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3 Oilers Players Who Should See An Expanded Role In 2023 And 1 Who Should Not

By Almar Reyes

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)
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) /
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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)
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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