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Thoughts As Training Camp Approaches |
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The Oilers officially start training camp on Thursday but on Wednesday, players coaches and GM were available for media and we received a few updates.
Ekholm will not be available at the start of camp due to a hip flexor issue but it sounds like it is more of a precaution and less of a real concern. Ekholm will hopefully be set to play some pre season games in the coming weeks.
Not so lucky is Sam Gagner who it was revealed a couple days ago that the former Oiler and PTO at training camp would not be playing as he had surgery on both hips. Ken Holland has said the plan will be for Gagner to join the AHL team and spend time there. My guess who be Gagner signs a two way deal that gives the Oilers cap flexibility and allows him the option to come up to the NHL should the need arise later in the season.
On a completely different note, Jeff Jackson, the Oilers new President alluded to the fact that we will be hearing about some analytics hires by the organization soon. This is outstanding news and exactly what many having been begging for from the Oilers for years. Edmonton has lagged far behind many organizations in their use of analytics and player analysis. Signing Lucic, extending Kassian on a rich deal expecting he would have the same kinds of numbers, all of these things went directly against modern analytics and greatly hurt this team. Jackson continues to look like a forward thinking individual who is prepping this team for long term success.
With Ekholm out for a bit it looks like Philip Broberg is going to get some top 4 reps. Broberg was held onto this off season despite the belief that he would be more useful to the team as a trade asset. Holland has been stubborn with his slectiom of Broberg but now it needs to start paying off for him. I expect to see Broberg pushed into tougher situations this year by Jay Woodcroft.
Hockey season is almost officially back and I can’t wait to start discussing it in earnest with all of you. Thanks for reading.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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