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Good morning!
The #Oilers were back at it again with their bad plans yesterday, signing a fourth line player who might be a plus penalty killer in Josh Archibald, but is otherwise an add for the margins. In a vacuum you could probably convince me it’s a good deal, and your mileage may vary, but it just seems like more of what they do not need at the moment.
It’s worrisome because the last GM who misread this roster ended up nuking whatever forward depth it had for one measly playoff run, setting it back years. It’s worrisome because every time they make a sub-optimal decision, you kind of have to convince yourself that it’s not as bad as it looks, and it’s not likely a sign of things to come. It’s worrisome because you have to think Connor McDavid doesn’t have an infinite capacity for running himself into the ground while trying to buoy an AHL team one league too high. Here’s hoping I’m wrong, right?
But you can understand the concern at least. The Oilers had exactly 400 fourth-line forwards as of yesterday morning, and now they have 401. These are the kinds of guys you prioritize just below the other 17 spots on your roster, and just ahead of what moron you name your $20 burger after. They needed to aim higher, and to do more this season.
In other news, is there other news?! The Oilers remain in dire need of some scoring talent and, while it’s only mid-July, it’s also MID-JULY. Before you know it, it’s two months from now, and training camp is in full swing. Ken Holland doesn’t have that much time left to make meaningful changes to the roster.
Whatever. Happy Hump Day.
From Us
Will the Oilers get a top-six forward this summer? (Copper and Blue)
Who will make the blue line out of camp? (Copper and Blue)
Oilers sign F Josh Archibald to a 1-year contract. (Copper and Blue)
Yesterday (Copper and Blue)
From Elsewhere
Michael Parkatti with an excellent debut article for a new series about goaltending. (The Boys on The Bus)
Josh Archibald spoke to the Oilers about his new deal. (Oilers.com)
The Condors signed a few players yesterday, all to AHL deals. (Oilers.com)
Gregor on the Oilers’ schedule this season. (Oilersnation)
Nielson’s summer wish list. (Oilersnation)
Lowetide’s daily. (Lowetide)
For Money
Willis on the Archibald signing. (The Athletic)