Oilers coach Knoblauch spoke to media about the competition for the bottom six at training camp practice today, and his comments hinted towards a change.
Knoblauch said he's looking for some speed, tenacity, and penalty killing ability from his bottom six forwards. The Oilers have a few older forwards in their bottom six, and these comments could indicate a change coming in their places in the lineup. Derek Ryan and Corey Perry probably won't play every game for the Oilers this year.
Knoblauch's comments describing a player with speed, tenacity, and penalty killing ability really line up a few young players at camp: Noah Philp and James Hamblin. Podkolzin may also fit this description, but he's likely on the team already.
Both Philp and Hamblin are much younger and faster than Derek Ryan and Corey Perry, who are both pushing 40 years old. In modern sports, it's very common for teams to play older players more sparingly. Ryan and Perry likely still play much of the regular season, but if the Oilers ever need to give them a rest and insert a different look on the fourth line, they have great options with Philp and Hamblin. Analysts have already suggested that Perry may have a reduced role this year
Noah Philp in particular has been a big standout at training camp so far, and seems to have a real shot at playing NHL games this year.
Interestingly, Knobllauch's comments really don't line up with another training camp standout in Raphael Lavoie. The 23 year old forward is a more skilled player geared towards powerplay instead of penalty kill - and of course that'd be difficult to break into on this year's Edmonton Oilers. Lavoie suffered an injury at practice today, but if there's ever an injury to a top six player this year, Lavoie may be a good candidate to be temporary replacement.
The Edmonton Oilers have five preseason games left before the regular season begins, so they'll have plenty of time to evaluate the competition in the bottom six. It's a fantastic thing to have, and it's a testament to the Oilers depth up front.
