Perhaps one of the more productive and dynamic lines for the Edmonton Oilers in the second half of the shortened NHL season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, alongside Leon Draisaitl and Kailer Yamamoto might have been the best line on the Oilers roster. In fact, it might have been the best line in the NHL.
Without Connor McDavid, the trio was producing at an unbelievable rate and the Oilers potentially stumbled upon found money when it turned out all three had instant chemistry. Going into the play-ins, a lot of fans assumed this line would stick together.
Instead, on the first day of Phase 3 training camps, the Oilers slotted Nugent-Hopkins up on the first line with Connor McDavid and Zack Kassian.
Edmonton kept the duo of Yamamoto and Draisaitl together (Leon is believed to really like playing with Kailer), adding recently-acquired Andreas Athanasiou to that line. For Athanasiou — a forward who is reportedly flying on his skates in the few sessions the Oilers have been together — this appears to be a tremendous opportunity.
Related: What Does Mike Green’s Absence Mean for Oilers?
Is Nugent-Hopkins’ Move Permanent?
A guest on Bob Stauffer’s Oilers Now radio show, when asked about the line changes, GM Ken Holland said this wasn’t necessarily a permanent thing. He added the coach would like try out different combinations before games are slated to start on August 1 and the old band might get back together. That said, if the Oilers roll with the lines as they were today, the idea must be to force the Blackhawks (their play-in opponent) to make a decision about which line Jonathan Toews is going to cover defensively.
It’s not a bad idea.
Having two very strong lines makes Edmonton extremely difficult to defend. If both lines are rolling out of the gate, Chicago’s veteran, but older blue line might struggle.
A lot can change in a few days, especially as illness, travel and chemistry become a factor. But, upon first glance, coach Tippett seems ready to put together a more balanced lineup.
Other Oilers News
Caleb Jones was ruled “unfit to play” today at day on of camp but was on the ice. Whatever kept him out today is not serious.
Related: Blackhawks Corey Crawford Deemed “Unfit to Play”
