But in the hockey world, nothing is ever free.The Edmonton Oilers know this better than anyone. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl weren't free. They resulted from years of terrible play followed by unbelievable luck (and great scouting).

Since the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks met in the postseason last spring, they have been heading in the opposite direction. The Oilers eliminated the Canucks in the second round of the 2024 playoffs before coming within a whisker of claiming the Stanley Cup title.

The Oilers have added defenseman John Klingberg after recovering from hip surgery and missing the first half of the season

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 in an NHL Western Conference clash at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday (Jan. 16) night. Viktor Arvidsson, Evan Bouchard, Brett Kulak and Connor McDavid scored for the Oilers.

But in a season full of statements, the Oilers issued another one Thursday in Denver, turning a night when they had every excuse to shrug their shoulders and look for a soft spot on the canvas into one of the most impressive comeback wins you’re ever going to witness.

Another comeback win, this time in Colorado, seals a successful road trip — and the Oilers' place among the NHL's elite.

In a wild track meet of a game, with Colorado scoring the first three goals, then Edmonton the next four, the Oilers won 4-3 in Denver on Thursday night. In total, the Grade A shots were 17 for the Oilers, eight for the Avs, with the subset of more dangerous 5-alarm shots nine for Edmonton, five for Colorado.

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm is a game-time decision Wednesday night, head coach Kris Knoblauch said. Ekholm wasn’t out for the morning skate with the rest of the team, as Brett Kulak slid into his spot flanking Evan Bouchard.

The Oilers erase a multi-goal deficit for the third time in four games to clinch their fourth straight victory on Thursday night in a 4-3 comeback win over the Avalanche at Ball Arena

Vasily Podkolzin and Jeff Skinner scored in the first 5 1/2 minutes and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Seattle Kraken 4-2 on Saturday night for their third straight victory.

Lawton said Brett Kulak of the Oilers has been amazing this year but ... they only have so many players without no-trade clauses. Edmonton and Vancouver are interested in him.”