The THN poll results are in! Connor McDavid is the heavy favorite to win both the Art Ross and the Maurice Richard trophy. With only two more games left in the pre-season the Edmonton Oilers roster is taking shape. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evander Kane, Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are all a lock for the top six forward group. Related: Former Oiler Forward Released From PTO On defense, Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, Cody Ceci, Mattias Ekholm and Brett Kulak are the only locks for the three pairings. That leaves two positions - one in the top six and one as the seventh defender. Philip Broberg has shown well this pre-season and appears to be ready to play the right side with Ekholm. Vincent Desharnais. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxMjMzMTg1MzE5NjkxNzk4/usatsi_20444842_168401874_lowres.jpg] Vincent Desharnais. Vincent Desharnais is looking to build on his 36 game rookie season in 2022-23. He only averaged 13:33 across those games - primarily as the team's seventh defender. He'll likely serve a similar role this year, albeit with the hope for more minutes. Ben Gleason has snuck into the conversation for the Oilers seventh defender for the 2023-24 season. Over the last two pre-season games he has displayed a calm, efficient game. Against the Kraken he was rewarded with 23:53 in ice time - the most on the team. Conversely, Desharnais played for 16:51. Ben Gleason. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxMjMzMDc3NDA4NjM4NzQ2/usatsi_21560323_168401874_lowres.jpg] Ben Gleason. While Desharnais being right-handed might give him an edge in securing a seventh defender position on the roster. Gleason is left handed, which isn't a detriment - it's just a simple difference between the two players. The battle for the blue line has begun. Related: Oilers' Have Their Own Erik Karlsson Related: 2 Best Oilers GM Candidates With Staios Gone Related: Oilers' Shouldn't Give Starters Role to Skinner Related: 3 Oilers' Sacrificial Lambs for the Stanley Cup
