There are two key strategies that the St. Louis Blues can learn from the Edmonton Oilers

Led by Connor McDavid and a roster loaded with All-Star talent, the Edmonton Oilers rank among the NHL's most impressive teams.

If 2023-24, and notably the postseason, was an indication, the Oilers might be a force to be reckoned with in the West for the years to come.

From the outset, there appear to be two major things the St. Louis Blues can learn from the Edmonton Oilers.

Build through the draft

While the Edmonton Oilers have several notable stars or quality players, a quick analysis proves their heart and soul come from within.

Sure, their previous poor records allowed them to stockpile on high picks. Nevertheless, they have built a foundation on drafting talent.

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse, and Evan Bouchard were all original Edmonton draft picks, selected in the first-round.

Edmonton's commitment to their players, despite their struggles several years ago, is a reassuring sign. Their ability to maintain patience and plan for the future has paid off, and this long-term approach is something the Blues can learn from.

The St. Louis Blues can replicate this success by following a similar strategy, and GM Doug Armstrong may have already initiated this strategic plan, which could lead to a brighter future for the team.

With the number of draft picks in the first and second rounds from 2023 and 2024, a youthful movement is brewing in St. Louis. Such a philosophy will require patience and time.

While none of the Blues prospects might be a Connor McDavid, hockey analysts rave about the future of Dalibor Dvorsky.

With Theo Lindstein and three high draft picks in the 2024 draft focused on defense, this leads to the second area the Blues can seek to emulate from the Oilers.

The Edmonton Oilers are a solid defensive unit

Hockey fans saw the Oilers ability to stop crucial plays, including power-plays, in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The team is loaded with defensive stars from Bouchard and Nurse. They also have reliable defensemen such as Brett Kulak and Mattias Ekholm.

Colton Parayko is probably the most talented defenseman on the St. Louis Blues roster. Other players, such as Justin Faulk and Torey Krug, have underperformed original expectations.

Defensive problems have caught the attention of GM Doug Armstrong, who took steps to remedy them in the 2024 draft.

The Blues have limited cap space in free-agency targets, which more than likely means the emphasis is building up the current prospects to enter NHL play.

The Oilers' success, despite not winning the Cup, is a beacon of hope. They were just one game short of winning the championship.

The Oilers are here for the long haul, regardless of possible major moves, like Draisaitl's rumored exit.

By focusing on the development of current draft prospects and building a solid defense, the Blues can learn from the Oilers approach.