Oilers Hump Day Randoms

That time of week again! Time for some Edmonton Oilers random thoughts as we hit the midway point in the first week of 2016. Crazy, huh?

Buyers Or Sellers?:

Usually by this point of the season, we know that the Edmonton Oilers will be sellers at the annual trading deadline. This year? Not so much, at least not yet. At the halfway point of the season, as of this writing at least, the Oilers are within two games of a playoff spot in the weak Pacific Division. A playoff berth is still unlikely, but with Connor McDavid and Nail Yakupov on their way, Edmonton could be in the race past next month’s deadline.

Would Peter Chiarelli actually go out and buy to help push the Oilers into the postseason in his first year at the helm? His tenure in Boston would suggest that yes, he would actively look to add to help his hockey team. His history would also suggest that he would look to add help at two positions, defense and center.

He’s got pieces to sell, however, and that needs to be kept in mind. Edmonton could get a solid return on Teddy Purcell, Eric Gryba and yes, Justin Schultz. That said, if they are still in the race it will be tough for Chiarelli to move any of those players, even if it is likely that they will walk away in the summer as free agents.

Still about two months to go, but the Oilers status will be closely monitored and could be solidified in the coming weeks should they go on a streak, one way or the other.

The Return:

Connor McDavid is approaching a week of practicing with the team now. One has to imagine that taking contact comes soon, and after that a return to game action. Just when should we count on McDavid returning to action? I doubt it is this weekend against Tampa or Florida, let’s put it that way.

The Oilers bringing McDavid back on the road is possible, but I believe the team will wait until a home game when they can control his matchups to return him to the lineup. My best guess? January 16th against the Flames at home on Hockey Night In Canada. Massive stage and a huge return for what will be a must win hockey game for the Oilers. High drama, folks.

That said, I’d love to see him next week in Arizona and San Jose for a pair of key games, I think he could really thrive against those two clubs.

Either way, I think we see him return before the All-Star break and my gut tells me that he will return with a bang. It’s gotta be an exciting time for the Oilers.

I’d imagine Nail Yakupov is somewhat close to a return too. I’d wager we see him right around the 16th also.

Hey Now, Your An All-Star:

Jim Matheson let the cat out of the bag last night that Taylor Hall is going to his first All-Star Game to play with the big boys (Was a rookie in the skills competition in 2011) later this month. This is a well deserved honor for the man who is currently tied for fifth in points in the NHL.

Hall has become a complete player this year, too, correcting previous errors without the puck. His evolution as a player has been the biggest reason why Edmonton has stayed afloat without their best player in Connor McDavid.

I wrote last night about other options from the Oilers for the game, most notably Leon Draisaitl. It doesn’t look like the big German is going to get the nod, however, and Hall will be the team’s lone rep in the game.

To be honest, I can’t remember the last time Edmonton had two players in the All-Star game, it has to have been at least ten years now.