It will be mostly a junior group heading to Winnipeg for the game, with a few veterans and plenty of candidates to make the team. Mike Hoffman, Lane Pederson, Noah Philp, Matt Savoie, and James Hamblin will all be making their case to make the team.
Yesterday after practice, coach Knoblauch said that he's looking for an element of speed, tenacity, and penalty killing for the bottom six. The Oilers currently have Derek Ryan and Corey Perry slotted in for the fourth line, and both players aren't being much energy pushing 40 years old. Ryan and Perry will still be Oilers this season, but the Oilers could rotate in some younger players for a few games on the fourth line.
The Oilers haven't fared well in the preseason so far, only winning the first game in overtime against the Winnipeg Jets. Young players like Noah Philp, James Hamblin, and Ty Emberson have impressed. 23 year old forward Raphael Lavoie has also looked quite good and got an opportunity with Leon Draisaitl, but unfortunately suffered an injury in practice yesterday. He was pulled from today's roster, a significant setback for him to build on a great training camp so far.
Tonight's preseason game will take place at 6:00 MT in Winnipeg, and will be available to watch on Oilers + behind a paywall or on the Winnipeg Jets website for free. The regular season is now just two weeks away, when the Oilers will host the Jets at home. Gear up Oilers fans, hockey is now officially back!
POLL | ||
Are you watching preseason games? Or | ||
Yes, love if | 20 | 38.5 % |
No, too early for me | 28 | 53.8 % |
See Results | 4 | 7.7 % |
List of polls |