grade, showing measurable improvement by “minimizing the chaos in his game, opting for the simple play more than he has done in the past,” according to evaluators.
Struggling Veterans and Regression Cases
Adam Henrique sits at the bottom with a D grade. His “strong two-way play fell off a cliff during the first months of the 2024-25 season,” marking a significant departure from his trade deadline impact the previous year.
Evan Bouchard’s C- grade represents a disappointing follow-up to his 2023-24 breakout, where he recorded 82 points. Despite expectations he could approach the 100-point threshold this season, his performance declined significantly.
Stuart Skinner earned a C- grade despite leading the Oilers to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2024. Evaluators noted he got off to “yet another horrendous start” this season, raising substantial questions about the team’s long-term stability in net. Backup Calvin Pickard received a C grade, with doubts proving “valid” as he has been “average at best through 21 appearances.”
What Grades Did Key Stars Like McDavid and Draisaitl Earn?
Draisaitl’s League-Dominating Performance
Leon Draisaitl’s A+ grade reflects his status as the NHL’s leading scorer. In the 2024-2025 playoffs, he recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) across 22 games, maintaining a 1.50 points-per-game average that demonstrates elite consistency under pressure.
McDavid’s Playoff Production
While Connor McDavid’s specific letter grade remains unspecified in the evaluation documentation, his playoff statistics match Draisaitl’s output exactly. McDavid contributed 33 points (7 goals, 26 assists) across 22 playoff games, also averaging 1.50 points per game. This statistical parity suggests comparable elite performance, though the formal grading analysis focuses more heavily on Draisaitl’s regular season dominance.
Both McDavid and Draisaitl recorded identical 33-point totals during the 22-game playoff run, though their goal distributions differed significantly. Draisaitl scored 11 goals to McDavid’s 7, while McDavid provided 26 assists compared to Draisaitl’s 22. Corey Perry contributed secondary scoring with 14 points (10 goals, 4 assists), demonstrating what evaluators called “top-notch skill around the net.”
How Do Position-Specific Grades Break Down for Oilers Defense and Goaltending?
Defense Corps Evaluation
The blue line presents a split evaluation. Mattias Ekholm’s A- grade highlights his reliability against top competition and two-way contributions despite his age. Darnell Nurse’s B grade recognizes his simplified, more effective approach this season.
Conversely, Evan Bouchard’s C- grade marks a significant step back from his previous 82-point season. While he contributed 23 points (7 goals, 16 assists) across 22 playoff games, his regular season decline prevented higher marks.
Goaltending Assessment
The netminding situation remains problematic. Stuart Skinner’s C- grade reflects inconsistent play following his 2024 Stanley Cup Final run. Calvin Pickard’s C grade indicates adequate but unspectacular backup performance through 21 appearances.
Forward Group Analysis
Beyond the stars, Zach Hyman’s C+ grade reflects recovery from “a horrendous start this season” after being left off Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster, though production remains below 2023-24 standards. Corey Perry’s impact extends beyond pure scoring; his 14 playoff points and reputation as “a very frustrating player to play against” provide intangible value.
Mattias Ekholm’s A- grade at age 34 demonstrates that defensive intelligence and physical play can sustain elite performance into the mid-30s. Conversely, Adam Henrique’s D grade at 35 suggests decline in two-way effectiveness can occur rapidly, particularly when separated from previous linemate chemistry.
How Have Oilers Player Grades Trended from Regular Season to Playoffs?
- : Stuart Skinner begins season with “horrendous start,” immediately impacting his grade trajectory.
- : Zach Hyman struggles following 4 Nations Face-Off roster omission, earning early-season criticism.
- : Adam Henrique’s two-way play declines significantly, establishing his D-grade status.
- : Leon Draisaitl reaches “entirely new level,” confirmed as NHL scoring leader with A+ grade.
- : McDavid and Draisaitl both record 33 points across 22 games, maintaining 1.50 PPG averages.
- : Evan Bouchard posts 23 points despite regular season struggles, showing postseason resilience.
- : Corey Perry contributes 14 points with 10 goals, providing veteran secondary scoring.
What Do We Know About How Oilers Player Grades Are Determined?
| Established Information | Unclear or Unspecified |
|---|---|
| Evaluations conducted at 55-game mark of 2024-25 season | Specific weighting of analytics versus eye-test evaluation |
| Letter grades (A+ through F) assigned based on performance expectations | Connor McDavid’s specific letter grade designation |
| Playoff statistics tracked separately: 22 games analyzed | Whether playoff performance retroactively affects regular season grades |
| Criteria include offensive production, defensive reliability, and consistency | Specific quantitative thresholds for each grade tier |
| Age and context considered (noted for Ekholm’s 34 years, Henrique’s 35 years) | Individual evaluator credentials or panel composition |
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What Context Shapes These Player Evaluations?
These grades emerge following the Oilers’ 2024 Stanley Cup Final appearance, where they pushed the series to Game 7 before falling short. The 2024-25 season evaluations at the 55-game mark capture a team in transition, balancing immediate championship aspirations against emerging cracks in the roster foundation.
The contrast between regular season grades and playoff production suggests a team capable of elevating performance under pressure, particularly among star players. However, the decline of key veterans like Henrique and the regression of Bouchard raise questions about depth sustainability.
Where Do These Player Grades Come From?
Evaluations derive from detailed analysis published by The Hockey Writers, supplemented by statistical data from Elite Prospects playoff tracking. Additional context comes from official NHL sources and statistical repositories.
“Leon Draisaitl has reached an entirely new level as he leads the NHL in goals and points.”
— The Hockey Writers player evaluation
“Mattias Ekholm continues to be an extremely hard-nosed player who can be trusted in all situations.”
— Analysis from The Hockey Writers
“Adam Henrique’s strong two-way play fell off a cliff during the first months of the 2024-25 season.”
— The Hockey Writers
Additional verification available through NHL.com Stats and the NHL Records database.
What Do These Grades Mean for the Oilers Going Forward?
The divergent performance trajectories revealed in these grades suggest a top-heavy roster relying heavily on generational talent to overcome depth deficiencies. While Draisaitl’s A+ performance and McDavid’s statistical dominance provide a championship foundation, the C- and D grades among supporting cast members indicate urgent areas for improvement. The contrast between Ekholm’s sustained excellence and Henrique’s sudden decline offers a roadmap for roster management decisions regarding veteran contracts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do playoff grades compare to regular season evaluations?
Playoff statistics were tracked separately across 22 games, showing McDavid and Draisaitl both recording 33 points at 1.50 PPG. However, the formal letter grades (A+ through D) were assigned at the 55-game regular season mark.
Who is responsible for assigning Oilers player grades?
The evaluations cited originate from The Hockey Writers, which published the comprehensive report card through 55 games. The specific individual analysts or panel methodology remains unspecified.
What factors contributed to Stuart Skinner’s C- grade?
Evaluators cited “yet another horrendous start” to the season despite his previous success leading the team to Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Inconsistency early in the campaign drove the below-average mark.
How did Corey Perry perform in the playoffs?
Perry contributed 14 points (10 goals, 4 assists) across 22 playoff games, demonstrating what analysts called “top-notch skill around the net” and remaining “a very frustrating player to play against.”
What makes Mattias Ekholm’s A- grade notable for his age?
At 34 years old, Ekholm maintains elite status as “an extremely hard-nosed player who can be trusted in all situations,” effectively countering the decline shown by other veterans like the 35-year-old Henrique.
Did Connor McDavid receive a specific letter grade?
The evaluation documentation provides McDavid’s playoff statistics (33 points in 22 games) but does not explicitly assign a letter grade comparable to Draisaitl’s A+ or Henrique’s D.
Why did Evan Bouchard’s grade drop to C-?
After recording 82 points in 2023-24, Bouchard failed to approach the 100-point expectations for 2024-25. Despite 23 playoff points, his regular season decline warranted the below-average grade.
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