The Edmonton Oilers’ 6-0 defeat to the Winnipeg Jets in their season opener highlighted multiple areas in need of improvement. While many were already aware of these potential weaknesses heading into the 2024-25 NHL season, the disastrous performance in the first game underscored just how bad things might really be. It’s no time to panic, but early adjustments might be necessary. One journalist suggested three quick fixes.
As such, David Staples of The Edmonton Journal believes a few immediate roster adjustments could get the Oilers back on track. The Oilers play back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames. Here’s what Staples suggested.
Insert Troy Stecher Into the Oilers’ Lineup
Edmonton’s defense struggled against Winnipeg, particularly on the second pairing. Staples suggests replacing Ty Emberson with Troy Stecher alongside Darnell Nurse. Stecher, who outplayed both Emberson and Travis Dermott in the preseason, brings experience, puck-moving ability, and a gritty edge the Oilers lacked on opening night.
As part of the move, Staples suggests playing Emberson down to the third pairing with Brett Kulak, which would ease the pressure on the young defenseman.
Rotate Corey Perry and Derek Ryan
Staples contends that both Corey Perry and Derek Ryan had a rough night against the Winnipeg Jets. Staples recommends sitting Perry against Chicago and Ryan against Calgary to keep both veterans fresh.
Play Raphael Lavoie While He’s Still Here
Staples suggests inserting the recently reacquired Raphael Lavoie into the lineup when Perry or Ryan sit. The young winger has something to prove and could provide a spark with his size and strong shot.
If they don’t ever play Lavoie and they send him down, the Oilers could lose him again on waivers to one of the teams higher in the standings that made a claim.
Next: Early Concerns for Oilers: Emberson and Nurse Struggle vs Jets
