The Edmonton Oilers have always been a team known for their offensive firepower. From the days of Gretzky, Messier, and Kurri in the 80s to the modern-day trio of McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers have always had a strong top six. However, this season’s top six might just be their best since the 80s.
With the addition of Connor Brown, the Edmonton Oilers top six is looking stronger than ever. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are already two of the best players in the league, and they have only gotten better this season. Hyman has had a career year, and Kane is hopefully having a full healthy season. And let’s not forget about the ever-reliable Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who has been a consistent presence on the Oilers’ top line for years.
What makes this Edmonton Oilers top six so special is the balance it has. McDavid and Draisaitl are the superstars, but they are complemented perfectly by the other four players. Nugent-Hopkins will most likely play wing in the top six this season, while Kane and Brown bring size, skill, and offensive upside. And let’s not forget about Zach Hyman, who has been a revelation since being signed from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Hopefully, it’s not just the offensive firepower that makes this top six so impressive this season. One can hope they are also defensively responsible, which is something that cannot be said about some of the Oilers’ top sixes in the past. McDavid and Draisaitl have both improved their defensive play, while Nugent-Hopkins is one of the best two-way forwards in the league. And with the addition of Brown, the Oilers now have a veteran center who can be trusted in all situations.
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The Edmonton Oilers top six may not have the same star power as the Gretzky-Messier-Kurri era, but they are just as effective. They have the skill, the size, and the hopefully addition of defensive responsibility will make them one of the best top sixes in the league. And with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, the Edmonton Oilers are poised to make a deep playoff run this season.