Two Oilers named as top Team Canada replacement choices by insiders
Speaking on a recent episode of Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, Insider Elliotte Friedman spoke about Team Canada and Brayden Point's possible replacement.
When Point was injured, Tampa's coach Jon Copper reported it would not be a season-ending injury, but week-to-week.
It seems that is still the case, as Brayden has yet to return to Tampa's lineup. According to Elliotte Friedman, it may even take until the last game before the Olympic break to make the determination.
In the meantime, Sportsnet has listed seven players their analysts believe could be Point's replacement:
Mark Scheifele, Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett, Steven Stamkos, Wyatt Johnston, and Seth Jarvis.
And in my opinion, the best candidate Zach Hyman.
Since his return to the lineup, Hyman has been one of the league's best offensive-forwards. Over 35 games, he's recorded 21G, 35-points and is a plus-12. That is a 50-plus goals over a full 82-game season.
Yet, the biggest factor in my opinion is his chemistry with Oilers' top-line center Connor McDavid, on who's wing Zach has been a primary contributor, playing 20:12 of TOI.
Hyman can go right into Team Canada's lineup and play on it's top-line with top-minutes. For me, it's a no-brainer.
Another Oilers' player Elliotte Friedman suggests could be a Team Canada replacement is defenseman Evan Bouchard
A couple of weeks ago, when they named the team, I would have probably said Schaefer, but now I'm not so sure. It matters, they look at that stuff, same thing as Hyman.
I do think the way Bouchard plays matters, and especially the way he's played lately. I absolutely think it matters.
I do think the way Bouchard plays matters, and especially the way he's played lately. I absolutely think it matters.
Luckily for the Oilers, both are healthy and in the lineup, making a difference on the scoresheet.
Also read on Edmonton Hockey Daily :
Former Oilers forward placed on waivers after only 2 games with new team
Former Oilers forward placed on waivers after only 2 games with new team