Kris Knoblauch has a huge message for Travis Dermott

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Finnegan Frost
October 7, 2024 (2:15 PM)

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The NHL season is right around the corner for the Edmonton Oilers, and it's crunch time for head coach Kris Knoblauch and the rest of his staff.

With that being said, the Oilers are gearing up for their season opener against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 9th, and strategic decisions must be made regarding the Oilers starting lineup.

Travis Dermott has emerged as a bright star for the Oilers so far. The veteran blue-liner was brought in on a professional try out (PTO) and it's looking like the Oilers are prepared to make him an offer. Initially, Josh Brown was the top choice to replace the departed Vincent Desharnais on the Oilers third defensive pairing, but has recently been placed on waivers. Now, Travis Dermott has a golden opportunity to cement himself as a full-timer on the Oilers roster.

According to TSN, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said Sunday that Dermott has made an impression on management and the coaching staff throughout camp.

«Before Wednesday, we'll see what happens with Travis,» Knoblauch told reporters, pointing to the team's opening game roster. «But I think he's made a very positive impression with management and the coaching staff on just the way he plays.

«He's tenacious, he's quick, he moves the puck really well, he does everything fairly well so we need that and also the flexibility of him being able to play left defence and right defence.»

The 27-year-old had a goal and two points in five preseason games.

The Newmarket, Ont., native played last season with the Arizona Coyotes, recording two goals and seven points in 50 games. He is coming off a one-year $800,000 deal he signed with the Coyotes in July of 2023.

Regardless, signing big Josh Brown to a 3 year deal worth $1 MM AAV per season has proven to be a big mistake for the Oilers. Thankfully, they have Travis Dermott to pick up the broken pieces. Oilers fans can fully anticipate Travis Dermott being on the roster for the home opener against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.