Minor tweak down the middle: the Oilers are famous for putting players over their heads and the ever-increasing likelyhood that Edmonton doesn't make any additional moves this summer is suggesting that the #3C spot is Haas' to lose. Due to the inexperience of the 3rd line and general ineffectiveness of the 4th line, I can see Tippet really leaning on the top two lines to generate production. The trio of Gagner, Granlund, and Khaira are all historically weak centers, so I could see Granlund/Khaira swapping positions with Gagner for draws on their strong sides. Granlund and Khaira probably split the season as the #4LW barring injuries. I don't think Marody has the boots to play above the 4th line, and that there's going to be an underlying focus this season on making sure Bakersfield has the strongest-possible year in order to get Bouchard, McLeod, Samorukov, Starrett, and Yamamoto as deep into the Calder Cup playoffs as possible.
The Benning hate is simultaneously justified and unjustified, and he's statistically the 4th best defender on this roster. Ideally, his numbers get juiced playing alongside Nurse and he's flipped for a midround pick. On that note, I don't expect RNH or Nurse to be on this roster post-2020 draft, and wouldn't be shocked if Larsson was gone either. There are very few quality assets on this team, and if Holland is dedicated to a proper rebuild, maximizing his assets in a deep draft is paramount. The Athletic has Edmonton with a top-3 pick before the lottery, I have them with a top-5 pick. Curious to see who's closer come June.
Persson and Jones probably clock about 55 games each, with Russell sliding between LHD, RHD, and scratched depending on who his partner is or if Tippet opts to run Jones-Persson.
Lagesson - Bouchard
Samorukov - Bear
Manning - Day
Lowe
Starrett - Skinner
Jurco being stronger on his off wing and Yamamoto's pressing need to become the shooter he was drafted to be sees Kailer switch to the left side (something he did do in Spokane, I just don't know to what success). McLeod gets two defensively responsible wingers that produce well in the AHL to bolster his development as a speedy center, and the 4th line is likely to be sheltered with some 2nd unit special teams time in order to reboot Hebig and ease the two imports into professional hockey. Blueline pairings follow a structure of defensively responsible lefty with an offensive righty: say what you will about Manning, but his AHL production is vastly ahead of Captain Keegan's and legitimately warrants playing time this season. Bouchard gets premium minutes as the expectation is he shouldn't be in the AHL for long, and it shelters Bear in order to help him discover a professional game away from the puck and rehab his injuries a bit. Wells is loaned to another AHL team or plays in Wichita with Vesey.
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It's a hunch of mine, but the combination of Tippet needing to be overly reliant on his top two lines, Neal's shooting percentage rebounding, and Lucic being a bag of asses on skates, the conditions of this pick are very likely to be met.
I got to say, I don't know a ton about Haas and Nygard but just my hunch is expecting them to form a solid 3rd line when neither has played NA hockey before is asking a lot. Obviously just a gut feeling but I think they'll be 4th line/13th forwards to start. Both are smallish guys and the western conference may not be what it once was but its still pretty physical.
Khaira will be in the lineup ahead of those two IMO.
I got to say, I don't know a ton about Haas and Nygard but just my hunch is expecting them to form a solid 3rd line when neither has played NA hockey before is asking a lot. Obviously just a gut feeling but I think they'll be 4th line/13th forwards to start. Both are smallish guys and the western conference may not be what it once was but its still pretty physical.
Khaira will be in the lineup ahead of those two IMO.
I can't see an outcome where Tippett finds Khaira, Granlund, or Gagner as an acceptable #3C though and would expect that he toys around with strong-side draw wingers on the 4th line exclusively. I don't know how successful a similar setup would be on the 3rd line, as Nygard and Haas at least have the speed to suggest they could survive top-9 minutes.
Khaira probably will make the lineup over Nygard, I just don't think it's the best outcome for the team until we know whether or not Nygard is actually NHL-calibre.
I can't see an outcome where Tippett finds Khaira, Granlund, or Gagner as an acceptable #3C though and would expect that he toys around with strong-side draw wingers on the 4th line exclusively. I don't know how successful a similar setup would be on the 3rd line, as Nygard and Haas at least have the speed to suggest they could survive top-9 minutes.
Khaira probably will make the lineup over Nygard, I just don't think it's the best outcome for the team until we know whether or not Nygard is actually NHL-calibre.
Oh Im not saying those guys are worthy 3rd liners but barring Nygard and Haas having breakout preseasons, I can't fathom Tippett, a veteran's style coach, going with two smallish, non experienced, Europeans over 3 guys who are vets in the NHL and still capable of putting up ok numbers.
I'm pretty sure the first Calgary game will separate the men from the boys and Nygard and Haas might find themselves just as solid depth players rather than main contributors.
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