Edmonton Oilers Oil and News: NHL’s 30 in 30

Good evening everyone, with the August Long Weekend closing, here is tonight’s edition of Oil and News. Today’s focus are on the articles provided by NHL.com’s 30 teams in 30 days review. It’s a nice little series to get your hockey fix in and since they are going by draft order, the Edmonton Oilers were the first ones up.

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Fantasy Outlook

A nice addition to this year is the Fantasy Outlook. I am a huge fantasy hockey nut and I usually buy as much fantasy hockey resources I could buy every year. Some pools are for money, some pools are for pride. I am entering some keeper leagues this year which really excites me.

For the article it’s pretty simple: it looks at who will be leading, undervalued, overvalued, sleeper and goaltenders. I tend to agree with the charge of Taylor Hall leading the way. Last year I had him in the second round in all my pools after he was coming off an 80point season. Unfortunately for all my teams, Hall’s play suffered with an injury plagued campaign and only potting 53 points. A healthy Hall combined with The Canadian Super Promise Connor McDavid will be a fantasy haven. Not saying I’m taking Hall early….but he’s worth a flyer.

I tend to disagree with Justin Schultz. I do not see many people overvaluing him at all. Even if it’s for PowerPlay points.

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Playoff Chances

Of the articles, this one looks at the playoff chances of the Edmonton Oilers with the three important questions:

1. How will Connor McDavid live up to expectations?

2. Will McLellan lead the Oilers towards the right path?

3. Will the Oilers finally make the playoffs?

My personal opinion: Yes, McDavid will live up to expectations or at least mine. I’m hoping for at least 65 points and I think that’s on the low side of the point expectations. I also have much more faith in Todd McLellan than Dallas Eakins. Finally, I do not think the Oilers will make the playoffs….just yet. I think there will be progress and actual meaningful games past November, but not quite there yet. I am setting expectations low.

Top Prospects

NHL.com also added a quick list of top five prospects in the Edmonton Oilers organization. Numbers 1-3 are not a shocker and numbers 4 and 5 contain two former Edmonton Oil Kings. I have to say, it’s impressive how much Laurent Broissoit has moved up the organization depth chart considering the first four prospects are all first round picks. Not quite NHL ready, but he will be the starter in the AHL or at the very least competing for that valuable spot.

Optimism

Finally the last article for the NHL’s 30 teams in 30 days Oilers edition are four reasons to be optimistic. These are pretty much unanimous in agreement: Connor McDavid, Todd McLellan, Peter Chiarelli and Cam Talbot. I am very high on Cam Talbot as I previously wrote in his player in review. It’s going to be fun watching the Oilers with an actual competent management and coaching staff.

It’s the slow days of summer. Still, there’s at least a little nibble of Oilers news out there. Be sure to check out those links.

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