Since Mike Babcock was announced as the Oilers head coach, the roster churn has been impressive in volume. Time will tell if it is in fact progress. Please read this.
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has added Alex Formenton and Filip Hallander, while Babcock himself elevated Owen Micharls from the ‘uncertain’ group of prospects attending camp.
Meanwhile, we are seeing the coach elevate players into roles that pretzel their actual skills into an uneasy dilemma (Colton Dach), fade players who could adequately fill those roles (Josh Samanski) and make the call on the top prospect (Ike Howard) like Craig MacTavish did with Jani Rita, Rob Schremp and others.
How do we track the Filip Hallander deployment? Who is getting voted off the island? How can we know? Well, we can’t know because Mike Babcock is an old school guy who counts gut feel as an analytics tool. So we have to wait. However, we can view individual performance through a fancy stat, and I’m choosing five-on-five expected GA-60.
In the NHL currently, a total of 384 forwards (12 forwards times 32 teams) have played more than 17 minutes at five-on-five. Here are the Oilers who qualify, and where they rank across the NHL. Edmonton should have three men in the top 96, six men in the top 192 and nine men in he top 288. Here we go.
- No. 9 Leon Draisaitl 0.97
- No. 16 Vasily Podkolzin 1.12
- No. 23 Connor McDavid 1.25
The top line is hammering opponents and is a screaming success. I don’t like the fact Babcock remains stubborn on Draisiatl playing wing and do believe he’ll have to check down to the second line in due time. That understood, this line is scoring 11.35 goals-60, has a 7-0 goals edge through four games and is on an historic path. Staggering.
- No. 127 Colton Dach 2.19
- No. 157 Max Jones 2.4
The Oilers have just two men in the ‘second line’ tier and that matches the eye test. It’s unfair for the group because the second line is injured, but we can acknowledge Dach (playing out of position) and Jones (running luck here, methinks). Both men benefit from playing softer competition, but that is true of other Oilers who aren’t at this level of expected GA-60.
- No. 232 Mathieu Joseph 2.82
- No. 264 Trent Frederic 3.01
- No. 266 Kasperi Kapanen 3.04
In the third line window, we see three veteran wingers who (I would suggest) are about where they should be considering the team had one actual NHL centre going for most of the first four games. I don’t think any of these men are in roster danger at this time. We will see.
- No. 308 Alex Formenton 3.45
- No. 348 Owen Michaels 4.08
- No. 370 Ike Howard 4.56
- No. 384 (of 384) Josh Samanski 5.79
This is the final group, and the pool of talent that should be considered for a healthy scratch when the team wishes to put Hallander (or Zach Hyman) into the lineup. The biggest concern on the list (in my opinion) is Formenton, whose reputation suggested he would be a reliable two-way veteran. However, he has been away from the NHL for several years. Babcock probably keeps him in the lineup in hopes Formenton gets up to speed.
That leaves the three kids, and their fate is probably dictated by the inside champion who has something at stake. Babcock likes Michaels in the middle, and if he is scratched Draisaitl would need to play center, so Michaels stays. Howard is a Bowman acquisition, and the general manager has a decision to make (I don’t think Babcock is going to play him with Leon) that could involve trade. For now, Howard plays and that may change when both Hallander and Hyman return. That could happen before the end of the road trip and as soon as tomorrow.
So, it’s Samanski. His inside champion is Dallas Eakins. Should Samanski be in the lineup? Hell yes. No. 4 center tomorrow in San Jose. Will Samanski be in the lineup? I think so, but Frederic could draw in at center.
Bottom line: Based on the eye test, the scratch tomorrow should be Max Jones. Based on the numbers? Samanski. Final note: Small sample sizes here, and Samanski should play over Jones. We will find out what Babcock thinks, and he might just keep Hallander and Hyman out of the lineup tomorrow. Churn baby churn, Babcock inferno. I told you the early days of the season would see roster turnover. We are here.
On the Lowdown today, Steve Lansky from Inside the Truck podcast will be our guest. We have a special announcement during the segment, and will talk Oilers, Elks and I’ll ask Steve when he will start to trust Devon Levi. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube.
Why the Edmonton Oilers’ trade of defence for offence is a promising deal
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7671813/2026/10/09/edmonton-oilers-trade-filip-hallander/
Summarizing!
Lewandowski and Wakely each earned an apple.
Lafreniere, Sharp, Fischer, Barnett, Berry, and Berzkalns (despite a game-high 6 SOG) were denied soup.
Cameron was a bench occupant.
Park did not dress.
For people who are not Spector fans, enjoy:
https://x.com/OilersJack/status/2108721964634501597
Spec chases the piece without a thought to the person.
He’s successful but he’s scum.
Sounds like everything that’s wrong in the world these days.
Marjala take an odd pass from Raty in the neutral zone, flying down he left side, centres for Hutson and he doesn’t miss the net from the slot this time.
Condors cut the deficit to 2-1 early in the third.
Clattenburg with a nice drive to the net, Condors just don’t have much offense going. Hutson is the trigger man on the PP, but he’s shooting from 10 miles back. Cibulka is a wonderful skater.
No score after one period, this Condors team needs Samanski and Howard to play with Hutson on a No. 1 that can score goals. I like Carfagna and Cibulka, worry about lack of size for both, though. Raty had three shots.
Hutson with a great chance, missed the net. Jebus.
I don’t know how he clean missed the next for the low slot – that was wild.
Clattenburg takes a penalty there, I think that was more bad luck than an infraction. Wrong place, wrong time.
Anyone else concerned Colton Dach may be like his brother when it comes to injuries? I don’t hear much concern as of yet.
He seems to get sidelined as soon as he’s starting to gain some traction. Smaller sample size than Kirby but Im beginning to wonder.
That was a pretty filthy hit to his noggin. Concussions can happen to anyone.
I posted during the off-season that a key for him is to stay healthy as injuries are becoming a thing with him……
Thanks LT, I’ve had Africa stuck in my head all day 😂
Not a bad problem to have though!
As per usual, lots of good stuff from coach today (at least I thought so).
Talked about needing to forecheck “better” – says there are lots of little mistakes they are making on the forecheck that have been allowing for easy exits. They’ll keep working on that.
Talked about mistakes on the PK and those are expected. Mistakes don’t mean the system doesn’t work, they just need to keep working on it. Its going to take some time.
I’m encouraged by his media availability. Get better every day.
Condors lineup for tonight here in Calgary:
Raty/Marjala/Hutson
Tralmaks/Robertson/Griffith
Kopecka/Tassy/D’Aamato
Clattenburg/Nicholl/Keppen
Carfagna/Cibulka
Sjolund/Brown
Stilman/Akey
Tomkins
Ungar
Tonight and Sunday afternoon on the road in Calgary.
It’s time for Tralmaks to score a goal or two. Hopefully Clattenburg continues to open up ice for newbie Nicholl.
Tralmaks was all but invisible int he first two games (caveat: I didn’t pay full attention to either but was watching in pieces with it on in the background).
Clatt had a good first weekend- no doubt he’s aching to drop them this weekend – he may wait until they are back at home.
Jeez OP quite hoping Clatt drops them. He needs to play other parts of the game……
Sarcasm intended.
As long as the Clattenburg train is ready for the Panthers. You can only get bullied for so long Bowman better trade in Howard for some sandpaper before we Yakapov him.
Janson with a Ryan S. quote on Hallander:
This is exciting. The deals Bowman continues to make are Glen Sather like. Bowman keeps collecting these big fast skilled players. Sooner rather than later Bowman-Babcock will dress a bottom six that will no longer be a weak link but will wear opposing teams down as the game goes on.
I know it’s still early, and count me as being very disappointed in the organization for hiring him, but I do gotta say that I’ve been pretty impressed with Babs so far(some head scratching roster decisions aside). But as a man, I really appreciate how he’s been communicating so far and seems to be fair and calling spades spades without being an a-hole and still have a commanding presence about him.
He kind of reminds me of my Dad in the sense of when I was young my Dad wasn’t very pleasant to be around and wasn’t very likeable, but as he aged and life happened, he learned lessons and over time became be a bit softer, kinder and more approachable and gained far more patience, especially after his grandchildren started arriving. He became a man that everyone loved and revered.
Maybe that is what we have in Babcock now? Sill, eyes wide open with a fair bit of caution in the back of my mind but am currently feeling more optimistic by the day. For whatever that opinion is worth.
Babs is a hardass who’s not going to baby anyone. He treats men like men … if you need someone to constantly stroke your ego, then the NHL is not the place for you.
I am reminded of a quip from Samuel Clemens: “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”
I know next to nothing about Hallander but the two condensed games I watched on nhl.com earlier in the week. In the first he was all over the tape in a good way, in the second he didn’t make the cut even once that I saw. Does this perhaps suggest inconsistency? If Babcock can extract a consistent effort from this young man he could be quite the find.
And why does the Erling Haaland song play through my head every time I see Hallander’s name?
Do you find you’re suddenly in a head forward posture?
Practice lines per Stauff:
I think this presupposes Hyman is NOT going to play of they wouldn’t have him and Kap rotating the same lineup position.
It appears I was clearly wrong on Hallander not playing on the “2nd line” and I apologize to, I believe, C-Bill.
That would be great if Hållander can be a two way guy on a Dickinson line. By most reports that is in his repertoire.
It just made sense to me. A lucky guess.
Mike Griffith with a good piece on Clattenburg:
https://www.bakersfield.com/sports/big-hits-and-a-willingness—even-eagerness—to-drop-the-gloves/article_22bedee8-faa6-45f4-a796-87de84574109.html
Smart kid he’ll see games at some point in the 84 game marathon.
I think Howard is getting faded because of the injuries. Harder to find a safe place for him to play when lines 2-4 are in survival mode until a few bodies return. He will be back.
To this end, it’s not worth getting too fussed about the bottom 9 getting cratered early. Everyone is playing too high in the line up.
Babcock is riding the Big Boyz until reinforcements arrive. It is likely a necessary strategy at this time. Thankfully the Oilers schedule is forgiving to start.
the bottom 6 has not been on for a goal against in the last 2 games 5v5. not sure they are getting cratered completely.
Shouldn’t the injuries give him an opportunity?
At this rate one more injury to a forward and Howard will be sent back to the AHL.
he got faded right before game 1 when most were healthy.
all Howard needs to do to impress the coach and earn more playing time is to work his ass off and play the way Babs wants him to play. Simple. When I heard Babs talking the other day, in response to a question about Howard, that good young players who are used to having the puck all the time in the AHL, arrive in the NHL and suddently they dont have the puck much, that they needs to learn how to get the puck. Hyman learned to “get the puck” in TO with Babs as the coach, and in doing so, became one of the foremost forecheckers in the game, certainly one of our best forecheckers. Maybe Howard does not have that in him. I hope he does, that would really be a valuable trait and help propel him to being a very useful NHL player. We will see.
That’s the NHL in a nutshell … if you’re not a McDavid, Draisaitl or Bouchard other world-level talent … the coach is always asking “do you have that dog in ya?” Some guys like Hyman or Stone just won’t be denied never mind where they were drafted … but most don’t have the fearlessness and determination to be one of the few with staying power in the league.
I’m not worried about Howard. I think he’ll find his way. 1.86 EV/60 and 50 percent goal share, though the xGF is awful. Having Hallander on his line will be an upgrade.
RIP Mike Ditka. Loved his cameo in Kicking and Screaming.
I could easily see a third line of Hallander-Dickinson-Kapanen emerge when the injured guys return.
thats what they are practicing with today. Good call
Would like to note that Mattias Ekholm is 9-1 goals at 5 on 5 (and +10 by traditional +/-.
Sure, he’s played 2/3 of his TOI with Bouch and 2/3 with McDavid (and 50% with Drai) but still.
Injury happening I knew the Viking would cover the bet.
Draisaitl to LW?
To my eye Kapanen has been playing very well and deserves to stay in the top-6 when Hyman is back in the lineup.
I could see
Drai – McDavid – Kap
Podz – Nuge – Hyman
A third line with Dickinson & Savoie = great success.
Kap is skating well and playing well with the puck in the offensive zone but he’s back to being brutal defensively and impacting goals against. At least to my eye.
Babcock will use him like a utility infielder playing all the positions. He’ll play up and down the line-up and may even be eating popcorn at some point as well, consistency has never been in Kap’s game.
Kapanen can also play LW. Therefore he could play second line with Nuge & Hyman.
And now they’ve added a Matt Frederic…????
Hard to keep up 🙂
Can he skate-score-fight.
Who is Matt Frederic?
Trent’s evil twin.
Let the current crop of top Bakersfield prospects fly. Samanski, Hutson, Howard and Carfagna. If Edmonton isn’t going to use them in the NHL, put together a couple of trade packages with some draft picks and bring in proven NHL regulars. Gives these guys a chance to land somewhere they might actually be utilized while Edmonton addresses immediate roster needs. It also helps avoid creating a negative perception of the organization among future undrafted free agents considering Edmonton.
Carfagna and Cibulka enter the chat for NHL recall with the Stastney trade. Josh Brown would be the RH recall. I think the Condors need a center, which means Samanski.
They need to make a decision on Howard soon? He’s no energy forward. With the injuries to Savoie-Hyman-Nuge and with Howard still getting 4th line bedpan duties which a player of Clattenburg ilk is more suited. Howard is not a right fit on this team I really think they thought Hyman might not recover so fast while still having it so to speak. Howard plus to a struggling desperate team that needs goals on the PP for an affordable bottom 6 Centre or a Winger with grit. How about Foerster on Philly or a player of similar type.
All four guys you listed and a week in to their second year of pro hockey (Samanski his 2nd year of N. America pro) and two of them have been in the NHL all season long to this point).
The minimal trade value on guys like Carfagna and Hutson means they have more value to the organization as cost-controlled potential lineup players.
I am not for gutting the organization as, for me “win now” goes beyond this season. Sure, all of them are available in particular if we are talking about a DeBrincat type acquisition but I’m not trading them unless the trade is impactful.
Savoie – McDavid – Hyman
Pods – Draisaitl – Kapanen
Nuge – Dickinson – Howard
Dach – Michaels – Frederic
Formenton – Samanski – Hallander – Joseph
Oilers have a really good roster with spares. However, for me the only one likely to grow into a long term top six option is Howard. Outside chance for Formenton.
Does Bowman see it differently? Doubt it. He knows he needs to keep building up middle/bottom six and wait to spend on a quality top line acquisition.
Could even keep the current top line and play Sav-Nuge-Hyman as the second. The options are there.
As noted on this site time and time again, we have the Kings and Jacks but had trouble finding the support crew. We may be getting close (goalie included).
Dach is on IR
Nuge – McDavid – Hyman
Pods – Draisaitl – Kapanen
Savoie – Michaels – Howard
Dach – Dickinson – Frederic
Replace Michaels with Samanski and Frederic with Hallander and you have my approval.
— CmD Drai Nuge Dickson as the 4 Cs
— seems so obvious IMO. On paper that’s elite 1-2 Cs. Nuge = savvy complete 3 C Dick great 4C mentor compete guy.
— Or maybe MCDrai aren’t as good as we all think and can’t drive lines without each other.
Coach reiterated earlier this week that, when they have more available players, he very likely will be going back to initial deployment plans that will likely involve changes to them together vs. apart based on match-ups and varying factors.
This team can win games with the playing together, at home and on the road, with a depleted lineup with a full serviceable 2nd line out – they have just proven that.
Players back will give the coach more options and I’m sure he’s looking forward to that
The way some have described it, I figured Dach’s numbers would be more like 21.90 against.
Patty Dach Supremacy with another banger.
He has played well. I think he’s a winger, and it’s true there has been some bad luck at center. Having said that, Babcock’s two big bets (97-29 together and Dach at center) have done well by expected GA-60, a stat I value. Credit where due.
I agree, he’s best suited as a winger. Big man with soft hands crashing the net for his skilled center one day ala Patty Maroon. I hope he gets the chance to show that at somepoint and isnt strictly seen as a punishing 4th line forward.
With his speed, if he can pick up and add some of the defensive responsibilities to his game he may be a perfect running mate for 97.
He’s got the full backing of the coach obviously so there’s a chance.
They have time to develop Dach and it’s up to him how far he goes up the ladder
I think he’s played “OK” – probably well as he’s not been put in a position to succeed.
Expected goals against are valued (although lets not forget that NST might be the worst with that metric given how they calculate, 100% based on where the shot came from, nothing else) but real goals against are value more and his GA/60 are highest on the team and actual goals against 2nd behind Kap.
He’s got zero points and is 0-4 goals – expected numbers have value but I don’t think they can shine this.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love Dach at 4W, no 2C/3C so this isn’t really his fault.
Yes you did.
This post may need more words, Jim.
“Dammit Jim, I’m a broadcaster, not a mind reader!”
Apologies gents! My comment was in reference to the last sentence of your post this morning that you advised we should anticipate roster changes.
Don’t apologize. It’s a great thread!!
I agree with most of this.
I’m surprised by the reaction to this post. As a married man of 26+ years, I knew all I needed to do to understand what was being referred to was to go back in the conversation as far as I could, then guess what this was referring to, nod sagely and continue on my way.
I think it was Jeff Foxworthy who said the 4 most important words for a husband to know are: Oh, Yeah, Right, Sorry
I am really cheering for Samanski, because he seems like such a good and likeable kid. However he has looked completely replaceable and the numbers (which this site vaules) back it up. As you say LT, we value our prospects higher than other teams prospects. I cant imagine too many other teams covet him. With a full lineup of forwards, Jones, Samanski and Formenton are my obvious candidates for demotion – in that order.
I sure loved his playoff goal last year though.
Remember they don’t always improve in straight lines …
Prior to the WMU game last night, Curlock singing the praises of Asher Barnett – says he would go top 60 in a re-draft.
Also very high on Zack Sharp – loves Jo’s intelligence in the ice in addition to top end skating.
He may like him better than Shakir but is not giving up on Sharkir.
For me, I won’t make any real evaluation until he can get a stretch of games on his natural side.
I want to think Howard is just on the backburner for now.
If you consider the first few games as an extension of pre-season, and the injuries as opportunity to look at depth, well then there is a lot to learn here.
I cannot say “we should have Jones up here” because now we have a pretty clear picture of Jones. And getting a clear picture of several others. I would not be surprised if Michaels falls off by Christmas, but at least he would go down with a clear plan and Bowman would make moves confident Michaels is developing and coming back.
Oilers are getting a very good look at depth and what they will have available for call ups. If Hallander works, then add Hyman, Nuge, Savoie, and that’s a lot of roster bumping going on.
Stastney was traded cause they knew what he brings. Howard traded at this point would be foolish, his time is coming.
Winning while having a look at all this depth is a good thing.
I wonder if the Howard story might still have some way to go. If McDrai are together who would centre him in Nuge’s absence? I do not recall how many games Savoie played on a depth line last year but it was quite a few before he moved up. It seems reasonable that Howard should also have some time to demonstrate his defense can be relied upon.
Different coach.
Prospectford!
A dectet on the docket, with just the House of Windsor not participating.
Lewandowski has had a fine start to what is likely his final junior season with 2 + 3 in three GP.
The full NCAA contingent is in action, including Bauer Berry who is the final NAmateur to begin play.
Fellow d-man Asher Barnett has been playing 1LD alongside possible top pick in ’27 in Landon DuPont. Among the other D, Fischer has slotted in at 1LD, Sharp at 2LD, and likely 2LD for Berry too.
Park and Lafreniere, who spend a fair bit of time–like Pink Floyd pigs–on the wing, have played solely C thus far (4 and 3, respectively).
Berzkalns, the highest-selected current NAmateur, still seeks his first goal of the year.
Notre Dame (Fischer) @ 5 p.m.
Michigan (Barnett, Park) @ 5 p.m.
Western Michigan (Lafreniere, Sharp) @ 5 p.m.
UMass-Lowell (Wakely) @ 5:15 p.m.
St. Thomas (Berry) @ 6 p.m.
Muskegon (Berzkalns) @ 6 p.m.
Sioux Falls (Cameron) @ 6 p.m.
Saskatoon (Lewandowski) @ 7 p.m.
All times, at all times, are Huallen time.
Look like Park is scratched and Barnett staring on the 3rd pairing.
I have no idea why, but I am feeling very good about the Hallander acquisition…I have a sneaky feeling that he might be more than what we think he is.
I think its going to be Howard and Hallander pair by Christmas.
I should clarify – its just a wild speculation based on nothing.
Wild speculation? On the INTERNET??? Brazen, sir!!!!
Apparently Hallander has played center.
Howard hallander hyman. Triple H line
Haitch, haitch, haitch. Just rolls right off the tongue.
“It’s time to play the game.” Lemmy
I agree. I think he has the potential to provide more offense than any of the current bottom 9 (I do not include Howard in this, as Howard is being completely miscast).
He also gives me Podkolzin vibes.
Would that be one of those “gut feelings ” ??
My gut has the same feeling. Do we need a doctor? i hope not.
IMO Hallander might be better than Freddy on the present second line with Dickinson & Kapanen. In fact he might just fit like a glove.
He’s big skilled and can check this is what Bowman does best he finds this type of player from every nook and cranny on the planet. If Bowman can assemble a botton six with a heartbeat throw in above average goaltending we have number Six.
It’s clear as day that Howard’s not getting opportunity here. Hope management sees this and is able to trade him out for another young asset while he still holds value. I would be working hard with Seattle on trying to package him for Wright.
two-way right handed pure center who needs a scenery change, sounds like a Sather style trade I’d like the team to make.
He is on the backburner, but as roster comes into balance, I see the need for Howards skill to be required.
Howard isn’t a maybe. The only thing he may lack is size. Other than that he is at 90percentile speed, hes got some grit, smart, can score.
Is Wright better than Howard? Don’t know because we have not seen.
I saw this lovely lady with a tattoo on her right calf, it said ” there’s a reason for everything “.
I see Howard being the youth piece in a move when Bowman weaponizes his cap space for a Debrincat/Scheifele/Forsberg scenario.
Him and Savoie are not untouchable. We have no idea if Savoie will get the same love from Mike as K.K. My suspicion in no. I don’t think Mike wants to see McDavid and Leon get bounced physically around like last year.
McDavid and Leon have both take their fair share of physical shots this year – no material change from last season – just part of the game.
We are 4 games into the season. Take a breath.
I like Samanski enough but I think we can agree that:
1) he is not a burner;
2) his body of work at the NHL level is small;
3) he has had a poor start to the year.
Sure he has been deployed poorly in a depleted bottom 9, but his results this year are quite poor.
You’re right, but not a popular thing to say on this blog.
I am a Samanski booster and I can agree with all of this.
At the same time, I think that all three (in particular the last two) also apply to Colton Dach and I opine that Babcock’s deployment of both has been a major factor. On that note, I suggest that, if Jones would not have been given a lineup spot and Babock started Dach on Samanski’s wing on the 4th line, we could be in a different place.
Of course, that never happened and we are where we are and Samanski is likely #2 on the send down list after Jones at this point.
This site obsesses about low quality forwards not being given chances.
It that is ethos he thinks should apply convert to a Calgary Flames fan.
They are epitome of low quality mediocrity , by intention.
As for the OIlers, they need real quality added to their second line.
And that should come out of Vancouver or Winnipeg, as they over time grind to fully to the bottom
Calgary has nothing left to trade.
Ike Howard is quality, but not established quality. There is an investment required. We saw it last year with Matt Savoie. Surely we haven’t forgotten already.
I am just here for the Trammps/Saturday Night Fever references.
I legit thought no one would remember. I loved that song, not as much as Born To Be Alive, but damn close. The intro is a stomp!
Did you forget that “Disco Sucks??”
Admitting you liked Disco in the mid 80’s was fast exclusion from hanging out with the cool kids
Yet it’s back!!
I was a disco fool becuse that’s where the girls were. I couldn’t dance worth a damn, but my God women flocked to the dance floor. Same with country. I danced horribly to country music because women danced to country music. I also enjoyed both forms of music and had 8-tracks of both. 🙂
Holy nerd Batman.
But okay, there were a couple exceptions.
When KISS crossed over with a couple of disco songs – allowable
When you were at the roller rink – allowable
If your friends didn’t see you – allowable
And the biggest one you mention – the pursuit of happy times – allowable
But Im only talkin disco, country was another story.
Back when I first moved to the US (2003) on Sunday night there was a NYC radio station that played disco starting at 9pm if I remember correctly. My wife and I used to listen to that as we were reading in bed. Good times!
Disco retro bounce – cool.
Mirror ball at your kids wedding – extra cool dad
None are married yet but the wedding for one is set for next June, and yes, there will be a mirror ball!
Very much looking forward to getting eyes on Hallander tomorrow.
Everything out of PIt is hugely positive for the Oilers. Fans hate it, Yohe hates it.
Skill set seems very good for this bottom six and he’s, from accounts, solid on the PK and has been deployed consistently on it when playing.
A very good bet by Bowman today and we’ll see how it turns out in due course.
Will be interesting to see what roles out at practice today. As LT mentions, intel yesterday presupposes Jones out and Hallander in and I’m 100% on board with that. Good god was Jones bad last game.
The intrigue will be if Hyman is on a line rush. I would presume that Samanski is out but what would it do to the lines? I suspect Fredric down to the 4th and Hyman up with Dicky and Kap?
On yesterday’s show, Stauff said Hyman will be in SJ to practice but not sure if he’ll play on Sat afternoon- maybe wait until Tuesday.
He also thinks the fourth line may be Howard/Samanski/Hallander
This info was from yesterday – no practice info yet.
Methinks (Hallander-Dickinson-Kapanen)
Frederic can play on the fourth with Howard & Samanski. He’s played lots with those two.
I’d be very surprised if Hallander was on the 2nd line tomorrow.
Jones is always bad.