The Edmonton Oilers received some tough news yesterday when it was announced that Jordan Eberle would miss 4-6 weeks with a shoulder injury. Based on that timeline, Eberle will likely miss about three to five weeks of regular season action. How many games are we thinking? Let’s call it four weeks (five overall) and 12 games.
What does that mean for the Edmonton Oilers? Well, their top point producer from last season is likely gone until November, and one of the NHL’s best right wingers won’t be available to them. This is a big hole for the Oilers, it’ll certainly be tough to replace his production. That said, don’t be mistaken, the Oilers can survive this injury.
How can they? Simple, by the next men up stepping up for the hockey club.
Teddy Purcell:
Coming into camp, Purcell was slated to play with Taylor Hall and Connor McDavid. Through the first weekend of practice, that was the case, but Purcell was hurt during the pre-season opener against the Flames. If I was a betting man, I’d imagine the veteran gets another look in the top-six.
Purcell has size but he doesn’t play an overly physical game and his speed is a bit of an issue. That said, he’s a proven power-play weapon and he has a very good track record with skill. While in Tampa Bay, he recorded point totals of 51, 65, 36 (48 games) and 42 in his four full seasons. In those years, he played a lot with Steven Stamkos, Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier.
Those numbers aren’t earth shattering, but they are top-six level. Last season, an off year for Purcell, he registered 34 points. Put him with some serious skill and that total will rise.
Leon Draisaitl:
The big German has a golden opportunity here. He struggled last season in the NHL, but went back to the WHL and completely dominated for the Kelowna Rockets en route to a Memorial Cup appearance. This season, Dr. Drai looks like a completely different player, one ready to take that next step.
He’s got the size, the speed, the physical ability and the faceoff ability to go with his tremendous skill. He’s played a complete game this pre-season and built an undeniable chemistry with Connor McDavid. His ability to play the right wing has turned into a huge advantage for the Oilers, who can stick him there with Eberle out.
Will Leon score 60 points like Jordan? Not this year, but he’s got the ability to be a very formidable replacement option for the next month. He’s also spent all of camp in the team’s top-six forward group.
Anton Slepyshev:
The Russian underdog just will not go away. The first two cuts to Bakersfield haven’t claimed him, and he’s gotten stronger as the weather turns colder. Slepyshev has, like Draisaitl, the size and speed combination to go with his skill. On top of that, Slepyshev plays a heavy game that has caught Todd McLellan’s eye.
The rookie had a solid season in the KHL last year, but honestly his skill set looks a lot more natural in the NHL, a bigger and more physical league. He’s also got something very important in common with Eberle, he’s a first-shot scorer, Slepy can snipe.
That all said, Slepyshev is a rookie and the Oilers might not want three rookie forwards up front this season.
Outside Options:
The Oilers could always go the trade or waiver wire route to find a replacement option for Eberle. The waiver wire won’t have any star skilled players, but players like Magnus Paajarvi, young with some skill there, could be of interest. That said, I can’t see Edmonton going this route.
Trade seems a little unlikely too, but it’s worth mentioning. When injuries popped up in Boston, Peter Chiarelli always seemed to cover the hole with a veteran via trade. That said, with Eberle possibly only missing 12-15 games, I think Chia stands pat.
Final Verdict:
I’m rooting for Anton Slepyshev to make this team, but I believe he will be one of the final cuts come Sunday afternoon. He’s done a lot of good, but he’s a rookie and is still learning the North American game. That means I have Leon Draisaitl and Teddy Purcell stepping up for the Oilers.
My lines with the injury? I’d look at something like this, a highly dynamic skill line and a veteran skill line…..
Taylor Hall – Connor McDavid – Leon Draisaitl
Benoit Pouliot – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Teddy Purcell
Thoughts Oiler fans?
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