Failure of Oilers Original Draisaitl Line Led to Found Money

After an eventful offseason packed with promising additions, the Edmonton Oilers appeared poised to ice a dominant second-line combination. On paper, pairing two 30-goal scorers like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson alongside Leon Draisaitl seemed like a recipe for success. Yet, just one month into the season, the line was dismantled and has yet to be reunited. So, what went wrong with this once highly anticipated trio?

---

---

Heading into the season opener, Oilers fans were buzzing about Skinner and Arvidsson, two of the most exciting new arrivals in Oil Country. Their track records were impressive: Skinner, a 15-year veteran, brought six 30-goal campaigns to the table, including a career-high 40-goal season. Arvidsson, though not as prolific, had two 30-goal seasons under his belt. However, both players have struggled to replicate that scoring form, raising questions about their fit on a line with Draisaitl and their ability to produce consistently.

Why Did the Line Combination Fail for the Oilers?

 The failure of this line combination can be attributed to three key factors: underperforming players, the rise of new stars, and a lack of chemistry.

First, both Skinner and Arvidsson have struggled to meet expectations. In 29 games, Skinner has managed just 11 points, putting him on pace for a mere 31-point season—one of the worst 82-game point paces of his career. Arvidsson’s situation is equally concerning, made worse by a nagging injury that has sidelined him for 11 games. Before his injury, he posted just five points in 16 games, projecting to a disappointing 26-point season. This is a steep decline from the 59 points he tallied last season.

With both players failing to perform at their usual levels, it’s no surprise the once-promising line has faltered.

Related: Arvidsson Injury News Leaves Oilers with Good, But Tough Choices

Another contributing factor to their lackluster season so far is a lack of chemistry. It seems that both players are struggling to find their place with the Oilers. While the line showed glimpses of something magical, the overall chemistry just wasn’t there. Simply put, passes were not getting through, causing some costly giveaways. Furthermore, the line struggled to generate any sustained offensive pressure. 

Finally, Vasily Podkolzin and the Oilers’ newest addition, Kasperi Kapanen, have been playing solid hockey. When placed on Draisaitl’s wings, their chemistry was immediate, allowing them to slot into the lineup seamlessly. Those on the Oilersnation Everyday show expressed their surprise at Kapanen and Podkolzon’s impressive seasons, stating, “It’s wild to think those two are on our second line.”. 

Are Skinner and Arvidsson Getting a Fair Shake?

One could argue that Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t give Skinner and Arvidsson enough time to develop chemistry. Switching teams and adjusting to a new organization inevitably comes with challenges, and Skinner and Arvidsson were no exception. Many believe Knoblauch kept them on too short of a leash, not allowing them the time to work through their struggles and find their rhythm in Edmonton. Skinner’s disappointing numbers, in particular, can be attributed to being buried in the bottom six, which limited his ice time and made it difficult for him to prove his worth and generate points.

However, despite the failure of the highly anticipated line of Skinner, Draisaitl, and Arvidsson, the Oilers have succeeded since splitting them up, becoming one of the best teams in the league since November.

With the emergence of Podkolzin and Kapanen, along with the rest of the roster overcoming early-season struggles, the Oilers are staying competitive. They’ll look to extend their 4-game winning streak in Saturday’s matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Next: Would Oilers Consider a Salary Retained Desharnais Trade