DALLAS — The Edmonton Oilers began the season appearing sluggish and older than desired.
Following a challenging previous season, the transition to the new campaign felt immediate, as if Game 7 of the Final had just ended minutes before the new Game 1. The Oilers were suddenly without four of their fastest skaters – Dylan Holloway, Ryan McLeod, Warren Foegele, and Philip Broberg. This significantly hampered the team`s overall speed.
“I think it was noticeable, especially the way we started the year,” admitted Leon Draisaitl. “It felt a bit slower, it looked a bit slower.”
General Manager Stan Bowman hadn`t been in his role for long when an offer sheet from St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong arrived unexpectedly. In the aftermath, Holloway and Broberg were lost to the St. Louis Blues. Meanwhile, McLeod was traded to Buffalo, and Foegele departed as a free agent to Los Angeles, deemed too expensive to retain. Bowman`s recent moves and the team`s improved depth are key factors heading into this Western Conference Final rematch against the Stars.
McLeod and Foegele were somewhat in the team`s future plans, but the loss of two 23-year-old prospects like Holloway and Broberg was unforeseen, leaving the roster less youthful and slower on the ice.
“Normally, the month of August is very quiet,” Bowman remarked at a press conference leading up to the Western Conference Final – a stage the Oilers` return to seemed questionable back in August.
“This situation developed early in August, pushing us into nearly a trade-deadline mentality for that week. We were holding daily meetings, analyzing various options…”
Bowman, however, has a proven track record as an effective rebuilder.
He revitalized the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks, guiding them to another Cup win in 2013, and a third in 2015. But Edmonton is still pursuing its first championship under his leadership, making his current reconstruction efforts vital.
He made a strategic acquisition from Vancouver, obtaining speedy, physical depth winger Vasily Podkolzin for a fourth-round draft pick. As the season progressed, he added Kasperi Kapanen, another depth winger who helped inject speed back into a lineup that had lost significant pace over the summer.
In January, defenseman John Klingberg became available. Acquiring him was a calculated risk, but Klingberg is now a crucial player who moves the puck rapidly, initiating the transitions that are fundamental to the Oilers` forward-driven offense.
At the trade deadline, Bowman further reinforced the roster by bringing in forward Jake Walman and defenseman Trent Frederic, adding valuable physical presence and mobility.
While none of these players are considered superstars, they are solid contributors who have collectively enhanced the Oilers` performance.
“We have the fastest player in the game [Connor McDavid], but just one player doesn`t make your team fast,” Bowman stated. “Speed isn`t solely about skating in a timed event. It`s about how quickly players can process the game.”
“If you can make fast decisions and have sufficient skill, then your team can play at a high tempo.” The Oilers` versatility and ability to win in different game scenarios, developed through these additions, have prepared them well for the challenge against the Dallas Stars.
Tristan Blackwood