Ban Price trades
Joined: Oct. 2017
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Tyler Ennis is not an NHL center. He's a winger.
Tippett has successfully run a shutdown third line all season featuring Sheahan and Archibald. I don't see this philosophy changing: come playoffs when the top two lines are commanding 40-45 minutes per night, the Oilers are going to be able to use this shutdown line to quash any depth the opposition thinks they have. This leaves a sheltered minutes fourth line enough time and space in a seven game series to become a handful for teams in the first and second rounds.
Both Nygard and Russell have no timeline to return: it sounds like Russell could be ready come playoff time, but Nygard is likely out until next season. If Jones really steps up over the next few weeks, I'd have a very difficult time justifying Russell - fresh off of injury - even seeing icetime in the playoffs. He's already shown to be incapable of succeeding in his role over the last month or so, and cannot transition the puck half as well as Jones can. I appreciate his warrior's mentality and the fearlessness involved with blocking shots, but there's enough data to suggest that shot blocking is more often detrimental to success than it is supplemental to it.
Neal, whenever he returns from injury, will either slot beside McDavid because Athanasiou didn't pan out with Connor or will find himself on the aforementioned soft usage minutes fourth line. He's disastrous at even strength play and is more of a powerplay specialist. With those disappearing come mid April, Tippett will need the most out of his lineup every shift.
I don't think Granlund belongs on an NHL roster anymore and Khaira - despite any genuine production from him - has been vital in Edmonton's penalty kill. His skillset is still valuable come playoff time, and he immediately serves more utility than Granlund does.
I'd set my lines as such:
RNH - Draisaitl - Yamamoto
Athanasiou - McDavid - Kassian
Ennis - Sheahan - Archibald
Neal - Haas - Chiasson
Khaira/Russell
Klefbom - Larsson
Nurse - Bear
Jones - Green
Benning
Koskinen - Smith
Side note: Haas has been sneaky good as a low-usage, penalty kill fourth line center. His handedness is super desirable too. I'd make time for him on this roster despite him being a virtual nobody outside of Edmonton.