Oil Spills: Friday Links - The Return of Iiro the Hero

About the Oilers

Oilers recall Pakarinen, assign Miller -- Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers announced today, they have recalled winger Iiro Pakarinen from the American Hockey League's (AHL) Bakersfield Condors.

Switcheroo... - Jason Gregor -- OilersNation
Todd McLellan doesn't waste time if he doesn't like the look of a line.

Surprise of the year for Oilers? Connor McDavid’s strong defence - David Staples -- Cult of Hockey
It’s no surprise that Connor McDavid is now scoring at nearly a point per game clip as an 18-year-old in the National Hockey League. His scoring skills at the major junior level spoke of  a generational talent. What is surprising is McDavid’s defensive play. Far from being overpowered by the best attackers of the NHL, he’s held his own. In fact, so far at least, he’s more than held his own. He’s playing solid, if not exceptional two-way hockey.

Oilers’ Nail Yakupov has found a home on Connor McDavid’s wing - Jim Matheson -- Edmonton Journal
When Nail Yakupov’s agent Igor Larionov dropped by Rexall Place on Wednesday, somebody asked the winger if Larionov was in town to rework his client’s contract. "Yeah, 10-year deal," said Yakupov, jokingly.

Talbot & Nilsson going where Oilers goalies haven’t gone in years - David Staples -- Cult of Hockey
When we think of the most valuable players on the Edmonton Oilers right now, two goalies, Cam Talbot and Anders Nilsson, come to mind.2015-2016 Oilers Rig Podcast Episode 2 -- The Oilers Rig

2015-2016 Oilers Rig Podcast Episode 2 -- The Oilers Rig
Kelly Holtz and Dave Gordon bring you this weeks edition of the Oilers Rig Podcast. They chat about the upcoming schedule, trade rumors and scenarios, the teams performance to start the season and what would Oilers talk be with out mentioning Connor McDavid. Alex Thomas is joined for in an interview by none other than Alan Mitchell, AKA Lowetide.

Around the NHL

Girardi belongs on Mount Rushmore of bad NHL contracts - Travis Yost -- TSN
I can’t emphasize these two points enough: (1) Girardi just isn’t very good; and (2) Girardi’s perceived value around the league is way, way higher than his realizable value, making his contract movable. The second part is the one that’s of interest to the Rangers, since they are on the hook for $26 million running through 2019-20. (Brief reminder: he turns 32 in April.)

NHL Coaching Hot Seat Temperature Check -- Grantland
It took less than three weeks for the NHL season to claim its first coaching casualty. Yesterday, the Blue Jackets announced they’d fired Todd Richards after a disastrous 0-7-0 start, one that threatens to all but eliminate Columbus from the playoff race before the calendar has even flipped to November. So now that the Richards watch is over, who’s next?

Zac Rinaldo (probably) not suspended for hit on Sean Couturier -- Stanley Cup of Chowder
We're stuck with him, I guess.

Zac Rinaldo isn't getting suspended for hitting Sean Couturier, and it's a joke -- Broad Street Hockey
Kind of unbelievable, actually.

Jason Demers Elbow: Department of Player Safety Calling? -- Defending Big D
Demers hit Bonino in the head. Will supplementary discipline be coming?

Canadians do not make up the majority of NHL players this season -- TSN
For the first time in the 98-year history of the NHL, Canadians do not make up the majority of the league’s players.

And Just Because It's Awesome