Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are set to suit up for their first pre-season game on Wednesday night as the team faces the Seattle Kraken. The matchup is available on Sportsnet+ starting at 9 p.m. ET/7 p.m. MT.
With a veteran lineup on home ice, McDavid and Draisaitl will share a line with right winger Trent Frederic.
Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said Tuesday the plan is to start the regular season with McDavid and Draisaitl playing together.
Frederic will get the first look at the right wing spot while Zach Hyman recovers from wrist surgery, keeping him out until at least November.
“This is what our plan is right now, but obviously that can change,” Knoblauch told reporters. “I think we want to see what we have from everybody else. We want to see how guys mesh.”
“Without Hyman, we’re maybe a little slim on top-six winger talent. And then you have pieces for two lines that you may not really like. I know that when we have Connor and Leon together, you definitely have a line that you like. Right now, we’re trying Freddy, and it might be somebody else, but it’ll work. No matter who they’re with, it works. The other guys can just play their game, whether it’s a checking role or an energy line. We can get more out of those guys.”
Draisaitl had 106 points (52 goals and 54 assists) in 71 games last season, while McDavid had 100 points (26 goals and 74 assists) in 67 games. They both missed time due to injuries.
“Iâ€m obviously always excited to play with him. Itâ€s always a pleasure to be on the same line as him, so weâ€ll see how it goes,” Draisaitl said of McDavid after Wednesday’s skate.
“Weâ€ll see how long it lasts or how the rest of the lines shape up. Thereâ€s some openings for guys to step in and grab it and take it, and thatâ€s what youâ€re looking for, guys to push for that role or for (Hymanâ€s) role while heâ€s gone, so itâ€s always exciting to see how the team shapes up at the end.â€
Meanwhile, goaltender Stuart Skinner will also make his pre-season debut on Wednesday, with Samuel Jonsson serving as backup. Per coach Kris Knoblauch, Skinner is expected to play the full 60 minutes.
The Oilers’ full projected lineup, according to the team, is as follows:
Draisaitl – McDavid – Frederic
Janmark – Lazar – Hutson
Mangiapane – Tomasek – Jarventie
Hamblin – Samanski – Clattenburg
Ekholm – Bouchard
Leppanen – Regula
Millman – Akey
Discover more from 6up.net
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.