Analyzing the starting lineup of the Oilers offense and 2 possible trades

The Edmonton Oilers will be a powerhouse to contend with in 2024-25, but it will be interesting to see how the team takes shape during the first 20 games of the regular season. I do not doubt head coach Kris Knoblauch's coaching methods or system in general. This team is well-equipped to dominate nightly, and watching them play should be fun.

The Oilers will be of course led by captain Connor McDavid and fellow forwards such as Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. They will be ably backed up by players such as Corey Perry and Adam Henrique. New additions Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson should also help a lot, with both hungry to contribute and win.

This team is in an all-in, win-now mode, leading to Oilers management taking certain gambles to improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup. This will be the mindset all season, which could lead to more gambles such as trading a couple of the current forward group to improve the team.

* Lineups courtesy of the DAILY FACEOFF.

The two players the Oilers may gamble with and try to trade

1. Derek Ryan

Derek Ryan is a player that the Oilers management can use as an option to help build a sweet deal, to put on the table when trading for an above-average forward or defenceman. His physicality alone is a prime need for rebuilding teams, and his offensive numbers are satisfactory to the team. His ease of ability to move around the ice is another reason teams may be interested in him.

2. Connor Brown

If this move were to be pulled off, it would have to be done right at the trade deadline. The reason for this is Connor Brown's $1 million contract, which could be the added necessity to offload his contract to another team and make room for someone else. His performances was not too good during most of the past regular season.However, he improved dramatically in the latter stages and then during the playoffs, and he could be that valuable piece to provide seasoned veteran experience for another team.

The offensive unit for the Oilers will be a spectacle to watch

The options the head coach has with the offence will be no surprise, as it will take off like a jet and possibly sort to new heights. This is the best offensive roster the team has assembled since the Wayne Gretzky days.

The combination of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Skinner alone demonstrates that the team is high on their seasoned veterans, including the bottom-six forwards. Having Nugent-Hopkins and Skinner play on the same line should generate plenty of cheering from the fans. Similarly, having Draisaitl and Arvidsson play on the same line will be another sight to behold.

The special teams for this team will be impeccably fun to watch, with them maybe even not having to rely on McDavid so much. The third and fourth lines will be designed to shut down the opposing team's offence; however, the third line should also be equipped to score.

I am a big fan of how the Oilers have put together their offensive roster for the coming campaign. It will be an enjoyable experience to watch them play all season.

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