Follow @SMaloughney We are only a few days from the beginning of September and with that we can move away from speculation and go back to discussing real hockey. In order to predict how the Edmonton Oilers will finish this season we first need to understand how the individual players will produce. Over the next few days I will be looking at the forwards, defense, and goaltending of the Oilers and making my best predictions on how the players will fair.
Connor McDavid 82GP - 48-75 -123
Do I think McDavid will be the first player in over a decade to reach the 120 point mark? Yes I do. After being saddled with Lucic for the first half of the season McDavid realized that if they wanted to score he was going to have to do it himself. Honestly I could be underestimating him here.
Leon Draisaitl 82GP - 26-48-74
Some may think these numbers are high but a couple factors to consider. First off while Nuge-McDavid might start the season together I won't be surprised to see Draisaitl get some time with #97 as well. On top of that, like every other Oiler, Leon had low PP numbers which I expect to increase. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 70GP - 30-38-68
Chemistry between RNH and McDavid makes it a safe bet to assume we see these two together for a big part of the season. Nuge has a very underrated shot and it was good last season to see him playing with a more offensive flair. Hopefully without as many defensive responsibilities Nuge will be at a lower risk for injury.
Jesse Puljujarvi 80GP - 25-33-58
Comparables to players like Mikko Rantanen and Pasternak suggest if we are to see Puljujarvi break out it will happen this year. The top six right wing positions are up for grabs and I think by December we will see Puljujarvi cemented in the top six. Milan Lucic 82GP - 20-27-47
Lucic will always be overpaid, however there is hope he can still bring something to the lineup. The idea of Lucic being a 60 point player is long gone but if he can be a decent producer at even strength he can still be a useful player on this roster. Tobias Rieder 80GP - 18-25-43 My point totals here do suggest a career year by Rieder. I see Rieder as a strong option on Draisaitl's line as well as some time on the second unit PP. A decent pickup this summer who should bring value.
Ty Rattie 55GP - 13-25-38
I see Ty Rattie as a lesser Patrick Maroon. I do not expect him to stay with McDavid for a full season though believe he will by extension earn some decent points.
Ryan Strome 78GP - 14-20-34 Nothing to suggest Strome will break out in a big way. He can be a decent third line centre and provide reliable if not slightly underwhelming numbers.
Jujhar Khaira 70GP - 15-13-28
Khaira took steps forward last season which solidified him as an NHL player. I expect him to continue that trend this season. Likely Khaira starts the year on the fourth line but I would like to see how him and Strome do over a season.
Drake Caggiula 62GP - 12-13-25 Zack Kassian 80GP - 8-15-23
Kassian at this stage in his career is a reliable 4th liner who can produce at 5 on 5. I expect him and Brodziak to be paired together for the whole season.
My thoughts on Caggiula should be known by now. He is a mediocre player who takes up ice time from more deserving players while at the same time not producing. Hopefully McLellan realizes this and keeps him away from the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl. Kyle Brodziak 82GP - 9-11-20 Brodziak's 33 point season last year was an aberration and not one I expect him to repeat. Having said that he is a strong 4th line option and a reliable 5 on 5 producer.
Scottie Upshall 54GP - 6-10-16
Currently only on a PTO, I expect Upshall to be given a roster position by the end of training camp and to play along side Brodziak. He will be a healthy scratch many nights but similar to Hendricks should prove effective with minimal ice time. Pontus Aberg 20GP - 4-2-6
I expect Aberg to get a few games here and there but I will not be surprised to see others quickly take his place in the lineup.