7 Burning Questions for the Oilers

The beginning of the 2023-24 season is days away. It's time to dig into the big questions burning a hole in everyone's brain about the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor Brown was the most prominent acquisition the Oilers made in the off-season. He wasn't the most high profile player available, which resulted in a team friendly deal. 

Brown shares a lot of qualities with fellow teammate, Zach Hyman. Both are aggressive forecheckers with a knack for finding the front of the net. If last night's two-goal pre-season game is any indication - Brown should find a great deal of success on the same line as Connor McDavid.

Mattias Ekholm hasn't played in a pre-season game. As a result, Philip Broberg has been given ample playing time to get his feet wet with top-4 minutes. In five exhibition games he's averaged 19:31 of time on ice. He's seeing a lot of even strength and shorthanded minutes. 

Broberg has been paired the most with Cody Ceci. The pairing have done well as far as Corsi is concerned. The season is long, and it will be a test to see how Broberg performs over an 82-game season.

Jack Campbell is on a tear during this pre-season. With only two goals scored on him on 60+ shots, the man is on a mission. Last year was a massive blip on his career, but he is poised to be every bit of the goaltender he can be when the Oilers signed him last off-season.

The Oilers are employing new defensive systems this season. They are using a 1-1-3 formation in the neutral zone, which should help prevent rush attacks - or at least prevent odd-man rushes. 

The new pairings we will more than likely see should help the team as a whole. A whole season of Mattias Ekholm on the blueline will work wonders for the young defenders on the team - especially Broberg.

Ekholm was the big acquisition at last year's trade deadline. He has been an incredible addition to the team as a whole. Particularly, Evan Bouchard has benefitted greatly from being his defense partner.

Ekholm's strong two-way play will be key for the Oilers this year. It is expected that he will start the year paired up with Broberg. He can continue his tradition of mentoring young defenders and being a steady and uplifting influence for them.

For most players in the NHL, scoring 100 points would be an incredible achievement. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl are the only other players on the Oilers to hit 100 points - and Nugent-Hopkins just achieved that milestone for the first time this past season.

Related: ESPN's Projections Doesn't Take Oilers' McDavid Seriously

Just in case you didn't already know, McDavid is not like other NHL players. He is one of a kind, a generational talent. However, his goal isn't to get the most points - his goal is to win. He will do whatever he can to take care of his body, as well as improve every little detail of his game. This past off-season he focused on his defensive play. That should strike fear into the hearts of opposing players (and goalies). 

I'm no fortune teller, but I'd say the odds are pretty good that the Oilers make it to the Stanley Cup Final. The energy around the team this season feels different. I am getting 2021-22 Colorado Avalanche vibes from the Oilers right now. I don't think they win the President's Trophy this year, but that's not the goal. It's Cup or bust for the Oilers - but a Cup feels more likely.

Subscribe to the new Striking Oil podcast launching on Monday October 9th. Site Editor, Caleb Kerney tackles topics and questions surrounding the Oilers on a weekly basis. Check it out on Youtube, as well as on the podcast player of your choice.

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