Three Battles To Watch At Edmonton Oilers Training Camp

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The Edmonton Oilers training camp is always an exciting time for fans, as they get a glimpse of their favourite players gearing up for the upcoming season. This year’s camp has been no different. There are going to be a few battles this season to watch for. There are only a few roster spots up in the air. Here are the three that I can think of.

Vincent Desharnais VS Philip Broberg

Desharnais, a 6’6″ defenseman, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He spent most of his time playing in the AHL up until the end of last season where he played 35 regular season games followed by 12 playoff games. In those games, he showed great potential as a shutdown defenseman.

Broberg, on the other hand, was selected eighth overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The 6’3″ Swedish defenseman spent most of his time in the NHL last season but has never been able to stick in the lineup. The reason he has got in so many games is because he has been the 7th defenseman.

The battle between these two young defensemen has been intense, with both players fighting tooth and nail for a spot on the Oilers’ roster. Desharnais has impressed with his physicality and defensive prowess, while Broberg has shown off his smooth skating and offensive abilities.

Head coach Jay Woodcroft has been keeping a close eye on both players throughout their careers as he used to be their coach in Bakersfield, and it’s clear that he has a tough decision to make. Desharnais’ size and strength could be a valuable asset to the Oilers’ defence, while Broberg’s puck moving and speed upside could provide a much-needed boost to their blue line.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to who can make the biggest impact on the ice. Both Desharnais and Broberg have shown they have what it takes to play at the NHL level, but only one will earn a spot on the Oilers’ roster.

Regardless of who comes out on top in this battle, it’s clear that the Edmonton Oilers have a bright future ahead of them with young talent like Desharnais and Broberg vying for a spot on the team.

Edmonton Oilers player Sam Gagner celebrates goal. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for the upcoming NHL season, one of the biggest question marks surrounding the team is who will ultimately earn the fourth-line center position. With a number of players vying for the role, the competition is sure to be fierce. I think right now there is 4 main players that have a chance.

Derek Ryan

Recently extended to a two-year deal by the Oilers. Ryan brings a wealth of experience to the ice, having played for a number of NHL teams over the course of his career. He’s known for his strong two-way play and has a reputation as a reliable scorer and playmaker. He could also play winger which is why he may not be center.

Lane Pederson

Pederson was signed this offseason to a two-year deal worth $775,000 per season. He was brought in to add forward depth and cause competition in the bottom half of the lineup. He is the favourite in my opinion as he is already signed to a contract and shoots right-handed.

Sam Gagner

Sam Gagner is signed to a PTO and the best place for him to fit would be in a depth spot. Just like Derek Ryan, Gagner would bring veteran depth to this position on the Edmonton Oilers roster. The main issue with Gagner is the Edmonton Oilers would need to make space on the cap for him as he is not currently under contract.

Brandon Sutter

Just like Gagner, Brandon Sutter is signed only to a PTO and not an NHL contract. He will also have an uphill battle to make this team. I think Sutter has the highest ceiling of these players. He has the biggest build of the players who have the potential to land in this spot. The main problem outside of the cap for Sutter is he hasn’t played an NHL game since the 2020-21 season as he has struggled with long-COVID.

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Ultimately, it’s anyone’s guess who will ultimately win the job. The Oilers have a number of talented players competing for the position, and it will likely come down to who performs the best in preseason and training camp. Regardless of who ultimately gets the nod, however, one thing is certain: the battle for the fourth-line center position is going to be one of the most closely-watched storylines of the upcoming NHL season.

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the upcoming NHL season, all eyes will be on the hopeful battle between goaltenders Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner. Last season Campbell had a rough season and Skinner took the starting job. In a perfect world, the starting job becomes a battle.

Jack Campbell

Campbell, who was signed by the last offseason, before last season has been a solid performer throughout his career. He had a career save percentage of .917 and a goals-against average of 2.32. Last season though he regressed to a 0.88 SV% and a 3.41GAA. These numbers need to improve.

Stuart Skinner

Skinner, on the other hand, established himself as a full-time NHL goaltender last season. He played 50 regular season games and put up a 2.73GAA and a 0.914SV%. He was also selected to the Pacific Division All-Star team. If he can put up these numbers again, I don’t think Edmonton Oilers fans will have issues with that.

Both goaltenders will be looking to make their case for the starting job during training camp, and it will hopefully make it a tough decision for Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft. Campbell has a history of playing well but struggled last season. Whereas Skinner has youth and last season’s success.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to who can perform best on the ice during the preseason and early part of the regular season. It’s a battle that will be closely watched by Oilers fans, as the team looks to improve on their playoff performance from last season.

Regardless of who emerges as the starter, in a perfect world, the Edmonton Oilers will have two capable goaltenders who can help the team win games. The battle between Campbell and Skinner will be one to watch this training camp and throughout the season.

Edmonton Oilers Hockey Is Upon Us

As we start to go through the rookie camp, train camp and preseason we are inching closer to meaningful hockey once again. As much as I know these preseason activities are important to get the players ready for the season, I am very eager to watch a regular season NHL game.

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