Oilers New Additions Earn Feature Role

Caleb Kerney

Sep 25, 2024, 16:21

Caleb Kerney

Sep 25, 2024, 16:21

Two new Edmonton Oilers forwards find themselves with a lucky opportunity.

Sergei Belski-Imagn Images - Oilers New Additions Earn Feature Role

EDMONTON -- Change is inevitable.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGxWozY4qKw[/embed]

Over the summer, the Edmonton Oilers have experienced some change. Vincent Desharnais, Warren Foegele, Dylan Holloway, and Cody Ceci have moved on for one reason or another. Ty Emberson, Josh Brown, and Matt Savoie are new faces around the rink.

But, two specific newcomers find themselves with a golden opportunity. Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson could do something no one else has done over the last several years.

They could take away powerplay minutes from Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman.

Both forwards were spotted at practice playing on the Oilers' second unit. Meanwhile, Corey Perry, Darnell Nurse, and Mattias Ekholm took reps in their usual positions.

Having Skinner and Arvidsson on the second unit is a win-win scenario for the Oilers. It gives the unit four legitimate shooting threats and much experience on the man advantage.

Skinner has consistently produced over the last three years. With 11, 21, and 12 points, respectively, he is a virtual lock to earn 10 or more power play points on the secondary unit.

Arvidsson has not historically been an elite power play performer. He has had nine or fewer power play points every year, except for the 2022-23 season. That year, he contributed a whopping 25 power play points.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9oag-n6d1E[/embed]

One way or another, having the two newcomers join forces to strengthen the second unit can only benefit the team. If the second unit becomes a legitimate threat, it will allow the first unit more time to rest and generate even-strength offense. If the second unit falters, the first unit is always a solid bet to score for the copper and blue.

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