DALLAS — The Edmonton Oilers began the season feeling sluggish and slow.
The season felt like a hangover period following the previous deep playoff run, and the loss of key fast players (Dylan Holloway, Ryan McLeod, Warren Foegele, and Philip Broberg) significantly hampered the team`s speed.
Star player Leon Draisaitl acknowledged the issue, stating, “I think you could see it, especially the way we started the year. It felt a little slower, it looked a little slower.”
General Manager Stan Bowman encountered immediate hurdles. An offer sheet from St. Louis resulted in the loss of prospects Holloway and Broberg. Additionally, Ryan McLeod was traded, and Warren Foegele departed as a free agent, deemed too expensive to retain.
While the departures of McLeod and Foegele were somewhat anticipated, unexpectedly losing the young players Holloway and Broberg made the team older and reduced its foot speed.
Bowman likened that specific week in early August to a trade deadline period, involving daily meetings to evaluate various strategies.
However, Stan Bowman is known for his ability to effectively rebuild teams.
He previously rebuilt the Chicago Blackhawks, leading them to additional Stanley Cups in 2013 and 2015 after their 2010 victory. In Edmonton, he was undertaking a similar reconstruction.
Bowman made astute additions throughout the season, acquiring players like Vasily Podkolzin for speed and physicality, Kasperi Kapanen to further boost pace, and John Klingberg, who became a crucial puck-moving defenceman facilitating the Oilers` transition game.
Further bolstering the roster, Jake Walman and Trent Frederic were acquired at the trade deadline, adding forward size and a physical, mobile defenceman.
While none of these players are star caliber, they are all solid contributors who collectively enhance the team`s performance.
Bowman pointed out that while Connor McDavid is the game`s fastest player, overall team speed results from players processing the game quickly and utilizing their skill. As he put it, “If you can make fast decisions, and you’ve got enough skill, then your team can play fast.”
