Edmonton Oilers Talk: Benson/McLeod on Verge of Being Cut, Playfair’s Four Secrets of Defending, and More NHL Rumors!

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Oilersnation

Playfair Outlines Four Area of Defending

On Wednesday Edmonton Oilers associate coach Jim Playfair was a guest on my radio show and he grabbed my attention early when he mentioned the four basic components of defending that he coaches his players.

Basically, being a real aggressive player at the offensive blueline. Starting our defence at the offensive line, getting pucks to the net, finding outlets in the offensive zone, trying to maintain and then support our offense. Can we jump in and join the play in the offensive zone? Can we be aggressive?
And off of that it’s defending to the neutral zone. Making sure we’re able to protect the middle of the ice and we’re able to reach the rush and see who is coming at us and be aware of that.
Then getting the forecheck stopped up and plays stopped up in our own zone. Being hard to play against. Keeping someone from the front of our net.
And then the breakout component. Getting pucks up to our forwards, getting pucks up and out of our zone.

Basically, I always try to work from the offensive blueline back to our net and try to make sure that those four pillars of our defencemen’s game are consistent.

BLH’s Thoughts: This was a really good interview with Jim Playfair. I think that everybody could learn something from it no matter if you’re a fan, player, or a coach; there’s lots to glean. I only posted the pertinent info to keep it short, but I really encourage you to click the link above and read the post in its entirety because there are some little tidbits on each Oilers defenseman that you’ll want to keep an eye out for as you watch them play this year.

Edmonton Sun

McLeod on the bubble with opening rosters coming soon

McLeod, who looked to have a leg up on a guaranteed spot going into camp, is No. 5 centre behind Devin Shore with one exhibition left in Vancouver.
The six-foot-two, 207-pound McLeod is probably the fastest skater after Connor McDavid. He can transport the puck up ice, he can kill penalties, win some face-offs but to be overly physical means stepping out of his comfort zone.
…he doesn’t have to clear waivers so his spot on the opening 23-man roster is up in the air.

“I don’t want him running all over hitting people,” said the Edmonton Oilers’ coach. “But I’m looking at the puck battles. Getting the puck back, using your physical play and that’s not always hitting.”

Dmitry Samorukov, who is out six weeks after breaking his jaw Sept. 19 in an Oilers-Flames rookie game, didn’t need it wired, so he’s been able to eat solid foods. It hasn’t been a liquid diet. He’s a quick healer, he says.

“Russians are made out of special strong steel,” the defenceman joked when talking to SportsNet’s Mark Spector.

Tyler Benson isn’t expected to play in Vancouver. Probably not a good sign for a bubble winger.
We want to get Dylan (Holloway) and Samorukov acclimated. They’re in the team meetings,” said Tippett.
Don’t be surprised if the Oilers work some fiscal gymnastics with their 23-man roster that has to be into the NHL by Sunday for waivers and farm assignments before being finalized Monday afternoon.
Farmhand Philip Broberg, because of his $850,000 performance bonuses on top of his $863,000 salary, might go on the roster briefly.
With camp winding down, Colton Sceviour still isn’t signed but was playing in Zack Kassian’s (concussion protocol) spot on a third line at practice and it appears he’ll play Saturday.

BLH’s Thoughts: I like that Samorukov has a sense of humor that translates to well to the English-speaking crowd.

Man, it’s hard not to get excited when a homegrown prospect starts to show some promise eh? It’s not happened all that often over the years in Edmonton and when it has, said player has usually be shipped out.

Ryan McLeod will be an NHL player, I don’t have any reservations in saying that. What I’m wondering is if he can overcome this mental obstacle (getting in the guts of the game) that’s been shadowing him since his days in junior. He’s got almost all of the other tools to be a successful 3rd line forward I feel and what’s really interesting is that he reminds me of Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann. I think they’re similar stylistically and I’m just hoping that Edmonton takes a much more cautious route with McLeod than McCann’s previous handful of GMs because I feel like if he can up his physicality and muck game, he’s going to be a very useful player for the Oilers. All he’s got to do is hit a couple of guys real good and get some confidence and then roll with it.

NHLRumors.com

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Have been told that Pittsburgh Penguins and pending UFA defenseman Kris Letang’s agents had spoken over the offseason and that a contract extension is not imminent.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are able to offer an eight-year contract, and althought there was several $9 million (plus) UFA defenseman signings this offseason, Morgan Rielly may still be in the $8 million range.
Have been told that Dallas Stars and John Klingberg have had good contract talks this past offseason. Think a deal could get done in December or January as the sides narrow the gap.
Have been told there hadn’t been much talks between the Penguins and Evgeni Malkin this offseason.
If Patrice Bergeron wants to continue playing hockey, the Boston Bruins will get it done.
TSN: Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin is entering the final year of his contract and the Canadiens announced that his situation won’t be addressed until after this season.