In an Edmonton Oilers information and rumors replace, the Oilers are making an attention-grabbing alternative with Darnell Nurse. They’re transferring him to the suitable facet for tonight’s matchup in opposition to the Carolina Hurricanes. In the meantime, Jeff Skinner may get an elevated look because the Oilers attempt to shake up a 1-15 energy play. Lastly, are the Oilers fearful about Zach Hyman’s lack of scoring?
Oilers Experiment with Darnell Nurse on Proper Facet
Oilers are making a daring lineup change on Tuesday. In accordance with TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, head coach Kris Knoblauch is transferring Darnell Nurse to the suitable facet of the protection. Nurse, sometimes a left-shot defenseman, has performed little or no on the suitable facet all through his profession. He’ll be paired with Travis Dermott, who will play on his pure left facet, because the Oilers try to stabilize their blue line.
This choice might elevate eyebrows, particularly since Nurse is already struggling along with his recreation. Transferring him to the suitable facet presents a big problem, however Knoblauch may really feel that is the best choice given Dermott’s capacity to play either side. The Nurse-Dermott pairing hasn’t been significantly efficient up to now, so the teaching workers appears to be making an attempt one thing new in hopes of enhancing their defensive construction.
The Oilers are in a tricky spot, and if Nurse can’t modify to the suitable facet, it might drive the staff to discover commerce choices to fill the opening of their top-four protection. For now, this lineup adjustment is of venture that followers can be watching carefully.
Oilers Signal 2024 First-Spherical Decide Sam O’Reilly
The Oilers have formally signed 2024 first-round draft decide Sam O’Reilly to a three-year entry-level contract. Chosen thirty second total after the Oilers traded up with the Philadelphia Flyers, O’Reilly impressed throughout coaching camp, sticking round longer than anticipated and turning heads along with his play.
Off to a powerful begin within the OHL with the London Knights, O’Reilly has already proven why the Oilers had been assured sufficient to make a transfer for him. Comparisons to veteran Ryan O’Reilly have surfaced — albeit conservative comparisons primarily based totally on the type of recreation he performs –, with the Oilers hoping Sam can develop right into a dependable depth participant sooner or later.
With two objectives and three assists in six video games this season, he’s already exhibiting enchancment and is anticipated to surpass final 12 months’s efficiency.
Jeff Skinner Earns Prime-Six Function as Oilers Look to Revamp Struggling Energy Play
The Oilers signed ahead Jeff Skinner to a one-year, $3-million contract for his scoring capacity. As such, as a result of the ability play is struggling mightily, Edmonton may give Skinenr a glance on the primary unit to see if he can add some manufacturing and money in on a number of alternatives.
In accordance with TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, he was seen working towards in a top-six function over the previous two days, however Rishaug admitted a number of others bought appears to be like within the rotation as properly.
Coach Knoblauch has praised Skinner’s efforts and the ahead’s willingness to shoot is perhaps the factor that ignites the staff’s man benefit. The hope is that the ability play could be the spark to get a number of guys going, together with Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, neither of whom have a purpose this season.
Are the Oilers Anxious About Hyman?
With 14 pictures on the season, maybe it’s too early to panic about Hyman’s lack of goal-scoring, however coming off of a 54-goal season, that he’s not scored but is troubling. A regression this season was anticipated, however to not have a purpose in six video games appears like a bit greater than a slight regression.
If Hyman can go on a little bit of a run, he may get proper again into issues, however he appears to be like lower than comfy to start out the season. He must get that first one out of the best way so the floodgates will open.
