Edmonton Oilers Season Preview

The Edmonton Oilers are coming off a dead last finish in the 2009-2010 campaign. One could point fingers in many directions as the cause of this abysmal season. Like the 530 man games lost to injuries including long term injuries to Khabibulin and Ales Hemsky. However, the reality is the team also had positives like Dustin Penner appearing in all 82 games and tallying 63 points giving oil fans a bit of relief on what was long thought to be an anchor of a contract that the Oil had to swallow. One that was almost passed off before Dany Heatley snubbed the organization and the city.

Looking forward the outcome of the oilers not making a playoff appearance since their memorable 06 cup run is a rebuild that has alot of promise. At this years draft the Oilers had their first ever 1st overall draft pick and selected dynamic left winger Taylor Hall who is fresh off 2 Memorial Cup championships and MVP titles. Taylor will join Jordan Eberle who after nearly making the club in 09 returned to the WHL and bested Taylor hall and Tyler Seguin for the CHL's MVP award. Jordan has also become well known for his ability to score clutch goals for Canada at the WJHC and has also maintained a PPG at the AHL level.



Joining the oilers CHL standouts and looking for roster spots will be 2 explosive and talented Swedes. Magnus Paajarvi-Svennson made his Elite league debut at just age 16 becoming the 4th youngest player ever to play with the Elitserien. Magnus has been playing against grown men ever since and has great size, strength and possibly the fastest skater not yet in the NHL. Magnus also led Sweden in scoring in the 2010 world championships and was named to the all tournament team.



Alongside Magnus, Linus Omark will no doubt be making a push for opening night lineup. Well known for his youtube shootout goal Linus brings alot more to the table. He doesn't have the largest frame however any who was watched him play more than a couple times knows he can protect the puck from almost anyone. Linus has great offensive flare and we could soon be ripping his youtube hilights off of NHL broadcasts.



Besides all of the young talent coming in the oilers have made it a serious point to address their size and AHL depth. The oilers cleared out their "soft" players such as O'Sullivan, Nilsson and Pouliot and brought in some size and grit with Foster, Vandermeer, and Colin Fraser. They also made some big depth signings at the AHL level in former AHL MVP Alexander Giroux and defenseman Shawn Belle. Don't be surprised if either of these guys get some NHL ice time this season.

All of the new and exciting talent will be joining returning oilers stars Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner, Dustin Penner and Gilbert Brule and with proper chemistry this team could surprise quite a few teams this season.

The biggest question mark with the oilers once again this season is the goaltending. With 3 goalies under 1-way contracts (Khabibulin, Dubnyk, JDD) and the recent addition of Gerber on a 2-way the goaltending situation is anything but solidified.



Obviously the oilers will look to make the playoffs this year. However, if they fall short (which many think they will) this rebuild will only get stronger and look for the oilers to be a very serious contender within the next 3-5 years.

good job! I like the effort. I am sure you will be a great OSHL member

great preview!

good luck and hopefully the likes of eberle and hall make the team for your benefit

Burly and Hallsie are locks for the team.

KillTheRock wrote:

Burly and Hallsie are locks for the team.

lol took me a minute to get that

Sorry Killtherock. Due to inactivity, I had to give your spot to DJackson00