As per tradition around these parts, Monday means that I’ve got a fresh Mailbag ready 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 Darnell Nurse’s injury, where Travis Dermott fits, Stuart Skinner, and much more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at baggedmilk@oilersnation.com or hit me up on Twitter at @jsbmbaggedmilk, and I’ll get to you as quickly as possible.

I’m not sure if concerned is the right answer here. I will say that it’s unfortunate that he won’t be able to start to gain some chemistry with whoever his new partner ends up being. That really would have been the biggest plus of having him around for a few pre-season games. Other than that, as long as he’s ready to start the season then I’m not concerned.

The fact he has skated in the captain’s skates suggest he isn’t that banged up. If he plays in the final few preseason games, then it isn’t a big concern. However, if they are concerned about how he handles battles and contact then it could become an issue during the season. His status increases the chances they might sign Travis Dermott to a contract just to have more depth in the lineup.

Having him healthy and trying to find him a partner in camp would’ve been great; however, I am not concerned. Mattias Ekholm missed time at the start of last season too. It did take him a bit to get back into the swing of things but he figured it out.

I’m worried about how far he’ll be behind if he has to miss training camp and the pre-season. We saw how that affected Mattias Ekholm a year ago, and I’m not sure I’m comfortable enough with the defensive depth to have Darryl on the shelf.

Well, first off I like that they went and added a left-shot defenceman because they’re one injury away from having Ben Gleason as really they’re only other option. Now, Gleason might be better than Dermott but my point is they needed a bit more depth and competition there. The right side has enough candidates to fill the spots they need to. As for Dermott, I think best case scenario is he comes in and earns himself a one-way contract. Unless there’s an injury, I don’t think he makes the opening night roster.

They don’t have much LD depth, and I could see him being signed two a two-way deal as long as he shows well.

I expect him to compete with Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher but I don’t think he’ll make the team. Out of the options available, Dermott was the best but he’s not better than those two guys. Perhaps he starts the season in Bakersfield and eventually makes his way to the NHL.

As I mentioned above, I’m not overly pumped on the Oilers’ depth chart on the defence and bring in Dermott helps a little bit, though the move is by no means a grand slam. I think it’s probably a hedge against Nurse being out for any length of time, but we’ll have to wait and see how things play out in regards to how much he actually plays. Frankly, I’d PTO everyone so I appreciate the Oilers bringing some competition into camp.

I think for right now, he’s just outside the top ten. If you actually wanted me to sit down and rank every goalie, I’d have Skinner at #12 this year. My prediction: by the end of next season, he is without a doubt a consensus top ten goalie. Sometimes I think this fan base forgets just how young he still is.

He is around the 10-14 mark depending, but he’s only played two seasons, and he already had loads of experience for a young goalie. I like Skinner and I think he will take another step up the rankings during the season.

I’d say he’s around eight to 12. The only goalies I have better than him are Shesterkin, Bobrovsky, Swayman, Sorokin, Saros, Ullmark, Vasilevskiy and Demko.

I’d have him in the Top 15, I think. He’s still young and learning, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him take a big step forward this coming season.

Max Wanner is right there for me. If he can speed up his development a bit, I could see him being a regular NHL defenseman within 12-16 months. I’m also intrigued by Jayden Grubbe just because he’s a 6’3 right shot centreman. I would love to see him take a step forward this season.

I didn’t watch either of the first two games. I don’t have any of these players making the team, and that tournament has always been a tough one to get a read on players. Max Wanner and Matt Savoie are the two closest to playing in the NHL, but Wanner needs at least one more year of AHL seasoning, while Savoie needs similar.

Well I was excited to see Beau Akey but unfortunately that isn’t happening. Max Wanner would be next for me. The guy is a man amongst boys.

Matt Savoie. He’s the Oilers’ most skilled prospect and I’m a big fan of players who can dangle.

The fourth-line centre spot and potentially the fourth line right-wing spot. I don’t think either one of Corey Perry or Derek Ryan are locked into the opening night lineup. My guys to watch for those spots are Lane Pederson, Roby Jarventie, and Raphael Lavoie.

Fourth line centre. Derek Ryan is the incumbent, but I think he is most vulnerable among vets to lose his spot.

The 4th line is wide open. Derek Ryan and Corey Perry are both old and slow, so if someone can match what they do with more speed then I could see them making the roster.

I don’t think Derek Ryan’s job is safe. I could absolutely see someone come in and snatch that fourth-line centre spot.

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