No matter how strong a team is, a prolonged losing skid can cause unrest amongst the fan base. The Edmonton Oilers are no different, as the team stumbled out of the gates returning from the 4 Nations Face-off. Amidst their struggles several areas of the team came under fire, specifically several players who have had underwhelming seasons.
Still, the Oilers have some time before the playoffs start to get their feet back under them. The team will have a chance to improve as a whole, as will several players. One of the biggest issues plaguing the team has been the unsettled nature of the forward group. Let’s take a look at some Oilers forwards having underwhelming seasons who can raise the ceiling of the team by bouncing back into form.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins slowly finding his way again
Perhaps the central figure in opening up options for the Oilers lineup change, Nugent-Hopkins playing centre is an interesting development. However, several factors converge to make it a sensible idea. The logjam on the wings is substantial, with Trent Frederic, Evander Kane, Max Jones, and perhaps even Matthew Savoie joining the mix. The Oilers have not decided on a fourth line centre, demoting both Derek Ryan and Noah Philp.
To top it all off, Nugent-Hopkins has not lived up to his usual standard on the top line with Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid. The line has been incredible over the past couple seasons, but a down year for the group is the last straw. Alas, it is a good thing as it illustrates the continued growth of the Oilers forward group. Not long ago splitting up McDavid and Leon Draisaitl was unconscionable, until there was enough depth to supply each with enough linemate support. Now, the Oilers can do so even without Nugent-Hopkins as one of the top-six.
Pushing Nugent-Hopkins down the lineup is one thing, but having the depth to support him with capable wingers is another. Further still, the Oilers can accomplish all this while sliding Adam Henrique, and presumably his checking line alongside Mattias Janmark and Connor Brown as a fourth line. Numbering lines can be dangerous, but the intact checking line relieves a lot of defensive pressure on the other lines.
Nugent-Hopkins may not be a consistent 100-point scorer, but maintaining his current points pace centring his own line makes the Oilers all the more imposing. With any luck the Oilers will find homes for many of their wingers, and some chemistry to match. On paper, this might well be the best four lines in the league.
Waiting for Viktor Arvidsson to step up
The last time Arvidsson played anything close to a full season, 2022–23, he was comfortably a 20 plus goal scorer. Sitting at just 10 goals through his first 53 games this season, age and injuries have started to catch up with the firecracker of a winger. Though smaller, Arvidsson is fierce, and has performed well in the playoffs in his career. His current shooting percentage of 8.4% is slightly less than his career average, as is his power play usage.
Though his production has left something to be desired, there are some signs of life from Arvidsson. In fact, Arvidsson and Vasily Podkolzin helped Leon Draisaitl control play more than usual when on a line together to the point where Draisaitl was earning some optimistic early season Selke Trophy consideration. While a place on Draisaitl’s line is less likely going forward, Arvidsson should be thought of as a middle-six winger as opposed to a top-six winger, lessening the burden required of him.
In truth, some decent chemistry should go a long way. In this sense Arvidsson has shown some strong chemistry with Vasily Podkolzin, perhaps enough to cement themselves as a winger tandem. Some improved shooting luck should help as well. Chances are that Arvidsson will be able to pot a few points in the playoffs, all of which would be a boon to the Oilers playoff hopes. Of course, few fans would rather Arvidsson than Dylan Holloway, yet that should not be held against Arvidsson. Instead, getting hot at the right time could give the Oilers depth a boost.
Jeff Skinner clawing his way back into the lineup
In a very similar boat to Arvidsson is Jeff Skinner. More of a speedy and skilled scoring forward, Skinner has had a hard time fitting into the Oilers lineup. Perhaps as much should be expected given that his power play time is inherently limited, stuck behind one of the great power plays in NHL history.
Things did not get off to a great start in his Oilers tenure, as a top-six spot was quickly taken from Skinner. Stooping as low as healthy scratch, Skinner has clawed his way back up the lineup. As the Oilers struggle to find a consistent lineup, Skinner has the runway to capitalize on the opportunity.
It is true that at full health Skinner will be relegated to secondary opportunities, on the power play, late in games, or anytime that the Oilers use Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Still, if he can carve out a spot for himself in the top-nine he will be an asset to a balanced lineup.
Can Zach Hyman keep up with expectations?
Like Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman had set an incredibly high bar with recent career seasons. Still, the Oilers would much rather his prolific playoff scoring from last season carry over than his 50-goal regular season. After a very slow start, Hyman is still in the mix to reach 30 goals, an impressive mark in its own right.
A tongue in cheek answer to which Oilers forward might step up down the stretch is Connor McDavid. While still having an incredible season, McDavid has dealt with injury and played in the 4 Nations Face-off. Firmly below his usual standard, and out of the Hart Trophy race, McDavid will return to his bewildering top form. Perhaps the main beneficiary will be Hyman, the perfect net front complement for his superstar centre.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
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