Oilers Coach Knoblauch testing three specific players in tonight's game
The Edmonton Oilers will square off against the Winnipeg Jets in a preseason matchup tonight, and it's a big test for a few players.
There's a few candidates to take the fourth line center role away from 37 year old forward Derek Ryan, and tonight Coach Knoblauch wants a good look the options in action. Noah Philp, Lane Pederson, and James Hamblin are all candidates for the fourth line center job, and they'll all be in the lineup tonight player center.
According to Jason Gregor, Knoblauch wants to see how each player's line handles Mark Scheifele and the Jets veterans.
The Oilers are heading into the season with the oldest average age in the NHL and two forwards pushing 40 on the fourth line with Derek Ryan and Corey Perry. It's a testament the depth of the team that the Oilers may be able to rest both the veterans through the season, and they've got great options for replacements.
Noah Philp is 26 years old and is returning to hockey after taking a full season off. So far in training camp, he's impressed the coaches being in great physical shape, winning faceoffs, and playing a great 200 foot game. James Hamblin is perhaps the fastest option of the depth bunch, and has been honing his penalty killing skills. Knobaluch's comments after practice yesterday seemed to indicate Philp and Hamblin have a real shot at making the team. On the other hand, Lane Pederson hasn't shown much yet.
The Oilers only have five preseason games left before their regular season begins on October 9th at home against the Winnipeg Jets. These young guns will be giving everything they have to stay on the roster as long as possible and potentially make the team.
| POLL | ||
Do you think any of these players will make the team? | ||
| Hamblin | 21 | 27.6 % |
| Philp | 19 | 25 % |
| Pederson | 9 | 11.8 % |
| None | 27 | 35.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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