On a recent episode of The Drop, the Oilers front office is discussing their free agent targets of Skinner and Arvidsson when pro scout Chris Cichocki raises the concern that size may be an issue with the forward group.
Hilariously, Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson responds only by asking Cichocki if he's sure, and the scout seems to back down.
In past years, the Oilers front office has prioritized signing players with experience or «grit» rather than committing to smaller players with skill. Clearly, Jeff Jackson is a driving force in the organization that believes value can be found in these players. It's had an incredible result, as the Oilers took the league's best offence from last year and significant improved in the offseason.
The Oilers already had an identity of a team that could outscore its problems, but last year they really came together to play complete hockey under coach Knoblauch. Taking that experience and growth from last year, and adding to their elite offensive talent - they should be no match for any team this year.
Against a weakened Pacific Division, the Oilers should be able to run up the score and potentially contend for the President's Trophy for the first time in the McDavid era.
POLL | ||
Do you think size will be an issue for the Oilers forwards this season? | ||
Yes | 55 | 27 % |
No | 141 | 69.1 % |
See Results | 8 | 3.9 % |
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