Top 3 burning questions the Oilers must answer this season

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May 18, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) celebrates his goal with center Leon Draisaitl (29) during the third period against the Calgary Flames in game one of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

The right man for McD

The right-wing position has been an ongoing question ever since Connor McDavid was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers. They keep trying to find the right player who can keep up with McDavid’s speed, and be able to receive his passes. This team cannot continually rely on McDavid to keep entering the offensive zone on his own. They need to find someone he can rely on to pass to if the opposing defenses key in on him.

Last season, they tried putting disgruntled right-wing, Jesse Puljujarvi on McDavid’s right wing. At the start of the season, it was working well as Jesse was able to get at least a point on the Oilers’ first six games. After getting blanked on the scoresheet in their next two games, Puljujarvi was able to score 4 goals in his next 3 games. However, Puljujarvi was hit by Covid, and upon his return, he was not the same on the ice prompting the Oilers to bring him down to the third line.

The Oilers tried Kyler Yamamoto to be on McDavid’s right wing toward the end of the season with mixed reviews. Yes, Yamamoto can keep up with McDavid, however, much like Puljujarvi, he was having a hard time being a consistent contributor.

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