Oilers' throw-in player in Frederic trade turning out to be the better forward
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
On an Oilers' team that relies mainly on its top-players to drive their game, it was a player down in the depth-chart that provided energy in last night's win, and some offense too.
Most importantly perhaps, it was his ability to spark the 4th-line that should be noted.
Trade afterthought pays dividends in Oilers' victory
When Trent Frederic was traded to Edmonton last March, Max Jones was included in the three-team deal to give the Oilers more grit, size, and playoff energy.
Essentially, Edmonton added a physical depth forward and a familiar teammate for Frederic to create a tough, hard-nosed unit, with Jones being a cheap depth forward.
Of course, it hasn't followed the script that Edmonton had hoped for Jones, who has played in Bakersfield for most of this season.
And the Oilers' bottom-6 forwards have struggled all season, failing to provide physicality and the kind of grit that is needed to win games, especially close, one-goal games.
Last night versus the Winnipeg Jets, however, Jones provided a glimpse of what the 4th-line could be. His energy was contagious, sparking his linemates and being a nuisance for the opposition.
And when the puck came to him eight minutes into the first period, he showed his good hands by sliding it past Connor Hellebuyck's five-hole.
Sometimes, the catalyst for change comes from unexpected places and has a way of filtering through a lineup. The bottom-6 last night combined for two goals and some solid play.
And sometimes, the key is to just continue what another player has started and just follow suit. Max Jones was the spark that hopefully ignites the bottom-6.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 30 | 437 ANSWERS Oilers' throw-in player in Frederic trade turning out to be the better forward Is getting the bottom-6 going a priority for GM Stan Bowman before the trade-deadline? | ||
| yes | 406 | 92.9 % |
| no | 31 | 7.1 % |
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