Edmonton Oil Kings confirm berth in the 2026 WHL Playoffs

The Oil Kings are coming for the crown.

Edmonton’s admittance to the 2026 WHL Playoffs came before their tilt with the Calgary Hitmen concluded, as their ticket was punched with the help of Moose Jaw Warriors loss to the Regina Pats.

The Oil Kings sport a 35-12-3-2 record to sit second in the Central Division, third in the Eastern Conference, and fourth in the WHL’s overall standings.

While the Pats can finish the season with 75 points, Edmonton holds the tiebreaker with 35 wins, compared to Regina’s maximum of 34 wins.

Led by Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Miroslav Holinka, who has cracked the 30-goal mark, and 2025 WHL Rookie of the Year finalist Lukas Sawchyn, the Oil Kings have formed one of this season’s most balanced scoring attacks, with six players surpassing 40 points.

On the blue line, 2026 WHL Trade Deadline pickup Carter Sotheran is averaging above a point per game to rank third on the team in points.

He’s joined by breakout defenceman Ethan MacKenzie and 2025 Seattle Kraken second-round pick Blake Fiddler.

MacKenzie, Noa Ta’amu and forward Dylan Dean are all top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft and will represent Team East at next week’s WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass.

Second-year netminder Ethan Simcoe has also surpassed 20 wins for the first time.

This is the second consecutive season the Oil Kings have moved on to the postseason, though the club is looking for its first playoff series win since being crowned league champions back in 2022.

Edmonton has hoisted the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions three times in team history (2012, 2014, 2022) and the Memorial Cup once (2014).

Next up, the Oil Kings turn their attention to the fight for the top of the conference and home-ice advantage.

Edmonton returns to the friendly confines of Rogers Place for a rematch against the Calgary Hitmen on Saturday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m. MST.

Stay up to date on the 2026 WHL Playoff race by streaming every game for free on Victory+.