Michael Bobroff/NHLI via Getty Images
Not sure how things are going in Edmonton this season?
That’s OK. Just wait a week or two, and it will change.
The Oilers had the league’s best win percentage through 21 games (.762) before plummeting into an abyss that saw them out of a playoff position by the time the midway point arrived.
Things have started to return to positive territory lately—new coach Jay Woodcroft is 5-1 in six games since replacing Dave Tippett—but an ominous road trip awaits that will include visits to 2021-22 powerhouses Tampa Bay, Florida and Carolina.
And if you think it’s not keeping up Ken Holland at night, you’re probably wrong.
Given that he’s got the world’s consensus best player and arguably another of its top five on the roster, let’s just say the architect of a dynasty in Detroit has some pressure on him to replicate that—or at least make tangible progress—while McDavid and Draisaitl are still able and willing.
What that means in this discussion is that he’s got to make a move.
And aside from the league’s past two MVPs and scoring leaders, there are plenty of places to start.
Holland decided to stand pat with an iffy goaltending tandem of Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen heading into this season, so some want him to use the trade deadline to bring in a proven No. 1 commodity capable of stealing a series or two come late springtime.
Marc-Andre Fleury or Alex Georgiev, anyone?
Others insist the defense in front of the goalies is far more the issue, and they cry out for the addition of a minute-gobbling right-side blueliner who can bring stability and a nasty disposition to a group that’s already got emerging youngers (Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard) and a pedigreed vet (Duncan Keith).
Ben Chiarot or Jeff Petry, perhaps?
And still others will lament the absence of offensive prowess aside from Nos. 97 and 29, though Holland did address that on the cheap recently when he signed unrestricted free agent Evander Kane to a one-year deal. Kane, whom the Sharks terminated for what they said was a breach of his player contract and a violation of AHL COVID-19 protocols, has produced five goals and nine points in 11 games.
Phil Kessel or Tomas Hertl, if you please?
The problem is Holland’s hands are largely tied by salary issues—the Oilers have just $716,304 left in cap room—which means he’ll have to work some telephone magic to convince a trade partner to retain their own obligations or take on some of his in order to make a worthwhile deal pass muster with the bean-counters.
But regardless of which direction he chooses, there’s arguably no GM under more pressure to pull the trigger on something that at least gives the appearance of a game-changer given the precisely one playoff series his two stars have won since their respective arrivals.
Because if this spring ends with another first-round flameout or a tournament miss entirely, don’t be surprised if the 66-year-old executive is the next one scanning the Help Wanted ads.
—Lyle Fitzsimmons
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