Since the start of the full rebuild in Edmonton a few things have been consistent (Cue Losing joke from Justin). The Oilers have been one of the least penalized teams in the league. While producing one of the lowest totals of hits and even strength goals.
The nice guy finesses approach has served its purpose for the first few seasons. Even to the point some were feeling the Oilers were under preforming. While it was closer to the truth, they were over preforming by shorting the game and talent disadvantage by not taking penalties.
To try to move away from the Mr. Nice guy style of hockey the team will be looking to a collection of players. The team is looking at add 700+ hits this season from Ryan Johansen, Boone Jenner , Ryan Poehling and Dmitry Orlov.
The Oilers will be looking to rookie Conor Garland or Heavy hitter Ryan Poehling to fill the garden seat on the top line. Its just a matter of what clicks. Will it be Finnish or Chaos.
*Conor Garland Ryan Johansen Sabastian Aho
The second line looks to be a true heavy line with Saad and Jenner pushing the forecheck.
Bramdon Saad Artem Anisimov Boone Jenner
The third line will start with two more heavy hitters on the wings. Both Poehling and Hayes will have to produce to keep Conner Brown on the 4th line.
*Ryan Poehling Nico Hischier Kevin Hayes
With minuets being hard to come by Conner Brown seems to be the odd man out to start the season. His place on the team is safe as he will be relied on heavy in special teams.
Ivan Barbashev Conner Jones Connor Brown
On defense the team is hopping this is the season Will Butcher breaks out. With the lack of even strength scoring over the years has been hard for Butcher to really show his skills (92pa 81sc). We hope this is the season Butcher and the team really takes step forward in scoring.
Rasmus Ristolainen Will Butcher
Dmitry Orlov Filip Hronek
Kris Russell Tyler Wotherspoon/Mike Weber
And in goal the team will be looking to Jake Oettinger to take another big step forward. And the team really likes the addition of Anton Forsberg as a backup. They feel he can step in any night and give the team a chance to win.