Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I&#8217;ve got a brand new Christmas edition of the mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we&#8217;re gifts from Santa, what needs to improve after the break, Leon Draisaitl in the faceoff dot, and much more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-125630" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Santa-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Santa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Santa-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Santa-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Santa.jpg 1279w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
1) Brendyn asks &#8211; What gift are you requesting from Santa for the 2024-25 Oilers?
Jason Gregor:
Health. It is the biggest factor in playoff success.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Health! If their big guns stay healthy and have players like Viktor Arvidsson stay healthy, then they can absolutely catch the Vegas Golden Knights for the top spot in the division. They just need everyone to stay in the lineup.
Liam Horrobin:
I am requesting that Santa bring Jeff Skinner the ability to play more consistently. Fingers crossed!
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m asking Santa for a PDO heater for the team down the back half of the season and into the playoffs. The Oilers are already a very good hockey team, but they&#8217;d be unstoppable if they had the benefit of a PDO heater pushing them forward in addition to the skill they already have.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50077" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/santa.jpeg" alt="" width="3927" height="2618" />
2) Anne asks &#8211; Which players, management or otherwise, are on Edmonton&#8217;s naughty and nice list?
Jason Gregor:
Opposing goalies would say Draisaitl, Hyman and McDavid are on the naughty list. It is Christmas no need for me to outline negative players when team is playing well.
Darnell Nurse is on the nice list, along with Janmark, Emberson, Kulak for their play recently.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think Jeff Skinner headlines the naughty list. Signing him before locking up Dylan Holloway is looking like a massive blunder, but it&#8217;s a conversation we wouldn&#8217;t be having if Skinner was one pace for 30 goals. For the nice list, how about Ty Emberson. He just keeps getting better and better.
Liam Horrobin:
Nice List: Leon Draisaitl being the best player in the league and also Zach Hyman for proving Hockey Canada wrong
Naughty List: Evan Bouchard&#8217;s shots that hit the first man&#8217;s shinpads.
Baggedmilk:
Nice List: Leon Draisaitl for his dominance, Connor McDavid for being worth the time every single night, Zach Hyman for the heater he&#8217;s on right now, and Mattias Ekholm for being our Big Viking Daddy.
Naughty List: Jeff Skinner. I don&#8217;t know why he&#8217;s in Knoblauch&#8217;s doghouse, but he can&#8217;t seem to get out.
<figure id="attachment_161984" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161984" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-161984" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-1024x683.jpg" alt="Calvin Pickard Stuart Skinner" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-161984" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 9, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) replaces goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) after allowing 5 goal on 13 shots against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place.I honestly don&#8217;t know enough about the rule to understand it. It honestly feels like just totally random sometimes.</figcaption></figure>
3) Richard asks &#8211; Edmonton has played 34 games by the Christmas break: what is working for them, and what needs to improve down the back half of the season?
Jason Gregor:
Team defence has been very consistent. They could improve their depth goal scoring at 5&#215;5.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
More consistency with their special teams and goaltending would be nice. That would be a good New Years resolution for the team. What&#8217;s working is Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Although I do generally like their supporting cast, there are still a lot of nights where those two are driving 100% of the scoring.
Liam Horrobin:
I&#8217;d love to see the power play become more consistent. It&#8217;s clearly gotten better since the start of the year but, even when you look back to the San Jose game on Saturday, it has to become more reliable in key moments. As for what has worked, the superstars have shown up at five-on-five which has been fantastic to see, especially from Leon Draisaitl.
Baggedmilk:
I think the power play can still improve, even though it&#8217;s definitely gotten better over the past month or so. I think if we can get that killer instinct back on the PP, this Oilers team is going to be even more dangerous than they already are. Consistent goaltending too, please.
<figure id="attachment_166617" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166617" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-166617" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25043162_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl scores game winner" width="1024" height="682" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25043162_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25043162_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25043162_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25043162_168383996_lowres.jpg 1298w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-166617" class="wp-caption-text">Dec 21, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) celebrates after scoring a goal during overtime against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
4) James in Peterborough asks &#8211; What is it with Leon and his unending ability to get kicked off the faceoff dot? Is it solely his fault? Reputation-based? Are teammates jumping in too quickly?
Jason Gregor:
It is moving his stick and trying to anticipate when the linesmen is dropping the puck. The funny thing is, he is still top 12 in faceoffs taken. He hasn’t been thrown at as often lately as he was early in the year. But now when he does, everyone notices it.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I honestly don&#8217;t know enough about the rule to understand it. It honestly feels like just totally random sometimes.
Liam Horrobin:
To be honest, I have no idea. There was that video last season of him explaining to the linesman how he was going to do the draw, and still got kicked out. I would assume it&#8217;s something to do with his style.
Baggedmilk:
I have no idea why he keeps getting kicked out of the faceoff circle, but I&#8217;m starting to imagine that it&#8217;s because the linesmen are too intimidated by his handsomeness. Prove me wrong, you can&#8217;t.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-82260" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/christmas_vacation.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/christmas_vacation.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/christmas_vacation-300x169.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/christmas_vacation-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
5) Hank asks &#8211; I&#8217;ve got my in-laws in town for the holidays, and they&#8217;re here until Jan. 3rd. What advice have you got for me to get out of the house without seeming suspicious?
Jason Gregor:
Offer to take your father-in-law somewhere. He will appreciate it and zero suspicion.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Make plans with a friend who&#8217;s &#8220;in from out of town.&#8221; They can&#8217;t get upset at you for visiting a friend you maybe only see once or twice a year. That or just say you have some last minute shopping and go get a drink somewhere.
Liam Horrobin:
You&#8217;re going to have to eat and drink so much that you&#8217;re forced to go to the store daily. At first you might have a couple of family members come with you but, after a few days of going consistently, they&#8217;ll get bored and allow you to go alone. That&#8217;s when you can take an extra 10 or 20 minutes and go the long way around. Whatever you decided to do, good luck.
Baggedmilk:
Make sure there&#8217;s nothing in your fridge, so that you&#8217;ll have to run out to pick up almost anything you need. Sure, they may think these trips are poorly planned and executed, but we&#8217;ll know the real reason. Good luck.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png 728w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME-300x166.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I've got a brand new Christmas edition of the mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we're gifts from Santa, what needs to improve after the break, Leon Draisaitl in the faceoff dot, and much more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.



<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-125630" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Santa-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />

1) Brendyn asks - What gift are you requesting from Santa for the 2024-25 Oilers?

Jason Gregor:

Health. It is the biggest factor in playoff success.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Health! If their big guns stay healthy and have players like Viktor Arvidsson stay healthy, then they can absolutely catch the Vegas Golden Knights for the top spot in the division. They just need everyone to stay in the lineup.

Liam Horrobin:

I am requesting that Santa bring Jeff Skinner the ability to play more consistently. Fingers crossed!

Baggedmilk:

I'm asking Santa for a PDO heater for the team down the back half of the season and into the playoffs. The Oilers are already a very good hockey team, but they'd be unstoppable if they had the benefit of a PDO heater pushing them forward in addition to the skill they already have.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50077" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/santa.jpeg" alt="" width="3927" height="2618" />

2) Anne asks - Which players, management or otherwise, are on Edmonton's naughty and nice list?

Jason Gregor:

Opposing goalies would say Draisaitl, Hyman and McDavid are on the naughty list. It is Christmas no need for me to outline negative players when team is playing well.

Darnell Nurse is on the nice list, along with Janmark, Emberson, Kulak for their play recently.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I think Jeff Skinner headlines the naughty list. Signing him before locking up Dylan Holloway is looking like a massive blunder, but it's a conversation we wouldn't be having if Skinner was one pace for 30 goals. For the nice list, how about Ty Emberson. He just keeps getting better and better.

Liam Horrobin:

Nice List: Leon Draisaitl being the best player in the league and also Zach Hyman for proving Hockey Canada wrong

Naughty List: Evan Bouchard's shots that hit the first man's shinpads.

Baggedmilk:

Nice List: Leon Draisaitl for his dominance, Connor McDavid for being worth the time every single night, Zach Hyman for the heater he's on right now, and Mattias Ekholm for being our Big Viking Daddy.

Naughty List: Jeff Skinner. I don't know why he's in Knoblauch's doghouse, but he can't seem to get out.

[caption id="attachment_161984" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-161984" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-1024x683.jpg" alt="Calvin Pickard Stuart Skinner" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 9, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) replaces goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) after allowing 5 goal on 13 shots against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place.I honestly don't know enough about the rule to understand it. It honestly feels like just totally random sometimes.[/caption]

3) Richard asks - Edmonton has played 34 games by the Christmas break: what is working for them, and what needs to improve down the back half of the season?

Jason Gregor:

Team defence has been very consistent. They could improve their depth goal scoring at 5x5.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

More consistency with their special teams and goaltending would be nice. That would be a good New Years resolution for the team. What's working is Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Although I do generally like their supporting cast, there are still a lot of nights where those two are driving 100% of the scoring.

Liam Horrobin:

I'd love to see the power play become more consistent. It's clearly gotten better since the start of the year but, even when you look back to the San Jose game on Saturday, it has to become more reliable in key moments. As for what has worked, the superstars have shown up at five-on-five which has been fantastic to see, especially from Leon Draisaitl.

Baggedmilk:

I think the power play can still improve, even though it's definitely gotten better over the past month or so. I think if we can get that killer instinct back on the PP, this Oilers team is going to be even more dangerous than they already are. Consistent goaltending too, please.

[caption id="attachment_166617" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-166617" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/USATSI_25043162_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl scores game winner" width="1024" height="682" /> Dec 21, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) celebrates after scoring a goal during overtime against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

4) James in Peterborough asks - What is it with Leon and his unending ability to get kicked off the faceoff dot? Is it solely his fault? Reputation-based? Are teammates jumping in too quickly?

Jason Gregor:

It is moving his stick and trying to anticipate when the linesmen is dropping the puck. The funny thing is, he is still top 12 in faceoffs taken. He hasn’t been thrown at as often lately as he was early in the year. But now when he does, everyone notices it.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I honestly don't know enough about the rule to understand it. It honestly feels like just totally random sometimes.

Liam Horrobin:

To be honest, I have no idea. There was that video last season of him explaining to the linesman how he was going to do the draw, and still got kicked out. I would assume it's something to do with his style.

Baggedmilk:

I have no idea why he keeps getting kicked out of the faceoff circle, but I'm starting to imagine that it's because the linesmen are too intimidated by his handsomeness. Prove me wrong, you can't.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-82260" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/christmas_vacation.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />

5) Hank asks - I've got my in-laws in town for the holidays, and they're here until Jan. 3rd. What advice have you got for me to get out of the house without seeming suspicious?

Jason Gregor:

Offer to take your father-in-law somewhere. He will appreciate it and zero suspicion.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Make plans with a friend who's "in from out of town." They can't get upset at you for visiting a friend you maybe only see once or twice a year. That or just say you have some last minute shopping and go get a drink somewhere.

Liam Horrobin:

You're going to have to eat and drink so much that you're forced to go to the store daily. At first you might have a couple of family members come with you but, after a few days of going consistently, they'll get bored and allow you to go alone. That's when you can take an extra 10 or 20 minutes and go the long way around. Whatever you decided to do, good luck.

Baggedmilk:

Make sure there's nothing in your fridge, so that you'll have to run out to pick up almost anything you need. Sure, they may think these trips are poorly planned and executed, but we'll know the real reason. Good luck.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" />

Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

Monday Mailbag – What would you want Santa to bring the Oilers for Christmas?

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Los Angeles Kings, GM Rob Blake part ways after eight years

Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner

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