Line Changes, Records Being Broken, Trade Talk, and History
The Oilers are making changes while trying to win 15 in a row..
Welcome to the THW Edmonton Oilers Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Oilers writers.
The Edmonton Oilers are flipping lines around and making a goalie change as they get set for the Chicago Blackhawks. Also, how big was Stuart Skinner breaking Fuhr’s record? And, are there other trades out there the Oilers can make?
Enjoy today’s edition. There’s a lot to take in…
Knoblauch Makes First Major Line Changes as Oilers Coach
January 25, 2024 by Jim Parsons
Kris Knoblauch has been, if nothing else, consistent. It’s easy to do so when your team has won 14 games in a row and the mantra rightfully should be not to fix what isn’t broken. With that said, it’s a bit surprising that the lines coming out of Thursday’s practice for the Edmonton Oilers suggests the coach is making a major change.
Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic is reporting that the Oilers swapped around the top six forwards and a couple of familiar faces might start Thursday night’s contest against the Chicago Blackhawks together. The top line consisted of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman. The second line was Evander Kane, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Warren Foegele.
Oilers’ Skinner Honours Fuhr After Breaking Iconic Goalie’s Record
January 25, 2024 by Brian Swane
It would be completely understandable if Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner did not know a great deal about Grant Fuhr. After all, Skinner was just 17 months old when Fuhr played the final game of his decorated NHL career. Skinner just turned five on the weekend of Fuhr’s induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame. And Skinner wasn’t even alive when Fuhr was backstopping the Oilers to championships.
But Fuhr is a lot more than just a name on one of the banners that hang above Skinner’s head every time the 25-year-old netminder skates onto the ice at Rogers Place. Fuhr is the legend whose record Skinner just broke.
Stauffer’s Lindholm Blockbuster Not Realistic For Oilers
January 24, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
The Edmonton Oilers are currently riding a 14-game winning streak after defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 and extending their franchise record for wins in a row. With their recent signing of Corey Perry to a one-year contract worth $775,000 along with performance bonuses added, the Oilers have proven they are going all-in this season and plan to make a run for a Stanley Cup. With the NHL Trade Deadline approaching slowly, the Oilers will have to make some tough decisions and try to bolster their roster. One idea for a trade that has come up recently is a blockbuster deal with their biggest rival.
Insider Links Oilers to 3 Impactful Wingers After Signing Perry
January 24, 2024 by Rob Couch
The Edmonton Oilers have been busy over the past few days, first recalling Dylan Holloway and then signing Corey Perry to a one-year deal. These two additions cost very little and have solidified the team’s bottom six to the point that management can now focus their efforts on bringing in help elsewhere in the lineup.
Other Good Oilers’ Reads:
Oilers’ McFarlane Jersey Remains Divisive 20 Years Later
January 24, 2024 by Brian Swane
Oilers Find Ways to Keep Streak Alive in Ugly Win Against Jackets
January 24, 2024 by Brian Swane
Oilers and 3 Big Moves to Enhance Strengths Pre-Trade Deadline
January 23, 2024 by Jim Parsons