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NHL season predictions 4.0: What to expect when you’re expecting parity
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Who’s the favorite to win the Stanley Cup as we head into the second half of the NHL season?.
Who will win the Stanley Cup?
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
6.1%
16.7%
32.3%
19.4%
33.3%
30.0%
22.6%
12.9%
0.0%
30.0%
12.9%
12.9%
0.0%
3.3%
12.9%
12.9%
24.2%
0.0%
6.5%
12.9%
30.3%
16.7%
0.0%
6.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
3.0%
0.0%
6.5%
3.2%
0.0%
3.3%
3.2%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
3.2%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Gentille: It makes sense to see the Avs dip a bit from last month. Since Dec. 16, they’ve gone 11-5-1 with some pretty average underlying numbers. I don’t think that’s a reason to abandon ship, but it’s not world-beater stuff.
Granger: Quite a few people jumped back aboard the Edmonton roller coaster, and it’s hard to blame them. Not only have the Oilers won 12 straight, but they’re 20-3-0 since Nov. 24, outscoring opponents 91-49 in that span with a league-leading expected goal share of 61 percent. Impressive stuff.
Goldman: And while Colorado and Edmonton’s stock rises … talk about a drop off for the Hurricanes. The goaltending probably is to blame here, even though they’ve trended up the standings over the last stretch.
Who will be the runners-up?
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
3.0%
40.0%
45.2%
32.3%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
25.8%
18.2%
16.7%
6.5%
12.9%
0.0%
6.7%
12.9%
6.5%
9.1%
0.0%
6.5%
6.5%
9.1%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
33.3%
20.0%
3.2%
3.2%
0.0%
3.3%
3.2%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
9.1%
6.7%
3.2%
0.0%
15.2%
3.3%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
3.3%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Gentille: The Rangers are 7-7-1 in their past 15, and Igor Shesterkin’s save percentage (.902) is below the league average. Little too much love for them, at the moment.
Granger: One interesting thing I noticed in these trends is the Golden Knights have consistently gotten a good number of votes to win it all but almost none to finish as runners-up. The takeaway? You either really believe in that team, or you really don’t.
Goldman: The Panthers are giving off similar vibes to the Bruins of last season. They managed through some key injuries to start the schedule and look like one of the teams to beat in the East. It’s a wide-open field if a team wants to emerge as last season’s Panthers, though.
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Who will finish in last place?
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
84.8%
100.0%
45.2%
87.1%
0.0%
0.0%
25.8%
12.9%
9.1%
0.0%
16.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
9.7%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Granger: The Blackhawks and Ducks were gaining some serious ground on the Sharks the last time we held this poll. Since Dec. 15, San Jose has gone 1-14-1 to take a commanding “lead.”
Who will be the biggest disappointment?
Must have been projected at 100-plus points in the preseason by Dom’s model.
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
New Jersey Devils (103.5 points)
3.0%
0.0%
16.1%
67.7%
Toronto Maple Leafs (104.5 points)
6.1%
3.3%
9.7%
22.6%
Carolina Hurricanes (107.7 points)
0.0%
3.3%
41.9%
6.5%
Vegas Golden Knights (104.1 points)
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
Edmonton Oilers (107.2 points)
0.0%
93.3%
29.0%
0.0%
60.6%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
New York Rangers (105.2 points)
18.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Colorado Avalanche (104.5 points)
6.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Goldman: The Devils have moved to the top of the list, and it’s easy to see why. The injuries are building up for key players, and the goaltending has been a wreck. Someone is going to have to miss out on the playoffs in the Metropolitan Division, and the odds are turning against them.
Gentille: Laughed out loud at the Oilers getting 93 percent in November. It made sense at the time!
Granger: The Devils have to trade for a goalie, right? If New Jersey upgrades in net, I still believe in this team’s ability to go on a long run, but if not, the Devils are heading for a majorly disappointing end to the season.
Who’s your dark horse Cup contender?
Must have been projected as a middle-of-the-pack team in the preseason, between 85 and 100 points by Dom’s model.
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
Florida Panthers (97.1 points)
12.1%
0.0%
19.4%
45.2%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
25.8%
Vancouver Canucks (93.1 points)
0.0%
26.7%
6.5%
16.1%
Los Angeles Kings (94.9 points)
18.2%
43.3%
58.1%
3.2%
Detroit Red Wings (85.3 points)
0.0%
3.3%
3.2%
3.2%
Tampa Bay Lightning (94.9 points)
12.1%
26.7%
0.0%
3.2%
Pittsburgh Penguins (96.5 points)
21.2%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
New York Islanders (92.3 points)
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
0.0%
12.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
9.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Gentille: Down go the Kings. They’ve won four of their past 15 and been outscored 44-39, so that’s not much of a surprise.
Granger: And up go the Jets. Winnipeg has the best record in the NHL since Dec. 2 at 17-2-2, and Connor Hellebuyck is playing lights out. After a slow start to the season, he’s up to a whopping 20.5 goals saved above expected. With so many of the expected contenders showing flaws, if the Jets can maintain their current offensive form, they’re a true contender.
Goldman: Pittsburgh has figured it out at five-on-five, but that power play may be what’s holding them back here. … Elsewhere in the East, the Florida teams are worth keeping an eye on. Look at the drop in confidence in the Lightning and the rise of the Panthers.
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Who’s your surprise playoff team?
Must have been projected below 85 points in the preseason by Dom’s model.
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
Philadelphia Flyers (73.9 points)
0.0%
0.0%
22.6%
61.3%
39.4%
56.7%
61.3%
25.8%
Washington Capitals (81.4 points)
21.2%
3.3%
9.7%
9.7%
30.3%
6.7%
6.5%
3.2%
0.0%
33.3%
0.0%
0.0%
Columbus Blue Jackets (74.3 points)
6.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Chicago Blackhawks (71.1 points)
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Goldman: The Flyers are the easy favorite here after their surprisingly good first half. Maybe that changes if (or when) the team sells at the deadline. Until then, there aren’t too many other picks to go with here.
Gentille: It’d be fun to see the Coyotes keep it together, but Connor Ingram can’t do it by himself.
Granger: The Flyers have a 71 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to Dom’s model. The next-highest team on this list is Washington at 17 percent, so this was a pretty easy choice.
Who will be the next coach fired?
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
0.0%
0.0%
16.1%
32.3%
Lane Lambert, New York Islanders
12.1%
0.0%
0.0%
19.4%
Sheldon Keefe, Toronto Maple Leafs
0.0%
10.0%
0.0%
16.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
9.7%
0.0%
0.0%
9.7%
6.5%
3.0%
3.3%
0.0%
6.5%
Pascal Vincent, Columbus Blue Jackets
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
Jacques Martin, Ottawa Senators
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins
6.1%
3.3%
6.5%
0.0%
Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
0.0%
12.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
39.4%
36.7%
61.3%
N/A
Jay Woodcroft, Edmonton Oilers
0.0%
46.7%
N/A
N/A
24.2%
0.0%
N/A
N/A
3.0%
0.0%
N/A
N/A
Goldman: You would think Lane Lambert would emerge as the No. 1 here, with the Islanders going through it these past couple of weeks … but I think we all know the chances of Lou Lamoriello making a gutsy change like that.
Gentille: Either way, I feel like we’re done with in-season firings … but kudos to whoever went with Jacques Martin.
Granger: For the first time this season, it felt like there weren’t any obvious choices for this question. The Sabres have actually been playing better lately, but there’s no denying the disappointment of this first half for Buffalo.
East playoff field
We asked each voter to pick the eight East playoff teams. Here is the percentage of the votes received by each team. (Note: * playoff team in 2022-23)
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
93.9%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
75.8%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
75.8%
90.0%
100.0%
100.0%
97.0%
100.0%
90.3%
100.0%
100.0%
96.7%
100.0%
93.5%
66.7%
83.3%
74.2%
90.3%
100.0%
100.0%
87.1%
58.1%
81.8%
36.7%
25.8%
58.1%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
58.1%
0.0%
43.3%
41.9%
29.0%
21.2%
36.7%
64.5%
6.5%
0.0%
0.0%
9.7%
6.5%
36.4%
3.3%
3.2%
0.0%
51.5%
10.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Gentille: That feels like a tough number for the Wings, who are in a wild-card spot at the moment, but I didn’t vote for them either. Nobody is ready to pick them over the Lightning. Understandable.
Granger: Tampa Bay is only 14-11-0 since Andrei Vasilevskiy returned in late November. Not exactly lighting the world on fire the way many (myself included) expected. Still, as Sean said, I don’t blame anyone for trusting them over some of the other teams hovering around the playoff cut line.
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Goldman: At the very least, it looks like the last three or so slots in the conference are going to take some time to decide, which makes for a more exciting second half — whether it comes down to Tampa Bay or Detroit, or the Metropolitan mess running through until the last few games of the season.
West playoff field
We asked each voter to pick the eight West playoff teams. Here is the percentage of the votes received by each team. (Note: * playoff team in 2022-23)
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
97.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
93.9%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
24.2%
93.3%
100.0%
100.0%
36.4%
70.0%
96.8%
100.0%
100.0%
63.3%
93.5%
100.0%
57.6%
3.3%
3.2%
29.0%
6.1%
3.3%
19.4%
25.8%
54.5%
16.7%
6.5%
25.8%
15.2%
36.7%
58.1%
19.4%
21.2%
3.3%
12.9%
0.0%
93.9%
90.0%
9.7%
0.0%
0.0%
16.7%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.3%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Granger: The race for the final wild-card spot in the West should be a fun one. The Flames have quietly rounded into better form, largely thanks to Jacob Markstrom’s play in net, but the Predators and Kraken are both hanging around.
Goldman: The door is wide open for that eight seed, and even still, literally no one is picking the Wild. The injury news to Jared Spurgeon likely slammed the door there.
Hart Trophy
Given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team. Voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA).
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
6.1%
0.0%
19.4%
54.8%
75.8%
23.3%
35.5%
25.8%
3.0%
3.3%
12.9%
6.5%
0.0%
10.0%
16.1%
3.2%
0.0%
3.3%
6.5%
3.2%
3.0%
0.0%
3.2%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
6.1%
26.7%
6.5%
0.0%
0.0%
13.3%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
13.3%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.3%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.3%
0.0%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Goldman: MacKinnon makes all the sense in the world, especially with how much Colorado’s leaning on its star players right now. Kucherov’s placement is giving “must be a playoff team to get Hart consideration” energy.
Gentille: I almost voted for Crosby — 50 goals and a playoff berth would be a winning narrative — but yeah, MacKinnon’s charge has been too much to ignore.
Granger: MacKinnon is on an absolute tear, and he’s had so many Hart-worthy seasons where he fell just short. With the slow start for Connor McDavid, it feels like this is his year.
Rocket Richard Trophy
Given to the leading goal scorer at the end of the regular season.
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
36.4%
93.3%
90.3%
93.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
33.3%
3.3%
3.2%
0.0%
6.1%
3.3%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
18.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Granger: Auston Matthews is absolutely winning the Rocket Richard, but shout out to Sam Reinhart who has already matched his career high for goals in a season at the halfway point.
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Goldman: Just when you think there’s no way anyone can keep up with Matthews, Reinhart somehow is doing it. I just can’t see that continuing down the stretch, though.
Norris Trophy
Given to the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position. Voted on by the PHWA.
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
0.0%
46.7%
38.7%
67.7%
66.7%
53.3%
58.1%
32.3%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
15.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Gentille: Banged up or not, Makar’s play has dipped a bit, and it’s reflected appropriately here.
Granger: Hughes and Makar have nearly identical numbers in terms of goals and assists, but Hughes’ on-ice metrics are incredible. With Makar on the ice at even strength, the Avalanche have outscored opponents 37-34. With Hughes, the Canucks have outscored the opposition by a ridiculous 60-31.
Goldman: Noah Dobson isn’t far behind, but these past couple of weeks, it has looked like it’s a two-player race. We’ll see if that changes down the stretch, but right now it seems like this is Hughes’ trophy to lose.
Selke Trophy
Given to the forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game. Voted on by the PHWA.
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
12.9%
20.0%
51.6%
58.1%
3.2%
23.3%
9.7%
6.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.5%
0.0%
13.3%
6.5%
3.2%
41.9%
10.0%
6.5%
3.2%
3.2%
6.7%
6.5%
3.2%
3.2%
6.7%
3.2%
3.2%
3.2%
3.3%
3.2%
3.2%
3.2%
0.0%
3.2%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
12.9%
6.7%
6.5%
0.0%
6.5%
3.3%
3.2%
0.0%
3.2%
6.7%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Goldman: Aleksander Barkov seems like the slam dunk post-Patrice Bergeron pick this season, and he’s definitely earned that. Maybe Reinhart’s case would be stronger in this poll if he played center, too.
Granger: Barkov has been excellent, but I’ll continue banging the Mark Stone drum until he gives me a reason not to. He puts on a highlight reel of stick checks on a nightly basis, is once again leading the league in takeaways and lately has carried Vegas offensively with Jack Eichel and William Karlsson out with injuries.
Vezina Trophy
Given to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position. Voted on by the general managers of all 32 NHL clubs.
PERCENT OF VOTEOCT.NOV.DEC.JAN.
0.0%
0.0%
22.6%
93.5%
0.0%
33.3%
32.3%
6.5%
0.0%
0.0%
19.4%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
9.7%
0.0%
27.3%
26.7%
6.5%
0.0%
36.4%
3.3%
6.5%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
3.2%
0.0%
30.3%
30.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6.7%
0.0%
0.0%
6.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Gentille: All of a sudden, this one feels pretty locked up for Hellebuyck. He’s allowed more than two goals just once since Nov. 14, so … fair.
More Sunday Sauce
Hurricanes’ Aho & Svechnikov Emerging As Elite Duo
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With a 5-0-0 start to the season cementing the Carolina Hurricanes as a legitimate threat in the NHL’s 2021-22 season, a major component of the group’s early success is the steady growth and development of the its young core. At the center of it all lies their offensive cornerstone in Sebastian Aho, who’s evolved into a top talent in this league, and continues to show limitless potential at age 24. Having one legitimate superstar on your team is usually all you can ask for, but how many teams are lucky enough to have two?
Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Fortunately for the ‘Canes, they – quite literally – won the lottery in 2018 when they moved up from pick #13 to second overall at the 2018 NHL Draft, and selected Russian winger Andrei Svechnikov, which gave them another potential superstar in the making. He’s now 21 years old, and looks to really be finding his footing in the league after signing an 8-year contract extension with an $7.75 million AAV during the summer. Combined with Aho, they give the team two “face-of-the-franchise” type superstars, and currently form one of the most dangerous duos in hockey. Let’s take a look at each individual’s growth, and what they mean to the team’s success moving forward.
Andrei Svechnikov’s Emergence
Earlier in the week, Svechnikov was a topic on the first edition of THW’s Hurricanes Roundtable, as his play has forced both the fanbase and the league to take notice. Through five games, he looks to be somewhat of an unstoppable force — with five goals, nine points and a team-high plus-5 rating. His 24 shots on goal lead all Hurricanes skaters, and he’s done his damage playing just over 16 minutes a game, which ranks fifth among the team’s forwards.
Andrei Svechnikov, Carolina Hurricanes (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
He’s a kid with a relentless work ethic and total confidence in his abilities. Through the first five games of the season, it’s evident that he’s blossoming into a legitimate force. He’s using his power much more effectively, and his direct, physical style makes him a severe mismatch for a lot of defenders at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. As we’ve seen, his offensive IQ is off the charts, and he constantly finds dangers pockets of space to create havoc. His hands are deceptive and quick, and his release is like a cannon unleashed. He has multiple ways to beat a defense, and he uses them all consistently.
As of this writing, he’s on pace for an 82-goal season which, you know, might be a bit unrealistic. But considering his deployment on the team’s top power-play unit, as well as his role in the top-six alongside talented linemates like Vincent Trocheck, Martin Necas and Teuvo Teravainen, I really think he can score 35-40 goals as a 21-year old. He’s the closest thing to a true “sniper” on this Hurricanes team, and he can create offense for himself as well as anybody in hockey. As he continues to round out his frame and eventually learns how to consistently use his leverage to his advantage, he’ll become an absolute nightmare for opposing defenders — even more so than he already is.
The Importance of Sebastian Aho
In hindsight, it’s still quite hilarious to think back to the 2015 NHL Draft when the Hurricanes selected Aho in the second round. Not only was he selected way ahead of where he was projected, scouts and draft analysts alike on twitter had assumed the team drafted now-New York Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho, of the same name. It just goes to show how much of a dice game the draft can be. He went from being a considerable “reach”, to arguably to biggest steal of the draft within a few years.
Related: “Hurricanes Roundtable: Andersen, Svechnikov, and the 5-0-0 Start“
I’m sure the Hurricanes have zero regrets about the pick, as Aho has led their team in both goal scoring and points over each of the past four seasons. He’s become somewhat of the heart-and-soul of the team since his arrival from Karpat, and he’s become the team’s first true superstar talent since the Eric Staal era. He’s always been soft-spoken, but he’s emerged as a leader within the group and head coach Rod Brind’Amour awarded him with an assistant captain role for the 2021-22 season.
On the ice, he’s as complete of a player as you’ll find. He’s a legitimate all-situations guy for the team, as Brind’Amour trusts him in every phase of deployment. A true first-line center, Aho’s speed, hands and vision make him a threat any time he touches the puck. He’s morphed into one of the best penalty-killing forwards in hockey as well, with his 12 short-handed goals being tied for the most in the NHL since he debuted back in 2016. He’s scored at a 30-goal or higher pace in each of the past four seasons, and you can’t help but wonder how many more he could score if he’d stop shooting five-hole on every breakaway he gets. With seven points through five games, I could really see him approach 90 points by season’s end.
Grand Pa Pete's rumours
Ducks Pull Silfverberg from Lineup
There was speculation the timing of Jakob Silfverberg‘s removal from Anaheim’s roster might have something to do with an Eichel trade considering the Ducks have been linked to the trade talks. John Hoven writes: “Silfverberg timing was ironic, unrelated. Not trade-related.” He adds, “I’m not saying Silfverberg is on his way to Anaheim. I’ll say this though… To make the money work on a theoretical deal w/ Buffalo, almost surely wouldn’t be just prospects to Sabres.”
...how to do a deal and not pay the asking price from Buffalo. At one point, Sabres were asking for 4-5 assets, including TWO first round picks (unprotected) + an A prospect + B prospect. And Zegras / Drysdale weren't available. Comtois? Maybe. Can Murray become a magician?
Hoven points out that the Ducks were not interested in moving Trevor Zegras or Jamie Drysdale and adds, “Few updates… From what I’ve been able to gather, the expectation was the Eichel / VGK deal was to be completed by EOD yesterday. Not sure what the hold-up is. So, what’s left – Krebs, Whitecloud, and a pair of firsts?”
Flames Unlikely Suitors For Eichel if They Keep Winning
Assuming the Calgary Flames stay as hot as they are right now (six wins in a row), they aren’t a team likely to be serious about adding Eichel. While he would put them in a great position should they make the playoffs, that he wouldn’t be available to them right away is problematic since the team would have to give up multiple pieces and disrupt their chemistry.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Extension of Rielly Has On-Ice and Off-Ice Benefits
Steve Macfarlane of Calgary Hockey Now suggests the Flames addition of head coach Darryl Sutter showed they weren’t interested in a rebuild either and that they want to win this season. Kevin Weekes of ESPN did report the Flames are with the Golden Knights as potential destinations still, though he too notes that things remain “fluid and complex.”
How Long Will Oilers Wait on Yamamoto?
Kailer Yamamoto is doing a lot of things right. At the same time, not only has he not scored this season, he doesn’t have a point and he produced no shots on net in Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He’s playing on a second line with Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and adding nothing to the scoresheet is not going to sit well with the Oilers for much longer.
Kailer Yamamoto, Edmonton Oilers, Oct. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal points out that there will come a time where the Oilers will decide to move on. He writes:
Edmonton is almost half-way to the quarter pole. If he hasn’t snapped out of this by the 20-game mark at the latest, I think a change will be made. But what do you do? Mess with that 3 rd line? I wouldn’t. Move Zach Hyman over to the right side and off Connor McDavid’s line? That doesn’t sound enticing, either. I’m not sure I see any of the current 4 th liners in the Top 6. And Yamamoto himself is not the prototypical 4 th liner. That doesn’t leave the kid in an enviable spot.
source – ‘How long will the Edmonton Oilers ride out Kailer Yamamoto’s scoring drought: 9 Things’ – Kurt Leavins – Edmonton Journal – 10/31/2021
The one thing Leavins says Yamamoto has going for him is that the Oilers are winning. Still, that will only buy him so much time.