Three Edmonton Oilers expected to battle for 1 roster spot in training camp
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers
With Oilers' training camp set to begin today, one story-line at least that doesn't have to do with Connor McDavid is the battle for the third-pairing, right-defense position.
Though today's camp will center around off-ice sessions like team meetings, physical testing, and photo and video shoots, the real battles for roster-spots will begin tomorrow, when camp-attendees hit the ice in earnest.
Analyst close to Oilers claims three players are competing for one position
"Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson will have a good, healthy battle for the third-pair right-defence spot," Jason Gregor wrote in a recent article. "Alec Regula is in the mix, but he did not play a game last year, and I think it is more likely he starts in the AHL if he clears waivers."
Troy Stecher is a strong-skating blueliner with good puck-moving ability; he has a high hockey IQ, and a competitive work ethic. Although undersized, his aggressive play allows him to effectively disrupt opponents and contribute at both ends of the ice.
With the first two D-parings a lock, Stecher will likely be competing for a spot next to left-side defenseman Brett Kulak. Stecher has shown an ability to improve his defensive partners' performance, helping them control possession and produce better results when playing together.
Ty Emberson, however, is a reliable, stay-at-home, defensive defenseman, with a physical edge and strong penalty-killing ability. While he is not expected to contribute offensively, his value lies in his safe, low-risk, and stay-at-home game.
Emberson keeps things predictable in his own end and is praised for his high defensive awareness and positioning, a skill that fits well at the 3DR position, the primary role of which is that of a shut-down defenseman.
At 6'2" and 193 pounds, Emberson has a considerable size advantage over the smaller, though fleet-footed Stecher.
Emberson has proven to be a valuable asset on the penalty kill also, trusted by his coaches to be on the ice against more offensive-minded opposition.
Who wins the role as the team's right-side 3D will likely come down to which of the two candidates proves the more responsible in their own zone, and who can provide greater help on the penalty kill.
Who wins the role as the team's right-side 3D will likely come down to which of the two candidates proves the more responsible in their own zone, and who can provide greater help on the penalty kill.
Pre-season games will begin shortly, and both Stecher and Emberson will get a good look on the right-side.
Though Alec Regula will get his reps in training camp, it's unlikely he begins the year in the NHL, given his limited experience at that level.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 397 ANSWERS Three Edmonton Oilers expected to battle for 1 roster spot in training camp Who would you like to see as the Oilers' third-pairing, right-side defenseman? | ||
| Troy Stecher | 161 | 40.6 % |
| Ty Emberson | 94 | 23.7 % |
| Alec Regula | 75 | 18.9 % |
| none of the above | 67 | 16.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
