The Edmonton Oilers are in the thick of the Stanley Cup Playoff race.

Unlike recent years, Edmonton’s playoff position is anything but solid heading into the final stretch of the regular season. They currently sit third in the Pacific Division, two points behind the Anaheim Ducks, and three points behind the first-place Vegas Golden Knights.

You may think that is solid, but it isn’t. The San Jose Sharks occupy the final wildcard spot and are just three points back of Edmonton. Both the Seattle Kraken and the LA Kings are four points behind as well.

Due to this cluster, many things can change in the standings over the coming weeks, and the Oilers could face one of several teams in the first round of the playoffs, if they make it there. But which team would be the easiest matchup for Edmonton? And which one should they avoid at all costs?

Here is a look at all of Edmonton’s likely first-round playoff opponents, ranked from easiest to downright terrifying:

1. Nashville Predators

Head-to-head record (2025-26): 1-0-1

The easiest matchup out there for the Oilers is the Nashville Predators.

Though they have some big names in Roman Josi, Steven Stamkos, Juuse Saros, and Ryan O’Reilly, they haven’t been too threatening a team this season. They are still in the playoff hunt, despite reports that they attempted a fire sale at the deadline, but things aren’t looking great.

Edmonton would likely need to capture the Pacific Division title, while Nashville would need to mount a big push for the top wildcard spot for this matchup to happen.

2. Seattle Kraken

Head-to-head record (2025-26): 2-1-0

The Kraken appear to be playing with house money this season.

Not many saw the Kraken contending for a playoff spot this late into the season, but they are right in the thick of things. There is even an outside chance that they catch the Oilers to secure a Pacific Division playoff spot.

Still, they lack the star power and elite goaltending to make them a truly threatening team. Could they surprise the Oilers and beat them? Sure, but they’d be heavy underdogs.

3. LA Kings

Head-to-head record (2025-26): 1-0-1

The Oilers may not be too upset if they draw the Kings in the first round for a fifth-straight season.

While L.A. have always managed to be a thorn in the Oilers’ side in the playoffs, despite four-straight victories, this year’s edition of the Kings may be their weakest. GM Ken Holland gutted the defensive core and then managed to both buy and sell at the latest trade deadline. They just might miss the playoffs altogether.

Artemi Panarin was a big get, but losing Kevin Fiala to injury may cancel that out. The Oilers would remain favourites in any series against L.A. this Spring.

4. San Jose Sharks

Head-to-head record (2025-26): 1-1-0

The Sharks are pushing hard for a playoff spot, but could they make noise in the postseason?

A playoff berth for the Sharks would put them slightly ahead of schedule in their rebuild, but nobody is complaining. They are led by Macklin Celebrini, who is coming off an excellent Olympic tournament, and are littered with exciting young talent throughout the lineup.

They have upset potential, but the difference in experience will give the Oilers a little edge.

5. Utah Mammoth

Head-to-head record (2025-26): 1-0-0

If there is a team nobody can get a handle on in the West, it’s probably the Utah Mammoth.

They actually have more points than the Oilers as of Sunday morning, but sit in the top wildcard spot behind the big-three Central Division teams. There is no doubt that they have a formidable squad this season, led by the high-scoring Clayton Keller and a bevy of young talent.

It’s a team hungry to prove itself, and that could spell trouble for an Oilers team that may be tired after two long playoff runs these past few years.

6. Anaheim Ducks

Head-to-head record (2025-26): 1-1-0

The Ducks may not seem like a scary playoff opponent, but they could be.

It’s been eight years since the Ducks last qualified for the playoffs, and they hold a certain dark-horse feel to them. They are one of the more likely first-round opponents for Edmonton, and that should be a little concerning.

They have a dynamic young core of forwards and a steady defensive group that is backstopped by Lukas Dostal, who has the power to take over a playoff series. The Oilers hold the edge in experience, but they could have their hands full with Anaheim.

7. Vegas Golden Knights

Head-to-head record (2025-26): 2-0-0

Could we be hurtling toward a rematch of last year’s second round? 

The Golden Knights are currently sitting atop the Pacific Division, meaning a first-round date with the Oilers is unlikely, but a lot can change. The Ducks are just a point behind them, and if they slip down to second, it’ll set Vegas up with Edmonton.

The Oilers have played Vegas twice in the playoffs, both in the second round, with each team winning a series apiece. It would be a fierce series between two teams with Stanley Cup aspirations, and the Golden Knights are anything but an easy out.

8. Colorado Avalanche

Head-to-head record (2025-26): 1-1-0

Lining up against Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche in the first round would be a nightmare scenario for the Oilers.

The Avalanche have been the class of the league this season, and you can probably already pencil them in as this year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners. They’ve dominated at both ends of the ice and, outside of a mysteriously poor power-play, don’t have any obvious weaknesses.

Edmonton got pounded by the Avalanche 9-0 earlier this season, but did manage to eke out an impressive 4-3 victory over them last week.