On the New Year’s Eve edition of Oilers Now, host Bob Stauffer had former NHL GM Brian Burke as well as former heavyweight enforcer Georges Laraque as guests and one of the questions he had for both of them was, after watching the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens add players like Josh Brown, Erik Gudbranson, Josh Anderson, and Corey Perry; Do the Edmonton Oilers have enough toughness in their lineup this season?
Brian Burke:
“No First off, Darnell Nurse provides toughness but you want him on the ice. The guys you want on the ice are the guys you can afford to put in the box for 5-minutes… Darnell Nurse is in their top-4, you don’t want him to fight very often. Maybe once in a while because that’s who he is.
So, no. I don’t think they are, but I think~ Kenny Holland will adapt to this as soon as it starts. Part of the issue is, the way that the games are going to be played in compact groups like this with back-to-backs, it’s going to get violent quickly. Hockey players don’t hold over grudges very well and in the playoffs you can’t really settle scores.
Stauffer followed this comment up with his annual plea to management to bring in former WHL tough guy and current captain of the Detroit Red Wings’ AHL affiliate, Dylan McIlrath.
“There’s a guy, and he’s played a little bit on the wing, but hasn’t been able to stick as a full-time NHL player. If I’m Edmonton, I’m contemplating taking him off waivers if Detroit sends him down.
McIlrath’s nickname is The Undertaker…
Georges Laraque:
“I know Brian Burke is pretty straight forward and I love listening to him, but toughness-wise the Oilers are one of the toughest Canadian teams because of two guys.
Because of Darnell Nurse and Kassian, right there, you’ve got two guys imposing respect. So, I don’t see anybody in Montreal that could answer Darnell Nurse or Kassian. I don’t see anybody in Montreal that could do that, I don’t see anybody in Calgary that could answer to them, I don’t see anybody in Vancouver that could answer to them.
You know, if you want to talk in general and having a big physical team, the Oilers have some big guys. Remember, that when you have two guys that are protecting the skilled guys~ Two guys, you’ve got one big dman that is tough as nails, plays a lot, and is always on the ice and physical; then you’ve got Kassian and we saw what he did with Tkachuk last year and the intensity that he brings.
Toughness-wise, the Oilers have nothing to worry about.
The way I see it, Edmonton has two guardians that are constantly playing with McDavid and him almost exclusively, Kassian and Nurse. The rest of the team are up shit creek without a paddle if they decide to get mucky or the other team decides for them.
If the other team decides that they’ll be picking on Leon Draisaitl’s line, that should be easy picking since he’ll be playing with a couple of tiny wingers in addition to possibly Caleb Jones, Kris Russell, Adam Larsson, or Tyson Barrie. Not exactly players that are known for throwing down, right?
That’s not to say the Oilers don’t have anybody that will drop the mitts or play physically. Jujhar Khaira, Josh Archibald, Alex Chiasson, Slater Koekkoek, Ethan Bear, and Mike Smith will all do it, Smith probably with a bit more enthusiasm, mind you.
But, if you’re asking me if the Oilers should go out and get an assassin to bring in from the bullpen from time to time when needed, I don’t think so. If they’re looking to acquire some toughness, at least it should be functional.
Corey Perry is functionally tough. He plays an old-school game but he can contribute in other ways too. Cedric Paquette as well. He’s an annoying SOB, but he knows his role and realizes that he’s got to get stuck in sometimes. When Michael Ferland was healthy, he was the same.
So what I’m getting at is maybe Ken Holland could use a power forward-type who won’t be a drag on your team. Players like,
- Blake Coleman (TB)
- William Carrier (VGK)
- Tyler Motte (VAN)
- Sean Kuraly (BOS)
- Noel Acciari (FLA)
- Marcus Foligno (MIN)
These players hit, they block shots, and they are seemingly good at taking the puck away from the opposition if you believe the stats page over at NHL.com.
Now, if you just want a pest or someone that will smash faces, these players might be up your alley,
- Brendan Lemieux (NYR)
- Ryan Hartman (MIN)
- Antoine Roussel (DAL)
- Miles Wood (NJ)
- Nick Ritchie (BOS)
Personally, I’m torn, I also wonder if Edmonton could use a super-pest on their team? It’s been some time since they had an Esa Tikkanen or Kenny “The Rat” Linesman sort of player.
I leave it up to you. I’m willing to see what a skilled roster can do, but as I said the other day, I’m sort of programmed to think that a successful team needs some truculent and pugilistic players on the roster somewhere. At least for the playoff drive.
Give us a follow on the socials!
- Youtube: Beer League Heroes Channel
- Twitter: @beerleagueheroe
- Instagram: @beerleagueheroes
- Facebook: Beer League Heroes
