3 disappointing Edmonton Oilers players who are bounce-back candidates for next season feat. Darnell Nurse

By Cole Shelton

Modified Aug 01, 2024 16:43 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals last season but lost in seven games to the Florida Panthers. The Oilers were led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl who had stellar seasons.

As good as their two stars were, some Edmonton players had a down year but are now poised to have a bounce-back campaign. Here are three players who are bounce-back candidates for the 2024-25 NHL season.

3 disappointing Edmonton Oilers players who are bounce-back candidates

#1, Darnell Nurse

Darnell Nurse struggled last season with injuries and was criticized by the media and fans for his play. However, in the final games of the Stanley Cup Finals, Nurse played much better.

Nurse finished the year with 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points. Now that he is healthy, Nurse should play much better both offensively and defensively next season.

#2, Connor Brown

Connor Brown was coming off a torn ACL (image credit: IMAGN)

Connor Brown, who played with Connor McDavid in junior, signed with the Edmonton Oilers last year coming off a torn ACL. The hope was he could add some secondary scoring to the Oilers' offense.

However, in Brown's first half of the season, he struggled and finished the year with 4 goals and 8 assists for 12 points. As he got healthier, he had more success, and he added 2 goals and 4 assists in 19 games in the playoffs.

Now that Brown is at full strength again, he should be back to the 40 to 50-point player he should be.

#3, Viktor Arvidsson

Viktor Arvidsson signed with the Edmonton Oilers in this year's free agency after he was hurt for most of last season. In 18 games, he recorded 15 points, showing the level he can play at.

In a full season, playing alongside the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl, the skilled forward is a prime bounce-back candidate, especially if he can stay healthy.