Remnants and Roll Ends

Several small news items have reached us in recent days, so I thought it might be a good idea to address them before starting the certain, uncertain and distant bell series. Please read this.

Leon Draisaitl was quoted as saying “we’re looking to be coached. We’re looking to get better. and I sometimes deserve (to be yelled at) too, just like anyone else does. I don’t think ‘Babs’ is going to care overly much who we are in terms of that. I think sometimes that’s needed.” Source

After two head coaches with no previous NHL experience (Jay Woodcroft, Kris Knoblauch), the team sets sail with Mike Babcock this coming season. Babcock will bring structure, discipline and attention to detail, all welcome on a team that could not sustain the good play last season.

I’ve mentioned this on the Lowdown, but the Babcock era has a wide range of possible outcomes. I wrote about it today and believe this season could land with Stanley having a party downtown Edmonton or a chaotic road to ruin. All manner of outcomes appear to be possible.

Babcock will roll four lines and three pairings, and he will show loyalty to a player you believe should be moved down the depth chart. There will be roster controversies and all kinds of gasps about deployment, but if Babcock is winning games it won’t make no never mind.

Samuel Jonsson appears headed back to Sweden after a year in the ECHL. I imagine the player didn’t see a clear path to the NHL next season, and decided to ease on down the road to play in a more competitive league. I’m a big fan of Jonsson, ranked him high in the summer top 20.

Management has changed since he was drafted, and Rick Pracey (scouting director) has added Eemil Vinni, Daniel Salonen and Ryan Cameron to the prospect depth chart in recent seasons. I think Jonsson has a real chance to have an NHL career, but the Oilers may believe he’s yesterday’s papers. Only time will tell. Hopefully Jonsson has a strong year in 2026-27 and returns to a more settled situation one year from now.

On the Lowdown today, we will chat Elks, Oilers training camp roster, and one player who should be on the radar for a roster spot but rarely gets mentioned. Noon to 2pm Sports 1440 and You Tube. See you on the radio!