Oilers 24-25 Preseason Preview

It's been a busy offseason in all Edmontons. In the alternate Earth-616 universe, the Oilers resigned a franchise player, lost a few key youngsters to RFA offer sheets, and brought in a "rehabilitated" scumbag general manager. In the RHL universe, the Oilers were busy trying to rebuild on the fly, and take meaningful steps towards the elusive playoff land. 

Even the most casual fans knew trading JT Miller, Claude Giroux, Vince Dunn and Blake Coleman would signal the start of a retooling process. However major the losses were, the team did it's best to replenish holes by signing Mats Zuccarello, Mason Marchment, Brandon Saad, and trading for Sean Monahan and Alex Kerfoot. The scoring will very much be done by committee, and GM Oily feels the top 12 is as deep as any in the league.

On defense, things look a little more gloomy. Rasmus Andersson played a tough hand in contract negotiation and led all parties to artibtration, where Rasmus was awarded a lucrative 8 year 7.25 million deal. Not bad for a guy that put up 20 points in 82 games last season. A lot will be riding on him and the team wants to see him double that point production if he's as good as he argued himself to be in those talks. Helping him handle the load will be newest free agent acquisition Jake Middleton, signing a fresh 5x5 deal with the team. Nick Jensen and Kyle Burroughs also signed team friendly deals to bring in stability to the core. Finally, Shayne Gostisbehere was acquired in the Kerfoot trade to man the first powerplay unit and pick up Rasmus' slack when needed. Another two-way top 6 defenseman will be needed if the Oilers want to compete.

In goal, Oilers were thrilled to bring back a reinvigorated Laurent Brossoit on a friendly 4 year 3 million deal. The plan is to play Laurent at least 25-30 games and take some of the burden off Saros who did not have his best season. With the tandem now approaching the wrong side of 30, more eyes will be on two young netminders with starter upside Nico Daws and Drew Commesso, both with the Condors in the AHL. 

Those Condors will be led by a young hungry core. Each of Logan Stankoven, Bobby Brink, and Olen Zellweger will be looking for that mid-season phone call and flight to join the pro roster if they perform as they intend. Beyond the pros, there could be surprise call-ups from the likes of Rutger McGroarty, Felix Unger-Sorum, Luca Cagnoni, or even Ryder Ritchie if they make their respective teams out of camp. 

With more standout prospects in Firkus, Levshunov, Sidorov, and three 1st rounders in the next two years, the team is in decent shape for the next while. Waiting is often the hardest part and patience is virtual. How the team starts this new season will be indicative of what's next. Trades are inevitable - GM Oily will have no shame admitting that almost anyone can be moved for the right price, including recent free agent signees. It is also true that to make a good soup or a stew, you need to let it simmer for a good while before you add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, cream, or hot sauce. Unless you get one of those canned soups or takeout. But they're not as good as something home made, everyone knows that.