Edmonton Oilers Training Camp: What’s the Competition Like?

Major changes to the Edmonton Oilers this offseason signaled a new sense of optimism for the upcoming 2015/2016 campaign.

Significant needs that were noticeable on the flaw filled 2014/2015 roster have been addressed by Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli.

Although the Oilers are arguably still a few pieces away from being a legitimate playoff contender, the new roster does look promising.

A lot can happen from now until training camp in September. We could see another trade, a minor signing or maybe even a buyout (Nikitin) but I get the impression that Chiarelli appears to be set with most of the players he has right now.

There is tons of potential to have a very competitive training camp in Edmonton this year. That’s the beauty of having depth at all positions within the organization. Competition provides teams with more options and it brings out the best in players.

We will see a battle take place between the pipes in September. Newly Acquired Anders Nilsson will give Ben Scrivens a run for his money as he looks to earn backup duty for the Oilers. Nilsson was recently signed to a 1 year pact worth 1 million. The catch is that it is a one way contract, meaning he will be paid NHL money whether he plays with the big club or in the AHL.

Clearly Nilsson is here to make the Oilers and push for minutes. He posted a solid 0.936 save percentage in 38 games playing in the KHL and earned himself a spot in the leagues all-star game in 2014/2015. Nilsson is going to get a shot to be an NHL goaltender with the Oilers. Expectations are high for the 25 year old Swede.

Scrivens is coming off a horrible 2014/2015 NHL campaign as the Oilers starter, posting a below average 0.890 save percentage in 57 games. With Cam Talbot expected to be a lock in for the starting role and the arrival of young Anders Nilsson, Scrivens’ job could be in jeopardy.

Signing former Columbus Blue Jackets centre Mark Letestu was a great move by Chiarelli. He is a solid veteran capable of shifting up and down the lineup. He is responsible defensively, strong in the face-off dot and can provide good offence. The 30 year old will add a great deal of experience and leadership to the Oilers young lineup.

Anton Lander emerged as a force almost out of nowhere last season. He finally showed why the Oilers drafted him 40th overall in 2009. Lander is a reliable, versatile, two way forward. He showed that he can provide offence by tallying 20 points in 38 games in 2014/2015. Not only that, he is very responsible in the defensive zone. I notice he also has a nose for the net. He seems to often be in front of the net jamming home garbage goals and swiftly controlling the puck in tight situations. That is a style all Oiler fans are familiar with in watching Ryan Smyth play over the years.

Lander and Letestu are both locks for the 3rd and fourth line centre spots in 2015/2016. However, they will be battling it out all season long for more ice time and minutes on the 3rd line, which will be a good thing. Both players are more than capable of playing consistently. They provide the Oilers with viable, skilled options for the bottom 6 forward group.

Darnell Nurse and Griffin Reinhart are highly touted, bluechip prospects. Nurse went 7th overall in 2013 and Reinhart went 4th in 2012. Expectations are high for these two young defensemen. They both have potential to become top pairing rearguards in my opinion. The most realistic possibility is that Chiarelli will start one of them in the AHL next season. The question is who?

Reinhart is 21 years old and already has a full season of pro hockey in a few NHL games on his resume. He has had more time to hone his skills playing with men in the AHL. I think Reinhart is ready to make the jump to the NHL this upcoming season.

Nurse is intriguing. He had a phenomenal year winning gold at the 2015 World Juniors, he led his Soo Greyhounds deep into the OHL Playoffs and he had an excellent showing with the OKC Barons in the AHL Playoffs. Nurse has a few games of NHL experience under his belt as well. There is no doubt that he is extremely close to making the NHL as a full timer, but I think one full season in the AHL will do wonders for his development.

Both Nurse and Reinhart have very similar resumes. In the end I believe Reinhart is NHL ready. In my opinion, I think it is essential for defensemen to play at least one full season in the AHL. Oscar Klefbom did that and look how great he is turning out to be. Reinhart has the full experience as a pro, Nurse does not. Having said that, it all depends on training camp. If Nurse clearly outplays Reinhart, then obviously Nurse should make the team and Reinhart should start the season in Bakersfield.

One thing is for certain, one of these two top defensive prospects will be on the Oilers opening night roster come October.

The Oilers have increased depth within the organization. The need to rush prospects is no longer necessary. Competition will be welcomed and expected when training camp starts in the fall. Competition is an essential component to building a contender. This will create a winning attitude and instills a high compete level within the players.

The Oilers will have the option of developing one rookie on the blue line this season. Reinhart or Nurse. Injuries will hit the team at some point so both defensemen will see some action on the big club.

At training camp in the fall, there could be a lot of interesting players that will turn some heads and surprise many people. This years camp has got to be the most highly anticipated in recent memory for the Edmonton Oilers. It will be exciting to see the final product and how everything plays out.

More from Oil On Whyte

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Claire and Jamie