Beginning tomorrow afternoon in Saskatoon, the Oilers will begin to set the roster for the long road ahead. Although there are few positions in play, some (like 2C) are very important to the team. We have the names surrounded, but the final structure isn’t known—as we saw after last game when coach Eakins mentioned Yakupov returning to RW.
PROJECTED SASKATOON LINEUP
- Perron— Draisaitl—Yakupov
- Pakarinen—Lander—Eberle
- Kessy—Arcobello—Purcell
- C Hamilton—Williams—Joensuu
- Marincin—Gernat
- Ference—Simpson
- Oesterle—Schultz
- Bachman (Brossoit)
NOTES
- Eakins is fan friendly in some big ways, one of which is the lineup. Why be so secretive? I like his style here. Let the lineup out so fans can talk about it and argue/discuss. It’s just good business. He tweeted out lineup info last season, very cool.
- Top line tomorrow could be 2line opening night. I hope Yak City goes super nova in Bridge City.
- The 2line tells me that Pakarinen is getting a good look, as Eberle (actual NHL player) and Lander (one-way deal) aren’t likely to join him in OKC. Good opportunity.
- Kessy also gets a push, this is a big one compared to where he was a year ago. If he plays well tomorrow, and gets another game, then we’re going to have to include him in the 2014-15 conversation.
- I see the 4line as a kick in the junk for Joensuu. He should be where Kessy is, that’s a nutcracker. jmo.
- Gernat gets a nice push, Marincin should already be in pen on the roster.
- Simpson gets a nice push too.
- Oesterle has impressed this camp, and frankly the Oilers college additions have really been splendid these OKC years. Sign more, Bob Green.
- Bachman and Brossoit will be sent out with the early OKC demotions, maybe Tuesday.
NEXT ROUND OF CUTS
I think we’ll see it Monday or Tuesday, and based on the schedule the Oilers will likely make significant demotions.
- Goalies: Richard Bachman, Laurent Brossoit
- Defensemen: Martin Gernat, Jordan Oesterle, David Musil, Dillon Simpson
- Center: Jason Williams, Jujhar Khaira, Travis Ewanyk
- Left Wing: Ryan Hamilton, Curtis Hamilton, Mitchell Moroz, Vladimir Tkachev (signed and back to junior)
- Right Wing: Andrew Miller, Steve Pinizzotto
Edmonton would still have (by my count) 31 players plus injuries Luke Gazdic and Brandon Davidson on the roster. Among “fringe” types, I think Bogdan Yakimov, Will Acton, Darnell Nurse, Leon Draisaitl and Kevin Westgarth hang around. Of course Tyler Pitlick, Iiro Pakarinen, Kessy and others should remain as possible NHL options for 2014-15.
THE LAGESSON
Will Lagesson’s North American career gets underway this weekend as the USHL turns their wheels. Lagesson plays tonight and I’ll try to update that and other active players in the comments section.