6 Edmonton Oilers players trending toward opening-night roster spots
The Edmonton Oilers are set to open up the regular season next week, and the NHL roster is starting to come into view.
Only two preseason games remain for the Oilers, which means that the final round of cuts is quickly approaching. A total of 18 forwards, 12 defencemen, and four goalies remain on Edmonton’s roster, meaning around 12 or so players are still to be cut.
A few players fighting for NHL spots have emerged so far, with just a few more days left in camp battles.
Here are six players who will likely earn a spot on the Oilers come opening night:
Matt Savoie
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NHL spot: Middle-six winger
It looks like Matt Savoie is set to play his first full season in the NHL this year.
The 21-year-old former first-round pick has looked good throughout preseason and training camp, despite not getting on the scoreboard all that much. What Savoie has proven is that he is an effective two-way player who can win battles and be trusted in situations such as the penalty kill.
He has shown glimpses of his offensive creativity as well, but will likely start the season in the bottom-six before getting a chance to work up in the lineup with either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Isaac Howard
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NHL spot: Middle-six winger
Ike Howard has looked like an impactful player throughout the preseason, and his odds of cracking the team remain high.
The reigning Hobey Baker winner hasn’t stood out in every game, but he has shown the offensive flair he was known for in college. He’s got two points through four games, and the Oilers have been trying him everywhere from a fourth-line to a second-line winger.
With McDavid and Draisaitl together on the first line to start the year, Howard could very well find himself on the second line come opening night. Though it’s more likely he begins his NHL career in the bottom-six before he gets promoted, similar to Savoie.
Noah Philp
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NHL spot: Fourth-line centre
Noah Philp had a chip on his shoulder coming into the new season, and it looks like he’s destined to break into the NHL for good this time.
After appearing in 15 NHL games last season, the former University of Alberta Golden Bear is looking like a lock to crack the opening night roster. Philp has shown excellent vision throughout the preseason and is tied for the team lead in points with a goal and three assists through four games.
He has been noticeable in every game he’s played in and is almost assuredly beating out veteran Curtis Lazar for the fourth-line centre job.
David Tomášek
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NHL spot: Third-line centre/wing
David Tomášek has come into his first NHL preseason and done exactly what he was expected to do.
The Czech has been playing a lot of centre so far, and it looks like the Oilers are starting to be very comfortable with him in a third-line role. Tomášek has shown to have a fantastic shot and has made a few excellent plays on the offensive end.
There may be more to be desired in his skating and defensive work, but he is a big body who could make an impact in a limited role. Expect him to place somewhere on that third line come opening night.
Ty Emberson
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NHL spot: Third-pair RD
Ty Emberson was an NHL regular in Edmonton last season, but lost his job down the stretch and into the playoffs.
The 25-year-old was always going to be given a chance to win that job back, and he has done it for the most part. Emberson has looked comfortable on the blueline throughout the preseason and has done a good job at limiting the mistakes.
That third-pair RD spot was between him and Troy Stecher, and so far, it feels like Emberson has done more to earn that job.
Atro Leppänen
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NHL spot: Seventh defenceman
Atro Leppänen has been the biggest surprise throughout the preseason for the Oilers.
The Finnish defender has shown to be silky smooth with the puck, quick with his decision-making, and all-around looks like a capable player. His obstacle will be the players in front of him on Edmonton’s roster.
There was no battle to be on LD with Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, and Brett Kulak being locks to start the season in the NHL. Even so, Leppanen has been too good to send down at this point, and the seventh defenceman’s job could be his.
It will depend on whether the Oilers want him to get consistent playing time in the AHL or not, rather than sitting in the NHL press box.