Edmonton Oilers testing bold strategy with superstars at training camp practice
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers on X
The Edmonton Oilers are entering a must-win season, and may be looking to get their top players involved more in all situations, including the penalty kill.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl didn't play in the Oilers' first preseason games, but are expected to get back into action tomorrow - and they may get even more opportunities on the ice.
Edmonton Oilers pair up both superstars on new penalty kill unit
According to reports from Daniel Nugent-Bowman at practice, McDavid and Draisaitl were paired up together on a new penalty kill unit.
If the unit stands, it would be the first time either player has regularly killed penalties for the Oilers. Paired with each other, it's the definition of a power kill.
Using McDavid and Draisaitl on the penalty kill at times this season could be beneficial to get both players more involved in a game, and especially when the team is behind. The two stars could be lethal on any rushes up the ice.
In addition, the other penalty kill units at practice were Nugent-Hopkins with Podkolzin, and Henrique with Savoie.
It's interesting to note there that Mattias Janmark isn't involved in any penalty kill units. A 4th liner with almost no offensive upside, Janmark has specialized in his penalty kill ability.
Janmark has been involved in trade rumours this offseason, and although insiders have poured cold water on the idea of trading him, losing out on a penalty kill assignment is bad news for Janmark.
Either way, it appears the Oilers will be taking a much different approach to their penalty kill this season.
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