NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — 3 most important Edmonton Oilers players not named McDavid and Draisaitl that will play a key role in Stanley Cup Final ft. Evan Bouchard - Source: Imagn

3 most important Edmonton Oilers players not named McDavid and Draisaitl who will play a key role in Stanley Cup Final ft. Evan Bouchard

Modified Jun 01, 2025 05:05 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers are set to face the Florida Panthers in a rematch of last spring’s epic seven-game showdown that saw the Cats hoist their first Stanley Cup.

Fast forward to this spring, and the Oilers will lok to flip the script. But for the Oilers to bring home Canada’s first Stanley Cup in over three decades, their depth will need to step up against a potent Panthers team that looks poised to repeat.

So, here’s a look at the three most important Edmonton Oilers players not named Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl who will need to step up in the Stanley Cup Final.

Three most important Edmonton Oilers players not named McDavid and Draisaitl who will play a key role in Stanley Cup Final

#3 Corey Perry

Corey Perry has provided crucial depth scoring for the Oilers this postseason - Source: Imagn

Corey Perry has been to the Stanley Cup multiple times, winning the Cup just once, in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks.

This spring marks the fourth season in a row that Perry has made it to the Cup Final. On the three previous occasions, his team has come up short. That's why the 40-year-old Perry will need to step up for the Edmonton Oilers, continuing his impressive playoff run in which he’s notched up seven goals and 10 points in 16 contests.

Perry could match up against fellow veteran Brad Marchand in a battle of notorious agitators as both players chase one more championship before their playing days are done.

#2 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' understated leadership will once again be a pivotal factor for Edmonton - Source: Imagn

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tends to fly under the radar for the Edmonton Oilers. He’s one of the team’s core players but doesn’t get the recognition Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl get.

As a result, Nugent-Hopkins will need to step up as the Panthers, and defensive forward extraordinaire Sasha Barkov, focus on shutting down McDavid and Draisaitl. Nugent-Hopkins has been uber-productive this postseason, registering 13 assists and 18 points in 16 games. That’s a trend Edmonton hopes will continue moving forward.

#1 Evan Bouchard

Evan Bouchard could be a difference-maker in the Stanley Cup Final - Source: Imagn

The Oilers' No. 1 defenseman will play a pivotal role in getting his team past the Florida Panthers. Evan Bouchard has emerged as a true elite blue liner following a somewhat underwhelming regular season.

Bouchard’s 17 points in 16 games this postseason have been crucial in getting the Oilers back to the Stanley Cup Final. He will need to continue his impressive production if the Oilers are to capture the Cup this time around.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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