Draisaitl's Contract, Kane Sits, McDavid for Hart, and Hyman Hits 50...
There's a lot of news out of Edmonton amidst two losses in a row...
Welcome to the THW Edmonton Oilers Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Oilers writers.
The Edmonton Oilers have suffered two losses to Eastern-based teams, but there were storylines everywhere. Hyman scored his 50th, Evander Kane was scratched, McDavind continued to roll, and defensive issues plagued the team.
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Enjoy today’s edition.
Insider Believes Oilers Could Lose Leon Draisaitl
March 24, 2024 by Jim Parsons
While the current focus for the Edmonton Oilers isn’t on a contract extension for Leon Draisaitl, it won’t be long until the organization is in a position where a big decision will be looming. And, as the regular season winds down, the playoffs take place, and the Oilers try to make a deep run toward the Stanley Cup, every point Draisaitl gets will factor into his next deal. Darren Dreger, speaking on TSN OverDrive, believes the numbers could get so high, that Draisaitl might price himself right out of what the Oilers can afford.
Evander Kane’s ‘Maintenance Day’ a Message by Oilers [Report]
March 25, 2024 by Jim Parsons
The Edmonton Oilers noted that Evander Kane was sitting out Sunday’s game against the Ottawa Senators as a “maintenance day” precautionary measure. Head coach Kris Knoblauch called Kane a warrior and a competitor and said that if were up to the player, he would have played. Instead, he noted, “We felt for the long run, it was best for him to not play. “
Oilers’ Defence Spoils Hyman’s Milestone Moment in Loss to Sens
March 25, 2024 by Brian Swane
Just 3:34 into the second period at Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday (March 24), Zach Hyman scored to give the Edmonton Oilers a 3-1 lead over the Ottawa Senators. The goal was his 50th of the 2023-24 season, and the Oilers were elated. Their teammate had reached one of the greatest milestones in hockey. They were leading by two goals. Life was good.
Oilers’ Line Blending Exposed in Blowout Loss to Maple Leafs
March 24, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
The Edmonton Oilers are well on their way to the postseason after bouncing back from a terrible start to the 2023-24 campaign. As they try to find the right combinations for the playoffs to give themselves the best opportunity to push for a Stanley Cup, head coach Kris Knoblauch attempted something new in the Oilers’ recent matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Oilers have played well with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on separate lines. Still, Knoblauch decided to put them with Zach Hyman on the first line in hopes of stacking their top line and dominating the Maple Leafs, but that is the exact opposite of what happened.
Connor McDavid Making Strong Case to Win 4th Hart Trophy
March 23, 2024 by Dale Bochon
It’s been a crazy ride in the 2023-24 NHL regular season for Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Both have emerged from early-season setbacks and are looking stronger and stronger as the playoffs get closer. Based on how well McDavid has played since returning from his early season injuries, he’s making a legitimate case to be named the NHL’s Most Valuable Player.