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NHL analyst inspects if Edmonton Oilers have become "too old, too slow"
During the "NHL Tonight" broadcast on NHL Network, Mike Johnson discussed concerns about the Edmonton Oilers possibly slowing down. Hosts Jamison Coyle and Tom Gazzola asked if the Oilers’ older players might affect their speed. Johnson noted the Oilers are more experienced but not necessarily "old."
"Yes. One of the things that has been brought up with the acquisitions and the losses on this roster, is this team too old? Is it too slow? Has it lost some of its speed?" Johnson listed.
Johnson pointed out the roster changes, highlighting players like Ryan McLeod and Warren Foegele leaving, and then Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg signing offer sheets with the St. Louis Blues.
However, there's still uncertainty about the team's overall pace. It still has core players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and new signing Jeff Skinner, who are still fast and capable.
"In theory, I would think that they're still pretty quick. I mean, Jeff Skinner can still skate like the wind," Johnson said. "Conor McDavid is one of the fastest in the league. Obviously, Leon Draisaitl, even though he's a big body, he can get going. So I think they should be okay when it comes to their collective speed.
"But that is certainly a valid question, and only time will tell in a few weeks when we get to the preseason here, if this team is too old and maybe a little bit too slow."
Despite concerns, the Oilers have their eyes set on the new season. The team has added new faces, including Viktor Arvidsson and Josh Brown, and fans are eager to see what it can achieve.
Mike Johnson talks about excitement among Edmonton Oilers fans
Mike Johnson and the hosts further talked about Edmonton Oilers fans. Johnson said fans are excited and optimistic for the new season, especially after signing Leon Draisaitl. On Sept. 3, Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $112M contract extension. The contract has a salary cap hit of $14M AAV.
"They're buzzing in Edmonton right now..." Johnson said. " This signing for Leon is so impactful, any sort of hangover, Tommy, from the Stanley Cup final, it's out the window now. It's just everyone looking forward to next year and what this team could do. They're thirsty and hungry for a victory. They like that big, shiny trophy that's given out in late June. They like this team. They're excited about it."
The Edmonton Oilers fans are hopeful, and the excitement builds as the season gets closer. The Oilers will aim to prove they have what it takes to be Stanley Cup champions.
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