from Emily Kaplan of ESPN,

Given the average age of NHL players to begin the 2017-18 season was a shade over 27, we considered only players who are 27 or younger.

The rankings also factored in length of contracts -- the longer the better for young talent -- and accounted only for players who are inked for at least the next three seasons. For example, the New Jersey Devils might look strong at first glance, but Taylor Hall and 2017 No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier are both signed for just two more seasons, leaving a lot up in the air.

Here are the top locked-in young cores in the NHL, when considering age and contract status.

1. Edmonton Oilers

Core: Connor McDavid (Center, 21 years old, $12.5 million AAV, through 2025-26); Leon Draisaitl (Center, 22 years old, $8.5 million AAV through 2024-25); Oscar Klefbom (Defense, 24 years old, $4.167 million AAV through 2022-23)

The Oilers might require some refinement before they ultimately win, but it's hard to argue with the core they have drafted and subsequently locked in for the next five to eight years. Then again, it's not exactly high-level managing to commit to a player like McDavid when given the opportunity. However, the pledge to McDavid's sidekick, Draisaitl, is a nice touch, and Klefbom's low cap hit will keep the salary cap at bay for some time, which lands the Oilers here at No. 1. And that's before you even mention that the Oilers also just signed their 2018 first-rounder, Evan Bouchard, adding another young asset on the blue line.

read on for ten more teams...