It’s hard to believe, but after a week off we have arrived at the first edition of weekly Oilers links for September. In just a few days hockey will be back as training camps and exhibitions begin for the World Cup. Shortly after that, NHL training camp and preseason begin and then the real thing. Time flies, huh?
Without further ado, let’s take our weekly spin around the Oilers blogosphere and check out some of this week’s top links.
23 Jobs, Many More Applicants: Only 23 men will make the Edmonton Oilers roster and be in the NHL come October 12th when Edmonton hosts Calgary. For those 23 jobs, at least 34 men are applying, and that isn’t counting any potential PTO’s or training camp trades. Lowetide sets camp up for us over at OilersNation.
Mike Richards Coming To Town?: Rumor is flying around that the Edmonton Oilers will use the PTO tool to bring in some players for training camp. Among the rumored options is two-time Stanley Cup Champion Mike Richards, who joined the Washington Capitals in the middle of last season. Sammi Silber checks on the possibility over at Oil On Whyte.
Playoffs or Bust: Peter Chiarelli moved his chips to the middle of the table this off-season when he dealt Taylor Hall to New Jersey for Adam Larsson. So, with that franchise altering trade completed, what is a realistic goal for the team this coming season? Matt Henderson explains why, for the Oilers, anything but the playoffs this season is a failure over at Hockeybuzz.
Blocked or Not?: Are the Oilers doing a disservice to their prospects by not playing them properly? Is the lack of success Edmonton has had at the draft table due to their AHL coaching staff holding their picks back? It’s been a topic of discussion lately, but David Staples of the Cult of Hockey blog says it isn’t true.
Leon’s Extension: The Edmonton Oilers can officially talk contract with Leon Draisaitl, who is a pending RFA. While there doesn’t appear to be any urgency to get this done right now, it’s still interesting to talk about what the numbers might look like on this contract. Shane Sander of The Hockey Writers takes a look at what the magical number for Leon might be.
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