Oilers could put one of Connor Brown, Warren Foegele or Dylan Holloway into the top-6 spot vacated by Kailer Yamamoto. The Edmonton Oilers [https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers] have high expectations for the 2023-24 season. Led by superstars Connor McDavid [https://puckpedia.com/player/connor-mcdavid] and Leon Draisaitl [https://puckpedia.com/player/leon-draisaitl], there is real hope that the Oilers could hoist the Stanley Cup in 2024. They also have a great supporting cast with players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins [https://puckpedia.com/player/ryan-nugent-hopkins], Evander Kane [https://puckpedia.com/player/evander-kane], Zach Hyman [https://puckpedia.com/player/zach-hyman], Darnell Nurse [https://puckpedia.com/player/darnell-nurse], and Evan Bouchard [https://puckpedia.com/player/evan-bouchard]. Related: Edmonton Oilers Free Agent Tracker [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/analysis/edmonton-oilers-free-agent-tracker] Yet, the Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/] also have three underrated players who are key parts of their roster heading into the 2023-24 campaign. Let's discuss them now. WARREN FOEGELE Don't underestimate Warren Foegele [https://puckpedia.com/player/warren-foegele]'s importance to the Oilers' roster in 2023-24. The 27-year-old winger was quite effective in Edmonton's bottom six last season, and this should translate over to this upcoming season. In 67 games, he posted 13 goals, 28 points, and 96 hits. Warren Foegele & Kailer Yamamoto [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4NzUyMTM5MjEwNjYzNjg3/usatsi_19668386_168401874_lowres.jpg] Warren Foegele & Kailer Yamamoto Foegele's ability to provide solid secondary scoring and physicality will make him a solid asset to the Oilers' lineup yet again this season. This is especially so if he gets more reps in Edmonton's top six [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/analysis/oilers-depth-forward-should-get-an-opportunity-to-play-on-mcdavids-wing] and on their power play this campaign. Thus, don't be surprised if he has a big year in 2023-24. BRETT KULAK Brett Kulak [https://puckpedia.com/player/brett-kulak] quietly put together one of the best seasons of his career in 2022-23. In 82 games played, he had three goals and set new career highs with 17 assists and 20 points. Brett Kulak [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4NDAzMzc2MDU1MDY4NTAx/usatsi_20539064_168401874_lowres.jpg] Brett Kulak After a solid offensive season, Kulak is looking to build off it in 2023-24. Yet, his greatest value comes from his reliable defensive play [https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/roster-redux-brett-kulak/c-345615082] on the club's bottom pairing. He is also a strong penalty killer, so he should see plenty of time this season. Overall, Kulak is a key part of the Oilers' roster [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/oilers-unlikely-to-trade-defenseman-insider-says] due to his strong all-around game. Because of this, he should make a positive impact for them yet again this season. DEREK RYAN Earlier this offseason, the Oilers re-signed Derek Ryan [https://puckpedia.com/player/derek-ryan] to a two-year, $1.8 million contract [https://clutchpoints.com/oilers-news-edmonton-resigns-derek-ryan-two-year-contract]. It is an understandable move, as Ryan has become a key part of the Oilers' bottom six. This past season was particularly solid for the 36-year-old, as he had 13 goals, 20 points, and a plus-11 rating in 80 games. Derek Ryan & Philip Broberg [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4NjQyMTA1OTA2NjM2MTM5/usatsi_20424192_168401874_lowres.jpg] Derek Ryan & Philip Broberg Ryan provides the Oilers with an experienced forward who contributes fairly well offensively in limited minutes. He also plays a steady two-way game, so in the end, he's simply a consistent player. Related: Underrated Oiler Makes a Surprising Appearance at the Biosteel NHL Camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/underrated-oiler-makes-a-surprising-appearance-at-the-biosteel-nhl-camp] Nevertheless, it will be fun to see how well these three players perform for the Oilers in 2023-24 from here. Related: Oilers' PTOs Are Players Fans Should Root For [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/opinion/oilers-ptos-are-players-fans-should-root-for] Related: Kraken Sign Yet Another Former Edmonton Oiler [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/news/kraken-sign-yet-another-former-edmonton-oiler] Related: Oilers' Bouchard is Worth At Least $6 Million A Year [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/analysis/oilers-bouchard-is-worth-at-least-6-million-a-year] Related: Oilers' Nurse Silently Had His Best Offensive Year Ever [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/analysis/oilers-nurse-silently-had-his-best-offensive-year-ever]
