Stan Bowman appeared on the TSN panel during the intermission of one of Canada’s games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The Edmonton Oilers general manager stated that it’s unlikely they add anyone of significance before training camp. He continued to say that he was “happy with where the team was at right now.” 

A standard answer and not surprising they don’t want to add. While there are still good players out there — Vladimir Tarasenko, Michael Bunting, Eeli Tolvanen— Edmonton has a full training camp list. Furthermore, they showed patience with Jack Roslovic last season, signing him in the intermission of their home opener, and that worked out. Perhaps that’s the plan here too. The prices are too high now, so wait it out and see who gets desperate. 

So, if the plan is to move forward with the current roster, what needs to change from last season? It was a disappointing 41-30-11 regular season, essentially a .500 record, incredibly below the standard for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. The standard set over those 82 games bled into the playoffs, which we won’t get into. 

However, now that book is blank with another new coaching staff as they head into part four of the Connor McDavid era. Arguably the most pivotal of the saga.

While they’ll rely heavily on the stars to lead them again, as they should, defending has to be the main focal point. Two hundred sixty-nine goals against last season, with many pathetic defensive displays mixed in there. You remember.

How bad was the Edmonton Oilers’ defence and goaltending last........

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