EDMONTON – With the new NHL season beginning, the Edmonton Oilers have many returning faces from last season’s playoff run. Pre-season is just around the corner, with limited roster spots up for grabs, especially as the Oilers look to make another deep playoff run. They are also up against the NHL’s salary cap and will need their younger players on rookie contracts to step into the lineup and be effective. Here are some key players to watch during the Edmonton Oilers pre-season games, which kicks off September 24th against Winnipeg.
Center Leon Draisaitl (#29) of the Edmonton Oilers and Center Travis Konecny (#11) of the Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards
Xavier Bourgault and Dylan Holloway will be players to watch to see if they make the season-opening lineup. While Holloway played 51 games last season with the Oilers, he had minimal ice time in those games and will have a significant role in the upcoming pre-season. Conversely, Bourgault was impressive with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate last season. He even found himself on Elite Prospect’s top 100 NHL prospect list and is going to compete for a spot on the Oilers lineup. Depending on how he plays, he could be a candidate for regular call-ups to the NHL if he doesn’t make the team outright.
Veteran Sam Gagner is returning to Edmonton on a professional tryout alongside Brandon Sutter, who has been dealing with the long-term effects of COVID-19. Sutter has not played since 2021, and it’ll be interesting to see how he performs. They could give the Oilers options if the younger players don’t give the coaching staff much confidence.
Defensemen
After a mediocre rookie season, Philip Broberg wants to make himself an NHL regular. He will be a key piece for the Oilers’ present and future. Broberg will be expected to step up if any defensemen get hurt long-term. He’s expected to fight for a job against Markus Niemelӓinen and Vincent Desharnais. However, it is not uncommon for the Oilers to run seven defensemen. 
Goaltending
The starting tandem between Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell is settled. Oliver Rodrigue has yet to play in the NHL when called up. Rodrigue played very well for the Bakersfield Condors in 29 games in the AHL. He could prove this pre-season that he can fill in for a game or two, especially with the injury history of the starters.
To see the Edmonton Oilers’ pre-season schedule, go to https://www.nhl.com/oilers/schedule.
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