Hot Links: Tuesday, July 21

Hey, folks!

Former NHL player Marco Sturm sat down with The Athletic to talk about Leon Draisaitl’s development into an Art Ross winning Ubermensch, his impact on German hockey, and why he flies under the radar in his home country.

A Chicago sportswriter believes that Kirby Dach is primed for a breakout series against the Edmonton Oilers.

Tyler Ennis and Andreas Athanasiou both arrived at the Trade Deadline to much fanfare. A lovely first game on either side of Connor McDavid only added to the excitement. A few slumps, a few months, and a global pandemic later, where do both men best fit on the roster?

Sunil Agnihotri examined the depth players for Chicago and Edmonton, looking at how both teams performed without their stars on the ice.

William Lagesson got his first real cup of coffee this season, but he still remains at the bottom end of the depth chart. Even with Mike Green’s injury, it will be tough for him to crack the lineup after resumption. So, what can we expect?

Philip Broberg’s play has inspired some truly ridiculous takes. For instance:

Pure insanity. As you’ll see a bit later in these links, Bouchard’s first AHL season was the type that Norris winners tend to have. Even before then, Bouchard has been the better of the two prospects for some time now. Byron Bader of Hockey Prospecting (@ByronMBader) has a model that grades the two like so:

If the Oilers really are sliding Broberg ahead of Bouchard after a couple of scrimmages on the ass end of a global pandemic — without even considering how much harder it would have been for Bouchard, a father of I assume 12 or so kids, than it would be for Broberg, who is still a teenager without the crushing responsibility of fatherhood — then we’re in real trouble.

Speaking of Broberg, one thing we can say for sure is that he’s been invited to stay. The plan, initially, was for Broberg to come over and experience NHL camp and get a taste of the professional life. Now, it sounds like he’s been invited to stay for the duration. Whether he draws in is anyone’s guess.

Can the top-heavy Oilers overcome the Blackhawks’ wealth of playoff experience? Can the Blackhawks win without Corey Crawford?

Evan Bouchard’s first professional season keeps him on the trajectory of a true number 1 NHL defenseman.

The broadcast teams for both Edmonton and Toronto were announced yesterday, with Chris Cuthbert and Louie DeBrusk getting the nod for the Western Conference games here in Edmonton.

The Oilers play their first game in forever (139 days, to be exact) in exactly one week. Seven days. Get your beers ordered.

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From Us

Depth perception (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Monday, July 20 (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

60-Second NHL Previews: Oilers Vs. Blackhawks (CBC)

Why Kirby Dach could be ‘great playoff player’ for Blackhawks (NBCSports)

Ennis Is Better Fit For Edmonton Oilers With Draisaitl Right Now Than Athanasiou (Sun)

Two Positive Tests Found In NHL Training Camps (Oilersnation)

What To Expect From William Lagesson This Summer (Oilersnation)

Philip Broberg Has Earned Invitation To Stay With Oilers This Summer (Sportsnet)

2020 NHL Qualifying Round Playoff Preview: Edmonton Oilers Vs. Chicago Blackhawks (THN)

VIDEO: An Early Look At Team Canada At The 2022 Olympics (Oilersnation)

Chris Cuthbert And Louie DeBrusk Will Announce Edmonton’s Playoff Games (Oilersnation)

For Money

Q&A: Marco Sturm On Leon Draisaitl’s Evolution And His Impact On German Hockey (Athletic)

Evan Bouchard’s AHL Debut Has Him On Track To Become A No. 1 NHL Defenceman (Athletic)