I have decided to preview the teams in reverse 2010 standings order, which is quite a popular format, so why mess with it? It just happens that team number 30 last year is also my favourite team. So it works out quite well for me, at least.
Previewing the season for the team you have followed your whole life always brings in some type of favouritism, which will most likely disappear for all 29 remaining teams, but I will try to keep it in check here as well.
The Oilers are a team in transition. Comparison to the Chicago Blackhawks have been made numerous times all over the blogosphere and in paper print. With youngsters like Taylor Hall (pictured), Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, and 2011 #1 pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins emerging on the scene, the offensive future of this team seems bright. A few signings and trades so far this offseason have filled long standing holes in the lineup.
GM Steve Tambellini brought back Oiler fan favourite and mullet extraordinaire Ryan Smyth, bringing a sense of leadership few can match. His multitude of 20-goal season will help the scoreboard, as well, even if he is much closer to his final campaign than his rookie one. The Eric Belanger signing brings in the faceoff specialist the Oilers have been missing since the departure of Jared Stoll. And the signings of tough guys Darcy Hordichuk and Ben Eager were made in an attempt to bring muscle without fear (they had trouble in the past getting anyone willing to man up with giant Steve McIntyre).
Key Additions - Ryan Smyth, Eric Belanger, Ben Eager, Darcy Hordichuk
Key Losses - Andrew Cogliano, Colin Fraser, Steve McIntyre
Where it is hard to validate the Oilers/Blackhawks comparison is on the backend. They have yet to find a #1 thoroughbred for their d-corps. However, the return of Ryan Whitney, and a slight gamble in signing the bought-out Cam Barker could reap some rewards, particularly on the powerplay. Further development in last year's surprise Theo Peckham and the re-signed Ladislav Smid, as well as the "relative" steadiness of Tom Gilbert and the added muscle in Andy Sutton should result in improved results in the Oiler's zone. At least that is the plan...
Key Additions - Cam Barker, Andy Sutton
Key Losses - Jim Vandermeer, Kurtis Foster, Sheldon Souray
In goal, the Oilers remain the same this year. With two more seasons on what now seems to be obviously inflated contract, Nik Khabibulin will more than likely play something close to half games this season. However, with last years emergence of Devan Dubnyk, he might be on the smaller side of half. And with this being a contract year for Dubnyk, Khabibulin may well be on the docket come deadline. With Dubnyk's long awaited development finally showing some serious progress, the Oiler's are hoping that they won't have to go looking for any other starting goaltenders anytime soon.
Key Additions - none
Key Losses - none
The Oilers are on the right track. They are two to thee seasons and one premier defenseman away from legitimately challenging for the Cup. This year will, like last year, be a work in progress type of season. Unlike last year, though, they do have a slim chance of making the playoffs. And after a five year drought, even a 4 game series will help keep the wolves/fans at bay for another season.
Next up: Colorado
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