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Edmonton Oilers training camp preview 2024-25

With training camp about to open for the Edmonton Oilers, we take a look at their depth chart and invitees ahead of the coming regular season.

By Justin Lavoie

Los Angeles Kings v Edmonton Oilers - Game Two
Los Angeles Kings v Edmonton Oilers - Game Two / Codie McLachlan/GettyImages
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Bottom Line

There's no getting around the fact this team is built to be an offensive juggernaut rather than a stingy defensive bunch. If it were my lineup card, I would try to spread the wealth of the talent around it. This would include exploring the option of moving Nugent-Hopkins back to centre and running Kane when he returns, with McDavid and Hyman, with Skinner behind him on Draisaitl's line. This would effectively push Henrique down to the fourth line, giving him easier minutes to produce within and making him more effective.

It seems unlikely that will happen though and that the first three lines will be just as they were in the Stanley Cup Final. A fourth line of, Derek Ryan flanked by Corey Perry and Podkolzin or Hoffman is not great. And I still scratch my head at times wondering why they retained Perry over re-signing Holloway, but what's done is done.

The intrigue for the forward group is, can Savoie play well enough in the AHL to force a recall and make an impact at the NHL level? That would be music for the Oilers coaching staff and fan base. Lavoie should also get a fair crack to make the team as he has a ton of offensive talent, mainly with his shooting ability.

At defence, can Max Wanner make a jump this year and push for a spot? It's doubtful, but this man remains my favorite Oiler to speculate upon. Not only do I love the player, he plays the most critical position the Oilers roster is in need of. He has an excellent opportunity in front of him and I cannot wait to see him in pre-season action. He will be given the chance to play, because Kris Knoblauch and management quite literally don't have a choice.

Next. Brad Holland leaves and ends Holland connection in Edmonton. Brad Holland leaves and ends Holland connection in Edmonton. dark

Ultimately, this team will be looking for help at the deadline once again for help on the blue line. Rasmus Andersson is likely to become available, but whether Craig Conroy is willing to help his provincial rival, will be the question? And what other right-handed defencemen are out there that can be an upgrade for this group? Looking at PuckPedia, the number of RD upcoming UFA's is very small.

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