The Oilers' fourth line has a different look heading into this season.

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Ryan Hall
September 5, 2023 (2:10)

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With the summer behind us and all NHL fans eagerly anticipating the new season set to begin in October, several teams in the NHL have made minor adjustments to their lineups to improve their chances of competing for the Stanley Cup.

The Oilers conducted some business over the summer, but they refrained from making major changes to their lineup, given their exit from the second round last year. Instead, they made some modest adjustments around the edges, including the addition of a few players like former Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals forward Connor Brown.

Drafted by the Leafs in 2012, Brown has played in 448 games, tallying 90 goals and 126 assists for a total of 216 points. Although he faced an injury last year that sidelined him for numerous games, he has since recovered and is now set to reunite with his longtime linemate from the Erie Otters, Connor McDavid.

Head coach Jay Woodcroft is hopeful that both players can rekindle their dynamic partnership and ignite a potent offence. It's worth noting that Brown also played alongside Zach Hyman during their time in Toronto, and Hyman is slated to join them on the left side of this line.

Another change can be seen on the Oilers' fourth line, where newly acquired center Lane Pederson will anchor the line alongside second-year player Dylan Holloway and veteran Derek Ryan. The expectation is that Holloway will become a full-time regular with the Oilers, and the team hopes he will continue to develop his game under the mentorship of Derek Ryan.

Pederson, known for his role on the fourth line of various teams, including the Arizona Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, and Columbus Blue Jackets, has typically notched no more than five points per year. He is recognized as a shutdown defensive centerman and has signed a contract with an annual average value of $775,000 for the next two years.

It remains to be seen whether these changes will have a significant impact on the Oilers' performance going forward, but one thing is certain: this promises to be an exciting season to watch.