Oilers missing critical element for playoff success after losing 2 players this summer

Evander Kane became a salary cap casualty and was dealt to Vancouver, and Corey Perry chased a bigger pay check instead of a chance to win in Edmonton. Losing both players was inevitable, but it will seriously change their playoff look next year.

One prevailing sentiment from Oilers fans is that the team has lost too much physicality by letting go of Kane and Perry. Additionally, the Oilers will be leaning on some smaller forwards in Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie next season.

Both Kane and Perry brought a physicality and attitude that's needed to some degree in the playoffs. Kane ranked 4th in playoff hits last year, and while Perry wasn't high up the list, he gets under an opponent's skin.

The Oilers still have Vasily Podkolzin and Trent Frederic to help these roles, but they've surely subtracted some muscle from their lineup.

The smaller rookie forwards won't be expected to throw the body so much, but it will be crucial that they can excel through the physicality of the NHL. Getting knocked off pucks too easily, or shying away from a play in the playoffs is always unacceptable.

However, some recent data has shown that size for forwards matters very little in the playoffs. It's important on defence, and smaller forwards having rest is ideal, but the Stanley Cup isn't won by hitting.

Corey Perry had a fantastic season last year totalling 19 goals, and Kane scored zero for the team while out with injury. Savoie and Howard combined should be able to far exceed at least Perry's production.

The Oilers will still need their rookie forwards to adapt to and embrace the physicality of the NHL, but realistically, they should be better off without their new additions.