Nashville Predators: Top 5 Teams In Way of Return to Stanley Cup

(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 26: Zack Kassian
NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 26: Zack Kassian

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are in the fast lane to overtaking the throne as the next dynasty in the NHL. They’re that loaded with young talent, even more than what the Predators can say.

Even with a quiet offseason, the Oilers are just waiting to explode. They were probably a little ahead of schedule last season, but I expect them to be one of the representatives in the Western Conference Finals.

If the Predators are going to return to the Stanley Cup Final, their top foe will be the Oilers. Even though they’re not divisional opponents, these two teams are on a collision course for being in the conference finals conversation for the long term future. Their current lineup is already locked and loaded to win a Stanley Cup now, per Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News.

Even if you leave out the electrifying Connor McDavid, the Oilers are still stacked with talent that will keep maturing. Other teams within the conference are getting older and their windows are closing, but not the Oilers. As a Predators fan, you should be most worried about the Oilers in a seven-game playoff series.

Next: Burning Preds Questions From Fans

A conference finals clash in 2018 between the Predators and Oilers will be a lot of fun if it ends up happening. Stopping the game’s most talented scorer while also keeping the Stanley Cup drought alive for Canada will be a sweet victory for Predators fans.