How the new players are integrating into the Edmonton Oilers

Off to another slow start, it is important to remember that there are several new Edmonton Oilers integrating into the lineup. The whirling dervish Coach Kris Knoblauch is no stranger to a lineup that ebbs and flows throughout each game. Naturally, the Oilers early season malaise has a lot of contributing factors, but perhaps there is a silver lining. 

Despite the team’s record there is quite a bit to be encouraged about. Even more, there is some hope that improvement is on the horizon within and beyond this season.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the newer Oilers that have been beginning to impact the lineup. 

Tomasek adding support to the team

An older rookie, reigning SHL MVP David Tomasek has looked better than his doubters might have thought. Players with similar track records at younger ages have failed to translate into the NHL, after all. 

Still, Tomasek has impressed in several capacities already. With a big body, Tomasek is strong enough to protect the puck. These extra split seconds allow for some smart passing to emerge. Add in the fact that Tomasek has filled in at Zach Hyman’s net front spot on the power play and the Oilers have themselves an intriguing option up front. 

The Oilers have some other big, strong forwards, but Tomasek provides a bit more playmaking support than others of that ilk like Hyman, Vasily Podkolzin, or Trent Frederic. Still, Tomasek has yet to find a long term fit in the lineup. 

Players forming chemistry with Mangiapane 

Though smaller and more skilled, Andrew Mangiapane has often held spots lower in the lineup. Some expected a shot alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, but this might be a bit ambitious. Instead, Mangiapane has done well to start forming chemistry with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. This would represent one of the more talented centres Mangiapane has been on a regular line with. 

Still, Mangiapane should be able to hold his own with other centres like Noah Philp or Adam Henrique. In a defensive role he might give a checking line some offensive bite. Especially with a playmaker he might be able to find some chemistry. The issue is that at least one of his linemates should be a bigger or more physically imposing player to help balance the line, if not both. 

Roslovic finding his spot on a line

Without a team until the regular season had already started, Jack Roslovic is jumping onto a moving train more than most of these fellow new Oilers. The speedy shooting winger has been exactly that, often taking shots from outside angles. 

For now the issue might be that sharing a line with Nugent-Hopkins and Mangiapane makes the group a bit one dimensional. The two might even be direct competition for lineup opportunities. Mangiapane seems to have a greater effect on the flow of play, relying on his smarts. Meanwhile, Roslovic is faster, with a harder shot.

Rookies Savoie and Howard finding their footing

Rookies Matthew Savoie and Isaac Howard have bright futures, but are by no means finished developing. Savoie has a bit more dimension defensively, and is more experienced, which has helped him stick a bit better. Howard is the more dynamic scorer, which might put him at odds against the likes of Mangiapane and Roslovic for spots in the lineup. 

It is a long season, and perhaps with a slow burn either rookie might find a new level as the season progresses. There is not necessarily a right answer, and AHL time is not impossible if there does not appear to be progress. Until they can establish themselves it might even be ambitious to put the rookies on the same line, although this might ultimately help get both more sheltered matchups. It is not the end of the world for either if they do not find a way to thrive in the middle-six this season. 

Philp making a case to stay

Another older rookie, and by definition not entirely new, Noah Philp is also beginning to change the Oilers lineup. Philp is a big right shot centre, with interesting speed and a shot, who has been able to embrace some very functional roles in contested ice.

Despite his odd journey, Philp might be ready to push Adam Henrique on the centre depth chart. At the very least Philp has the chance to make the third and fourth lines fairly indistinguishable from each other in terms of quality. So long as one of Draisaitl or Nugent-Hopkins are on the wing, Philp will be a crucial piece of the lineup. 

As with Tomasek, there might be some learning curve left for Philp to explore. Both have looked serviceable already, and the possibility for more certainly exists. 

Was Regula worth it?

A big right shot defenceman, Alec Regula looked very promising after missing last season with injury. Regula is big, but has the mobility and puck skills to be a contributor to team offence. After impressing during camp Regula looked solid in regular season action.

Unfortunately Regula is injured again. There is clearly a lot to like, and there is reason to believe that Regula might be worthy of a spot on a fully healthy Oilers blueline. The injuries do not help, and could make it difficult for Regula to find a groove or earn trust if he is not playing. 

Hopefully he is able to return soon, but also stay healthy for the rest of his career. There is a physical and mental toll to injuries, and missing large chunks of time cannot help matters.