Insider reveals most likely player to take Hyman's lineup spot while out with injury
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The Edmonton Oilers will begin their season without Zach Hyman, and Adam Henrique is expected to take the first line assignment in his absence.
Now 35 years old, Henrique is entering his 3rd season with the Oilers. He's played the first line alongside McDavid before, and the team could rely on that experience to get an important solid start to the year.
Oilers insider expects Adam Henrique to take first line job with Zach Hyman out
In a new piece for the Edmonton Journal, insider Kurt Leavins revealed that he believes Coach Knoblauch will trust Henrique with the first line job, at least to open the year.
With Zach Hyman out until early November, someone else will need to take his net-front slot on the Oilers first unity power play. In the very recent past, it would automatically have been Evander Kane or Corey Perry. Now, it would seem to be a competition. I am expecting Adam Henrique. A six-time twenty-goal scorer, Henrique is adept in tight and moves the puck with alacrity.
- Kurt Leavins
- Kurt Leavins
The veteran does have the defensive reliability to take on other team's top players, and the offensive talents to assist alongside McDavid.
At training camp in preliminary lines, McDavid dictate alongside Mangiapane and Tomasek. Obviously, these lines are subject to change.
Anytime the Captain goes unsigned, the Oilers success in the standings will be critical. Without Hyman to start the year, every game without his primary linemate will be a disadvantage, but the team will have to manage.
Hopefully the Oilers young forwards in Savoie and Howard can take the jump early on in the season to prove themselves worthy of a top 6 spot.
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