September 24, 2021 /

Edmonton Oilers Training Camp: “He looked hungry to make an impression.”

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Sportsnet

Oilers try to quell drama of Archibald’s vaccine hesitancy as camp continues
  • On Tuesday we learned that a recently vaccinated Duncan Keith would not participate in camp until next Friday, goalie Alex Stalock’s heart condition may cost him the entire season, Kris Russell (neck) isn’t ready to go, and Archibald is the only unvaccinated NHLer on a Canadian team. Archibald skated on his own before the groups Wednesday.
  • “He just came off a 14-day quarantine, no skating,” head coach Dave Tippett said.
  • Archibald is a useful player who the Oilers would like to have on their team. But if he won’t roll up his sleeve, he’ll likely not be part of the Oilers come Opening Night.
  • Zach Hyman skated on McDavid’s left wing on the first day, along with Puljujarvi on the right side.
  • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was affixed next to Leon Draisaitl, with Kailer Yamamoto on right wing on Line 2.
  • On the back end, Tippett singled out his youngest D-man when asked about how his blue-line is going to deal with the departure of Adam Larsson to Seattle.

“The key to our blue-line this year is Evan Bouchard. To me he’s the X factor for our blue-line, to come out and say that we’re going to be better,” said Tippett.

BLH’s Thoughts: Is anybody else confused as to why Josh Archibald is coming off of a 14-day quarantine that mandates no skating at the end of it (even though he was skating on his own yesterday). I’ve recently learned that although he was born in Regina, that he was raised in Minnesota. So I suppose he was just going through the protocols as he returned for training camp.

It really sounds like the team is going to lean on Evan Bouchard heavily this year and I’m okay with this plan. He’s an elite-level defender who’s patiently waited his turn for a go at this NHL thing. People will be left in awe of what he’ll be able to do with the puck but the most fascinating thing about him will be his mind. Could we see shades of Nik Lidstrom in this young fella?

The one thing we can always take away from Edmonton’s training camps under Tippett is that he doesn’t mess around. The line combos you’re seeing are probably the ones he wants to use going into the season.

Of course, some of these are going to change because there are a few players out with injury. 

Oilersnation

Training Camp Notes
  • Perlini can really skate. His speed and size was very noticeable.
  • Lagesson struggled moving the puck in numerous drills.
  • Turris looked much stronger on his skates than last season…
  • Sceviour had the only real hit of the day as he delivered a hard hit on Lagesson during a five-on-five drill.
  • Benson looked noticeably quicker and is sporting #16 now. He looked ready for the preseason battle for a left wing spot…He looked hungry to make an impression.
  • It is only one day, but for me there was a clear difference in speed and tenacity between Benson and Marody. Benson just looked more NHL ready.
  • Foegele and Kassian as bookends on a line gives the Oilers really good speed and size.
  • Foegele’s forechecking and cycling skills were noticeable.
  •  Niemelainen still looked strong, but he was quicker.

BLH’s Thoughts: It’s only day one of skating. So there’s not really a lot to talk about here. I’m glad to hear that Benson is starting off on the right foot though and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s separating himself from Cooper Marody. 

The feeling I get with Perlini is that he’ll start the year in Bakersfield and if he’s lighting up that league and a spot opens up in Edmonton, maybe he’s the first call-up from the forward group considering his size, speed, and shot. 

Spector’s Hockey

TSN: Darren Dreger reports it’s difficult to pinpoint a timeline when the Buffalo Sabres could trade Jack Eichel. His new agent, Pat Brisson is on good terms with Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and there are ongoing discussions between the two.

Pierre LeBrun reports the Toronto Maple Leafs and Morgan Rielly’s camp quietly engaged in preliminary contract discussions over the summer.

Dreger believes it’s all about the term and less about money in the Vancouver Canucks’ negotiations with restricted free agent defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Negotiations are also ongoing between the Ottawa Senators and Brady Tkachuk. Dreger feels the main hurdles here are structure and protection.

LeBrun reports unrestricted free agent center Eric Staal is committed to playing another NHL season but has yet to find a new club. His preference is to find a good fit with an American club.

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Beer League Hero Written by:

I'm the Beer League Hero! I am from Camrose, Alberta but I make my home in Taipei City, Taiwan. I've been through the ups and downs and the highs and the Lowes, the Bonsignores and the McDavids, the Sathers and the Eakins but I'll never leave my Oilers, no matter what! They're with me until the end and then some. GO OILERS GO!