Rumors of expanded rosters have been steadily making their way into the hockey news lately so BLH has decided to give you his picks for his initial Edmonton Oilers taxi squad in 2020-21.
Before we get into that though, let’s take look at a who Oilers insider Kurt Leavins has on his expanded roster.
5. No matter when play resumes COVID will still be a factor. I heard a comment from Elliott Friedman this week that he expects every team will carry a taxi squad. In normal times clubs carry 23 players. I am made to believe that it’s likely teams will expand to 28 (the extra 5 on AHL salaries): An additional goaltender, 2 more D-men and 3 more forwards. If I were to pick the 5 extra Oilers? I’d bet on Stuart Skinner, Evan Bouchard, William Lagesson, Ryan McLeod, Tyler Benson and Alan Quine. I know I’ve listed 2 extra centers. More flexibility.
Of this group, I think Alan Quine has the best chance and that’s because the rest of the names on that list are already playing in Europe aside from Stuart Skinner. The best place for them if they’re not guaranteed to be on the club is playing in a developmental league.
I get that there’s a certain degree of benefit to practicing with and against the best players in the world, but you’d have to think that there’s a bit of heat on Ken Holland right now and in a shortened season, anything can happen. Having young players on the team adds a whole element of risk to the season.
Also, if you’re going to have AHL players on your expanded roster, why not have ones that don’t have extravagant bonuses tied into their contracts? Something that high-end NHL prospects tend to have.
BLH’s Edmonton Oilers Taxi Squad
First off, the Oilers didn’t sign Anton Forsberg as a gag. If Edmonton’s goalkeeping falls apart or someone can’t go on a given night, they need a better solution than Stuart Skinner. No disrespect to him, but I question whether or not he’s ready for NHL action.
Along with Alan Quine, I would have Adam Cracknell and Seth Griffith on the squad. Three veteran players who know what it takes to get to the NHL and would do anything to get into a game. Devoid of ego and ready to sacrifice everything. Easily coachable too.
For d-men, Theodor Lennstrom would be one of them. I’m not looking to develop him. He’s in his mid-20s and I’d like him to be practicing on the North American ice against Connor and the boys. Getting in games isn’t as important for him as it is for the blue chippers in my opinion.
The other defender I would prefer on my taxi squad is probably a PTO addition, to be honest. Maybe that’s Madison Bowey (obvious Ken Holland connection there) or perhaps it’s someone like Christian Folin, a player who has a lot of experience at the AHL and NHL levels. 38yr old journeyman Derek Engelland is another option that would benefit the locker room some.
Neither of those blueliners would be winning you any games, mind you, but they’d serve as capable stand-ins if the scenario arose and you needed someone in a pinch.
Simply put, I want older players on my expanded roster since I’m not sure if my younger ones are good to go. The season is far too important to bet it on question marks. At least with the vets, you know what you’re getting night in and night out. In addition to that, your grade-A prospects are playing games and competing in proper leagues.
Now, should the AHL get going, all of what you read may be null and void and if the prospects in Europe become available due to a season concluding over there or some other reason, then you bring them back and see what you can do. Like if Skelleftea’s year comes to an end, then Philip Broberg would fly over, right?
Who’s on your taxi squad? Let us know in the comments below!
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