This in from Jack Michaels of the Oilers, new lines for the team at today’s practice, with David Tomasek bumped up to the top line.
Mangiapane-McDavid-Tomasek
RNH-Draisaitl-Roslovic
Podkolzin-Frederic-Kapanen
Howard-Henrique-Savoie
Grade A 3 games players
My take
1. The promotion is not only deserved, as Tomasek has started off the season with strong offensive play, it’s also critical to the Oil’s process. It’s smart coaching to find out what Tomasek can bring to a top line before Zach Hyman returns and that opportunity dwindles.
2. It’s a near given that Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be in the Top Six for the Oilers this year, though it’s possible RNH could play third line centre at times. That leaves two spots most nights. Andrew Mangiapane, Jack Roslovic, Matt Savoie and David Tomasek are the early candidates to battle for those two posts. It will be hard slogging for Tomasek to beat out Mangiapane and Roslovic, but he’s got a unique skill set. He’s strong on the puck, can make a bull rush to the net kind of like Glenn Anderson in slow motion, and he can take and make a pass. He’s more of a physical force than his three competitors, even as his boots are heavier.
3. I can see Tomasek as a good fit with RNH. Tomasek has the ability to drive the puck up ice and deep into the opposing end. RNH played well with more physical players like Evander Kane and Zach Hyman in the playoffs. Indeed, if the Oilers keep McDavid and Draisaitl together — and I favour this alingment far more than I ever have in the past — it might make sense to have a line of Tomasek, RNH and Hyman down the road.
4. Henrique’s skating has been an issue this year. He’s not creating much on the attack, but having two fresh young wingers like Ike Howard and Matt Savoie on this wings might inject some energy into his game.
5. Noah Philp is again on the outside. It might be early to play him over Henrique, but it’s something the Oilers should consider. It makes sense to see what Edmonton has in the far younger centre before making up their mind on him.
At the Cult of Hockey
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