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The Edmonton Oilers are proof that the Maple Leafs are Stanley Cup contenders


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Alexander Cole
February 7, 2026  (11:59)
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The Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate a goal scored by forward John Tavares (91) during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place.
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

As it stands, the Toronto Maple Leafs are six points out of a playoff spot, although in the Western Conference, they would be right near the top.

With the Toronto Maple Leafs out of a playoff spot, there has been lots of discourse about how this team is better off selling at the trade deadline.
However, there is something interesting going on in the standings that fans should take a look at, and it actually shows how the Leafs are better contenders than one might think.
It all has to do with their current record of 27-21-9. They have a total of 63 points and find themselves just six points out of a Wild Card spot.
However, they are just one point behind the Edmonton Oilers, a team that is currently second in the Pacific Division.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are being screwed over

As you will note below, the Maple Leafs have a better win percentage than the Oilers. The Oilers have a record of 28-22-8. It's a decent record, but they have lost more games than they have won.
Despite this, the Oilers are looked at like Stanley Cup contenders who should be adding at the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, the Leafs are seen as the team that needs to blow it all up, pronto. It's a double standard that should be examined.
Of course, the Leafs are being judged in the context of the Atlantic Division, which is unusually strong this season.
This has put the Maple Leafs in a bad position, and it is ultimately why the team has struggled to get anything going throughout the year.
If the Oilers are going to be celebrated as contenders, perhaps Brad Treliving should reconsider his plans for the deadline.
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The Edmonton Oilers are proof that the Maple Leafs are Stanley Cup contenders

Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are a better team than the Edmonton Oilers?

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