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Day 1 - July Training Camp Opens

Role call, plus a quick look at what went down in day 1

By Jeff Chapman
NHL: Minnesota Wild at Edmonton Oilers Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Phase 3 is here. In other words, that’s training camp.

It’s been just over four months since the Oilers have played a game due to Covid-19. Today, playoff clubs are back on the grind as they look to start the playoffs at the beginning of August.

Who’s here?

Forwards (18)

  • Connor McDavid
  • Leon Draisaitl
  • Tyler Ennis
  • Kailer Yamamoto
  • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
  • Zack Kassian
  • Riley Sheahan
  • Jujhar Khaira
  • Josh Archibald
  • Gaetan Haas
  • James Neal
  • Andreas Athanasiou
  • Alex Chiasson
  • Patrick Russell
  • Ryan McLeod
  • Joakim Nygard
  • Cooper Marody
  • Tyler Benson

Defencemen (10)

  • Oscar Klefbom
  • Adam Larsson
  • Darnell Nurse
  • Kris Russell
  • Caleb Jones
  • Ethan Bear
  • Evan Bouchard
  • Philip Broberg
  • William Lagesson
  • Matt Benning

Goaltenders (5)

  • Mikko Koskinen
  • Mike Smith
  • Stuart Skinner
  • Olivier Rodrigue
  • Dylan Wells

How did day one go?

  • Caleb Jones did not skate with the regulars today, as he was “unavailable”. “Unavailable” is a pretty vague descriptor, though it should be noted that Jones skated away from the main group. From the sounds of things, I’d expect to see Jones skate with the main group soon.
  • There are a few things I want more than anything. World peace, a one-off Talking Heads reunion, and the resurrection of the Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Leon Draisaitl - Kailer Yamamoto line. Remember that line? Fond times. Maybe tomorrow. Not only do I wish to see a 93-29-56 line, I’d like a top line to just fly with Andreas Athanasiou and Tyler Ennis to play with Connor McDavid. Time will tell.
  • Reading the tea leaves from Bob Stauffer, but there seems to be at least some consideration that Kris Russell may find himself on the outside looking in when the games begin. If Caleb Jones is healthy and has a half-decent camp, I’d love to see a situation where Jones is looked at as the full-time 3LD. It should also put the pedal to the floor on finding a new home for Kris Russell next season.

What’s going on in Chicago?

  • Like Edmonton’s Caleb Jones, Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford was “unavailable” today, but it sounds a bit more serious than Jones. If the Blackhawks are without Crawford for the play-in series, they’re likely looking towards one of Malcolm Subban (0-0-0, 1.0 SV% / 0.00 GAA) or Collin Delia (7-5-3, .906 SV% / 3.65 GAA). Keep an eye out on this situation as it unfolds.
  • The power play got in some work after practice was over, and that’s good news. Edmonton had a 42.9% success rate against the Blackhawks this year, they’ll look to continue that good fortune during the play-in.