EDMONTON -- Edmonton general manager Craig MacTavish says he's optimistic about the future of the Oilers.

He says in terms of the development of the team, the Oilers are closer to the end than they are to the beginning.

MacTavish held a season-ending availability today after Edmonton closed out its regular season in last place in the Western Conference standings with 67 points.

He says he's convinced that head coach Dallas Eakins is the right coach to lead the Oilers to more successful times.

MacTavish also says the Oilers need a few pieces for next season, adding he'd like to bring in a high-end defenceman.

Edmonton has a 14.2 per cent chance of winning the NHL draft lottery.