On the threat of studying an excessive amount of into one preseason sport, it appeared clear on Wednesday night that the Edmonton Oilers don’t have a No. 4 defenseman prepared and pegged in to play alongside Darnell Nurse this season. When the Oilers had a possibility to companion Ty Emberson with Nurse within the latter’s first preseason sport of this offseason, the group selected to not. It’s not clear why, on condition that Travis Dermott — who did play in that spot and doesn’t have an NHL contract, — was positioned within the No. 4 place.
Associated: Oilers Make Odd Selection on Protection as Nurse Performs vs. Kraken
Granted, Dermott performed nicely. He scored a aim, performed 19:10, and was a plus/minus -2 in a sport the place the Seattle Kraken scored six instances. “I believe we’re fairly upset with what number of targets we’re letting in, particularly as a D core. We take delight in taking good care of our group that approach, and I believe that that’s simply one other sport that we sort of let down,” Dermott mentioned.
In addition to Dermott dealt with himself in a job he was possible unfamiliar with, it was an odd resolution by the Oilers contemplating Dermott doesn’t is in camp on a PTO.
Why did the Oilers go together with Dermott and never Emberson?
There are solely two explanations. Both the Oilers needed to see what Dermott may do and are contemplating signing him or releasing him, or the teaching employees isn’t feeling good in regards to the concept of Emberson and Nurse as a duo.
In both case, it suggests the group doesn’t have the boldness to lock a reputation into that No. 4 spot and that’s sure to be an issue for a very good chunk of the season.
Are the Oilers Being Honest to Darnell Nurse?
What’s and what needs to be are sometimes two various things. The Oilers ought to have a greater participant on the roster and one who is nice sufficient to be dependable as a No. 4. That’s not sure. As such, Emberson, Troy Stecher, Josh Brown, and, doubtlessly Dermott, are all going to get seems with Nurse.
It’s definitely not ideally suited and can make life troublesome for Nurse, who will already really feel the stress of dwelling as much as his $9.25 million contract. A gentle companion permitting Nurse to play his sport is essential if Edmonton desires to get essentially the most out of Nurse. Consistency and familiarity can be a problem and if, on any given night time, he’s unsure who his companion can be, the Oilers are asking him to do loads.
On the similar time, one may argue that Nurse ought to have the ability to deal with enjoying with anybody. He seemed like he hadn’t missed a beat in his first preseason sport. And, a participant of his talent degree may make his inexperienced companion look nice. At $9.25 million per 12 months, one would hope.
Once more, what needs to be just isn’t all the time what’s.
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