Turning Tar into Black Gold

EDMONTON OILERS


2009-2010 record: 27-47-8 (62 points)
Did not qualify for the playoffs
Captain: TBA
Alternate Captains: Ales Hemsky, Shawn Horcoff

3 Players to watch: Even with the worst record in the league, the Oilers still have Ales Hemsky, who missed quite a few games last year.  He is the team's best offensive threat, and he will be counted on to provide some veteran guidance for the kids.  The goaltending situation is a mess, and whoever raises their hand to be starter will have to steal a few games for them.  Perhaps Nikolai Khabibulin can be that guy...if he isn't cut for his DUI arrest while on IR last year.  For better or for worse, the future of the Oilers depends on how Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, and Taylor Hall adapt to the NHL.  Of the three, I expect Eberle to be the breakout player for this year.  In due time, all three will be superstars, but Eberle is the most ready of the three, having nearly missed being on the roster last year.

Things to look for: Obviously, all eyes are on Hall, Paajarvi, and Eberle.  How they adapt and what numbers they put up will be looked at.  Equally important is the veteran leadership, which will be provided by Hemsky, Shawn Horcoff, and if he comes back, Sheldon Souray.  Even if Souray comes back, the blue line is void of a true number one D-man.  They have solid talent, but many of them are second pairing players at best on many teams.  Offense was an issue all year, and bounce back years from the likes of Horcoff and Andrew Cogliano are mandatory.  Hemsky, when healthy, and Dustin Penner were the team's best offensive options, and they will certainly have help with the young talent.  Goaltender is the biggest question, as the potential lineup has a player coming off of injury and a DUI (Khabibulin), an unproven rooke (Devan Dubnyk), an ex-NHL starter returning from exile (Martin Gerber), and Jeff Deslauriers, who stepped into the fire last year when Khabibulin went down and ended up being close to charred levels.

Prediciton: 13th in the West

Song: Paradise Lost-Erased

The Oilers would love to erase last year's woeful year, and with an influx of young talent, they are taking a step in the right direction.