Music: {allcanada} Inside look at Edmonton Oilers

Thursday, August 18, 2022

{allcanada} Inside look at Edmonton Oilers

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The Edmonton Oilers are looking to build on their most successful season in nearly two decades by taking the next step in 2022-23.

The Oilers reached the Western Conference Final last season for the first time since their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2006 and added to a strong core that includes forwards Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins by re-signing left-wing Evander Kane and signing unrestricted free agent goalie Jack Campbell.

"To have [Kane] back in the fold, it's really exciting," McDavid said July 25. "It was kind of touch and go there for a little bit, but to have him back is exciting for our team and exciting for me personally. I really enjoyed playing with him. He's a great player on the ice and I'm happy to have him back."

Kane, an unrestricted free agent, signed a four-year, $20.5 million contract with an average annual value of $5.125 million.

"I just had a strong belief in this group, and I wanted to be a part of a team that has a real chance to win," Kane said July 13. "With Edmonton, this is the first real chance where I've been free to choose where I want to play. The guys with the team and the organization, they just seem to fit really well together. I've been a winning player my entire career up until I got to the NHL, and I want to make sure I accomplish that goal, and I believe I can do that in Edmonton."

The Oilers were buoyed by the arrival of Kane and coach Jay Woodcroft, and they helped change the projection last season.

Kane signed as a free agent Jan. 27, and Woodcroft was promoted from Bakersfield of the American Hockey League to replace the fired Dave Tippett on Feb. 10. Woodcroft signed a three-year contract June 21.

Defenseman Duncan Keith, who won the Stanley Cup three times with the Chicago Blackhawks, retired after one season with the Oilers. Keith was a valuable asset mentoring young defenseman Evan Bouchard, who along with defenseman Philip Broberg is expected to take on an even bigger role this season.

The Oilers re-signed defenseman Brett Kulak to a four-year, $11 million contract ($2.75 million AAV). He was acquired in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens prior to the NHL Trade Deadline last season.

"We made a decision to pay a second-round pick for Brett and we thought he came in and did everything we asked, and more," general manager Ken Holland said July 13. "He's an easy skater and a good defender and a very good person. He's in the gym every day. He's very respected in the locker room. It's hard to find defensemen. I think he can anchor the third pair and he's going to get an opportunity to play in the second pair. He was important to get back."

The Oilers will start the season with the goalie tandem of Campbell and rookie Stuart Skinner, who played 13 NHL games last season.

Mike Smith, the No. 1 goalie last season, is expected to spend the final year of his two-year contract on long-term injured reserve. Holland wants Campbell to play upwards of 50 games, with Skinner starting the rest.

Campbell, who was 31-9-6 with a 2.64 goals-against average, .914 save percentage and five shutouts with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, signed a five-year, $25 million contract ($5 million AAV) on July 13.

"I don't know him a ton personally, but he seems like a real positive guy, he brings a lot of good energy," McDavid said. "Obviously his on-ice game speaks for itself. It's taken him a little bit longer than some others to get to this position, but there is no one more deserving than him. He's put a lot into it and he's going to be great for us."

Holland believes the pieces are in place for a successful season.

"Certainly, when you've got the core that we've got, and they're an incredible core, the goal is to compete for a championship," he said. "You can't wave a magic wand at it. You have to build it."

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