Kris Knoblauch hints at new game plan without Connor McDavid

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Finnegan Frost
October 31, 2024 (6:17)

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Well folks, Connor McDavid is confirmed to be sidelined for the next 2-3 weeks due to a lower body injury, and head coach Kris Knoblauch has a tough task ahead of him.

According to Ryan Hall of Oilers Daily, Kris Knoblauch spoke about his game plan about asking his depth players to step up.

Knoblauch spoke to reporters and expressed that all players across the team will need to step up especially the players on the bottom 6 as they will get more ice time due to McDavid's absence.

A player like McDavid easily eats up 22 plus minutes a game which now block reiterates that it will help the flow and the rhythm of those bottom six players and allow them to rise to the occasion.
-Ryan Hall, Oilers Daily

Although having Connor McDavid out of the lineup is a costly blow, the opportunity for depth players to rise to the occasion is now within their grasp. Newcomers like Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner can breakaway from their timid style of play, and all eyes will be on them to make something happen. Kris Knoblauch indicated that his depth players will be heavily relied on moving forward - a great opportunity for players looking for their breakout moments

Oilers fans will also get a glimpse of AHL call up Noah Philp who will make his NHL debut against the Nashville Predators. Many felt that he would remain with the Oilers through the first part of the season as he had a strong camp and gave a great impression to remain with the team.

Drake Caggiula has also been recalled from Bakersfield. Although he had an impressive preseason and was considered a prime candidate to crack the Oilers roster, he fell short in the late stages of training camp. Now, with a new opportunity at the NHL level, Drake can cement his role in the Oilers bottom 6.

Although Knoblauch suggests that depth players in the bottom 6 will receive increased ice time, players like Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins must dig deep to start contributing offensively. Both players have been virtually non existent during the early course of the season, and Oilers fans are starting to grow weary of their veteran core.

Currently sitting at a 4-5-1 record, the Edmonton Oilers must band together to prove the NHL this team is a legit cup contender, especially with their captain now out of the lineup.