3 Oilers Who Should See An Expanded Role In 2023 And 1 Who Shouldn't

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As the NHL preseason approaches, fans of the Edmonton Oilers find themselves eagerly anticipating the potential for a triumphant season. The Oilers boast an impressive lineup with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl anchoring their roster.

The Edmonton Oilers Goal Is Clear

However, the quest for the Stanley Cup requires more than just star power; it demands a well-rounded team, with key players ready to step into expanded roles and make a significant impact. This season, the Oilers are poised to rise to the challenge, as they seek to fulfill their ultimate goal of hoisting the Stanley Cup.

In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, the offseason is a crucial period for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses, make strategic acquisitions, and groom emerging talent. For the Edmonton Oilers, this offseason has been marked by both continuity and evolution. While the core of the team remains intact, the organization has also been working diligently behind the scenes to develop its rising stars and cultivate the depth necessary for a championship run.

One of the most exciting storylines heading into the preseason is the expanded roles of several Oilers players who have demonstrated tremendous potential in recent seasons. These emerging talents will play a pivotal role in the Oilers’ journey towards contention.

While McDavid and Draisaitl are undeniably among the league’s top offensive talents, a winning formula often involves balanced scoring. Opposing teams can’t solely focus their defensive efforts on shutting down two players. By entrusting other players with more prominent roles, the Oilers can diversify their offensive threats, making them a more formidable opponent.

VANCOUVER, CANADA – JANUARY 21: Dylan Holloway #55 of the Edmonton Oilers skates with the puck during NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on January, 21, 2023 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

LW/C Dylan Holloway

The Edmonton Oilers have long been a team known for their top-heavy lineup, boasting superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl who can single-handedly change the course of a game. However, the dependency on a select few has also posed a significant challenge for the team. When these star players are unable to produce consistently, it leaves the Oilers vulnerable. In the quest to become serious Stanley Cup contenders, the time has come for the Oilers to take a closer look at their 2020 14th overall pick, Dylan Holloway, and evaluate whether he can make the leap from the bottom line to the top 6.

In recent years, the Oilers have often found themselves in a precarious situation. While McDavid and Draisaitl’s extraordinary talents are undeniable and can carry the team on their backs on numerous occasions, overreliance on them has its downsides. Opposing teams often target these stars, devising defensive schemes to limit their effectiveness. When McDavid and Draisaitl are neutralized or have an off-night, the Oilers have struggled to secure crucial victories.

It’s undeniable that asking a young player like Holloway to make the jump from a bottom-six role to the top-six is a significant challenge. The NHL is a highly competitive league, and the pressure to perform at the highest level is immense. However, history is replete with examples of young talents who have risen to the occasion when given the opportunity.

For the Oilers, the goal is clear: they aspire to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. To achieve this, they must ensure that they have a deep and well-rounded roster that can withstand the rigours of a gruelling playoff run. The addition of Holloway to the top 6 could be a game-changer. It not only provides a fresh dimension to their offence but also offers some relief to McDavid and Draisaitl, allowing them to faceless defensive pressure.

TORONTO, CANADA – MARCH 11: Jack Campbell #36 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to action against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 11, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Oilers 7-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

G Jack Campbell

The Edmonton Oilers faced an unexpected twist in their goaltending saga last season, a storyline that took many fans on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The arrival of free-agent goaltender Jack Campbell was met with high hopes and great expectations. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that it was a year to forget for Campbell, leading to the emergence of rookie backup Stuart Skinner as the unexpected saviour of the Oilers’ season.

Jack Campbell’s struggles between the pipes early in the season left Oilers fans scratching their heads. The goaltender, who was supposed to solidify the team’s net minding, found himself faltering in the face of adversity. This prompted the Oilers to turn to the unproven Stuart Skinner, a rookie who quickly became a beacon of hope for the team.

Skinner’s steady performance and remarkable composure in high-pressure situations allowed the Oilers to claw their way back into playoff contention. The goaltender switch not only saved their season but also showcased the depth of talent within the Oilers’ organization.

However, as the Oilers and their fans soon discovered, riding a rookie goaltender to a playoff spot came with its own set of challenges. Stuart Skinner, while impressive, was not immune to the physical and mental toll of an extended NHL season. The gruelling workload eventually took its toll on the young netminder, leading to a somewhat uneven performance in the playoffs.

As the Oilers prepare for the upcoming season, it’s clear that they cannot afford to make the same mistake twice. Stuart Skinner’s remarkable emergence has undoubtedly raised hopes that he could be the team’s number-one goaltender of the future. However, the significant investment in Jack Campbell cannot be overlooked.

The key to a successful season for the Oilers lies in finding the right balance between the two goaltenders. Splitting the workload evenly between Campbell and Skinner could be the winning formula. By doing so, the Oilers can ensure that both goaltenders remain fresh and at their best when the playoff stretch run arrives.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 18: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on March 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

D Mattias Ekholm

The Edmonton Oilers’ quest for defensive stability has been a long and arduous one. However, during last season’s trade deadline, the team made a move that would prove to be a game-changer. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm arrived in Edmonton, and his impact was nothing short of remarkable. Not only did Ekholm help the Oilers secure a playoff spot, but he also played a crucial role in the development of budding star Evan Bouchard. Now, as a new season looms, the Oilers face a pivotal preseason task: ensuring Ekholm gets the significant minutes he needs to help fortify the blue line.

Mattias Ekholm’s acquisition at the trade deadline was met with enthusiasm and optimism among fans. The team had long been in need of a reliable, experienced defenseman capable of anchoring the blue line, and Ekholm fit the bill perfectly. His presence provided immediate stability to a defensive unit that had been a perennial Achilles’ heel for the team.

The team have been perennially labelled as a team with immense offensive firepower but defensive frailty. Mattias Ekholm’s presence has the potential to change that narrative. His ability to shut down opponents’ forwards, make smart defensive plays, and contribute offensively makes him a valuable asset in the Oilers’ pursuit of becoming serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.

Mattias Ekholm’s arrival at the trade deadline was a turning point for the Edmonton Oilers’ defensive core. His impact on the development of Evan Bouchard and his ability to stabilize the blue line cannot be understated. The Oilers must ensure that Ekholm gets the significant minutes he needs to continue making a difference. With Ekholm in a prominent role, the Oilers have the potential to make the leap from pretenders to contenders in the upcoming season.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 05: Trevor Zegras #11 of the Anaheim Ducks defends against Cody Ceci #5 of the Edmonton Oilers during the first period of a game at Honda Center on April 05, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

D Cody Ceci

It’s no secret that this team has long been plagued by defensive issues. Despite boasting some of the league’s most dynamic forwards, their blue line has often been a source of concern. In the 2022-2023 season, these defensive struggles came to the forefront, with the team’s performance often hinging on the effectiveness of their defence.

Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci formed the Oilers’ top defensive pairing for much of the season, and while they had their moments of excellence, they also faced their fair share of struggles. The playoffs, in particular, exposed vulnerabilities in their defensive play. Costly turnovers, missed assignments, and defensive lapses haunted the Oilers during crucial postseason matchups.

As the Oilers prepare for the upcoming season, they face the task of reassessing their defensive pairings. It’s essential to strike a balance between developing promising young talent like Evan Bouchard and relying on experienced players like Mattias Ekholm, while also addressing the struggles of the Nurse-Ceci pairing. Perhaps it’s a matter of shuffling the pairings or exploring other defensive options within the organization.

The Oilers’ defensive issues, particularly the struggles of the Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci pairing, were a notable storyline in the 2022-2023 season. Addressing these defensive challenges is crucial for the Oilers to reach their full potential as a playoff contender. As the team looks ahead to the upcoming season, finding the right mix on the blue line will be paramount in their quest for success.

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