Analyst predicts Oilers forward will lose his roster spot after Olympics
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
In a recent article of the Edmonton Journal, hockey writer Kurt Leavins reported that forward Mattias Janmark may fall lower down in the depth-chart after the Olympic break.
I think Mattias Janmark’s roster spot is in jeopardy. He remains a slightly above-average skater (in terms of top speed and bursts, NHL Edge). But his offence has dried right up. And the Oilers penalty kill has been in free-fall. Still useful to have on the roster, I believe he bests serves the team as the 13-14F.
In the short-term I think it is most likely that Adam Henrique takes the Janmark spot in the lineup.
- Kurt Leavins
In the short-term I think it is most likely that Adam Henrique takes the Janmark spot in the lineup.
- Kurt Leavins
Several factors hurt Janmark
Both Janmark and Henrique will participate in Edmonton's mini-camp, made possible by the Olympic break, and both will be competing for a spot on the bottom-six.
Though both players have poor offensive numbers this year, the Henrique has the advantage of being a stronger player defensively.
Oilers' bottom-six has been hurting recently and is in need of change. Henrigue's return from injury allows for this on several fronts.
Adam is a natural centre and better on the face-off. Replacing Janmark allows the Oilers to maintain strong faceoff percentages and defensive reliability on the fourth line without disrupting the established top-six.
With Edmonton's penalty kill declining of late, Henrique's presence on the PK unit should favour the team. Before his injury, his TOI on the PK was 1:35 over 43 games, on a unit that was among the league's best.
Janmark's TOI on the PK though similar at 1:30 over 42 games, has struggled with him on it and is in need of a change.
Of course, it's not entirely Mattias' fault that Edmonton's PK is currently below-average, but Henrique can replicate his defensive utility while offering a higher offensive ceiling.
The mini-camp, however, will not only benefit both of these players, but the team as a whole, as they now have the chance to work on areas that need fixing for the stretch-run.
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