Perry Talks, Oilers New Deadline Plans, Hyman Snub, and Roster Rumors
How can the Oilers best deploy what they have and make it even better?
Welcome to the THW Edmonton Oilers Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Oilers writers.
The Edmonton Oilers added Corey Perry this week and he spoke about his decision to join a red-hot roster. That leads to questions about what the Oilers will do next and who goes where in the lineup.
Also, let’s revisit the 2012 draft and talk about the All-Star Game.
Enjoy today’s edition. There’s a lot to take in…
Oilers and 3 Big Moves to Enhance Strengths Pre-Trade Deadline
January 23, 2024 by Jim Parsons
The Edmonton Oilers are in a good position. Winners of 13 straight games, the team just added Corey Perry via free agency without giving up anything but a bit of cap space. The team also reinserted Dylan Holloway into the lineup without needing to move anyone to make room. That’s two potential depth adds that, if things pan out as expected, fill two areas of need for the team. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, he also believes those deals open up some wiggle room to make other moves.
Suggesting that Edmonton could push their chips all in and use both the first-round pick in 2024 and 2025 to make the necessary changes to be a Stanley Cup favorite, let’s take a look at three areas that are arguably strengths of the Oilers, but could get even better.
Oilers Could Benefit From Adam Henrique Trade With Ducks
January 23, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
With the Edmonton Oilers working with a 13-game winning streak at the time of writing this article, they are in a really strong spot and seem lined up to make the playoffs as they continue to climb up the Pacific Division standings. As we inch closer to the trade deadline, they will need to consider who they’ll be acquiring and analyze who the best fit for their team will be as they look to make a solid run into the postseason. After many changes earlier in the season which included changing their goaltending tandem and switching out the coaching staff, the Oilers have found themselves in a good spot and can safely consider themselves buyers heading into the trade deadline.
Hyman Snub Reveals Flaws in All-Star Vote; Here’s How To Fix It
January 22, 2024 by Brian Swane
Recently, the NHL announced the 12 winners of the All-Star Fan Vote. Those dozen players (eight skaters and four goalies) join the 32 previously selected players (28 skaters and four goalies) to comprise the rosters for the 2024 All-Star Game, which will take place Feb. 3 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
But the NHL’s All-Star selection process stacks the deck against players like Hyman, who have superstar teammates and may not be as well known.
Revisiting the Edmonton Oilers’ Dubious 2012 Draft After 11 Years
January 22, 2024 by Brian Swane
By the numbers, Edmonton’s performance at the 1990 Draft is the worst of all time. On that day, the Oilers made 11 selections, not one of whom ever skated a single shift in the NHL. That’s a record still untouched, as no other NHL team has had as many picks in a single draft without at least one reaching the NHL.
However, in 1990, the Oilers had just come off winning their fifth Stanley Cup in seven years, and their own pick in the 1990 Draft came towards the end of each round. Considering what was at stake in 2012, and Edmonton’s high-pick positioning, that year’s draft ranks as one of the biggest failures in franchise history, and it started right from the top.
Other Good Oilers’ Reads:
Evander Kane Turning Heads on Oilers’ Second Line
January 22, 2024 by Sean Panganiban
Oilers News & Rumors: Perry, Erne Campbell, Holloway, Deadline
January 22, 2024 by Jim Parsons