NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Gilbert Brule, C (Acquired in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets)
Erik Cole, LW (Acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes)
Jason Strudwick, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the New York Rangers)
Lubomir Visnovsky, D (Acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Curtis Glencross, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Calgary Flames)
Matt Greene, D (Traded to the Los Angeles Kings)
Joni Pitkanen, D (Traded to the Carolina Hurricanes)
Marty Reasoner, C (Signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Thrashers)
Geoff Sanderson, LW (Unsigned Free Agent)
Jarret Stoll, C (Traded to the Los Angeles Kings)
Raffi Torres, LW (Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets)
2007-08 Season Finish: 4th Northwest Division, 9th Western Conference, 88 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Did Not Make Playoffs
2008-09 Prediction: 3rd Northwest Division, 7th Western Conference
After making it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006 and seeing a lot of their players depart afterward, the Oilers have been in rebuilding mode for the past two seasons. After drafting several highly-touted players over the past few years, the Oilers are poised to become a very competitive team in the future, especially on offense. Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff enjoyed fine seasons offensively last year, though Horcoff's performance was limited to 53 games due to an injury. The duo will look to have productive years again next season on the top line with newcomer Erik Cole. Acquired in a trade with Carolina, Cole brings offensive depth and toughness to the Oilers' top line. Andrew Cogliano and Sam Gagner enjoyed fine rookie seasons offensively, and will likely play on the 2nd line with the talented Dustin Penner, who will look to improve his goal-scoring ability next season. Provided he can elevate his offensive play, newcomer Gilbert Brule could see himself securing a spot on the Oilers' 2nd line. Kyle Brodziak, Robert Nilsson, and Fernando Pisani all bring plenty of offensive talent and depth to Edmonton's checking lines, while Ethan Moreau and Zack Stortini provide a lot of toughness and gritty play to the checking lines. Promising youngsters Marc Pouliot, Rob Schremp, Jean-Francois Jacques, and Ryan Potulny will look to make the team at training camp on their fine offensive skills. While the Oilers' future on offense looks bright, the addition of a veteran forward or two for offensive depth could be beneficial to the team.
Edmonton's defense got a little stronger over the summer with the addition of Lubomir Visnovsky, who was acquired in a trade with Los Angeles. Visnovsky brings a lot of offensive skill to an Oilers defense that is in need of some offense. Visnovsky will likely play with Sheldon Souray, another offensively gifted defenseman, on Edmonton's top defensive pairing. The two also brings lots of veteran depth to the Oilers' defense, especially on the power play. Ladislav Smid and veterans Steve Staios and Jason Strudwick provide a lot of toughness and physical play to Edmonton's defense. Youngsters Tom Gilbert and Denis Grebeshkov are rising offensive forces on the Oilers' blueline who will look to improve their play next season. Prospects Mathieu Roy, Taylor Chorney, and Bryan Young will all likely push hard at training camp to make the Oilers' already talented defense.
The Oilers could have a possible logjam in goal when the season starts. Mathieu Garon could likely earn the starting role this season due in large part to his exceptional play throughout the 2007-08 season. Dwayne Roloson, who struggled early last year but improved his play late in the season, will likely be the backup due to his age and declining production. Challenging Roloson for the backup position will be the promising Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers. The Oilers may have to start the season with three goaltenders, as Drouin-Deslauriers would have to clear waivers if he were sent to the minors, which he likely would not do. There have been rumours that the Oilers could try to trade Roloson, but that could be difficult for them to do due to his salary, age, and declining production.
STRENGTHS
- Lots of promising, young offensive talent.
- Plenty of offense on their defense.
WEAKNESSES
- Offense could benefit from another veteran forward or two for depth.
- Could use a little bit more toughness on defense.
- Too much of a logjam in goal.
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