Oilers Seek to End 37-Year Division Title Drought

Edmonton's last division championship came in 1986-87, the longest active drought in the NHL.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:51am

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The Edmonton Oilers have not won their division in 37 seasons, the longest active drought in the NHL. Despite making the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the past two seasons and having superstar Connor McDavid, the Oilers have struggled to finish atop the Pacific Division, which they last won in 1986-87. This drought has persisted through multiple eras and rosters, with the team currently sitting just two points behind the division-leading Anaheim Ducks.

Why it matters

The Oilers' inability to win their division despite their recent success and star power is a puzzling anomaly in the NHL. While the Buffalo Sabres' long playoff drought has garnered more attention, Edmonton's division title drought is an even more remarkable feat of futility that has lasted nearly four decades.

The details

The Oilers' last division title came in the 1986-87 season. Since then, they have failed to finish first in the division in 37 consecutive seasons, the longest active drought in the NHL. This stretch has spanned multiple head coaches, general managers, and core rosters, including the Connor McDavid era which began in 2015. Despite making deep playoff runs, including back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances, the Oilers have been unable to overtake their division rivals and claim the top spot.

  • The Oilers' last division title was in the 1986-87 season.
  • The Oilers' current division title drought stands at 37 seasons and counting.
  • The Oilers are currently two points behind the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Connor McDavid

Considered the best hockey player in the world, McDavid has played for the Oilers since 2015 but has yet to lead the team to a division title.

Anaheim Ducks

The current division leaders, standing in the way of the Oilers' quest to end their 37-year drought.

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What they’re saying

“The Oilers haven't won the division on a streak last 37 seasons and counting.”

— Sal Capaccio, Sports Reporter

“Even if we just consider the current era, it's been a decade with Connor McDavid, who is considered the best hockey player on the planet. And clearly they know how to win games against Western Conference foes in the postseason.”

— Billy Heyen, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Oilers will look to overtake the Anaheim Ducks in the final weeks of the 2025-26 season to end their 37-year division title drought.

The takeaway

The Edmonton Oilers' inability to win their division despite their recent success and star power in Connor McDavid is a remarkable and puzzling drought that has lasted nearly four decades. This anomaly highlights the unpredictable nature of hockey and the challenges even elite teams can face in consistently finishing atop their division.