With training camp in full swing, we got our first look at what the Edmonton Oilers opening night lineup could be. With new Head Coach Mike Babcock taking the reins there is a power vacuum for icetime. We should expect some changes, due to injuries or otherwise, as the preseason progresses, but the initial signs are worth examining.
Spots on the NHL roster will be hard to come by. Naturally as a strong team, the Oilers have a lot of competition for spots. However, with a three-headed goalie tandem slated and the possibility of carrying eight defencemen, there is expected to be little room for carrying an extra forward. Injuries to Matthew Savoie and Mattias Janmark do open up opportunities for other forwards, at least, as do injuries to Frederik Andersen and Alec Regula.
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the first lineup projection for the Oilers upcoming season.
Forwards
Podkolzin-McDavid-Draisaitl
Howard-Nugent-Hopkins-Hyman
Frederic-Dickinson-Kapanen
Joseph-Dach-Formenton
Superstar duo back together
The big news up front is that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are sharing a line. Vasily Podkolzin gets a chance to do the dirty work alongside, and has shown strong chemistry with Draisaitl. It is a big spot for Podkolzin, but it allows for greater depth down the lineup. In all there is little doubt that this line will be fantastic.
For now, the second line is loaded up with as much offence as possible outside of McDavid and Draisaitl. This is important to having both superstars on a line together, as the Oilers must pose an offensive threat beyond that. Zach Hyman is instrumental, as is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins holding down a centre spot. Isaac Howard gets an ideal position here, featured in the scoring role he requires alongside some accomplished offensive talents. At some point we should expect Matthew Savoie to slot into the equation, but Howard getting an opportunity to establish himself is a worthwhile silver lining.
Looking at the forward depth
The third line is slated to bring a lot of dimension. Jason Dickinson features in his expected role as the checking centre. Kasperi Kapanen brings a great deal of speed, and the winger has been playing some of his best hockey as an Oiler. His forechecking is vital to making the line work, as is his ability to create offence on his own. Kapanen is skilled, but he is not necessarily elevating his linemates’ offence as much as he is capitalizing on his own chances. Trent Frederic is really well supported here, as he certainly appreciates a primary forechecker on his line.
The fourth line is certainly interesting. Outside of the controversial nature of Alex Formenton signing with the team he brings a distinct skillset. He is big and very fast. To an extent he is similar to Kapanen, limited in terms of supporting or elevating the offence of his linemates, but fast enough to be a menace on the forecheck. Colton Dach is a high volume hitter in his own right, giving the line a foundation of speed, size, and physicality. Mathieu Joseph fits nicely into this framework.
Josh Samanski might be the biggest omission, though his waiver exempt status might play a factor in the decision. Many expect Samanski to end up as a part of the regular lineup by the end of the season, and his abilities as a centre and a penalty killer certainly seem useful. Absent are any looks for Quinn Hutson and Viljami Marjala, both of whom could really help their cause with some trust on the penalty kill. Opportunity is clearly thin for Eduards Tralmaks as well.
Defence
Shea-Bouchard
Walman-Murphy
Ekholm-Mukhamadullin
The biggest surprise here is Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard being split up. It speaks to a few things. First, Ekholm is getting older, and at some point he will no longer be able to handle such a large role. This does not mean that is the case already. In fact, the Oilers might just be taking a look to see other options before reverting to a pairing that is proven.
The other angle is that the defence might be better off balancing the talent a bit more. Ryan Shea is a capable puck moving option, but was a fantastic penalty killer last season. Bouchard has become a bonafide number one defenceman in his own right, and might help Shea fill a big role. Shakir Mukhamadullin has a lot of tools to work with, and some tutelage from a rock steady veteran like Ekholm might help elevate his game. Given that Mukhamadullin is playing on his weak side it might be necessary to give a little extra help.
Jake Walman is coming off of a down year marred by injury troubles. Theoretically his offensive game balances Connor Murphy’s rugged defending. The duo did not fare well in limited minutes last season, but the experiment seems to be getting another look.
This means that Spencer Stastney and Ty Emberson are starting on the outside looking in. Both have their uses, but are less physically impressive than Mukhamadullin, for example. In a sense, Mukhamadullin has more upside, so it is exciting to see him thoroughly part of the Oilers plans.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
