Edmonton Oilers: Adam Larsson’s Puck-Moving Potential

The Edmonton Oilers invested in defenceman Adam Larsson to add stability to the blue line. Though solid with Edmonton, there is more potential behind his game.

Larsson has always been more of the stay-at-home blueliner. His highest-scoring season came in 2014-15 when he racked up three goals and 24 points in 64 games with the New Jersey Devils. That was the same year that he passed the 20-assist mark and showed flashes of puck-moving potential.

Edmonton Oilers

This past season, Larsson finished with four goals and 19 points through 79 games and was a plus-21, a career-high rating.

As he adapts to the top-pairing role with the Oilers, Larsson has focused primarily on defence. He takes great care of the puck plays a sound game in his own zone before trying to jump up in the rush. While this is a smart mentality, he has proven his worth in that area and can unlock more offensive acumen as he continues to develop his game with the Oilers.

Building Offence

First off, as mentioned, the skill is there. The 24-year-old is a remarkable skater and can move very quickly. Not to mention, he is able to display control and calmness with the puck. With that being said, Larsson can use his speed and skating ability to move the puck up the ice and start the rush.

In addition to his speed, Larsson is also a smart passer with great hockey sense. He is a visionary on the ice and though he goes under the radar, he can move the puck well. If he continues to pass the puck and tries to start the rush more out of his own zone, he can easily find more offence.

Next: Edmonton Oilers: What to Expect From Dillon Simpson

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Swede also owns not only a solid frame for the NHL level but a booming yet underrated point shot. If he tries to shoot the puck more, he could not only create more scoring chances when on the ice but also add to his point totals. This secret weapon will bode well for him, and it could even earn him time on the power-play.