Because the Edmonton Oilers put together for the 2024-25 NHL season, the workforce’s protection stays a scorching matter of debate. Whereas the Oilers boast a number of the league’s high expertise upfront with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the blue line is a extra polarizing topic. Some fashions, together with the one created by The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn, charge the Oilers’ defensive group extremely, however NHL executives and coaches aren’t as assured.
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Right here’s a breakdown of the place Edmonton’s protection stands and what could be in retailer for them as they chase a Stanley Cup.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses of the Oilers Protection
On the Power Aspect: Workforce is Led by the Ekholm-Bouchard Pairing
The clear, shiny spot for the Oilers is the highest pairing of Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard. Collectively, they’ve been some of the dominant defensive pairings within the NHL, even with out lining up with Connor McDavid. In almost 500 minutes of five-on-five play with out No. 97, this pairing has managed 58% of shot makes an attempt and 61% of precise objectives. These elite numbers communicate volumes about their skill to close down opposing offenses whereas contributing offensively.
Ekholm’s regular, veteran presence, mixed with Bouchard’s offensive upside and powerful puck-moving abilities, provides the Oilers a dependable high pair to compete with the very best within the league. A workforce can’t typically declare to have two bona fide No. 1 defensemen, however Edmonton can confidently make that declare.
On the Weak point Aspect: There Are Depth Issues on the Oilers’ Proper Aspect
Past the highest pairing, nonetheless, the image is much less clear. The second-pair proper protection spot is a query mark. Ty Emberson, who’s at the moment slotted in to play alongside Darnell Nurse, has solely 30 profession NHL video games beneath his belt. Whereas his underlying numbers in that small pattern measurement have been promising, it stays to be seen if he can deal with a extra important function all through a complete season.
Darnell Nurse, in the meantime, is a little bit of a wild card. He’s proven he generally is a dependable top-four defenseman throughout the common season. Nonetheless, his play has notably dipped throughout the playoffs, resulting in issues about whether or not he might be counted on in high-pressure conditions.
On the Power Aspect: The Oilers’ Third Pairing Provides Stability
The third pairing of Brett Kulak and Troy Stecher presents stability. Kulak, specifically, has pushed glorious underlying numbers and has confirmed to be an above-average third-pair contributor. Stecher is a succesful No. 6 defenseman who can present strong depth. Whereas the third pair isn’t flashy, they’re serviceable and reliable. Travis Dermott can be an possibility, providing extra depth if accidents happen.
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If the Oilers intention to make a deep playoff run, their right-side defensive depth has to return by means of. The highest pairing of Ekholm and Bouchard is elite, and the third pair is dependable. Nonetheless, the second-pair proper protection slot looms as a possible weak point, particularly when going through top-tier competitors within the postseason.
Edmonton’s present roster is nice sufficient to compete. Nonetheless, to be a real Stanley Cup contender, they could have to discover choices on the commerce deadline. Shoring up the second-pairing proper protection place might push their protection into the highest 10 within the league and provides them a stronger likelihood to go the space.
In line with The Athletic, the Oilers’ protection sits in the midst of the pack for now. With elite expertise on the high and strong depth on the third pair, the success of their blue line will largely depend upon whether or not the present second-pair setup can maintain up or if reinforcements are introduced in because the season progresses.
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