What will an Edmonton Oilers top six look like this season?

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Joshua Deeds
August 27, 2023 (10:47 PM)

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As Kailer Yamamoto and Klim Kostin left the Edmonton Oilers, the off-season was uneventful for the team.

Draisaitl's usual linemate Yamamato has since been picked up by Seattle, leaving an open position. In the end, Yamamato was not given a qualifying offer since he failed to meet expectations.

Connor Brown was the most notable signing so far, with the hope that he will produce like Yamamato was expected to. To defeat an opponent like the Vegas Golden Knights, who have depth scoring, the Oilers need to shore up their top six.

Connor Brown doesn't leap to mind as one of the best 5v5 finishers, but he's a sneaky playmaker who ranks among the 88th percentile in scoring chance assists and high-danger passes.

To maximize McDavid's playmaking and Kane's shooting ability, Kane and Brown should be played together with McDavid on the current roster.

Draisaitl has no choice but to go with RNH as his best option because none of Edmonton's top-six wingers are particularly good defensively. As far as volume shooting is concerned, Hyman checks off that box.

RNH and Draisaitl have produced a 55 percent goal differential together without McDavid in the past three seasons, while the duo of Hyman/RNH has a goal share of 53 percent and a scoring chance share of 57 percent.

I believe Draisaitl, RNH, and Hyman would make an effective line together, even though they haven't spent much time together in the past two seasons.

As Seen On: oilersnation.com