The Edmonton Oilers look set, but does that always ring true? Is there no room for Quinn Hutson opening night? Is it a 100 percent lock Spencer Stastney will be traded or waived? Does Mattias Janmark make the team simply because of the contract? Please read this.
This is the ‘certain Oilers’ list from September 22, 2022. The team had just 14 certain spots on the roster. Opening night 2022, the Oilers lineup included everyone but Kailer Yamamoto (healthy scratch) and Mattias Janmark (waived October 7 and send to Bakersfield). Roster opening night is here.
I am reading online (and from experienced folks) that the roster is set, there’s not enough time in preseason to evaluate really and we can pick the 23-man roster from here. It sure looks like it, right?
We need to factor in Mike Babcock. There are fewer games, and a condensed training camp, but Babcock has eyes and the roster is not set. Not close. He doesn’t share our experience with this roster.
My ‘certain Oilers’ today? I count 20, but there are still some big questions marks on this team.
Goalies Frederik Andersen, Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi. I don’t see that changing unless there is injury.
Defensemen Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Jake Walman, Connor Murphy, Ryan Shea, Ty Emberson. Shakir Mukhamadullin, Spencer Stastney and Alec Regula are all candidates for the seventh spot, and we could see a trade. Mukhamadullin played in the minors as recently as 2024-25, and fewer NHL games last season than Stastney. We’ll see how this rolls out, and perhaps Emberson gets dealt, but I don’t see the defense as completely settled yet. The most likely spot for a player to hit IR out of camp.
Centers Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Jason Dickinson. The least settled of all the positions, and I don’t believe we can consider Josh Samanski a lock. I like him plenty, but believe we’ll see an addition at the position.
Wingers Zach Hyman, Matt Savoie, Vasily Podkolzin, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Kasperi Kapanen, Trent Frederic, Mathieu Joseph, Colton Dach. Ike Howard should make the team, but it is not a certainty. The Oilers are going to be squeezed at forward because of the three goalies and that may mean five centers (for utility). That means just eight wingers, and I have listed eight as locks. Where does that leave Howard? What about Mattias Janmark?
On the Lowdown today, we’ll talk about roster spots with feature guest Kevin McCurdy, plus Elks, NFL, Jays and more. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube. See you on the radio!
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How can the Oilers get the best out of Jason Dickinson in 2026-27?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7491933/2026/08/05/oilers-jason-dickinson-usage-penalty-kill/
I had it in my mind that Dickinson had better results last year in Chicago against elites. I know he played a TON against elites but his DFF%RC & GF% were rather pedestrian on a weak squad (+1.3 and 37.5% respectively). I had to remind myself that he also had extreme DZ starts too which I think drove some of this, as well.
The new AlphaHockey site has some in-depth analysis of his game.
https://www.hockeyalpha.com/players/8477450
His comparables and market value are of interest.
It’s a neat new site that adds some cool new individual metrics!
I definitely do not agree with how they measure their overall value (alpha value) which is how they come up with player comparables and market value though.
Alpha value = composite of a players Scoring, Playmaking, Transition, and Defence sub-scores
The Defence score is essentially Blocked Shots + D-zone Takeaway – D-zone Giveaways
I very much quibble the Defence score doesn’t actually capture their real defence value. I also quibble with there being no mention of Quality of competition being factored in. Dickinson’s comparables pretty much all rank very poorly there. So, personally, I don’t think it’s a great metric to judge market value.
Agree.
Dickinson’s value is hard to measure and he will always be underappreciated to those that do not understand his role. I do hope he can continue and give this defence specialist to Edmonton.
Then again, first thing he does in the playoffs is score a couple goals. I like him.
Ah yes, we should have signed him for 1.6M
The issue here is that most models have absolutely no ability to compensate for a player used the way Dickinson was. When you’re in the 95+ percentile for both quality of competition AND D-zone deployment, you probably aren’t a $2M player. I’d love to see just one of these sites actually explain where their dollar values come from (hint: they won’t because it’s an arbitrary measure based on feelings).
Its tough to defend the contract SB have to Jason Dickinson. Although the player takes on some of the league’s toughest assignments, he is an offensive black hole.
A 3×3 contract for JD would’ve been appropriate. There’s almost no way for the Oilers to get value out of the player in years 4 and 5.
Connor McDavid left millions on the table, and Stan Bowman spent it on Tristan Jarry, Trent Frederic, and Jason Dickinson.
The Oilers are busy building 2 fourth lines while more than a few teams are/have built 2 second lines.
Except our 3rd line is better than Vancouver or Calgary 1st line…lol
Not really…but that would a very low bar in any event.
This is a genuine concern. Third and fourth lines that cannot score.
I’d prefer Nuge at 3C with Howard on one wing and maybe Dach or Joseph on the other.
Too many 4th liners, with JD and Frederic punitively overpaid.
Jason Dickinson left money on the table – if he went to free agency, he gets more than $4MM for the same term. I bet ya McDavid sees value in Dickinson taking on some touch minutes freeing up Connor to see some soft competition.
Odd that McDavid left money on the table that was spent on Frederic when Frederic signed before McDavid……
Not to mention, $3.85MM, I think it’s reasonable to project Frederic providing that much value this season (and for the next while). His two seasons in Boston, if he gets near that range, its was more than $3.85MM of value. If he can pot 10-12 goals and bang 200 times, he’ll be more than value.
JD was a positive contract signing IMO.
I would say arbitrary rankings based on stats and whatever formulas they come up with to create an output. I put no credence for hockey in most of them
If Dickenson scored 15-20 goals these days he would have got way more, and probably could have anyway. Teams value players that can and like to play hard unthankful minutes
What the Dickens?
https://x.com/KellyHrudey/status/2085140583295885762?s=20
Hrudey did not have his contract renewed after 28 years.
https://x.com/KellyHrudey/status/2085140583295885762/video/1?s=61
(click for video)
Boo-hoo he’ll find a job with the Flames.
More changes likely.
https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/sportsnet-parts-ways-with-kelly-hrudey
Why is Savoie a “lock”?
Let alone Frederic?
Dach?
One is obvious trade bait for real talent, and the others? To call them mediocre is almost hyperbole.
Again, if we are truth telling.
How many first round picks would you like to trade in order to make Frederic deal?
~I believe there will be ‘compelting’ involved. No first round picks required.~
I know of exactly one person that thinks that Savoie is obvious trade bait for real talent – most are able to acknowledge the talent the top 10 pick has himself and how impressive his rookie season was given everything he accomplished.
It’s nice to see Savoie has value if the right deal is available you pull the trigger.
How many Calder Trophy votes did he get?
Yep if you dont win the Calder I guess you dont make the team…Connor and Gretzky didn’t win the Calder either, im not sure how they were a lock on their second year. Your buddy Hughes won though for your Vancouver team and then he demanded out and got traded for scraps…Lol HH..I cant believe being a troll on an Oilers blog is was enlightens your life. Kind of sad really…
As luck would have it a Canuck got one last place vote.
McDavid didn’t win because he was injured while Gretzky was deemed ineligible due to a pro season in the WHA.
Savoie was eligible but several players drafted in later years were just much better.
You may want to refer to the Athletic prospect rankings for an objective opinion on Savoie’s relative merit.
If he was a Centre quite a few but not many as a smallish winger riding Leon or Connor coattails. Savoie best attribute is his penalty killing and he’s only going to improve on it.
As many as Brogan Rafferty? (the hockey player not the whacko.)
How many Calder Trophy votes did Phillip Broberg get? Dylan Holloway?
What an absolutely trash question.
What is wrong with you?
Savoie scored at a 1st line pace after olympic break.
Frederic has an established level of play other than last season and he has a huge contract so they will be playing him.
Dach hit everything that moved and played very well defensively for the oil.
Yes, A 21 year old who played his 1st season in the NHL and was only on top penalty kill and only scored 18 goal. Not sure why anyone would expect him to make the team with Janmark available.
He did go MIA in the real season when players up the ante. Playing against a loose Duck team with a shaky Goalie you need more than 1 assist in high scoring 6 game series. Hopefully he learned from it because he might only get another 2-3 chances before he’s Eberled to the one-way secret location airport.
Perhaps if his center could pivot….
Yes Connor was lagging that’s why his icetime by K.K should have been scaled back. K.K should have played certain players more of Connor’s minutes.
In his last 194 regular season games, Janmark has scored 8 goals. I think it’s time to move on.
In his last 183 games, Joseph has 17 goals.
I know we hope Babcock will build better depth lines and use them more effectively but it’s hard to make chicken soup with chicken shit.
None of Jospeh, Dickinson, Janmark, Dach, and Frederic have any history of consistently scoring in the NHL.
Frederic had 17 then a 18 goal season in Boston 22-24. Then got hurt the next year with 8 goals in 57 games. He can score as he showed in those 2 seasons and has a hard wrist shot. Can we see that again? No clue, but he has no excuses and would expect him to come into camp 100%, which I am not sure he ever was ( maybe at the end as his skating was much better) last year.
trent frederic has had a 17 goal and an 18 goal season. that is not nothing.
So do you figure, say…… any Latvians, have a snowball’s chance in hell of crackin’ this killer line-up?
That is more than double the goals in less games, right?
Younger, faster, more physical, a better PKer (I believe), etc.
Janny’s not here to score regular season goals. Hes here to score short handed goals in the cup finals
Yes!
I would be in favour of giving dach and Samanski the Janmark minutes. At least they have a good chance to improve.
Janmark was a good warrior a few years ago but time to move on. Even if healthy he’s not turning 24.
Derrick Ryan was a good oiler but time came to move on. Same as Henrique.
We have a new CEO – Hugh Weber – whose name I knew because Tyler Dellow mentioned his name in an anecdote in his interview with Stauffer in June. He most recently ran the business side of the Seattle Sounders soccer team.
In his nine years in New Jersey – serving as President of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center from 2013-2019 before being promoted to President of parent company Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment from 2019.
Under Weber, the 76ers were the first NBA team to sign a jersey patch deal, while the Devils were the first NHL team with a helmet decal sponsor. After sports betting was legalized in New Jersey, Weber’s Devils signed deals that would become the model for other franchises
Also, Im guessing not many knew we had a CEO in between Tom Anselmi and Weber. Our CEO the last couple years was Jurgen Schreiber. Dont think the org ever announced it or put out a press release. Just swapped Anselmi’s name out for Schreiber’s on the website one day. Very odd.
Ya, I saw this press release earlier – don’t think there are any direct effects to hockey ops.
Reading the announcement, I noticed that they did say the Bakersfield Condors are a part of OEG. Do you think it’s possible they might do an updated feasibility study on moving them to Edmonton?
It is interesting that the Oilers are the only NHL team in Canada with an AHL affiliate well outside it’s footprint.
Holland was dead set against moving the AHL team to Edmonton – he liked and valued separation, wanted call-ups to come with travel and mean something, etc., etc.
I think Bowman was asked about it last summer (maybe on Oilers Now) – kind of dodged the question at the time if I remember correctly.
At this point what Holland said/did is immaterial.
Bowman or one of his folks should do some feasibility studies and figure out if it’s viable or not.
Apropos of nothing specific, I think they should have the AHL team in town to have the vets training/interacting/mentoring the ‘yutes. Same goes for the coaching staffs. Being in the same city (maybe as far as Red Deer if the market will support) would especially allow for easier transfers of veterans who have established families.
I was just bringing up the recent history which provides background and context and the very little information that I remember from Bowman.
A feasibility study (and perhaps they’ve done one, but it’s been some time) would make sense. I could see where the cost of travel goes up considerably (a negative).
But to your point, being in the same city or nearby has advantages. If someone on the big club is injured or ill, they’re in town so you don’t have the travel hassle. For established families (AHL vets), it eases some of the burden (as you said).
The tax difference is not as great between Alberta and California either, another consideration.
Bakersfiled has been very supportive, I get that. But would the AHL team being in Edmonton (or nearby) be more attractive to some of the European players that need time to adjust to the smaller ice?
I can actually see some merits in Holland’s stated position. Something along the lines of going to the AHL and when you’re there… you’re there; not to be distracted by the big city lights. But, that’s also easy to say for Old Dutch when Grand Rapids is a 2hr drive from Detroit.
My guess, and it’s 100% a guess, is the AHL revenue spike from a local team vs BAK or the likes of OKC, would more than make up for the increased travel costs. And, it’s not like divisional rivals who don’t have as much of a cash-cow for a fanbase can’t support a locally based team. See, the fLames, the Dys, Jets, etc. Their sad sack franchises somehow manage to support a local AHL team and the resulting burdens of travel, etc.
It’s like opening up an entirely new revenue stream. Families on the margins can still take kids to games and buy overpriced merch and confectionaries at the concessions, and it goes into the big club’s coffers. Plus, you add the non-revenue based but still tangible organizational benefits of the AHL team interacting regularly with the NHL team. More reminders/inferences/examples of what it takes is a better thing. For everyone. The threat of being demoted probably looms larger as well, because it’s more visible.
Why didn’t we have competition for positions under Holland? To Holland’s credit he had the players to win 2 Cups it’s too bad Kane was hurt in the 1st run and it’s too bad we had below average goaltending for both Cup Finals. With Holland we were always tight against the cap there was no room for call-ups. Bowman is a breath of fresh air and unlike Holland I think Stan is a better wheeler and dealer. The Jarry trade didn’t work last Spring but I do believe Jarry was only 75%. Stan needs to find some sandpaper that is John Tonelli like use Howard to acquire him.
The only reason they have the flexibility this season is because of the Nurse trade – now full value to Bowman for finally getting that deal done but he was in the same position the last two years as Holland. Holland never “chose” to be right against the cap, in LTIR, short rosters, etc. just like Bowman didn’t last season.
Holland and Oiler fans were screwed over by a stagnant cap. The Kelfbom retirement with the costly injury to Sekera as well as getting nothing for Larssen. Throw in Campbell and it’s a Superfecta. Holland never had any breathing room when it came to the Cap.
uh. Ken owns some of that. The Nurse signing for example.Heck even the Kass signing pushed them to the line and cost them assets to trade out. Ken did not understand cap management.
Holland has 1 Cup with the Cap the same as Peter Chiarelli who left Holland with a shitload of D prospects. Holland emptied out the cupboards as he skipped out on the back rent in the middle of the night. Bowman has rebuilt our farm system in warp speed with very little to work with.
He does not work the cap well. He had challenges yes, but as a ‘vaunted’ and highest paid GM he should have coped. SB has done more in two seasons and the cap isn’t a problem for the team anymore. He did this while being respectful to incumbent players, everyone had a chance to prove themselves
Some moves haven’t yet worked but it’s way better to me
Of course he does, I never stated or implied otherwise. I was just responding to the poster who, a number have times has noted how Bowman likes to have cap space and flexibility and Holland didn’t – its not true.
Holland owns much of those cap issues, just like Bowman owns some of the same from last year.
The Kassian signing was the most egregious of them all – that was the contract the directly led to the second Nurse bridge.
Once Kassian hurt his back his career was basically over kinda like Lupal.
No.
Koskinen prior to Nurse was the ultimate reason Nurse was bridged. Twice.
That was as awful in real time as the Griffin Reinhart trade.
Wasn’t that a Peter signing as he was being escorted to the airport?
The Koskinen signing was over a year prior to the Nurse bridge, the Kass signing was like within a month before – they were both on the books so had an impact but, don’t sign that Kassian contract and they had the money to go longer on Nurse.
Dominoes, man. Dominoes.
———————-
I can’t for a second imagine they would even think about waiving Shakir M. and, in that regard, it sets the 7D subject to a trade (Stastney) or IR (a d-man or goalie).
Babcock is close to being an absolute fanatic on handedness in his D core. This is Regula’s big edge over Stastney and Mukamadullin in the competition for #7, considering that Murphy and Emberson probably rank as lesser D than Walman and Shea.
All three of Regula, Stastney & Shakerbaker can play on their off sides. Which makes them all perfect candidates for 7d.
Mobile D which I hope can do a better job tying up players in front of the net under Babcock. We should add 35 goals to our Plus-minus.
Sure, if Shakir wasn’t acquired but there is no chance they waive him – he’s tiers above Regula and Stastney in the org’s mind – of that I am highly confident.
The only mind that now matters is Babcock’s.
Remember, everyone’s all in on Babs (or is supposed to be).
I would suggest that Bowman’ mind matters as well and he’s not exposing Shakir to waivers.
Absolutely. Do you think any team would claim either of Stastney or Regula off waivers?
I think both likely clear but there isn’t zero risk.
I understand Babcock’s history with handedness.
I remain highly confident there is zero chance they are waiving Shakir M.
I have also heard of Frankie Corrado.
It is incredibly rare for a GM to move a core player for what is as close to a blue chip asset (former first rounder, young, up and coming defenseman with NHL experience) and then lose that asset for nothing 2 months later.
anyone claiming otherwise has not followed the history of NHL gms.
no it isnt.
The GM just traded for him. I dought he would allow him waived before he even gets a chance to wear the sweater
I agree they are set but for the 11F/12F/13F spots. 5 players vying for those 3 spots (could see a depth forward added to further muddy it up).
Of course, injuries can save jobs.
Nope, there is not – he is 16F behind: Jones/Janmark/Joseph/Howard/Samanski – right.
Also, he’s not ready to be an NHL player. This past Friday coach Chalk said that he needed to work on (a) not being so straight legged and (b) battling for pucks in the defensive zone as much as he does in the offensive zone. He talked about him being a sniper and praised him but was clear about what he needs to work on.
Is it a 100 percent lock Spencer Stastney will be traded or waived?
Subject to an injury that puts someone on IR (and that could be to a goalie I guess), yes.
I mean, there is zero chance that Emberson or Shakir M. are waived so, well, the wall writing is clear, right?
Does Mattias Janmark make the team simply because of the contract?
He might make the team but I don’t think it’s contract related – Spencer S. has the same cap hit, a bit more actually, and is likely to be waived (or traded).
I have ZERO ideal what Bowman and Babcock think of Janmark. They might think he’s washed like many fans do (and his skill-set is replicated by a faster and younger and more physical Joseph) or, on the other hand, they may think that he is a trusted vet that is finally healthy after battling injury for 2 years and can help the team.
Which one is it?
I do not think Janmark’s skill set is remotely replicated by the bottom six candidates that Bowman has collected. And amongst his competition, his is argubably the most Babcock type of player amongst that grouping.
I will be surprised if he is not alongside Dickenson.
Except that Joseph is a very good defensive player and PK guy, in fact, better than Janmark via numbers. He’s also a very good skater and more physical than Janmark and also has a prior history of production in the league (2 seasons over 30 points).
You can say that no-one remotely replicates Janmark’s skill set but that doesn’t make it true – happy to discuss if you don’t agree with the above evaluation….?
Janmark very well could be in the lineup and beside Dickinson – as I said, I have no idea how Bowman and Babcock feel about him.
Do you see Janmark/Dickinson as 3rd or 4th line?
Janmark is a far more consistent player than Joseph. Remember, I’ve followed the Blues when Joseph was there.
I have been posting all week about how I predict Babcock will deploy the lines.
By function, Janmark/Dickenson will be a checking line. By line number, which is sort of irrelevant the way Babcock will run things, it is the 4th line.
Have you also followed the Oilers with Janmark here. He was not consistently good defensively in either of the last two season.
I’m not saying that Janmark won’t be in the lineup, I honestly don’t know, but it wasn’t just offensively where he’s struggled recently.
IMO Dickinson will be the third line centre. If Janmark makes the team and isn’t moved or waived he will primarily play on the fourth line and could be used as the thirteenth forward,if they decide to go with thirteen forwards. I’m sure he still wants to continue his NHL career and will be motivated to prove he’s still got it seeing as he will be UFA next season.
Janmark is 4th line in AHL. He is not making the team.
A fresh Janmark is still a NHLer. I do think he’s traded or waived someone will get a 12-13 goals out of him.
He might be but so are Joseph/Jones/Samanski/Howard…..
He may be waived or traded, for sure. He may not be.
The last time he had 12 goals was 2017/18……
He’s all healed up either he has gas in the tank or he’s done. I hope he gets picked up on waivers as every dollar saved on the cap adds up. Maybe Babcock likes his forechecking skills it’s going to be an interesting camp as we have no idea who he fancies and who he doesn’t. I do think a healthy Joseph (D.J) influence will be a lock for his PK skills.
Janny couldn’t do anything offensive the last 2 years, but my recollection of his game when healthy was fast, aggressive, defensively sound with some size, bite & pk added for good measure. I do prefer his game on the wing > centre
Janamrk is definitely a winger, not a center.
I agree with his healthy skillset but would suggest that also describes Joseph’s skill set who is much more aggressive as well.
At the end of the day, as of now, without an injury for the IR, two of the following needs to go: Jospeh/Jones/Janmark/Howard/Samanski.
I think Jones is currently on the outside looking in and probably Samanski (which I think is a mistake) but Janmark has to be in the conversation, right?
It’s a nice problem to have. We have to bear in mind most of those guys won’t play 80+ games, so it will require a group effort.
I look forward to watching the coaching staff run various “15-20 game experiments” with D pairings and fwd lines throughout the year. Not the blender for panic reasons, but organized analysis of varying options. There’s a difference – Babs could give us a fun season to watch
Sure, and that’s fair and fine but fact is they need to have a 23 player roster on opening night and, with 3 goalies, they can only carry 13 forwards and players will nee to be cut – unless saved by IR injuries.
Babcock is going to use four lines. If one numbers them instead of categorizing them by function, Dickenson with be the 4th line centre with two checking wingers. One really should not number the lines.
The way to change habits is to change the lines (and D pairs) from what players are used to, so they are forced to play and rely on the system, which will be Babcock’s goal.
This is going to be one of the most interesting hockey experiments of all time.
I think four lines means: McDavid on one, Draisaitl on another, Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman on another, and Dickenson on the last.
The critical piece to setting the lines (and line roles and functions) then becomes on which line does Ike Howard play left wing. There is a near zero probability that Babcock would play a rookie on his off side.
There are only three places for Howard. With Draisaitl. With Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman, or Bakersfield.
Both Samanski and Howard can really only make the team if Howard is with Draisaitl and Samanski centres Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman.
I think it would be a mistake to not have both Samanski and Howard on the team. One has to endure the growing pains sooner rather than later.
The rest of the roster than basically fills itself, as well as the likely roles and functions.
Podkolzin McDavid Savoie
Howard Draisaitl somebody
Nugent-Hopkins Samanski Hyman
somebody Dickenson somebody.
If Samanski & Howard aren’t ready to crack the opening night lineup there’s no better place to work out their growing pains than Bakersfield.
They have both proven ready for the opportunity, 100%. Nothing in training camp or exhibition games can change that.
I don’t think either benefits from more AHL time
Being waiver exempt has to be a thing.
Its definitely a factor but I don’t think they keep, say, Jones of Howard due to waiver exemption.
I don’t think either of Jones of Janmark should have a job saved due to being waivers eligible and its “easier” to send Howard or Samanski down.
100% agree, this is the same lesson as Broberg and Holloway all over again.
Yep Holland blocked Bouchard for a clear year and he did the same thing to his own first pick as GM for the Oilers in Broberg.
Eureka, so that’s what Knoblauch was doing with his line blender, forcing them to rely on the system.
Mike will want accountability or less to no ice time for that player. I do think the days of 2 minute shifts for Batman and Robin are over. I also believe in a new strategy for OT is in order. Opponents coaching have figured it out yet K.K never adapted. Would it kill to have the best chance (player) at a face-off win in OT win no matter if it’s Leon-Jason or even Josh. Once you win that face-off you can always immediately put Connor-Leon-Bouchard on and if you lose it you have the right personal to defend with Leon-Connor coming in on the fly. As it stands right now teams will defend Connor and Leon for a 1:40 then Leon or Connor will force a pass and bang the opposition is coming back with fresh troops and a dog tired Connor-Leon. We should be winning 75% of OT’s which would have us winning the Division.
There are many personal opinions in here of what Babcock will and should do, right?
Some of them may be true, some of them may not.
I do agree that, at least to some respect, everything is “up for grabs” – Babcock will look at past deployment for information but will not be married to any of it. He will also look to use four lines, agreed.
With that said, certainly McDavid and Drai will center separate lines….. at times. They will certainly play together at times and likely more than we think at home.
I think it’s a large stretch to think he’ll play Hyman on the 3rd line – with Babcock’s track record of playing a young Hyman with Matthews and, of course, Hyman’s history with McDavid. Maybe, maybe not. Lets not forget, Hyman is usually NOT a strong defensive zone player.
I agree that Howard is likely on the left wing (and Savoie probably on the right) – they should be locked in to the top 6 in their proper wings to start.
If we want Podz with Drai given it’s worked, then boom Howard is on McDavid’s left wing and Savoie on Drai’s right wing
I also think it would be a mistake to not have Samanski on the team but I think we are trending that way.
Dach, Frederic, and Kapanen are all going to be regularly taking shifts.
Dach/McDavid/Savioe
Podz/Draisaitl/Kap
Howard/Nuge/Hyman
Janmark/Dickinson/Fred
Joseph/Samanski
Patty Dach brings the big rig energy back to town.
podkolzin was originally drafted as a Right Winger, and played right wing predominantly until he arrived in YEG.
I dont think it is unreasonable to expect us to see him shift over to draisaitls right side and put Ike on the left.
Unless Jarry is back to being a starting NHL goalie – they play is to send him down to the AHL.
Janmark is the same story he needs the clock to roll back 3 years. He was signed for one too many years ….
Howard has earned a legit chance to start the year in Edmonton. He makes $82k in Bakersfield and $973k in Edmonton. His agent is not going let him get Broberged.
Honestly we don’t know what we’ll see out of Jarry. I put the odds at 50/50 that he’s back to his previously established levels or the next Campbell.
There is value to keeping him on the roster. With Andersen’s age and injury history it’s not a bad idea to let the old bones rest and have a practice goalie who can play some games.
Firstly, they want to go with the three goalie system.
Secondly, Janmark has been injured and after successful surgery he may very well roll back the clock 3 years.
Thirdly, money is a great motivator and Broberg’s agent took full advantage. Howard will have to earn that paycheck to play in the NHL only then will his agent have a leg to stand on..
Agents are becoming more aggressive for their clients as the dollars continue to be thrown around. There is at least 10 players that are having success in the NHL that were teammates of Howard’s on the USA development team. If Howard is in Bakersfield til Christmas his agent will ask for a trade. I wonder if O’Reilly the Memorial Cup MVP makes Tampa out of camp? If this happens whoever thought Howard a Winger was ahead of Sam the Centre we keep dreaming about they need to be fired ASAP. I still think the Iceman will be traded as a Hobey Baker winner he still has value regardless of Edmonton unwilling to see what the kid has. This was a strange trade Bowman must of been all liquored up when he signed off on the trade.
Do you think the Hokie Baker award means anything?
Sure an American finest player means something to the American market. Jim Craig was Hero for years after lake placid though he couldn’t stop a beachball in the NHL. Take a look at the last 30 Hobey Baker winners they all have value even if they become a bust. We paid a Memorial Cup MVP Centre for Howard I think you answered your own question.
The Memorial Cup MVP means about as much as the Hobey Baker.
I’ve done this for you before, the most recent Memorial Cup MVP’s:
Joel Teasdale
William Dufour
James Malatesta
Owen Beck
Easton Cowan
Sam O’Reilly
Action Jackson went out of his way exchanging Flyers 1st for our 1st the following year. You of course already know this. Jackson is buddies with Hunter who is the Coach of the successful London Knights who are a factory for first rounders and beyond. I have no doubt that Hunter gave a wink-wink over a brewski when it came to O’Reilly. Why would we trade our number one prospect that was handpicked by the organization for Howard? I know you half-heartedly answered this question but it doesn’t make sense especially the way O’Reilly is starting to blossom. Did they see something in O’Reilly that they didn’t like? I just don’t get why you keep thinking O’Reilly is going to fail do you have information to think this player is a bust?
1) How is O’Reily starting to blossom any more than Howard was at the same level? He hasn’t played a pro game, he hasn’t played a game against a player older than 20? At least Howard has some older competition in college.
Please take a look at the Memorial Cup MVP list provided. Its the same as the CHL list (as far as what it means for early NHL success).
2) The org saw something in SOR they likely, hence they traded to pick him. They then saw something they liked in Howard and made a hockey trade where both sides got some value.
3) I have never said that I think SOR is going to fail. I keep saying that he’s a very good prospect and is likely to have a very good NHL career but he’s still at the beginning of his development and has a ways to go.
You continue to misinterpret my posts materially – you talk about “my opinions” that I never had, routinely.
I hope it’s a win-win deal as Jackson targeted O’Reilly and someone else I would gather targeted Howard over O’Reilly. I wonder who in the organization said this is a win deal as I remember the Oilers had the upper hand before the deal. We can’t afford to get snookered on this deal but If I take off the glasses O’Reilly being a Centre and a Captain has the upper hand on this deal. Go back and look at the Captains of the Knights under Dale Hunter who was a hell of an asshole to play against.
There is no upper hand for O’Reily – if anything, Howard has the upper hand as he’s had a sensational season in pro hockey against men, something SOR will attempt to do this year.
In any event, no matter what SOR develops into, a bust, a star or something in between, its neither here nor there with respect to the Oilers and their development of Howard. While I don’t agree with Knob’s deployment last season, the Oilers did the 100% right thing by sending him the AHL – he development massively in all the right areas and will a better NHL player for it.
Now, it’s for the Oilers to do the next right thing and play him in the top 6 – he’s earned the opportunity.
Hokie Baker?
I’d rather Hokey Pokey!
🦶 🦶 🦶 🦶
As long as he spells Dickinson correctly.
The trade was not strange at all – this has been explained too you (after each of the 84 times you’ve asked the point of the trade) – you ignore.
No-one understands how you can’t understand reasonable development timelines and that 47 games in the AHL can be MASSIVELY beneficial, as it seems to have been with Howard.
Time for the next step – he’s ready.
His Hobey Baker award mean nothing right now.
What his peer group did last year is meaningless to Howard – there was a time when Bouchard’s draft cohort “was leaving him on the side of the road”.
1) Agree
2) Agree – this could go the other way too but we don’t know
3) Howard has earned the opportunity – it’s up to him to grab it with his play during the regular season but he’s earned the opportunity.
Howard could go the other way too but we don’t know. That’s why I would never say 100% as of right now for me it’s about 50-50.
Exactly if it’s say 50-50 which I think it’s 40-60 for O’Reilly now. Centres have much more value then Wingers we’ve been chasing a 3rd line Centre for 20 years. Some people just don’t get that Centres have more value than Wingers. How many 1st round picks has it taken over the years to find this player? Every year we’re coughing up a 1st for that Holy Grail player we already chased and had for the next 10 years.
We know that Jarry is NOT being waived for opening night and they will have three goalies on the opening roster (subject to injury).
One doesn’t know if Jarry is back to any respectable level until he plays in regular season games…
Jarry very well could start the most games this season and very well could start the first game of the playoffs.
I like that there’s genuine competition at camp for multiple roles. Even in the net, where we presume (due to official verbal) that they’re all a lock the pecking order has yet to be established.
This bodes well for the team, and with a new sheriff in town everyone will have to put their best foot forward. Hopefully Babs runs a meritocracy and it clicks for the guys that there are spots to be seized.
You don’t see “competition at camp for multiple roles” as a problem with the limited exhibition games and new rules regarding number of games played, etc?
The Oilers traditionally seem to run training camp well into November, pissing with this and messing with that.
I’m hoping Babcock is more organized and only needs a ‘quick audition’ here and a ‘show me your skills’ there to finalize his lineup.
Play the best lineup you’ve got, see where the holes are, then execute the plan to fill the gaps.
Plan your work then work your plan.
Precisely why I see Babcock going with a veteran lineup initially.
He did scratch classy veteran Mike Modano out of the blue and only a few hours before his 1500th game. Modano flew all his family and friends in for this rare accomplishment. This has to be one of the saddest or greatest dick moves ever.
25 NHL players have played 1500 games. I hope the players are in for a different vibe under the new iron Mike.
No, I don’t; I see the competition as a benefit.
Someone is bound to impress at camp. If they get promoted on merit, that’s a good thing for the team. Someone who’s nearly worthy gets cut (and likely sent to BAK to wait for an NHL injury/slump while mentoring the ‘yutes) and the team gets invigorated by the best talent populating the roster.
Sure, it’s only four exhibition games, but there are plenty of practices before and during that time, no? For folks as experienced as the new bench bosses, that should be plenty enough to assess who’s getting the message and implementing it in real time.
The laggards can refine and reprise when their chance arrives.
I get it, I do, but in the context of your post relative to annual player evaluations this sounds like predetermination more than anything. Plan your work (strategy) and work the plan; the players who execute the best on the most consistent basis are the ones who make the cut. The rest have a chance to demonstrate improvement/readiness and earn a call up when the opportunity arises.
I don’t think there will be any surprises. The 4c will be between Dach & Samanski, unless they find a capable veteran that slots in. Maybe a PTO? At this point for me it’s who do they sign to PTO contracts and I figure there might be a couple. I don’t think there will be a major trade, possibly they move Janmark & Stastney to free up some more cap space, for whatever picks they can acquire.
What would surprise me though is Ike Howard in the starting line up opening night
No time for a PTO – not with 4 games.
In the past PTOs have been as much filler for the early exhibition games as anything else.
See what Sutter is up to these days.
Mooo.
Unfortunately, I think it’s very likely Samanski and Howard start in the AHL. Their waiver status is an issue.
I am very curious to see how Babs sees/ uses Howard and Samanski.
Could be, and its seems somewhat likely for Samanski (which will be a mistake) but I think Howard is on the opening roster – not a lock but he’s earned it for sure.
I’m mildly concerned about the fact that Shea will likely need to be the better D on whichever pair he’s on. Has he done that before? I wouldn’t mind seeing an upgrade on Emberson to pair with Shea on the third pairing. Shea doesn’t have a long enough resume to assume he can make the third pairing go. And an injury on the back end could be catastrophic. I might be splitting hairs though.
2025-26 Season in Review: Ryan Shea | PensBurgh
I thought this was a fair & quite comprehensive review of his season with the Pens if you are interested. Encouraging that he was earning trust to play on the second pairing but seems like the third pairing should be comfortable for him.
Honestly that gives the impression Shea will anchor the 3rd or 2B pairing and be ready to move up in case of (likely) injury to Walman or slump/chemistry.
The blender will be active, I’m pretty sure. How we’re drawing things up in August is unlikely to resemble the time sheets in April.
I can see a battle for 2LD between Walman & Shea. I trust that Walman will win, but Shea can provide depth along with Mukhamadullin in case of the usual injury riddled season that Walman struggles through. It appears they have put some thought into their defence, I really like their approach.
I’m expecting a solid start from Walman. I think he was playing catch up all year last year. I’m just concerned that a third pair of Shea/Emberson might be a downgrade on Walman/Emberson. I might like Walman more than most here.
We may very well see.
Ekholm-Bouchard
Shea-Murphy
Walman-Emberson
Mukhamadullin
Whatever works best.
Stauff thinks that after 20 games we could see:
Shea/Bouchard
Ekholm/Murphy
Walman/Emerson-Shakir
I do like that each pair is balanced. The magnificent seven.
Not the Walman of last year – the dude that couldn’t pivot he was so limited. Shea is a no-doubt better than last year’s Walman (but not peak Walman).
The bullish cap transformed our team I think in a good way for now.
He did this last season.
Lets not forget, Letang is pretty much a liability these days.
I am looking for Shea to move up the lineup – Stauff thinks he’ll spend time with Bouchard after the first 20 games or so.
Here’s hoping Shea is our Randy Gregg who does his job in a quiet manner.
This!!!
I don’t see Joseph as a lock. Yes he played for DJ so obviously he likes him but he had 0 points in 12 games in LA and only played two of the 4 playoff games.
I would think he is in competition with Janmark/Samanski, and also has a contract that is easily buried.
Very fair.
I agree that he’s not a lock but I have him at the top of the group of 5 (for three spots).