The Edmonton Oilers clinched a playoff berth for the sixth consecutive season. However, they are battling the injury bug. They are without Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Trent Frederic, Evander Kane, and Leon Draisaitl. They are missing many key pieces, which is forcing players to play higher up the lineup. But when Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman, Draisaitl, Frederic, and Kane return, five forwards must come out of the lineup. Noah Philp, Derek Ryan, Max Jones, and Kasperi Kapanen are obvious choices, but who would be the fifth? Insert Mattias Janmark, and here’s why.
Janmark Doesn’t Do Enough Offensively
You need depth players to score goals in the playoffs, and Janmark doesn’t do that. Yes, he scored the only Oilers goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, but what has he done lately? He only has two goals this season, one in an empty net and the other deflected off his body. He’s fast but doesn’t generate enough or get to dangerous areas. When he does, he lacks finishing ability. The 32-year-old had multiple breakaways this season. However, he was unable to score. He has 18 points in 78 games, and that’s not nearly enough. However, the coaching staff loves him despite his lack of production. He’s the safe option, but Edmonton requires more impactful players. Therefore, other players should stay in the lineup instead.
One of those players is Jeff Skinner. He has had a rollercoaster regular season and was healthy-scratched 10 times. Despite that, he still has 16 goals this season and has developed chemistry with Connor McDavid in recent games. The 32-year-old has improved his defensive play and has been rewarded with more ice time. He provides the much-needed offence required in the playoffs and has done enough to stay in the lineup. Skinner has played 1,076 career NHL games, but it’s the first time he has made the postseason. He deserves to play and has done everything asked of him. The veteran winger has been a true professional and always comes to the rink with a smile. He’s been more effective than Janmark and should be in the Game 1 lineup.
Another player is Vasily Podkolzin. His offensive game isn’t where it should be, but he does other things that warrant keeping him in the lineup. He’s tenacious on the forecheck and forces turnovers. The Russian winger also leads the team in hits with 206, and that physicality is crucial in the playoffs. He has eight goals and 24 points this season, so he’s still more productive than Janmark.
Finally, there’s Corey Perry, who should remain in the lineup. While his speed has regressed with age, he still has excellent hands and can score in tight. He has 18 goals this season, playing primarily fourth-line minutes. Plus, he’s an agitator and will stand up for his teammates, as he has five fighting majors. The 39-year-old veteran was in and out of the lineup during the playoffs last season, so his future was uncertain. But he signed a one-year extension in Edmonton and has exceeded expectations. He’s been the most underrated forward this season and a pleasant surprise. You can’t justify taking him out of the lineup over Janmark because the elder statesman has been more impactful.
Janmark’s Penalty Killing Ability Is Overrated
The main reason Janmark has remained in the lineup is his defensive prowess and ability to kill penalties. He was a big reason the penalty kill was elite during last season’s playoff run. But that hasn’t been the case this season. Edmonton is 16th in the league on the kill at 78.4 percent, which is in the middle of the pack.
Having a good penalty kill is valuable come playoff time, but having Janmark there isn’t improving it. They are still average, and the coaching staff has overvalued his performance and importance to the kill. Therefore, his ability is overrated, and other players are outperforming him.
They have more productive forwards who also kill penalties, such as Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Henrique, and Connor Brown. Frederic has also killed penalties in Boston, so he can step in when healthy and fill that role, which leaves Janmark expendable. His penalty-killing ability shouldn’t be enough to keep him in the lineup.
Janmark is a fine player, but sometimes you need more than just “fine”. He would be a great 13th forward to have on the roster, but he should only play if there are injuries. If players remain sidelined, he will be in the lineup for obvious reasons, but if they ever get fully healthy, the Swedish forward should be the odd man out. That depth is an excellent problem to have, but for that to matter, the Oilers must get healthy.
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