OIL CRISIS DRAGS ON
Just when it looked like the franchise was turning a corner, it ran out of gas
HARD TO BELIEVE
so many gambling and media outlets – yes, including us – marked Edmonton down as the class of the West prior to the season. Even ahead of 2017 Cup finalist Nashville. The Oilers looked like they were only going to gain speed, with their two best players just 20 and 21. But flaws in their team game became apparent. Now, with a top-10 pick, Edmonton needs more speed and skill. IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Oscar Klefbom and Andrej Sekera aren’t going to be the offensive difference-makers from the blueline that the team badly needs. Edmonton’s defense corps ranks among the worst in the NHL in terms of production, and that’s with Darnell Nurse having a breakout year. A big bomber from the point would remedy the league’s worst power play unit. LONG-TERM NEEDS: It’s crazy to suggest there’s a silver lining in Cam Talbot’s subpar season, but had he put together two more campaigns like the one in 2016-17, he’d price himself out of Edmonton when he’s a UFA at 32 in 2019. He’s more affordable now, but the Oilers need to work on his replacement a few years hence. CAP SITUATION: Edmonton traded Patrick Maroon because of the huge raise from $1.5 million he’s sure to get as a UFA. The Oilers will want to sign RFAs Nurse and Matt Benning to bridge deals until Sekera’s unwieldy $5.5-million cap hit is off the books in a few years. When your top four forwards and top four ‘D’ make $50 million, you seek bargains for the other 15 players on your roster. IN THE SYSTEM 2018-19: Kailer Yamamoto is what the Oilers need – young, speedy and with a creative offensive bent to make a difference on the right side of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. And he’ll be cheap for a few seasons. He made Edmonton out of camp this season but was returned to junior after nine NHL games. DID YOU KNOW: Down on the farm in AHL Bakersfield, Family Day takes on an NHL alumni overtone. Keegan Lowe, Dillon Simpson, Ryan Mantha, Caleb Jones, Brad Malone and Ty Loney have fathers, uncles or brothers who have suited up for 4,265 NHL games and counting.