This story is part of ESPN The Magazine's Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today!
Edmonton Oilers
Overall: 111
Title track: 57
Ownership: 98
Coaching: 77
Players: 119
Fan relations: 100
Affordability: 112
Stadium experience: 90
Bang for the buck: 105
Change from last year: +1
It's been 26 long years since the Oilers hoisted their fifth Stanley Cup in a seven-year period, forming one of the best dynasties the sport has ever seen. Today, it's been a bit different, as they've secured four No. 1 draft picks in the past seven years. Still, there is reason to be excited in Edmonton -- a new building, improvement under new coach Todd McLellan, and a certain game-breaker who wears No. 97.
What's good
The Oilers only break into the top 100 in four categories, the highest of which is title track at 57. Part of that is the Connor McDavid difference, as the 19-year-old has the potential to be among the best in the game if he stays healthy this season. Another relative bright spot is McLellan, who ranks 77th in our coaching rankings. The Oilers' fifth bench boss since 2012, McLellan upped Edmonton's win total to 31 and has helped the team tap into the potential of their young forwards. Edmonton is still a year or two away from a playoff spot, but there is visible progress in Alberta.
What's bad
Fans might love McDavid, but not enough to rank the players better than 119th overall (worst in the NHL). In one of the worst trades we have seen in quite some time, Edmonton shipped Taylor Hall (26 goals, 65 points) to New Jersey this summer for defenseman Adam Larsson, showing serious desperation for blue line help. Then the Oilers went out and signed free agent Milan Lucic to a seven-year deal to skate alongside McDavid and Jordan Eberle. It remains to be seen if much changes on the ice, but this much is sure -- it will still cost Oilers Nation a pretty penny to see the team in action. An average cost per game of $93 puts Edmonton 112th in affordability.
What's new
Hello Rogers Place, good bye Rexall Place. The Oilers' new home, which houses 18,641 spectators, allowed the team to jump 24 spots up to 90th in stadium experience. The arena cost nearly $500 million Canadian and houses the largest scoreboard in the NHL, which will be 4.5 times larger than the one in their old building. According to a 2014 NHL.com article about the new arena, "52 percent of the seats are in the lower bowl, which compares to 37 percent at Rexall Place. This configuration will provide Oilers fans with a more intimate and energetic atmosphere at the games while bringing the fans closer to the action." Now if the team can just add some more recent banners to the rafters...
Next: Vancouver Canucks | Full rankings