Edmonton Oilers Preview

Departures
Dwayne Roloson, Ales Kotalik

Arrivals
Nikolai Khabibulin

Forwards
The Oilers have been lacking a true scoring winger to play alongside the talented Ales Hemsky since Ryan Smyth was traded to the Islanders two years ago. Once again they will look from within to fill that spot after Dany Heatley spurned them in the highly publicized trade. Andrew Cogliano wants the spot on the top-line that Dustin Penner couldn’t hold last season. Former Oiler Mike Comrie is back and is also looking for that spot on the top line he’s the only forward to have scored 30 goals in the past. Patrick O’Sullivan will also get a long look. Prospect Robbie Schremp may finally get his chance to crack the line-up now that Craig MacTavish is out as head coach. The young and quick forwards will be excited to play the more offensive style game that Pat Quinn has vowed to play. Don’t expect 2008 first-rounder and team Canada stand-out Jordan Eberle to crack the deep roster. He needs top line minutes and isn’t ready this year. Former Oiler Mike Comrie is back and is also looking for that spot on the top line he’s the only forward to have scored 30 goals in the past.

Defenseman
Sheldon Souray was tied with Ales Hemsky for the team lead in goals with 23 both he and Tom Gilbert were in the top-four in scoring for the Oilers last season. The entire top-six D are back from last season and are as strong as any other in the league. Lubomir Visnovsky and Denis Grebeshkov are also strong offensive threats while Smid and Staios are capable shut down guys.

Goalies
Nikolai Khabibulin should be an upgrade over the aging Dwayne Roloson. Should he falter Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers will be there to make an impression. The young goaltender didn’t get a chance to play last season so he’ll be itching to make a lasting impression.

Strengths
- A new GM and a new head coach means big changes for a team that doesn’t have any change on the roster. A more offensive style is better suited for the smallish Oilers

- Defense will continue to be a strength for the Oilers.

– Khabibulin is is three years younger than the 39-year-old Roloson and is coming off a strong season in Chicago.

Weaknesses
- Scoring will once again be tough to come by with no new additions up front. Cogliano and Gagner will have to improve upon their poor sophomore seasons.

- They have the talent on the back-end to have a strong powerplay and penalty kill but last year they were 22nd and 27th respectively. Quinn and Tom Renney will have to pull an ace out of their sleves to fix them.

Analysis
The Oilers have missed the playoffs for three straight years. Without any changes other than in net and in the front office there’s no reason to think that’s going to change this season. They will come close once again but barring some major improvements from their youngsters they’ll be out.

Prediction: 11th in the West