Oilers Calling Up Quinn Hutson Was the Right Move

Right now, Edmonton’s bottom six is struggling, and a message had to be sent. Trent Frederic , Andrew Mangiapane, and Mattias Janmark haven’t done anything to stay in the lineup and could be sitting in the press box with Hutson’s call-up. Head coach Kris Knoblauch must start holding these players accountable. They aren’t positively impacting games, so scratch them and give Hutson their ice time.

Oilers Need a Spark in the Bottom Six

The team’s depth players have been a non-factor far too often this season. They can’t make plays. The puck dies on their stick, leading to turnovers. They aren’t scoring, but they also aren’t playing with any urgency or emotion.

Their lacklustre performances are the reason the top players are logging heavy minutes. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid played over 25 minutes against the Canadiens, while Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins weren’t far behind. The big guns are forced to play more because the rest of the forward group have been passengers.

Because they are relied on so heavily, when the Oilers’ top players have off nights, as they did in Montreal, someone else must step up, and that hasn’t been happening. If opponents can limit the team’s top two lines, they’ll likely win the game. The bottom six isn’t dangerous, and they don’t generate nearly enough offence. The Oilers desperately needed a spark in the bottom six, and Hutson can help because he’s a true goal-scorer.

However, he must be slotted in on the third line, not limited to under eight minutes per game on the fourth line. He’s a skilled player, so putting him in a checking role will hinder his development. He needs to be given consistent ice time with players who can make plays and get him the puck.

With everyone healthy and Hutson now in the mix, the Oilers should have a scoring third line that includes Hutson, Adam Henrique, and Jack Roslovic. Unfortunately, Roslovic is injured, but hopefully, Hutson is on the team long enough to try that line combination, because that trio can score goals, which the team desperately needs. Hutson is a sniper, so they must utilize him to the best of his abilities and let him establish his game. However, he will need time and the chance to play through mistakes.

Recalling Hutson was a necessary decision to boost the team’s depth. But it should also serve as a wake-up call for the rest of the forward group. If the bottom six continue their disappointing play, they will lose their spot. Keep following The Hockey Writers for all your NHL content throughout the season.