Edmonton Oilers: Key battles to watch going into training camp

Admittedly the Oilers roster is more or less set, so there won’t be a whole lot of compelling battles at training camp – for example, it’s not like Connor Mcdavid and Leon Draisaitl are fighting for positions this upcoming season as they’re both firmly entrenched on the roster.

But nonetheless, this is a good exercise to go through, as there will be some battles to watch.

1.  Warren Foegele vs. Kailer Yamamoto

Yes, I know that Yamamoto is not signed yet. I wrote about that very subject in a blog here. Apparently, Yamamoto’s camp is a bit delusional about the lack of leverage he has and are being stubborn and inflexible about his next contract with the team. With each passing day that goes by with a lack of a contract the chances he starts the season without a contract – and of course a roster spot – goes up.

In that case, I’m willing to bet he won’t be allowed to participate in training camp or maybe even skate with the team in practice. But of course, there’s still time in the season and it’s likely the player and agent come to their senses and sign a value contract now to bet on themselves for the future when he’ll be likely more deserving of big bucks.

Frankly, if I were Yamamoto I’d be firing my agent in short order as he’s obviously feeding him bad advice.

Nonetheless, if he does come to camp he’ll be in a battle with dual winger Warren Foegele, who on paper fits more on the third line than the second, but will be the front runner to fill the vacuum left if Yamo holds out. Of course, I could see Josh Archibald or Zack Kassian get looks in that spot too. Archibald has filled in in the top six at times, while Kassian has underachieved for a couple of seasons now but has been a top six forward in his career. Maybe Kyle Turris, if he looks good enough, could be a dark horse candidate for that spot. There’s been hype about him preparing better this offseason than last.

If Foegele does start out the season in Yamo’s spot, I could see Brenden Perlini and Tyler Benson as candidates to replace him. Neither will bring his proven track record to the table, but they’re the best ones I see on the roster now. Ditto for the rumors surrounding Dylan Holloway.