Oilers' 37-Year Division Title Drought Longest in NHL

Edmonton franchise has not won its division since 1987 despite multiple star players

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of setting a dubious NHL record, as the team has not won its division title in 37 years, the longest active drought in the league. Despite having star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have struggled to capture a division crown since their last one in 1987.

Why it matters

The Oilers' inability to win their division despite having elite talent on the roster has been a source of frustration for the team and its fans. Division titles are seen as an important milestone, and Edmonton's prolonged drought highlights the challenges the franchise has faced in building a consistent winner.

The details

The Oilers' last division title came in 1987, when they were part of the Smythe Division. Since then, the team has not finished first in its division, whether it was the Smythe, Pacific, or now the Pacific again. This 37-year drought is the longest active streak in the NHL, surpassing the Buffalo Sabres' 14-year playoff drought, which is set to end this season.

  • The Oilers last won their division in 1987.
  • The Oilers' current division title drought stands at 37 years.

The players

Connor McDavid

A superstar forward for the Edmonton Oilers who has won multiple individual awards but has yet to lead the team to a division title.

Leon Draisaitl

Another elite forward for the Oilers who has been part of the team's core during its division title drought.

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What they’re saying

“It's frustrating that we haven't been able to win our division in so long, especially with the talent we have on this team. We're going to keep working hard to end this drought.”

— Connor McDavid, Oilers Captain

What’s next

The Oilers will have another chance to end their division title drought next season, as they look to build on their recent playoff appearances and take the next step as a franchise.

The takeaway

The Oilers' inability to win their division despite having some of the NHL's best players highlights the challenges of building a consistent winner in a competitive league. The team's long drought serves as a reminder that individual talent alone does not guarantee team success.