Coach Knoblauch unveils new Oilers lines at first training camp practice
The Edmonton Oilers had their first on-ice session of training camp today, and coach Knoblauch began testing out some potential line combinations.
After adding Jeff Skinner, Victor Arvidsson, and more in the forward group, fans have been eager to see where they'll slot in to begin the year. The Oilers have been weakened on the blue though, so new pairs and internal competition will be the theme of training camp.
Knoblauch is keeping the first line from last season which was one of the most dominant in all of hockey, and just like everyone hoped, the two new wingers are skating alongside Leon Draisaitl. For the first time in his Oilers career, Draisaitl is going to have two legitimate top six forwards as linemates. Both Skinner and Arvidsson have potential to score 30 goals, which means Draisaitl could be set up to have one of the best years of his career.
Also up front, Matthew Savoie, Raphael Lavoie, and Lane Pedersoj skated as the team's extra forwards. If any one of them have a quality camp, they could push for Corey Perry or Vasily Podkolzin's spot on the fourth line.
The Oilers lost a few defenceman this offseason, and there's been plenty of debate about who will get the first look with Darnell Nurse on the second pair. Knoblauch is giving the first opportunity to Ty Emberson, the promising 24 year old defenceman acquired in trade from San Jose. Interestingly, Josh Brown is being given the first opportunity as the sixth defenceman, with Travis Dermott and Troy Stecher on the outside.
It's exciting to see the Oilers return for even preseason hockey with expectations to win the Stanley Cup this season. There's a long journey of the regular season ahead, but even now, the Oilers have the eyes on only one thing.
| POLL | ||
Do you like these new lines? | ||
| Yes, love them | 49 | 59.8 % |
| No, needs work | 28 | 34.1 % |
| See Results | 5 | 6.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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