Edmonton Oilers year-over-year opening game roster

In: Trent Frederic, Curtis Lazar, Matthew Savoie, Kasperi Kapanen, Noah Philp, Isaac Howard, David Tomasek, Andrew Mangiapane

Out: Derek Ryan, Connor Brown, Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, Corey Perry, Raphael Lavoie, Evander Kane

This is an incredible amount of turnover for a contending team signifying a clear shift in direction for the roster composition. Not all of these players were acquired in the offseason, but they have changed over since opening night last season.

Gone are the old guard, in come some younger talents. Savoie and Howard lead the way for a rookie class the Oilers have not had in the last 5+ seasons.

The depth might struggle a bit with Zach Hyman injured to start the season, but this gives new acquisitions plenty of time and space to show they deserve a spot. Such as Noah Philp, who is finally set to get a chance as he is lining up as the third line centre to start the season. He led the team in scoring in the preseason.

Defence

In: Alec Regula, Jake Walman

Out: Travis Dermott

The defence is largely unchanged from last season. Which makes sense, as the Oilers have one of the top defensive groups in the league, according to many models and analysts. The one major change is the addition of Jake Walman, making this already formidable defensive unit even better. Unfortunately, Walman will likely miss the start of the season due to injury. When healthy, he is expected to be Darnell Nurse’s new defensive partner.

Of note is the rise of Alec Regula, who was claimed on waivers during the previous season, missed the entirety of it due to injury, and has immediately returned to claim an opening day roster spot in Walman’s place.

Goaltenders

The Oilers are utilizing the same goalie tandem on opening night that they did last season, for better or worse. Connor Ingram is in the AHL for a possible conditioning stint, and will hopefully be waiting in the wings in case, ready to provide a boost if the goalies are struggling as they often have.