Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I’ve got a fresh 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 discussing the Edmonton Oilers without Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, declining penalty numbers, first impressions of Jake Walman, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at baggedmilk@oilersnation.com or on Twitter at @jsbmbaggedmilk, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.
Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
1) Yves asks – If we’re to believe the week timeline for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s return, what is the biggest thing the rest of the team needs to do to survive the three+ games they’ll miss?
Jason Gregor:
I sense it will be more than a week. They will need guys who get increased opportunities to step up. We saw it vs. Seattle as RNH, Henrique, and Skinner scored. Those guys will need to keep producing along with Hyman and Arvidsson. They’ve been productive before in their careers, and we’ll need to produce with 97 and 29 out.
Baggedmilk:
The Oilers need to find a way to win. Yes, it stinks that both Draisaitl and McDavid are out, but the show goes on and we still need the points. So what do I expect? I expect them to find ways to win.
Mar 26, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch discusses a call with referee Jon McIsaac (2) in the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre.
2) Lance asks – I read Jason Gregor’s piece about the decline in penalty calling in the NHL, but it doesn’t seem like the league cares much about correcting the problem. What is the solution here? Or, if you don’t have one, what do you think is the reason the NHL allows the decline in penalties?
Jason Gregor:
Call the rulebook. It is such a simple solution, yet the NHL is asininely stubborn.
Baggedmilk:
The answer is to call the rulebook. It’s stupid that the NHL doesn’t think power play goals are good for the game. Horrible decision making.
Mar 22, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates a goal as Seattle Kraken centre Matty Beiners (10) skates past during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
3) Douglas asks – The Oilers’ secondary scoring has started to liven up over the last week, and I’m wondering if you think players like Nugent-Hopkins, Arvidsson, and Skinner are doing anything differently or if they’re just getting a little bit of luck?
Jason Gregor:
Skinner is making more plays and is moving his feet more. RNH needed some points to regain his confidence. Arvidsson isn’t falling down every third shift.
Baggedmilk:
I think confidence plays such a huge part in playing at the highest level, but you can never track it on a spreadsheet. All of those players are playing confidently, and the results are finally showing themselves.
Mar 10, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) skates up ice with the puck during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
4) Andrew asks – What has Jake Walman shown you in his brief time as an Oiler that you may not have known about him before the trade?
Jason Gregor:
Better shot blocker than I expected. He gets in lanes very well. He’s also very mobile laterally.
Baggedmilk:
He’s a better skater than I expected. Not only can Walman get himself in the play when there’s a lane, but he also moves well from side to side. I’m a big fan so far.
May 10, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch on the bench against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period game two of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
5) Braelyn asks – Could anyone see a situation where coach Knoblauch gives Calvin Pickard the reigns for more than a start or two? Why or why not?
Jason Gregor:
I’d be surprised. Anything is possible, but I don’t see it happening.
Baggedmilk:
If we haven’t seen yet, I don’t know that we will beyond playing two games in a row from time to time.
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