Oilers Still Center Hunting?

TSN’s Bob McKenzie did an excellent series of interviews with the GM’s of a few Canadian teams this past week. One of those GM’s was Craig MacTavish, who talked to Bob about a number of things. One of those things? The center position.

We’ve all been saying it all summer long, the Oilers are weak at center, and MacT essentially admitted as much in his talk with the NHL’s top insider. MacT admitted that center is the biggest area of concern on the roster, and that the team needs to see Ryan Nugent-Hopkins step up as a star player, and guys down the line-up step up and fill the holes currently there.

The most interesting tidbit? Leon Draisaitl’s future will be decided based off of how he plays and what is best for his development. That doesn’t sound like a kid being simply handed a roster spot.

What Does It Mean?:

I won’t pretend to know what MacT means exactly, only he and his staff know, but to me it sounds like Edmonton isn’t exactly rushing to throw Leon in the lineup. I’m fairly convinced that the Oilers are confident that he can make the roster, and they should be. This is a guy that scouts drool over, and that has the exact skill-set missing from this hockey club.

In addition to that, he was the third overall pick in June’s draft and many scouts believe he is NHL ready, and not just Oiler scouts either. His NHLE suggests a player that can produce at the NHL level and have an impact.

He SHOULD be able to make the roster, but there is a real chance that he doesn’t. MacT’s quote here implies that Edmonton will do what is best for the player’s development, and if that’s sending him back to juniors, or even Europe, then so be it. To me, that’s a refreshing statement.

What Makes You Think It Will Be A Trade?:

MacT didn’t exactly come out and say he has a deal in his back pocket, but he did make an interesting comment saying that if what they currently have can’t fill the hole, they’ll be looking for someone who can, which is implying an outside player. There aren’t any free agents out there, so to me this says trade is the route.

Edmonton doesn’t exactly want to give away assets if they don’t have to, which is understandable. To me, it looks like MacT would prefer to fill center from within instead of trading off something valuable, say Martin Marincin, to fill the hole. That’s a risky decision, but could end up being the right one depending on Draisaitl’s training camp performance.

Uhhhhh, Who Is Out There?:

We know Edmonton was interested in Patrik Berglund back on July 1st, Bob Stauffer repeatedly hinted at it, and it was brought up again later in the summer. We also know Edmonton scouts LOVED center Ryan Johansen back on draft day in 2010, and he’s about to enter a holdout in Columbus.

Not to mention, Stars center Cody Eakin remains unsigned currently in Dallas, who has a logjam of centers. Eakin isn’t the sexy name like Berglund or Johansen, but he’s a solid offensive player with good possession stats.

There are certainly guys to be had for the right price.

The Overview:

The Oilers, as we have expected, will be giving Leon Draisaitl every chance to make the team. MacT loves him, and he has the exact skill-set, size, speed, skill and puck-possession ability, that is lacking from this roster. That said, it seems to me that MacT and the Oil have no appetite to rush him to the NHL if he is not ready, and that they clearly want to do what is best for his development.

To me, that leaves the door open for a trade, which also leaves the door open to other opportunities. Could Martin Marincin be on the way out for a center, while Oscar Klefbom, Darnell Nurse, or even Johnny Boychuk make their way in on the blue-line? It’s interesting to think, and it could all hinge on the abilities of an 18-year old German greenhorn coming from the WHL.

This certainly has the makings of an interesting camp story that could change Edmonton’s roster complexion.