This is the Edmonton Oilers prospect depth chart from May 2018, listed as skill sets. Miles and miles of two-way centers and blue, some puck movers and an interesting goaltending group. From that list, Stuart Skinner is the only remaining Oilers player on the roster, but there are several playing in the NHL elsewhere. What don’t you see? There’s no ‘physical winger who brings some offense and isn’t dragging the line’ category. Why? That’s a unicorn.
EVANDER KANE
In the month of October, the Edmonton Oilers were 10-10 goals five-on-five with Evander Kane off the ice, 4-8 with the big winger deployed. Kane was 4-5 goals without Connor Brown, 0-3 goals with the beleaguered (at the time) winger. In that month, Kane was 1-4 with Connor McDavid, 3-4 without the captain. Kane-McDavid-Brown were 0-3 together in 16 minutes. Huh. I bet Jay Woodcroft would like those 16 minutes back.
In November, Kane was 10-10 goals, Edmonton going 17-22 without him. Huh again. Kane was 1-1 with McDavid, McDavid was 9-11 without Kane. Jumping Jehoshaphat! I mean really. Kane was 4-2 with Draisaitl in November.
Come December, Edmonton was 4-7 goals (all of these are five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick) with Kane, 33-14 without him! NOW we’re getting somewhere! Keep him from McDavid!! Except that wasn’t it during December. Kane-Draisaitl were 1-6 in 69 minutes, Kane without No. 29 went 3-1 goals, 1-1 without either of the Glimmer Twins.
So, when January arrives, we can see Kane has enjoyed some good runs but there’s a lag on the skill lines and we would find out later he wasn’t 100 percent. In January, the Oilers were 5-6 goals with Kane, 16-7 without. At this point, the coaching staff are riding a runaway stallion with clean air and nothing in the way, and Kris Knoblauch fades Kane. There are 11 minutes with McDavid in the month, six minutes of that with Leon and the line scored a goal, zero against.
At this point, the plot path looks clear. Kane on the third line, run McDavid and Draisaitl without and Bob’s your uncle. Except in February, Kane’s on-ice totals are 9-5 goals and the Oilers are 20-22 without him! What in the h-e-double-hockey-sticks is happening, people? My poor brain can’t take this unreasonableness! Kane-McDavid were 3-1 in 13 minutes, McDavid 17-15 in 200 minutes without the big man (that’s modest production for the greatest show on ice). Kane-Draisaitl was 5-3 goals, and Kane away from both of the impact centers went 1-1 goals in 86 minutes. So, keep Kane on a line with one of them? Was he healthy here?
Now, spring enters the conversation. March sees Kane go 6-6, the Oilers with him off the ice are 32-16. This time, McDavid-Kane are 2-2, but the captain is super nova (17-5) without him. Okay. Fade Kane, run with others on the skill lines.
April when she comes sees Kane at 6-3 goals, Edmonton 21-17 without him. Kane-McDavid play one minute together with no goals either way. Draisaitl-Kane four minutes, also no results. Kane-Adam Henrique? 2-1 goals in 43 minutes. Kane-McLeod? 3-2 goals in 49 minutes. Huzzah!
So the answer is run Kane away from the elites, with a strong No. 3 center and let him feast on the soft parade? I think that works, but the entire 2023-24 season is riddled with contrarian views based on the month. Plus, we know he was hurt. So, what does one do?
I think the best plan is to make sure he’s damn good and healthy. I wrote about the Oilers and three scoring lines yesterday at The Athletic and I do think Kane-Henrique might be the key to the highway.
Now, I’d love to hear what you think. I would also like to state that no matter what anyone’s view, this is an interesting dilemma brought on by Kane’s injury.
In 2021-22, Kane-McDavid were 30-17 in 418 minutes. Music! That’s a strong result. McDavid away was less effective (43-33) but still brilliant, while Kane solo went 9-5.
In 2022-23, Kane-McDavid went 2-2 before the Maroon incident, Kane 8-5 without. When he came back, Kane with McDavid (7-14) was a miserable result. In that time, 97 w/o Kane (57-39) and Kane without 97 (9-11) gave Edmonton an easy road. Kane’s results were disappointing but understandable.
In 2023-24, Kane-McDavid went 10-8 in 148 minutes. Kane without was 34-37, McDavid 80-49.
Kane is older now, and we know big wingers who play his style can often hit a wall around 30. I think Kane’s 2023-24 season showed he can still do some things, but that third line soft parade might be the better way.
If there is a stronger role for him, it must come once he is completely healthy. Kane is a fascinating player. I value what he brings. In the last many months, really since the Maroon incident, what he brings varies greatly. I believe a healthy Kane can help this team in a significant way.
A busy show on the Lowdown, noon to 2pm on Sports 1440. We’ll continue our tour around the Pacific Division with a stop in Anaheim and talk Oilers, NFL and Elks. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly.
New for The Athletic: Can the Edmonton Oilers ice three scoring lines in 2024-25?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5753444/2024/09/09/edmonton-oilers-scoring-lines-2024/
Nuge – McDavid – Hyman.
Skinner – Draisaitl – Arvidsson
Kane (healthy) – Henrique – Savoie (at or around the deadline?)
I love you allan
Anyhow, reading you and following. Really is a big thing in my life. I haven’t had kids,but new girl is a OT pediatric. She I’m high level right now kicking butt. However, she reads you every day. I said if wanna learn hockey without playing this is the guy.
long,,, story short. We love you. When I shed 1 year she is crushed. She also learned how much I love the oilers. I have 4 jerseys fuhr, messier, Healy, ekholm
Hey Allan,
I really don’t know you as a human or as writer. Either way I broke up with my wife when I 32. Then a brother who was a good friend put me on to you, he is a lawyer.
As a left defence I watched my goalie be great. We won 2 champs, purely because we out goalies them. We tried and scored goals, but waves against us. We laid down and took what needed. Then out goalie stood on his head to let us get back and hopefully make a good move.
I hate to say it
woodguy said it
its goalie
it will be super fun to watch my team
if you going be goalied
it’s over
Everybody talks defence, let’s spend. 5 mill on a goalie
You want to know how they can win. Please… please get some sold goaltending. Van almost knocked us out purely cause of goalie. Yeah we are the better team, even more so now. I’m sorry Lowe we can’t win with him. Super nice guy great goaltender, but just not championship.
They are all kids. I’m way overage and heve children myself. Really have no say, however, I remember being a kid. We read, let’s be nice. Ok I know I suck at skating. I
All I known. The oilers are good, they know who they like and don’t.
i would just ask if they were nice to certain guys. Everybody is like a pissed putt from getting to the show. Just a squeeze of a stick and and a bad bounce. These kids are the best, let’s remember they are still kids and better at 1 thing.
Reminder: Evander Kane’s most common teammate (goalies excluded) under Knoblauch is Darnell Nurse, both in the regular and playoffs. You decide who’s uphill from whom, and what’s rolling down.
Dermott signed to a PTO.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/oilers-sign-defenceman-travis-dermott-to-pto/
Why though?
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=159226
Arizona / Utah Hockey Club.
All your bottom-pairing defensemen are belong to us!
Does seem rather pointless.
A former mcDavid team mate?
So that if Knoblauch goes 3-9-1 Bowman can say he gave him the all the defenders he asked for before hiring Quenneville??? I joke, I joke. I kid, I kid. Oilers D are ready (for me to p**p on).
https://naturalstattrick.com/playercompare.php?fromseason=20212022&thruseason=20232024&stype=2&sit=5v5&score=all&stdoi=oi&rate=r&p1=8477384&p2=8478408&loc=B&gpfilt=none&fd=&td=&tgp=410&lines=single
Yeah. Giordano sucks.
Heh. I never said that.
But it seems that Giordano’s history and age were more important to most folks than anything else.
JP, I don’t recall you saying that either. In fact I mentioned Giordano’s age as a concern. Just meaning that his numbers when he actually plays are way better than Dermotts. It’s not even close.
1) Would rather have him than Josh Brown as 7D
2) Oilers need a 4D more than a 4RD as they have many options for 4RD (no need for an add on the right side unless the add can play 2RD and that’s not out there except for trade)
Three weeks ago (give or take), Stauff said he was 100% certain the Oilers were going to bring a d-man in on a PTO and it was a player that had played in the NHL and was known to Stauff.
Every since then I though Dermott was the likely option and, for me, it makes sense.
None of the right shot options looked like they would be able to even tread water at the 2RD and, truth be told, there are three d-men capable of playing 3RD (although Josh Brown I think is a 7D). They had options via numbers even if no legit 2RD.
On the other hand, there were no real “options via numbers” on the left side – the left side is locked and loaded but, after the 3, Gleason is next up and getting a legit 7D/4LD vet made/makes the most sense.
If signed, he would likely push Josh Brown to the AHL and I think that was the plan when the initially signed him (having Stecher, Ceci and Broberg all expected Oilers).
I think it’s Dermott and Brown because they don’t expect to necessarily be in the NHL if they are with the Oilers. Established NHL players don’t want to be sent down, why would they sign if that was on the table?
I also think Ceci was gone regardless, they needed the cap, he has had a lot of trouble in playoffs, and they have relieved themselves of most of the others that struggled – analytics being used
https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1833649079286403400
Been lots of speculation on #Oilers defense plans … Expectation is we’ll see Travis Dermott arrive in Edmonton for voluntary captain’s skates this week, with a formal PTO to follow.
Jim Matheson:
Evander Kane isn’t skating with cast of Oiler vets at Downtown Community Arena. Betting is he doesn’t pass his team physical (sports hernia) when training camp opens and then we’ll be talking surgery and how long he’ll be out.
This should of been the plan last year a effective Kane in the playoffs may have been the difference.
Kane never failed a physical last season so that couldn’t happen. Only way he goes on LTIR last season is if he had surgery and the final decision on surgery is 100% the player’s. Holland can ask and try to convince Kane if that is what Holland hoped for but that is all. Clearly Kane didn’t want surgery last season.
2Mutts
The #LetsGoOilers have many options in terms of PTO’s & it sounds like they could have up to two players joining the group at the Captain Skates.
Some players that want to come to Edmonton are looking at other options in case a PTO can’t be reached but it’s trending in a direction that the Oilers will have some veteran players joining them soon enough here.
I suppose two way contracts. Not much room at the inn if they want to accrue cap, and not many players I see them sending down out of signed players
I don’t think two-way contracts affect the NHL cap. They only mean the player gets paid less while in the AHL. A one-way contract means they get the same salary in both leagues. Any contract at or less than ~$1.125 million can come completely off the cap if the player is waived/sent to the AHL, regardless of his AHL salary.
Yes, I meant one way with the understanding they would go down and hope for an NHL spot at some point. I could see Ryan going down or Brown, but no one else makes sense to me, or why sign or trade for them or why would they sign with that on the table? PTOs are in a different spot
One way or two way makes no difference to though.
David Staples reporting Travis Dermott likely coming in on a PTO.
He also speculated Sam Gagner will get a PTO with Carolina.
Choosing cap flexibility over matching the offer sheets looks like the right move now. With Draisaitl and Bouchard (and McDavid) still on their current contracts, this year is shaping up to be the best chance to bring home Stanley. They’re going to be able to go big-game hunting for a #2 RHD at the deadline (although I’m not sure what they can offer in a trade). Extensions start kicking in next year, so short-term planning is definitely the play right now, and that meant letting Holloway and Broberg walk.
I have faith in the committee. Jackson&Co turned McLeod and Ceci into Savoie and Emberson. Not only could these trades be called good moves immediately I think will be calling it a outright theft for many years to come.
There is miles to go to determine what type of cap space they’ll have at the deadline though. They are projected to start the season with a 22 player roster and apx $945K in cap space which would provide for a $4.5MM (apx) acquisition at the deadline but that’s with no roster changes and doesn’t factor in short term injuries and related call-ups taking that cap daily accrual WAY down, for example.
Just an early look.
@TonyBrarOTV
For whatever it’s worth: RNH – McDavid – Hyman are skating as a trio during informal skate.
Also, for whatever it’s worth: Skinner – Draisaitl – Arvidsson are skating together during skate.
I believe Skinner will end up with Connor and Hyman as their game all complement each other.
IIRC Nuge doesn’t always work well with Drai, except those couple of months years ago. But I agree, a better shooter is just what the doctor ordered for that line
That initial run Nuge-Draisaitl-Yamamoto run was the high point, but it’s pretty much always been a good combo.
19-20 446min 69%GF
20-21 145min 50%GF
21-22 297min 57%GF
22-23 289min 56%GF
23-24 155min 59%GF
I see Kane on the top 2 lines for physicality and goal scoring. I see Skinner on the top 2 lines for 5v5 scoring.
Is there room for Nuge in the top 6?
I see Nuge and Henrique as the core for a NHL’s best 3rd line.
I don’t comment about it much because it’s right on a nerve around here, but Nuge is to me not the best option with the two other top 6 wingers and if Kane is healthy. Given the contract I’m sure that was part of the plan that at some point he’d move down
According to NHL_SID Nuge was the least effective forward on PK last season (Ryan just behind him) recovered some in playoffs. He was down the list 5v5 in GF% and xGF% for forwards in the playoffs and reg season (NST), this while playing mostly with Connor
https://oilersnation.com/news/what-to-expect-from-the-edmonton-oilers-penalty-kill-in-2024-25
We’ll see how this season goes for him, he’s just 31, but he’s a smaller player and not a dynamic skater
I do think some context is needed for the PK number as Nuge generally started the PK meaning he was playing mostly against PK1 – the numbers are not necessarily equatable across the players, right?
I agree that Kane should be given opportunity on McDavid’s wing if and when he is fully healthy. His biggest impact for this team would be in the top 6, I simply don’t think he is fit to be an effective third liner.
His best hockey, maybe of his career, was down the stretch in 2022 and in the 2022 playoffs.
I think that was the last time he was fully healthy as the wrist slice was in November of the following season and, once he came back from that there was a broken hand, broken rips, sports hernia – that we know of.
I don’t know if he can get back to 2022 form but he did have a 2-3 week stretch early last season where we was there.
I also think Arvidsson can play some 3RW. I had him and Holloway both spending time on the 2nd and 3rd lines.
How many teams in the league have top line better than Skinner – Draisaitl – Arvisson?
For my money, I would probably take Nich,Mack, and Rantinen, but Nich is done and dusted.
Robertson, Hinz, Johnsson would be a pretty good one.
Verhaeghe, Barkov, Reinhart. maybe.
Johnston is just getting started.
Figured I would look at these since that’s the sort of thing I do.
Nichushkin-MacKinnon-Rantanen
382min 24-16 goals (60%)
-Very good, though as you say, Nichushkin is no longer.
Robertson-Hintz-Johnston
111min 9-1 goals (regular season)
28min 2-2 goals (playoffs)
-Not a regular line, but great in-season results in a small sample.
Verheaghe-Barkov-Reinhart
209min 11-4 goals
106min 4-2 goals
-Semi-regular line with great results (about 1/3 of their playoff TOI, less in the regular season).
We don’t know about Draisaitl with Skinner and Arvidsson.
But Draisaitl without McDavid last season:
790min 38-28 (58%)
(Foegele and Kane were his most common non-McDavid linemates)
Seems a decent chance that Draisaitl with Skinner-Arvidsson on his flanks will be very much in the conversation with other teams actual 1st lines.
Wyatt Johnston is expected to replace Pavelski on the Dallas top line.
Could be dynamite.
I don’t follow other teams much, but Colorado, Dallas, and Florida probably (off the top of my head) had the best top lines in the league last season outside of the Oilers.
It says a lot that the new Dry line will be right there with those top lines giving the Oilers two elite lines.
I can’t wait to see Dry with some high-end wingers.
That filthy, damnable Maroon. Prior to, Kane could be counted on to go Nova in contained bursts (his best as an Oiler being when he first joined the team). Now I dunno. Yes age, but more than that: miles. Hope there’s still a ‘peak’ Kane hiding away in there. Would love to see him again this spring.
Best Maroon as an Oiler moment hands down, has got to be him yanking on Brent Burns beard. Classic!
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1420743978052461
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/top-25-nhl-affiliated-goaltending-prospects-in-2024-25
Top 25 Goalie prospects. Great to see our boy Rodrigue make the list. I hope he does get the call if there are injuries. A couple games could give him a chance to see what he needs to work on.
I found it interesting a couple teams have two on the list. Seems there are a lot of good goalies coming.
Speaking of Maroon, why don’t we pick him up at the deadline from the Blackhawks? He fits that Kane, unicorn type. As long as he hasn’t fallen off too much.
If he was any slower he’d be going backwards, and we all know he can’t even skate backwards.
Well.. he was sorta good 9 years ago. But 9 years is a long time when you’re Patrick Maroon shaped.
Considerable speculation that the Flames are preparing to trade Rasmus Andersson.
They have just signed Jarred Tinordi to a one year deal and Tyson Barrie to a PTO.
I imagine there would be a robust market for Andersson.
Breaking News: Grand Rapid Griffins trade Brogan Rafferty straight up for Rasmus Anderson with Flames keeping max salary retention.
Wouldn’t you rather have Rasmus Andersson on your roster than either of Tinordi or Barrie? I’m not sure why Calgary would do that?
They’re still tearing things down and harvesting draft picks and young prospects.
Winning is not a priority.
They have Weeger and their young guy Miromanov, who had better results in similar comp, cashing him in for max value I assume
Conroy&Iginla are old school they have real battle of Alberta in them and will not trade with the Oilers unless it’s a fleece job. If Conroy has 2 comparable offers even a little less he’ll choose the one that gives our toughest competitor the deal.
No doubt but the Oilers cap situation would make a trade for him very difficult in any case.
And I would imagine a first round pick would be a part of the ask.
Yup.
The fact that the Flames took less from Dallas in the Tanev trade than what the Oilers (reportedly) offered is another indicator of this. Never say never, but it seems like the Flames have zero interest in helping out the Oilers. Gone are the friendly days of the Lucic/Neal trades.
Holland and Treliving had Jack squat feelings towards the battle of Alberta. Treliving had more passion discussing Boston Pizza over Pizza Hut and Holland arch-enemy was the Avalanche among a few others. The boys better have Brown ready as the Flames have some head and knee hunters especially that chicken weasel Pospisal who still has a couple of victims he can hurt dirtily before the league figures this punk out as a wannabe Matt Cooke.
Pretty much how I see it as well.
Jarred Tinordi, who the Flames signed today, is 6’6” 230.
Not hired for his skating I presume.
So Sutter didn’t lead the Flames to years of glory when winning was the priority, let their 20 year rebuild commence.
We’ll see.
Important to remember the last time the Oilers won a cup was 34 years ago.
Wow, you have been hanging onto your Oilers grudge for 34 years now.
That’s unhealthy.
Impossible. That would mean he hated the Oilers 20 years before he was born….
???
Sutter was such a mistake.
One of the best parts about the Flames season last year, was all Sutter fans who felt they could have made the playoffs with him coaching instead of Huska.
Bring him back!
Love it. Chicken weasel
The way I see it is:
RNH – McDavid – Hyman is likely the best 1st line in the league.
Skinner – Draisaitl – Arvidsson is the best second line in the league (if not on par with the best top lines of many teams).
Kane (when/if healthy) – Henrique – Brown is the best third line in the league (if not on par with some of the best second lines in the league).
The forward depth on this team is insane, and I do think if that third line can stay healthy it may end up being one of the major keys to victory for the Oilers.
Or crazy thought. Pavelski? would he sign for one year to chase a cup
It would be almost worth it just so he could teach the boys how to tip the puck. His mentoring of Wyatt Johnston was impressive I can’t think of a better deflector of the puck in N.H.L history than Pavelski.
Tomas Holmstrom was no slouch.
Some guy Glenn Anderson ran over with his car turned out okay too.
He has officially announced his retirement.
Is there any path to having our 3rd/4th checking line form the playoffs stay intact, while finding Kane someone with offensive ability to play with? Is there a 4C (RH preferably) who you could run with Kane and Podkolzin, and play them equally with the 3rd checking line in terms of ice time? if we are truly saving guys for the playoffs, then rolling 4 lines (like Seattle) and maximizing our top end guys for the PP time, allows us to have a 4th line that crushes the soft parade.
Is Tyler Johnson (who had 17 goals last year) be enough of an offensive upgrade on Ryan that you could sign him for league minimum, and he allows us to have a choice between offensive or defensive RH centre depending on need?
Johnson signed a PTO with the Town of Beans.
But yes, an offensive upgrade for sure.
Believe any team can still sign him, regardless of PTO. Chris Versteeg signed with Calgary years ago while on a PTO with Edmonton
8 G were on PP and his PuckIQ was not a pretty site, not sure he can help the Oilers
I had the injury Kane has/had.
it’s a son of a gun.
I wouldn’t be surprised he has had the injury longer than we believe.
chiro, physio, stretching, acupuncture
and rest that healed it. But it took a long time.
everyone is different in their recovery.
I’m hoping Kane can get 100% healthy.
He brings an element of skill and power that few in the league can bring.
I thought Kane was the best Oiler when we were slumping under Woody. His return to form was quite impressive after the nasty wrist injury. I don’t think will see Kane for while as this looks to me like a long term type of thing. A relatively healthy Kane would sure be a blessing come playoff time.
LT, curious if you’re planning a post by Friday on a rundown the rookie tourney roster?
Very excited to see the big guns like Savoie, O’Reilly and Akey make an impact but some interesting invites on there as well, especially Frankie Marelli who bears striking similarities to a defense version of Brady Stonehouse, including sharing an OHL team.
It’ll be up tomorrow morning. I saw it but there are a bunch of names I don’t recognize so wanted to dig a little deeper.
Awesome, looking forward to it! Elite Prospects got a workout last night as there were several unfamiliar names there for me too.
I had a double take on Vincent Desjardin.
Marc Lajoie looks interesting! 6’6″ 21yo defenseman from St. Albert who led the Oil Kings in goals and was second in points with 26G + 32A for 58 pts in 68 games as an overager.
No brainer. Acquire all of the young players whose surnames end in ‘oie”
Sounds like a Canadiens kind of thing to do….
Yeah his overage numbers (and measurements) are sure eye popping. Believe he got into 1 game with the Condors at the end of last season on an ATO as well. Looks like he is starting with the U of A this fall but suspect the Oil will keep him on their radar, maybe hope for a Philp 2.0 situation in a year of two.
That he has some offense and didn’t get drafted at that size, seems like he may have some mobility issues
Marrelli is an interesting one.
Scott Wheeler had Marrelli on his list of best players who went undrafted, along with a brief profile.
Wheeler also wrote an article about who had the most superlative skills in the ’24 draft. Marrelli was ranked the 5th most competitive player and 7th best defensive d-man. Everyone ahead of him on either list was drafted in the 1st round.
Being 5’11” is likely what kept him from being drafted. Not sure about his boots.
Awesome thanks for this info. From what I’ve read so far Marrelli’s skating can best be described as good but not elite, which would typically be needed at the pro level for someone his size. The competitiveness, physicality and defensive skills seem to show up consistently on his reports tho. The fact he has played on the U18 and Hlinka teams most recently are positive arrows as well.
I’m not confident that Kane can get back to the level but that run in 2022 and playoffs for Kane was sensational and likely the last time he was 100% (wrist injury early the next season and then injury upon injury).
If Kane can take the time to get truly healthy, is there a chance that player still exists?
I think so. But it depends if it’s a chronic thing now. If it is he won’t get back to his healthier days. Marchand had surgery for that hernia as well. If he needs his hips done, some guys like P Kane are a lot better, some aren’t
I think you show a good example of the danger of small sample sizes. A player is not on the ice for enough goals over a month to get any reliable statistics. A couple goals here or there and the narrative is completely different.
Small sample sizes don’t show good or bad arrows, they are just untrustworthy and should be ignored. The year over year shows a more coherent picture. Kane was extremely effective when healthy and struggles when injured. The problem is we don’t know how much and for how long his injury affected him last year.
Will we ever see a healthy Kane again before age gets the better of him? It’s anyone’s guess. He could be done or he could also carve out a role as a physical, intimidating, old man who scores enough to stay relevant into his late 30s.
True for sure. One thing that I do wonder is if the organization knew when he was hurt, if the results before then were superior. It’s really late in Kane’s time with the Oilers to “play him for 40 games to see what you have” but we are here.
Kane-Henrique-? might be a thing.
The top 6 finally having all top 6 players should be fine in not having any harder players. Leon is pretty big and Arvidsson aggressive. I thought last years the bottom 6 wasn’t bringing the physical game the team needs more of from role players, essentially so the top players aren’t doing too much of it, keep them healthy
Having Kane on the third line is easier on him, and gives that line some bite, I like it. Also, he will be playing with quality established players, so hopefully he’s happy there. If Philp can get there, he and Janmark should give the fourth line more jam, and Perry of course if he’s playing
Kane-Henrique-Brown could potentially be the best 3rd line in the league by a lot. I have really high hopes for Brown though. I think him tweaking his injured knee before last season really set him back.
Last year someone on here posted an fascinating comment on the concept of psychological insult. About how once a major injury is fully healed it still takes a long time for the mind to fully trust it.
Is Kane less effective on the RW, or does it matter?
Simply because I too believe if 100% healthy, he should play with Henrique & I’m thinking Podkolzin, who plays RW & is solid defensively. Maybe Savoie could be in the picture too on RW with Kane & Henrique. Thus, allowing Janmark & Brown to anchor the fourth line with one of Ryan, Philp or Pederson centering. Or platoon all three centers to find the best fit.
By midseason I expect we see something like:
RNH McD Hyman
Skinner Drai Arvi
Kane Henrique Savoie
Janmark Philp(or new player) Brown
I was wondering if there is a large difference between J. Skinner and RNH as far as being a solid defensive player goes. They have both been around a long time and have both played for some really bad teams.
Their oiGF/60 – oiGA/60 (basically +/-) as well as PDO are near identical, both career and last 3 years
RNH: +0.1 per 60 career / +1.9 per 60 last 3 / PDO = 100.4 (career) and 101 (last 3)
Skinner: –0.1 per 60 career / +1.8 per 60 last 3 / PDO = 99.5 (career) and 101 (last 3)
Nuge is probably the better defensive player. But Skinner plays either wing. I could see top line combo with (Hyman-McDavid-Skinner) seeing as Hyman likes LW.
Skinner plays right wing?
He plays either wing.
Hyman likes LW.
All the more impressive that he scored 54 goals playing RW.
And yes Hyman likes LW, and is a right shot.
I imagine we will see some F pairs and different looks as they get to know what works. Against the Panthers I definitely would have put Kane on Connor’s line when they started taking liberties, I think he would have calmed that down, nobody was doing much about it
It did have to do with the hole they dug, but one of the skills naturally aggressive players develop – if they are thinking about what they are doing – is how to work around the refs better than other players do, when it’s not their normal game. And also the verbal game, when Kane is beaking they take him seriously, and he can get players off their games. If Foegele tried it they wouldn’t for example
Kane’s punishing hits are such a rare thing in today’s NHL, he’s an absolute load. Your point about Foegele is well taken, I often think if a player other than Kane took those strides before impact it would end in a charging call. He either times it brilliantly or the refs consider it less than a charge. He’s a frightening hitter.
He is that. You have often mentioned how the Flyers would make so many infractions that the refs in their game management way would let a lot of it go, wouldn’t call it all. It might be like that with individual players. They let more go because that’s their style of play
Perry is another that can push things and doesn’t get as many calls as he should. The refs might even have some fondness for the villians and that type of game, if they aren’t just dirty and dangerous. “What do I say to Corey” comes to mind