As relayed by TSN insider Darren Dreger in The Nielson Show, Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman has the desire to fortify his team’s defense which has not been performing as expected. His star players continue to disappoint and now Bowman is looking for ways to strengthen the Oilers’ blue line with other teams experiencing injury crises, making this the best time to be trading. Dreger stated that the play of the puck has been terrible, featuring the Network disruption number, and the defending specialist’s position featured why Stan has changed his strategy.
“Defensively, I think that’s going to be an area of concern probably for a good chunk of the year… the word on the street is he is working more aggressively to try and find some help, right? And other teams now are as well, with injuries and other situations.”
The Edmonton Oilers Trusted the skilled hands of Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm, who were the key figures in their defensive abilities on the rink. Also, good performances were recorded by the 3rd-pairing D for the squad, Brett Kulak and Ty Emberson. Darnell Nurse, on the other hand, has been struggling showing signs of erratic performance as he did in last season’s playoff games. Stecher worked fine with Nurse, whereas Dermott had little impact on the ice.
Edmonton has already won only 4 of their 10 games, which is why they are currently in a disappointing sixth position in the Pacific Division once again, only faring better than the Sharks thanks to their four wins. The Golden Knights, the Kings, and the Canucks remain in the top three positions of the division. The Oilers posted losses to the Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Oilers’ shortage of pace as well as aggression on defense is quite clear and this has prompted talks about bringing in a different defensive partner to aid Nurse. Still, that type of measure is expensive and could make moving other players through trades more difficult. If the Oilers hope to make any headway, a proper strategy, as well as in-season changes are a necessity.
Connor McDavid Injured During Edmonton Oilers Game Against Columbus Blue Jackets
Connor McDavid Suffers Injury in Edmonton Oilers’ 6-1 Loss to Columbus Blue Jackets – Connor McDavid had to leave the game early in the Oilers’ heavy 6-1 defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets after only 37 seconds of play. As he was attempting to get into the attacking zone, McDavid was dispatched into the boards by a trip from Zach Werenski. Werenski apologized and said that he did not mean to make the trip and that he sympathized with McDavid.
“There was nothing intentional at all. It’s a nonissue,” Werenski said (via NHL.com on Tuesday). “I was just reaching for the puck and might have nicked him.
Coach Kris Knoblauch has confirmed that Connor McDavid will return to Edmonton for further evaluation following his recent injury. The Oilers are set to face two challenging road games against the Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames, and they know competing without McDavid, who shares the team lead in points (10) with Leon Draisaitl, will be no easy task. Knoblauch highlighted the need for other players to step up and help fill the void left by McDavid’s absence.
HC Marty St. Louis reviews Canadiens rookie D-man Lane Hutson’s -4 stat line in 6-3 loss to Pens
