While most of the offseason’s action is likely in the rear view, there is still plenty of time and opportunity for the Edmonton Oilers to manoeuvre. As the offseason sets into low gear, let’s take a look at some loose ends in this week’s Edmonton Oilers rumour roundup.
Babcock call out
The controversial aspects of Mike Babcock’s hiring aside, it is clear that the Oilers were looking for a more established and authoritative voice behind the bench. This was believed to be spearheaded by the Oilers two superstars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The duo’s sheer excellence is the engine that propels the Oilers compulsions for greatness.
Still, they are not safe from their new coach, as Babcock seems to have no problem putting some of the onus on his stars. Elliotte Friedman disclosed as much on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, a soundbite that has garnered some attention. Initial reactions include disbelief that blame could be placed on the star duo, to disappointment that management has not been able to build better teams.
In essence, though, this is exactly what McDavid and Draisaitl signed up for. In fact, it might be a big part of what the team needs as well. If the coach can be blunt with the team’s best players, there are no disillusions to the rest of the players on the roster. An early warning shot from Babcock will set the tone, and ensure everyone’s awareness of the attention to detail the coach will require come training camp.
There might be some philosophical ponderings that spawn from this as well. There is a classic NHL story of Steve Yzerman changing his game to start having team success. An archetypal tale, a player must forgo pursuits of individual production to play within the team’s structure. McDavid and Draisaitl have authored tons of individual success and are embracing this storyline as best they can. They will, of course, still need to post gaudy scoring totals for the Oilers to succeed.
With that said, they might have to change their style of play in certain aspects for the good of the team. Does that mean shorter shifts on the power play or at the end of games? Does it mean less time loaded up together on the same line, or less icetime in general?
Moreover, the Oilers have been incredibly successful over the last five seasons. This team is not incapable of victory as much as it just has not gotten it done yet. The clock is ticking and the pressure is on, of course. McDavid and Draisaitl will still lead the team in scoring. There is minutia involved, but some small changes could help the Oilers a lot.
Does Edmonton need another winger?
The Oilers still have some cap space, and there are still some players on the market that might help upgrade the team. With Claude Giroux back with the Ottawa Senators, the darling of the UFA class might be Vladimir Tarasenko. Owen Tippett and Jake DeBrusk remain highly discussed options on the trade market.
The Oilers did well to be patient last summer, ultimately coming to a low cost low risk deal for Jack Roslovic. Having some open cap space will be valuable for potential deadline buying as well. It is very possible that the Oilers try to slow play the market once again, and there are merits to this approach.
The team is basically at a full roster
To that effect, the Oilers have a lot of players under contract. Already with three goalies and eight defencemen, the Oilers would not have room to carry any extra forwards as it stands. Even more, the Oilers have some reasonable blueline depth beyond their top eight. Never mind the logjam in net, where it is unclear if a prospect like Samuel Jonsson will even be able to get any meaningful amount of AHL starts.
This might speak to a potential move in the future. Be it via trade or, eventually, a surprise waiver demotion for a regular NHLer, it would be rather irregular for the Oilers to carry no extra forwards on their roster. Players might be able to pass through waivers, of course, and the Oilers could certainly play chicken by waiving Tristan Jarry, as the Pittsburgh Penguins did in the past. Frederic Andersen’s injury history might make three goalies tenable, and other injuries throughout the roster are inevitable.
Unsigned RFAs left to deal with
The Oilers still have some work to do, as Colton Dach and Roby Jarventie remain unsigned. Both are RFAs, and should be smaller contracts in terms of cap cost. AFP Analytics projects Dach’s next contract as a two-year $1.175M pact, with Jarventie at a one-year, $850,000 deal.
Dach should be a part of the Oilers regular lineup, providing some youth and energy to the bottom of the lineup. Babcock has taken a liking to certain role players in the past, and Dach should hope to hit the ground running come training camp.
Jarventie, meanwhile, is expected to play in the AHL. He has tantalizing tangibles, a big body, a fast skater, with clear offensive tools. His injury luck has been rotten, but he could certainly help his cause for a promotion with a strong training camp as well.
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