Edmonton Oilers Talk: “Holland has moved all-in on the season so deadline improvement will happen…”

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The Athletic

How close to balanced are the 2021-22 Oilers?

This team is very close to balance, and Holland has moved all-in on the season so deadline improvement will happen if the Oilers are heading to the playoffs.
For Edmonton, a No. 3 centre, a left defenceman and perhaps a veteran goalie whose health is certain may be required by the deadline. The 9-1-0 start is impressive, and the Oilers ran a little luck in those games that won’t be available during the next 10 games and beyond.

BLH’s Thoughts: When Edmonton has a 4th line that can handle itself and not get worked over by the other team, this club will be close to balance. It’s possible that when Ryan and Kassian are pushed down to the 4th line, whoever they’ve got on the 3rd line will be giving the club the balance it requires.

I’d love to see them go after Ryan Getzlaf for 3C and possibly Filip Forsberg, Tomas Hertl, or Phil Kessel for 2RW at the deadline. That’d push Yamamoto to 3RW, Ryan to 4C, and Kassian to 4RW.

If Koskinen and Smith prove themselves able to carry .915 to .925 save percentages or somewhere close to it, I don’t see Holland changing anything there. He could acquire a third netminder as insurance though and then give the ball to Skinner next season.

Oilersnation

Monday Musings: NHLPA Misses the Mark

Ryan McLeod has been recalled and will meet the team in Detroit. McLeod needs to be more assertive when he gets in the lineup. Use his speed and be more tenacious on the puck.
Expect Stuart Skinner to get a start on the road trip. Mike Smith skated with goalie coach Dustin Schwartz for an hour Sunday morning, but he wasn’t on the ice with the main group. I’m told there was a minor setback in practice last week.
I’d start Skinner Friday in Buffalo… I doubt they know for certain if Smith will be ready Friday, so I’d play Koskinen tomorrow.
Tyson Barrie and Evan Bouchard switching from the first pair to the third pair this season, is often due to good play. Barrie was playing very well early on Friday, so he got bumped up. Bouchard hasn’t been as assertive the past few games, so Jim Playfair made the switch.

BLH’s Thoughts: Skinner has to get a start here at some point. Things are getting kind of ridiculous here with Tippett starting Koskinen every game. The Sabres threat of scoring is low compared to Detroit’s and Boston’s, so I do agree with Gregor there. Plus the long break between the game against New York and the one tonight should be enough rest for Mikko.

I wouldn’t put Benson in against the Red Wings, if McLeod is good to go, I think he could slot right on on the left wing with Turris and Sceviour. Nothing against Benson, but he’s not pissed a drop in any of the games he’s played so far and the Oilers could use some more speed on that line as it is. McLeod is the only player out of the four I just mentioned who has the ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and into over the other team’s blue line too.

The Hockey Writers Rumors

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post is reporting that because of the strong play by 20-year old defenseman Bowen Byram and with Devon Toews back from injury, the Avs are deep on the left side of their blue line and defenseman Samuel Girard has become expendable in Colorado.
As per an article by Ian Mendes of The Athletic, Erik Brannstrom starting in the AHL this season has some in Ottawa wondering if the player is frustrated with his situation. That he changed agents has others wondering if he’s asked for or is ready to ask for a trade.
Interim head coach Derek King will remain with the Chicago Blackhawks in that role for the remainder of this season. Prior to Sunday’s Blackhawks game, interim GM Kyle Davidson stated that the team will not look for a new coach until the offseason is underway.
According to Filip Forsberg’s agent, J.P. Barry, there have been no discussions on a possible contract extension. As Adam Vingan of The Athletic points out, Forsberg is in the final year of his deal and has said he’s willing to play out the season and talk to the club afterward.