Five intriguing Oilers training camp battles to watch in September
From goaltending to the fourth line, GM Stan Bowman's off-season moves have created competition for multiple roster spots under new coach Mike Babcock.
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The Edmonton Oilers open training camp next month with several wide-open roster competitions created by this summer's changes under GM Stan Bowman. New head coach Mike Babcock will make the lineup decisions, inheriting a team where multiple positions remain unsettled.
The starting goalie job tops the list. Three legitimate contenders are in play: Frederik Andersen arrives off a Stanley Cup win with Carolina and feels like the clubhouse favourite, but Tristan Jarry is looking to rebound from a disappointing second half last year, and rookie Devon Levi represents the youngster hoping to turn heads. All three are likely to stay on the NHL roster, but the competition for the starter's role is genuinely wide-open.
Top-six wingers will see a fight for spots alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Outside Zach Hyman, who appears locked in, three spots remain available. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a favourite unless Babcock moves him to the third line, while Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen have shown chemistry with Draisaitl. Matt Savoie looks to build on a decent rookie year after finishing last season on a line with McDavid, and Isaac Howard will aim to finally break into full-time NHL play.
The bottom defence pair will look different after Darnell Nurse's departure. Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Jake Walman, and Connor Murphy appear locked into the top four, leaving spots on the third pair. Ty Emberson holds a considerable edge over Josh Brown for the right side, while Spencer Stastney and Shakir Mukhamadullin will battle for the left side. Whoever loses that contest will likely drop to the seventh spot.
The fourth-line centre role, a perpetual competition, features Trent Frederic as the veteran option who may shift to wing after a disappointing season. If he moves, Josh Samanski impressed late last year and could contend, while Colton Dach has proven he can play centre.
The facts
Who are the three goaltenders competing for the Edmonton Oilers' starting job?
Frederik Andersen, who won the Stanley Cup with Carolina; Tristan Jarry, looking to rebound from a poor second half; and rookie Devon Levi, hoping to earn a spot.
How many top-six winger spots are available alongside McDavid and Draisaitl?
Three spots remain available for the Edmonton Oilers' top-six wingers, with Zach Hyman locked into one position.
Who has the edge for the right side of the third defence pair?
Ty Emberson holds a considerable advantage over Josh Brown for the right side of the Edmonton Oilers' third defence pair.
