Good morning, everyone. We&#8217;ve got another mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them off to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we&#8217;re discussing the defence, Evander Kane, Stanley Cup expectations, 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 hit me up 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.

<figure id="attachment_161225" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161225" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-161225" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24311098-2-1024x590.jpg" alt="Ty Emberson" width="1024" height="590" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24311098-2-1024x590.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24311098-2-300x173.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24311098-2-768x442.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24311098-2-1536x885.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24311098-2-2048x1180.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-161225" class="wp-caption-text">Sep 22, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Ty Emberson (49) skates against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place.</figcaption></figure>
1) Yves asks &#8211; It seems like Josh Brown, Troy Stecher, and Ty Emberson are all battling for the 2RD and 3RD spot on the roster. Have any of these guys stuck out to you yet? Does anyone have a clear advantage?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think Josh Brown has stuck out in a poor way and I think he&#8217;s on the outside looking in. Stecher is a better puck mover and Emberson is a far more complete player. Brown is in the mix for the seventh defenseman spot but I think he&#8217;s a bit too expensive to keep there.
Liam Horrobin:
I would say Ty Emberson has the biggest advantage since they traded Cody Ceci away for him. Feels like they really need him to workout and he had a strong year with San Jose in 2024. Then, I&#8217;d have Troy Stetcher over Josh Brown. Stetcher brings that puck moving style, which the Oilers want, and Brown doesn&#8217;t have that.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m mostly expecting Brown to get more leash for making the team than anyone else because of his three-year contract. I still don&#8217;t know why he got one based on everything I can find on the Internet, but it seems like this man is part of a plan that I am yet to understand.
<figure id="attachment_156694" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-156694" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-156694" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23401923_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Evander Kane" width="1024" height="682" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23401923_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23401923_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23401923_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23401923_168383996_lowres-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23401923_168383996_lowres-2048x1364.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-156694" class="wp-caption-text">May 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center.</figcaption></figure>
2) Cliff asks &#8211; The Oilers are going to be without Evander Kane for basically half the season, and I&#8217;m wondering who you think will pick up the slack physically with him out? Does that even matter?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I&#8217;m not concerned about it. Janmark forechecks well and Podkolzin plays with some edge. I&#8217;m not worried about the level of physicality that they&#8217;ll have in the regular season. I think it&#8217;s a little overrated.
Liam Horrobin:
It matters but not like it used to but I&#8217;ll say Vasily Podkolzin. He&#8217;s a similar style to Kane with his big frame, ability to score but also had the skill set to penalty kill too. I fully expect Connor Brown to have a bounce back year too and he&#8217;s not afraid to bang and crash so let&#8217;s throw him in this category as well.
Baggedmilk:
When Kane is at his best, he brings an element that no one else has. He&#8217;s big, physical, will beat you up, and can score big goals. That&#8217;s a tough hole to fill, and I don&#8217;t there there is any single player that will have to pick up the slack. Everyone will have to get a bit feistier.
<figure id="attachment_156416" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-156416" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-156416" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23615714-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23615714-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23615714-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23615714-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23615714-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23615714-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-156416" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 24, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers look on after the defeat against Florida Panthers in game seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena.</figcaption></figure>
3) Randeep asks &#8211; A lot of people have the Oilers listed as Stanley Cup favourite, but where do you see them having challenges this coming season? Is it the uncertainty on defence? Is it opponents like the Avalanche potentially being better than they were a year ago?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
The blue line will be a challenge for them without a doubt. Also, they&#8217;re the big dogs now and will get every teams best effort. There&#8217;s something to that.
Liam Horrobin:
I&#8217;d have them as Stanley Cup favourites too. They&#8217;re top heavy right now on the blueline and up front; however, with the money to build up until the deadline by not putting Evander Kane on the LTIR, they can acquire some serious firepower. The time isn&#8217;t perfect by any means but with the aggression shown by Jeff Jackson and Stan Bowman this summer you know they won&#8217;t sit on their hands.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m worried about the defence and I&#8217;m not afraid to say it. I&#8217;m hopeful, but this group, as is, makes me nervous.
<figure id="attachment_160604" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-160604" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-160604" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-160604" class="wp-caption-text">Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie</figcaption></figure>
4) Gregg asks &#8211; What are your biggest takeaways from the pre-season so far?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
The fourth-line job is open. I somewhat expected it but also thought they would just give it to Derek Ryan, granted that still could happen, but it really seems like an open competition right now and that&#8217;s because of how players like Noah Philp and James Hamblin have played.
Liam Horrobin:
The biggest is Noah Philp. Even after a year off, he can still play at an elite level. Admittedly, I&#8217;ve only watched him during pre seasons with the Oilers but people like Tyler Yaremchuk and Bruce Curlock have believed in this guy for a while. He&#8217;ll probably need some time in Bakersfield before joining the NHL but don&#8217;t be surprised if that happens sooner rather than later.
Baggedmilk:
Here&#8217;s what I&#8217;ve got: Matt Savoie will be fun but it&#8217;s going to take a minute, Noah Philp will probably play in the NHL this year, I&#8217;m a big fan of Vasily Podkolzin&#8217;s forechecking, and I&#8217;m cautiously optimistic about Ty Emberson.
<figure id="attachment_155877" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-155877" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-155877" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Edmonton-Oilers-mascot-Hunter-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers mascot Hunter at Rogers Place" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Edmonton-Oilers-mascot-Hunter-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Edmonton-Oilers-mascot-Hunter-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Edmonton-Oilers-mascot-Hunter-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Edmonton-Oilers-mascot-Hunter-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Edmonton-Oilers-mascot-Hunter-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-155877" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers mascot Hunter the Lynx during the third period between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
5) Stephen asks &#8211; You&#8217;re in control of the concessions at Rogers Place and can make any changes you want. What is the first thing you&#8217;re doing?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I&#8217;m opening a few &#8220;value&#8221; concession spots throughout the arena. The Blue Jays do this and I&#8217;m a big fan. Smaller beers, smaller hot dogs and smaller popcorns for cheap prices are a good way to give people a chance to enjoy these things without breaking the bank. The only draft beer option at Rogers Place is 24 ounces. That&#8217;s wild!
Liam Horrobin:
I had a different answer to this on Oilersnation Radio but I am going to go with Baggedmilk&#8217;s response instead. The walk in markets where you scan your credit card beforehand are quick and efficient. Having a couple of those in Rogers Place would be fantastic.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;ve been to a few arenas in the States that have this credit card tap thing where you scan your card as you walk into the store, and. then you grab whatever you want and walk out. It feels like you&#8217;re stealing but somehow the 1000 cameras on the roof know what you took and charge your card appropriately. I know this sounds ridiculous if you don&#8217;t know what I&#8217;m talking about.
<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="(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
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Good morning, everyone. We've got another mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them off to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we're discussing the defence, Evander Kane, Stanley Cup expectations, 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 hit me up 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.



[caption id="attachment_161225" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-161225" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24311098-2-1024x590.jpg" alt="Ty Emberson" width="1024" height="590" /> Sep 22, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Ty Emberson (49) skates against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place.[/caption]

1) Yves asks - It seems like Josh Brown, Troy Stecher, and Ty Emberson are all battling for the 2RD and 3RD spot on the roster. Have any of these guys stuck out to you yet? Does anyone have a clear advantage?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I think Josh Brown has stuck out in a poor way and I think he's on the outside looking in. Stecher is a better puck mover and Emberson is a far more complete player. Brown is in the mix for the seventh defenseman spot but I think he's a bit too expensive to keep there.

Liam Horrobin:

I would say Ty Emberson has the biggest advantage since they traded Cody Ceci away for him. Feels like they really need him to workout and he had a strong year with San Jose in 2024. Then, I'd have Troy Stetcher over Josh Brown. Stetcher brings that puck moving style, which the Oilers want, and Brown doesn't have that.

Baggedmilk:

I'm mostly expecting Brown to get more leash for making the team than anyone else because of his three-year contract. I still don't know why he got one based on everything I can find on the Internet, but it seems like this man is part of a plan that I am yet to understand.

[caption id="attachment_156694" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-156694" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23401923_168383996_lowres-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Evander Kane" width="1024" height="682" /> May 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane (91) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center.[/caption]

2) Cliff asks - The Oilers are going to be without Evander Kane for basically half the season, and I'm wondering who you think will pick up the slack physically with him out? Does that even matter?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I'm not concerned about it. Janmark forechecks well and Podkolzin plays with some edge. I'm not worried about the level of physicality that they'll have in the regular season. I think it's a little overrated.

Liam Horrobin:

It matters but not like it used to but I'll say Vasily Podkolzin. He's a similar style to Kane with his big frame, ability to score but also had the skill set to penalty kill too. I fully expect Connor Brown to have a bounce back year too and he's not afraid to bang and crash so let's throw him in this category as well.

Baggedmilk:

When Kane is at his best, he brings an element that no one else has. He's big, physical, will beat you up, and can score big goals. That's a tough hole to fill, and I don't there there is any single player that will have to pick up the slack. Everyone will have to get a bit feistier.

[caption id="attachment_156416" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-156416" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23615714-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 24, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers look on after the defeat against Florida Panthers in game seven of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena.[/caption]

3) Randeep asks - A lot of people have the Oilers listed as Stanley Cup favourite, but where do you see them having challenges this coming season? Is it the uncertainty on defence? Is it opponents like the Avalanche potentially being better than they were a year ago?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

The blue line will be a challenge for them without a doubt. Also, they're the big dogs now and will get every teams best effort. There's something to that.

Liam Horrobin:

I'd have them as Stanley Cup favourites too. They're top heavy right now on the blueline and up front; however, with the money to build up until the deadline by not putting Evander Kane on the LTIR, they can acquire some serious firepower. The time isn't perfect by any means but with the aggression shown by Jeff Jackson and Stan Bowman this summer you know they won't sit on their hands.

Baggedmilk:

I'm worried about the defence and I'm not afraid to say it. I'm hopeful, but this group, as is, makes me nervous.

[caption id="attachment_160604" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-160604" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Matthew-Savoie-Prospect-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie" width="1024" height="683" /> Edmonton Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie[/caption]

4) Gregg asks - What are your biggest takeaways from the pre-season so far?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

The fourth-line job is open. I somewhat expected it but also thought they would just give it to Derek Ryan, granted that still could happen, but it really seems like an open competition right now and that's because of how players like Noah Philp and James Hamblin have played.

Liam Horrobin:

The biggest is Noah Philp. Even after a year off, he can still play at an elite level. Admittedly, I've only watched him during pre seasons with the Oilers but people like Tyler Yaremchuk and Bruce Curlock have believed in this guy for a while. He'll probably need some time in Bakersfield before joining the NHL but don't be surprised if that happens sooner rather than later.

Baggedmilk:

Here's what I've got: Matt Savoie will be fun but it's going to take a minute, Noah Philp will probably play in the NHL this year, I'm a big fan of Vasily Podkolzin's forechecking, and I'm cautiously optimistic about Ty Emberson.

[caption id="attachment_155877" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-155877" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Edmonton-Oilers-mascot-Hunter-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers mascot Hunter at Rogers Place" width="1024" height="683" /> Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers mascot Hunter the Lynx during the third period between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

5) Stephen asks - You're in control of the concessions at Rogers Place and can make any changes you want. What is the first thing you're doing?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I'm opening a few "value" concession spots throughout the arena. The Blue Jays do this and I'm a big fan. Smaller beers, smaller hot dogs and smaller popcorns for cheap prices are a good way to give people a chance to enjoy these things without breaking the bank. The only draft beer option at Rogers Place is 24 ounces. That's wild!

Liam Horrobin:

I had a different answer to this on Oilersnation Radio but I am going to go with Baggedmilk's response instead. The walk in markets where you scan your credit card beforehand are quick and efficient. Having a couple of those in Rogers Place would be fantastic.

Baggedmilk:

I've been to a few arenas in the States that have this credit card tap thing where you scan your card as you walk into the store, and. then you grab whatever you want and walk out. It feels like you're stealing but somehow the 1000 cameras on the roof know what you took and charge your card appropriately. I know this sounds ridiculous if you don't know what I'm talking about.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
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