Happy long weekend Monday, Nation, and welcome to a brand new edition of the Mailbag to help you start your week and break down everything that’s happening with our beloved Edmonton Oilers. This week we’re looking at Evan Bouchard&#8217;s next contract, Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell, Jesse Puljujarvi, and a whole lot more. If you’ve got 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 we can.

<figure id="attachment_117242" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-117242" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-117242" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_17741243-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_17741243-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_17741243-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_17741243-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_17741243-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_17741243-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-117242" class="wp-caption-text">Feb 14, 2022; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
1) @johnkuppers &#8211; Does Skinner take away the number 1 spot from Campbell? If so, when?
Jason Gregor:
I don’t think so. If Skinner makes 30-34 starts that would be a very solid season for him.
Robin Brownlee:
I don&#8217;t see it. Skinner could get a run of starts in short stretches if Campbell struggles, but I don&#8217;t think the Oilers coughed up <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2022/07/13/edmonton-oilers-sign-jack-campbell-to-five-year-5-million-aav-contract/">$25 million over five years</a> to relegate him to backup at the first sign of trouble. I expect we&#8217;ll see Skinner in 28-32 games.
Baggedmilk:
Not any time soon. I could see it happening by the end of Campbell&#8217;s time here, but not before that. We&#8217;ll see.
<figure id="attachment_121342" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-121342" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-121342" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edmonton-Oilers-Dylan-Holloway-celebrates-pre-season-goal-against-Vancouver-Canucks-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edmonton-Oilers-Dylan-Holloway-celebrates-pre-season-goal-against-Vancouver-Canucks-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edmonton-Oilers-Dylan-Holloway-celebrates-pre-season-goal-against-Vancouver-Canucks-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edmonton-Oilers-Dylan-Holloway-celebrates-pre-season-goal-against-Vancouver-Canucks-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edmonton-Oilers-Dylan-Holloway-celebrates-pre-season-goal-against-Vancouver-Canucks-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edmonton-Oilers-Dylan-Holloway-celebrates-pre-season-goal-against-Vancouver-Canucks-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-121342" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 3, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenceman Noah Juulsen (47) skates past as Oilers winger Dylan Holloway (55) celebrates a goal with Oilers centre Leon Draisaitl (29) as the Vancouver Canucks take on the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
2) @jayPeeTee1 asks &#8211; If Holloway plays with either of McDrais for the majority of the year, does he win the Calder?
Jason Gregor:
It would put him in running I’d think. To say he’d win it for sure is hard considering you’re saying Holloway or the field. Odds are in favour of the field.
Robin Brownlee:
Majority of the year . . . 42 games, 50 games, 65 games? Obviously how many games he&#8217;s with Draisaitl will make a difference but I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s as far-fetched as some might. I don&#8217;t know what the rest of the rookie field looks like, but I picked Holloway for the Calder as my surprise for the season in another poll, so I&#8217;ll stick with that.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m not even thinking about the Calder Trophy right now. If Holloway can come in and contribute say&#8230; 12-15 goals? I&#8217;d be pretty happy with that.
<figure id="attachment_120611" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120611" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-120611" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18206528-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18206528-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18206528-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18206528-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18206528-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18206528-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120611" class="wp-caption-text">May 4, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal by forward Jesse Puljujarvi (13) during the third period against Los Angeles Kings in game two of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
3) @ryantyke asks &#8211; If they keep Jesse Puljujarvi &#8211; what are his expectations for the season realistically??
Jason Gregor:
Depends on where he plays. He isn’t on PK nor the 1st PP unit. If he can produce 40-45 points that’d be good. He isn’t a lock to play in top six all season. He and Yamamoto will get time in the top six, but neither is a lock at this point. Same as Holloway, and if they spend more time on the third line, then their production will decrease.
Robin Brownlee:
Puljujarvi hasn&#8217;t shown he belongs in the top six over the long term. If he does, production goes up. If not, it goes the other way. Until I see something more than a segment of the fan base touting his underlying numbers, I&#8217;m not sold. Show me goals. Show me assists &#8212; the good old-fashioned counting numbers you get on the scoresheet, not on a spreadsheet. In that regard, if Puljujarvi wants to be a top six winger he needs to be producing at least 20 goals and 45 points over a full season.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m expecting a career-high in both goals and points. I bet he hits 20 goals this year, and we&#8217;ll all be wondering why anyone would want to trade him.
<figure id="attachment_117543" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-117543" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-117543" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_18346318-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_18346318-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_18346318-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_18346318-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_18346318-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_18346318-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-117543" class="wp-caption-text">May 24, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN;Edmonton Oilers defensemen Tyson Barrie (22) moves the puck in front of Calgary Flames forward Michael Backlund (11) during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
4) @betamanic asks &#8211; Should the Oilers keep Barrie on the top PP unit to keep Bouchard’s next contract down?
Jason Gregor:
Yes. Barrie is very good on the power play. He is very good at moving the puck. Bouchard has a better point shot, but this PP doesn’t need a heavy shot. The PP is best when 29 and 97 are the main shooters. Today, I see Barrie as a better distributor. You are correct that a potential bonus is it keeps Bouchard’s point totals down.
Robin Brownlee:
I think you do it because Barrie is better at moving the puck at this point &#8212; the contract stuff is an aside, but it certainly matters. Bouchard will run the power play soon enough. It doesn&#8217;t have to be this season. McDavid and Draisaitl are the triggermen right now, so having Bouchard blasting away from the point isn&#8217;t a big priority.
Baggedmilk:
Put the best power play on the ice regardless of who is manning the point.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-121625" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-5591234-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
5) Tristan asks &#8211; It&#8217;s Thanksgiving this weekend and I need to know what is everyone&#8217;s favourite dish and which ones everyone avoids? Happy Thanksgiving, Oilersnation.
Jason Gregor:
Mashed potatoes and gravy. The best dinner. Pumpkin pie and homemade whip cream for dessert. Unreal.
Stuffing will never touch my plate.
Robin Brownlee:
Mashed sweet potatoes. Not a fan of canned cranberry sauce.
Baggedmilk:
I love it all except brussels sprouts.
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Happy long weekend Monday, Nation, and welcome to a brand new edition of the Mailbag to help you start your week and break down everything that’s happening with our beloved Edmonton Oilers. This week we’re looking at Evan Bouchard's next contract, Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell, Jesse Puljujarvi, and a whole lot more. If you’ve got 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 we can.



[caption id="attachment_117242" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-117242" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_17741243-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Feb 14, 2022; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

1) @johnkuppers - Does Skinner take away the number 1 spot from Campbell? If so, when?

Jason Gregor:

I don’t think so. If Skinner makes 30-34 starts that would be a very solid season for him.

Robin Brownlee:

I don't see it. Skinner could get a run of starts in short stretches if Campbell struggles, but I don't think the Oilers coughed up <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2022/07/13/edmonton-oilers-sign-jack-campbell-to-five-year-5-million-aav-contract/">$25 million over five years</a> to relegate him to backup at the first sign of trouble. I expect we'll see Skinner in 28-32 games.

Baggedmilk:

Not any time soon. I could see it happening by the end of Campbell's time here, but not before that. We'll see.

[caption id="attachment_121342" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-121342" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Edmonton-Oilers-Dylan-Holloway-celebrates-pre-season-goal-against-Vancouver-Canucks-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 3, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenceman Noah Juulsen (47) skates past as Oilers winger Dylan Holloway (55) celebrates a goal with Oilers centre Leon Draisaitl (29) as the Vancouver Canucks take on the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

2) @jayPeeTee1 asks - If Holloway plays with either of McDrais for the majority of the year, does he win the Calder?

Jason Gregor:

It would put him in running I’d think. To say he’d win it for sure is hard considering you’re saying Holloway or the field. Odds are in favour of the field.

Robin Brownlee:

Majority of the year . . . 42 games, 50 games, 65 games? Obviously how many games he's with Draisaitl will make a difference but I don't think it's as far-fetched as some might. I don't know what the rest of the rookie field looks like, but I picked Holloway for the Calder as my surprise for the season in another poll, so I'll stick with that.

Baggedmilk:

I'm not even thinking about the Calder Trophy right now. If Holloway can come in and contribute say... 12-15 goals? I'd be pretty happy with that.

[caption id="attachment_120611" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-120611" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18206528-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> May 4, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal by forward Jesse Puljujarvi (13) during the third period against Los Angeles Kings in game two of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

3) @ryantyke asks - If they keep Jesse Puljujarvi - what are his expectations for the season realistically??

Jason Gregor:

Depends on where he plays. He isn’t on PK nor the 1st PP unit. If he can produce 40-45 points that’d be good. He isn’t a lock to play in top six all season. He and Yamamoto will get time in the top six, but neither is a lock at this point. Same as Holloway, and if they spend more time on the third line, then their production will decrease.

Robin Brownlee:

Puljujarvi hasn't shown he belongs in the top six over the long term. If he does, production goes up. If not, it goes the other way. Until I see something more than a segment of the fan base touting his underlying numbers, I'm not sold. Show me goals. Show me assists -- the good old-fashioned counting numbers you get on the scoresheet, not on a spreadsheet. In that regard, if Puljujarvi wants to be a top six winger he needs to be producing at least 20 goals and 45 points over a full season.

Baggedmilk:

I'm expecting a career-high in both goals and points. I bet he hits 20 goals this year, and we'll all be wondering why anyone would want to trade him.

[caption id="attachment_117543" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-117543" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/USATSI_18346318-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> May 24, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN;Edmonton Oilers defensemen Tyson Barrie (22) moves the puck in front of Calgary Flames forward Michael Backlund (11) during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

4) @betamanic asks - Should the Oilers keep Barrie on the top PP unit to keep Bouchard’s next contract down?

Jason Gregor:

Yes. Barrie is very good on the power play. He is very good at moving the puck. Bouchard has a better point shot, but this PP doesn’t need a heavy shot. The PP is best when 29 and 97 are the main shooters. Today, I see Barrie as a better distributor. You are correct that a potential bonus is it keeps Bouchard’s point totals down.

Robin Brownlee:

I think you do it because Barrie is better at moving the puck at this point -- the contract stuff is an aside, but it certainly matters. Bouchard will run the power play soon enough. It doesn't have to be this season. McDavid and Draisaitl are the triggermen right now, so having Bouchard blasting away from the point isn't a big priority.

Baggedmilk:

Put the best power play on the ice regardless of who is manning the point.

<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-121625" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-5591234-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />

5) Tristan asks - It's Thanksgiving this weekend and I need to know what is everyone's favourite dish and which ones everyone avoids? Happy Thanksgiving, Oilersnation.

Jason Gregor:
Mashed potatoes and gravy. The best dinner. Pumpkin pie and homemade whip cream for dessert. Unreal.
Stuffing will never touch my plate.
Robin Brownlee:

Mashed sweet potatoes. Not a fan of canned cranberry sauce.

Baggedmilk:

I love it all except brussels sprouts.
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Monday Mailbag – Tyson Barrie or Evan Bouchard on the power play?

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