What If the Edmonton Oilers Drafted Matthew Tkachuk? A Look at What Could’ve Been—and What It Means Now

The 2016 NHL Draft is one of those moments Edmonton Oilers fans still talk about—sometimes with a sigh, sometimes with a shake of the head. The Oilers passed on Matthew Tkachuk and went with Jesse Puljujärvi instead. That choice has been debated ever since. But instead of replaying stats, let’s dig deeper. What if picking Tkachuk back then changed more than just who wore the jersey? What if it shaped the team’s whole vibe—the identity and grit Edmonton has been chasing for years?

Beyond the Numbers: The Missing Edge

Sure, Tkachuk’s got the stats—636 points in 642 games. But it’s not just scoring. It’s that fiery, relentless energy he brings—the kind of player who’s become a player not afraid to drop the gloves but can also light up the scoreboard. The Oilers once had guys like Corey Perry and Evander Kane, players who brought that tough, nasty grit every night (along with a bit of scoring). Now? Both have moved on, and the team’s lost some of that hard edge. Had Edmonton drafted Tkachuk, maybe they’d still have that physical bite mixed with skill—a missing attitude more than just a missing player.

Could the Oilers Have Been Ready for Him?

Drafting Tkachuk is one thing. Getting the best out of him is another. Puljujärvi’s time in Edmonton wasn’t smooth, partly because of coaching changes and instability. Would Oil Country’s environment have been ready for Tkachuk? As a Flame, Tkachuk thrived in Calgary’s system; he was trusted to play his game. Edmonton’s shifting strategies (and consistent stream of new GMs and Head Coaches) might have made it tougher to harness Tkachuk’s fire. This isn’t just an “if only” story. It’s about how Edmonton develops players and whether the culture suits a guy like Tkachuk or someone raw like Puljujärvi.

The Draft Dilemma: Potential vs. Proven Impact

When the Oilers picked Puljujärvi, they went for potential—a young player with upside. But Tkachuk offered something different: a player ready to change the game immediately. This raises a key question about drafting: Do you gamble on raw talent, or pick someone a bit more polished and ready? Edmonton’s recent draft history leans toward potential, sometimes with headaches. Maybe 2016 was a moment to rethink that balance.

What About the Battle of Alberta?

Early in his career as a Flame, Tkachuk’s presence helped re-fuel the Battle of Alberta rivalry—fiery, emotional, and full of edge. Imagine him in blue and orange. Would Edmonton have more swagger to push back harder? It’s one of those fun “what-ifs” that make hockey debates so interesting.

What’s Next for the Oilers?

The Tkachuk “what if” isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a reminder of what Edmonton still needs to figure out while chasing the Stanley Cup. Beyond star power, the Oilers need to always consider culture, leadership, and grit that wins playoff battles. How do the Oilers blend McDavid and Draisaitl’s skill with toughness and passion? How do they build an environment where players like Tkachuk—or any draft pick—can thrive? Because hockey is about heart as much as talent.

While we’ll never know exactly how things might’ve gone if 2-time Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk was drafted by Edmonton in 2016, thinking about it helps us appreciate how important every draft pick is—not just for points, but for shaping a team’s soul.