One major element missing from the Edmonton Oilers forward group

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Liam McCormick
September 27, 2024 (3:15 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers made big additions at forward this offseason with Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson, but some analysts are sounding an alarm bell.

The additions to the top six group are fantastic signings, but there are some significant concerns about the bottom six. After the departures of Dylan Holloway, Ryan McLeod, and more, Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock thinks the bottom six could be a problem.

Currently the Oilers third line is shaping up to be Connor Brown, Adam Henrique, and Mattias Janmark. The fourth line will likely be Vasily Podkolzin, Derek Ryan, and Corey Perry. There's a good portion of Oilers bottom six forwards well over 30 years old that likely aren't going to bring much speed and energy when the top six is off the ice.

Curlock mentions specifically being concerned with the play of the third line. This may be surprising considering how good Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark were late in the playoffs, but the playoffs was the outlier. Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark both only scored 4 goals in 71 games.

The veteran third line right now may be able to earn the coach's trust in defensive situations, but the Oilers need a lot more than 8 goals over a season from the third line wingers. Considering the fourth line doesn't have any other scoring threats either, the Oilers really don't have any secondary scoring. However, if there is any team that can rely on their top two lines to score all their goals, it's the Edmonton Oilers. Also, it'd be really hard for Connor Brown have a worse year than he did last regular season.

There's a battle in training camp for the last forward spot on the roster in the upcoming season. Some young players like James Hamblin, Noah Philp, Lane Pederson, and even Sam O'Reilly are pushing for the spot. Perhaps the spot even goes to the scoring threat Mike Hoffman, if the Oilers become worried enough.

We'll have to see in the next week or so how the Oilers decide to whittle down their roster before opening night. If Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark combine for less than 2 goals again before the trade deadline, perhaps the Oilers explore a trade for a bottom six forward.