Ever since the Canucks and the Oilers played each other in the 2024 playoffs, Frank Seravalli has done everything in his power to spice the rivalry up.

Frank Seravalli’s recent remarks highlight a stark contrast between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks, favouring the former. “The Oilers had a strong offseason… it’s their best top-6 since the 80s,” Seravalli noted, suggesting the Oilers have significantly bolstered their roster, creating a formidable top-six forward group reminiscent of their glory days. This sentiment underscores Edmonton’s strategic moves to strengthen its lineup, enhancing its competitiveness in the division.

On the other hand, Seravalli was less optimistic about the Canucks, stating, “I don’t think (the Canucks) are challenging for the class of the division… they have work to do.” This critique implies that while the Canucks have made efforts to improve, their progress is insufficient compared to the Oilers’ advancements. Vancouver’s roster still has gaps, particularly in-depth and defensive reliability, which could hinder their ability to compete at the highest level in the Pacific Division.

The Oilers’ offseason acquisitions, including boosting their forward depth, contrast sharply with the Canucks’ incremental improvements. Edmonton’s aggressive approach to enhancing their lineup clearly intends to build a championship-calibre team around superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. In comparison, Vancouver appears to be rebuilding, striving to find the right balance and cohesion to become a serious contender.

Seravalli’s preference for the Oilers over the Canucks reflects a broader sentiment that Edmonton is poised for success in the upcoming season. Their robust roster changes position them as a leading force in the division, while Vancouver remains a work in progress. This disparity underscores the challenges the Canucks face in closing the gap and establishing themselves as a competitive force against well-constructed teams like the Oilers.