Sep 14, 2015
New era begins in Edmonton with McDavid
The Edmonton Oilers have been perennial also-rans, picking first overall in four of the past six drafts. And as TSN's team preview for the Oilers explains, winning the draft lottery this past summer could finally have them headed in the right direction.
The Edmonton Oilers have been perennial also-rans, picking first overall in four of the past six drafts, but winning the draft lottery this year could finally have them headed in the right direction.
After securing the rights to the first pick, the Oilers hired GM Peter Chiarelli and head coach Todd McLellan. Off-ice changes should help, but getting Connor McDavid should ultimately make the difference.
McDavid is a franchise centre that should be able to score plenty while playing with Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle. That still leaves a pair of first overall picks, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov, to provide complementary scoring.
The Oilers haven't been lacking for skill up front - problems with defence and goaltending have played a big part in keeping them in this downward spiral – so the new regime made moves to address those positions as well. Veteran free agent Andrej Sekera should help the blueline and long-term improvement should come from prospects Griffin Reinhart (acquired from the Islanders) and Darnell Nurse. They may not make a major difference this season, but they're coming.
After getting league-worst goaltending last season, the Oilers traded for Cam Talbot and Anders Nilsson, who starred in the KHL last season, to upgrade between the pipes. Neither is a proven starter, but between that pair and Ben Scrivens, one should be able to handle the job.
Edmonton may be a year away from being a legitimate playoff contender, but expectations are going to build once McDavid hits the ice; such is the price of landing a generational talent.
OFF-SEASON HEADLINES
April 24: Chiarelli takes charge in Edmonton as Oilers' new general manager
May 19: Oilers name Todd McLellan as new head coach
June 26: Lottery-winning Oilers select McDavid with first overall pick
2015-16 EDMONTON OILERS
* Off-season Addition
TSN's Projected Lines
Fighting For Jobs: RW Luke Gazdic, RW Tyler Pitlick, C Bogdan Yakimov
TSN's Projected Pairs
Fighting For Jobs: RD Darnell Nurse, LD Griffin Reinhart*
TSN's Projected Goalies
| No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cam Talbot* | Ben Scrivens | Anders Nilsson* |
Off-season Departures: G Viktor Fasth, C Boyd Gordon, D Martin Marincin, RW Matt Fraser, RW Steve Pinizzotto
KEY QUESTIONS
1. Who will play on a line with Connor McDavid?
2. Will Darnell Nurse do enough to supplant an NHL-calibre defenceman and stay with the big team or will they start him in the minors with so many blueliners on NHL deals?
3. With a crowd at centre, will Leon Draisaitl make the team as a left winger or will they start him in the minors at centre (the position they want him at long term)?
CRAIG'S LISTS
Edmonton's Top 2015-16 Prospects
1. Connor McDavid (Erie, OHL): A generational franchise player who's ready to help carry the load in Edmonton.
2. Leon Draisaitl (Kelowna, WHL; Edmonton, NHL): Playmaking centre trying to improve quickness. Could be part of 'Big 3' punch with McDavid, RNH.
3. Anton Slepyshev (Ufa, KHL): Strong, powerful two-way winger who won't be prolific scorer, but will contribute in multiple areas.
Top 5 Long-Term Prospects
1. Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL): Very good physical tools and top end competitor. Mark Staal-type who needs time to mature in his game.
2. Griffin Reinhart (Bridgeport, AHL; NY Islanders, NHL): Smart, steady and dependable D. Looks to be a solid top-four type.
3. Laurent Brossoit (Oklahoma City, AHL): Continues to advance his play. Smart, reads play and has good technical form.
4. Bogdan Yakimov (Oklahoma City, AHL): Smart centre with size but needs to find a step of quickness.
5. Caleb Jones (US NTDP, USHL): Strong skater and competitor. Plays with enthusiasm and has good potential.
* Listed with 2014-15 teams
BY THE NUMBERS
Three-Year Breakdown (League Rank)
| 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 77 (24th) | 67 (28th) | 62 (28th) |
| Goals For | 2.6 (18th) | 2.4 (T-24th) | 2.4 (26th) |
| Goals Against | 2.7 (19th) | 3.3 (30th) | 3.4 (30th) |
| Power Play | 20% (T-7th) | 17% (21st) | 18% (19th) |
| Penalty Killing | 83% (9th) | 82% (T-14th) | 77% (T-28th) |
| SAT% Possession | 45% (29th) | 44% (28th) | 48% (24th) |
* 2012-13 points: Pro-rated lockout-shortened total
ESTIMATED PAYROLL vs. CAP - $66.0M/$71.4M
Ever since winning the draft lottery, the Oilers have taken an aggressive approach to improving the roster, in the hopes of providing Connor McDavid with a suitable supporting cast. The cap shouldn't present much of an issue for Edmonton this season – there's enough room to add pieces if the Oilers are suddenly ready to turn the corner – but, if they aren't ready for a playoff push this year, then they have a few veterans that could be moved.
PARTING SHOT