The Edmonton Oilers have made their fair share of questionable draft decisions over the years,
but one mistake in particular has continued to haunt them. In the 2016 NHL Draft, the team had the perfect opportunity to select star forward Matthew Tkachuk, but due to poor scouting choices, they instead opted for Finnish winger Jesse Puljujärvi.
Looking back, it’s a decision that had massive ramifications. Tkachuk has since established himself as one of the league’s most dominant forwards, helping lead the Florida Panthers to a Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, Puljujärvi has struggled to find consistency in the NHL, bouncing between teams and never quite living up to the expectations placed on him.
On Monday, Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer, along with former Edmonton general manager Craig MacTavish, discussed just how close the Oilers were to drafting Tkachuk and how they ultimately let him slip away.
A Missed Opportunity: Tkachuk’s Close Call with the Oilers
MacTavish recalled that the Oilers were very interested in Tkachuk leading up to the 2016 draft. The team conducted a thorough interview with him, even going so far as to invite him into MacTavish’s home. According to MacTavish, Tkachuk made a strong impression.
“I was out in St. Louis and ran into Matt,” MacTavish said, reflecting on a conversation they had years after the draft. “He told me that after he left my house, he told his dad, ‘This is the team that I think is going to draft me. I’d love to play here.’”
Hearing that years later must have been painful for Oilers fans, who have watched Tkachuk thrive while their team struggles to maximize the talent they do have.
Puljujärvi Over Tkachuk: A Costly Draft Decision
Despite Tkachuk’s strong interview and clear interest in joining the Oilers, Edmonton ultimately chose Jesse Puljujärvi with their first-round pick. In doing so, they not only passed on Tkachuk but also overlooked talented defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, who has since developed into a top blueliner in the NHL.
MacTavish admitted that the Oilers’ decision was largely influenced by circumstance. Puljujärvi was projected to be a top-three pick, but when he unexpectedly slid down to Edmonton’s spot at fourth overall, they felt obligated to take him.
“We had the misfortune of having Puljujärvi fall to us,” MacTavish explained. “Because we were going to take Sergachev. There was a big discussion between Sergachev and Tkachuk. It was almost a positional bias at the time to get a defenseman.”
MacTavish’s words highlight just how much uncertainty teams face during drafts. Edmonton had spent time debating between Tkachuk and Sergachev, only to be thrown off course when Puljujärvi unexpectedly became available. Instead of trusting their initial evaluations, they went for Puljujärvi, a decision that, in hindsight, proved to be a mistake.
Warnings Were Ignored
Adding to the frustration is the fact that several voices had already pushed for the Oilers to select Tkachuk before the draft. According to Stauffer, a trusted source outside the organization had recommended taking Tkachuk in the first round. Even Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch reached out to Stauffer to make his case.
“Kris Knoblauch texted me when the draft lottery results came in,” Stauffer revealed. “He said, ‘You guys have to take Tkachuk at 4. He’s an absolute pain, and he’s got a lot of skill.’”
Knoblauch’s words have proven to be prophetic. Tkachuk has become one of the most effective and physically dominant forwards in the NHL, a player capable of making an impact every time he’s on the ice. His blend of skill and grit has made him invaluable to his teams, first with the Calgary Flames and now with the Florida Panthers.
Meanwhile, Puljujärvi’s career has been a different story. While he had potential, he never fully adapted to the NHL game in Edmonton. His tenure with the Oilers was marked by inconsistency, limited production, and ultimately, an inability to secure a long-term spot in the lineup. He has since bounced between teams, struggling to establish himself as a top-tier NHL player.
What Could Have Been
It’s hard not to wonder what might have been if the Oilers had gone with Tkachuk instead. Imagine an Edmonton team featuring both Tkachuk and superstar Connor McDavid. The combination of McDavid’s unmatched speed and playmaking ability with Tkachuk’s physical presence and finishing touch could have been lethal.
Instead, the Oilers have been left to watch as Tkachuk thrives elsewhere. After a successful run with the Flames, he was traded to Florida, where he has become a key leader and helped push the Panthers to a Stanley Cup championship.
For Oilers fans, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Draft mistakes are an inevitable part of hockey, but this one stings more than most. Edmonton had a chance to add a franchise-altering player, and they let him slip away.
Moving Forward
While it’s impossible to change the past, the Oilers must learn from this mistake as they build for the future. Drafting is never an exact science, but the team must place greater emphasis on scouting, player evaluation, and trusting their instincts when making crucial decisions.
The NHL landscape is constantly shifting, and teams must adapt accordingly. Edmonton has one of the best players in the world in McDavid, but surrounding him with the right talent is key to maximizing their championship window. The hope is that the lessons learned from past draft mistakes will help guide the Oilers toward better choices in the future.
For now, all Oilers fans can do is look back and imagine what could have been. The team had the chance to draft a game-changing star, and they let him slip through their fingers. While Puljujärvi’s career is still unfolding, it’s clear that Edmonton missed out on something special with Tkachuk.
Ultimately, the 2016 draft serves as a harsh reminder that in hockey, every decision matters. The Oilers’ scouting misstep cost them a player who could have reshaped their franchise. As they move forward, they must ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
