In an Edmonton Oilers information and rumors replace, the Oilers are making an attention-grabbing selection with Darnell Nurse. They’re transferring him to the best facet for tonight’s matchup towards the Carolina Hurricanes. In the meantime, Jeff Skinner would possibly get an elevated look because the Oilers attempt to shake up a 1-15 energy play. Lastly, are the Oilers anxious about Zach Hyman’s lack of scoring?
Oilers Experiment with Darnell Nurse on Proper Facet
Oilers are making a daring lineup change on Tuesday. Based on TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, head coach Kris Knoblauch is transferring Darnell Nurse to the best facet of the protection. Nurse, usually a left-shot defenseman, has performed little or no on the best 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 determination may increase eyebrows, particularly since Nurse is already struggling together with his recreation. Shifting him to the best facet presents a major problem, however Knoblauch would possibly really feel that is the most suitable choice given Dermott’s capacity to play either side. The Nurse-Dermott pairing hasn’t been notably efficient so far, 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 alter to the best facet, it could power the group to discover commerce choices to fill the opening of their top-four protection. For now, this lineup adjustment is a bet that followers will likely be watching carefully.
Oilers Signal 2024 First-Spherical Choose 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 general after the Oilers traded up with the Philadelphia Flyers, O’Reilly impressed throughout coaching camp, sticking round longer than anticipated and turning heads together with his play.
Off to a robust begin within the OHL with the London Knights, O’Reilly has already proven why the Oilers have been assured sufficient to make a transfer for him. Comparisons to veteran Ryan O’Reilly have surfaced — albeit conservative comparisons based mostly totally on the model of recreation he performs –, with the Oilers hoping Sam can develop right into a dependable depth participant sooner or later.
With two targets and three assists in six video games this season, he’s already exhibiting enchancment and is predicted 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 facility play is struggling mightily, Edmonton would possibly give Skinenr a glance on the primary unit to see if he can add some manufacturing and money in on a number of alternatives.
Based on TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, he was seen practising in a top-six position over the previous two days, however Rishaug admitted a number of others received appears to be like within the rotation as nicely.
Coach Knoblauch has praised Skinner’s efforts and the ahead’s willingness to shoot may be the factor that ignites the group’s man benefit. The hope is that the facility play may 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 Frightened 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 seems like a bit greater than a slight regression.
If Hyman can go on a little bit of a run, he would possibly get proper again into issues, however he appears to be like lower than comfy to begin the season. He must get that first one out of the way in which so the floodgates will open.
