There has rightly been a lot of focus on the Edmonton Oilers carrying three goalies and eight defencemen. The implication is that the number of forwards on the roster would in turn be reduced. Even before imaginations or rumours add another forward into the mix, the Oilers will have some interesting dynamics in slimming down the forward group.
There is still a lot of time before these decisions will need to be finalized. The entirety of training camp and the preseason will help to sort things out as well. Ultimately many factors will be at hand, from performance, to injury, to waivers, and beyond. That said, there are some interesting options to weigh.
Let’s take a closer look at how it might shake out, especially deeper in the lineup where competition is expected.
Several players locked in the lineup
It goes without saying that there are several locks on the Oilers roster. There might be some new ideas on how to structure those players, but without a doubt they will figure into prominent roles. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl stand above most of the league, let alone the rest of the Oilers forwards.
Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have long been the next most important forwards, though the Oilers will hope others can start to challenge. In particular, Matt Savoie and Vasily Podkolzin should figure into full time scoring roles amidst their growing influence.
There is a layer of quality middle-six contributors. Jason Dickinson figures to be relied upon heavily in defensive usage. Kasperi Kapanen has had a lot of success as a forechecker with the Oilers. The hope was that Trent Frederic would slot in around here, but his fit with the Oilers remains a bit underwhelming.
There are role players, like the reliable Mattias Janmark. Newcomer Mathieu Joseph will hope to find a place here, though his short, cheap contract is by no means enough to force the Oilers hand if need be.
Already that accounts for eleven forwards, meaning there are few, if any, spots left. Perhaps Joseph can be beaten from a spot in training camp, and might well be able to pass through waivers unclaimed.
Where to assign Dach?
For now, the Oilers twelfth forward is Colton Dach. Recently re-signed, Dach was targeted by the Oilers at the trade deadline. A physical forechecking force, Dach would seem to have traits that Coach Mike Babcock will appreciate, which bodes well for some continued growth.
One area of potential growth is the ability for Dach to play centre. This versatility is useful on its own, but given the Oilers current setup especially so. There was some talk of Frederic playing some centre last summer, though this never quite materialized. Janmark has dabbled at centre, but should only be an emergency option.
As much as it is useful to have Dach looking to add to his game, and a potential fourth line spot is not too high in the lineup, it is a bit optimistic to expect Dach to feature as a full time centre next season.
In the AHL
Even before projecting big steps forward from players like Viljami Marjala or Quinn Hutson, the Oilers have some quality players currently assigned to the AHL. Many expected Isaac Howard and Josh Samanski to figure prominently into the Oilers lineup before the offseason’s action opened up.
In relation to Colton Dach and the Oilers centre depth, Samanski is the name to keep an eye on. Samanski acquitted himself very nicely in his NHL work last season, and seems to have a strong and reliable defensive presence that is valued lower in the lineup. In short, Samanski is a much safer projection as a bottom-six centre than Dach, Janmark, or Frederic. A role on the penalty kill will be important for these players trying to lock down a regular spot in the lineup as well.
From this perspective it is likely that Samanski will be able to crack the Oilers opening night roster. Working against Samanski is that he is waiver exempt. If the Oilers truly wish to hoard their players from potential waiver claims, best to start with Samanski down in the AHL.
The same goes for Howard, who faces a less certain projected role on the roster. Given his offensive disposition, it is difficult to imagine Howard earning much trust in more defensive roles. It might be a top-six spot or nothing at the NHL level for Howard, a potentially frustrating situation for all involved. Needless to say it will be an important training camp for Howard to make an impression on Babcock and the Oilers coaching staff.
Putting it all together
Naturally the Oilers lineup will ebb and flow throughout the season, and many of these players will find themselves in and out of the lineup. Injuries will open up opportunities, and the Oilers will find a way to build chemistry and identity throughout the lineup.
Samanski seems to be a much better fit in this lineup than either Joseph or Howard. Along with Dach, Samanski gives the Oilers a young, cheap, reliable depth forward to help solidify the bottom of their lineup. The power vacuum of a new coaching staff might throw in a wrench, giving players a chance to vault up the lineup or plummet down it.
In any case a summer of training and the eventual preseason will help sort things out. There will certainly be some surprises along the way as well. The Oilers have some salary cap space, which should give them options to sorting it all out.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
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