Happy Monday, Internet friends, and welcome to a brand new edition of the Mailbag to help get your week started and break down all things Edmonton Oilers. This week we’re looking at the NHL All-Star Game, Jack Campbell&#8217;s season so far, and a whole lot 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 we can.

<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-127674" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-03-at-9.05.43-PM-1024x587.png" alt="" width="1024" height="587" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-03-at-9.05.43-PM-1024x587.png 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-03-at-9.05.43-PM-300x172.png 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-03-at-9.05.43-PM-768x440.png 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-03-at-9.05.43-PM-1536x880.png 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-03-at-9.05.43-PM.png 1906w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
1) Frederic asks &#8211; The NHL All-Star Game has never been a competitive game by any means, but I&#8217;m wondering if anyone has any ideas on how they might improve the annual event?
Jason Gregor:
The game will never be high intensity. Nor should it. The only change I’d make it is to have it be the best players, not one representative from each team. If you want a player from each team then find one who can do one of the skills competitions. But the game itself is never going to be intense. Nor should it. You don’t want the best players in the world risking injury for a nothing game.
Robin Brownlee:
Something other than 3-on-3 hockey at three-quarter speed with zero intensity. Start there.
Cam Lewis:
The live draft that the league did during the mid-2010s was always entertaining. Having two captains choose teams while on the ice and then going straight into playing would be some entertaining chaos.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
It doesn&#8217;t need to be competitive. It&#8217;s not really about the game, it&#8217;s more about the weekend experience as a whole. It&#8217;s supposed to be a fun celebration of the sport, not some crazy hard-fought hockey game. I think the way it is now is fine.
Liam Horrobin:
Bring back the fantasy draft! For the couple of years that they did do the fantasy draft, it was fantastic. People say the all-star game is for the kids, which is very true. However, the draft showed some personality for the adults too. Additionally, I think the NHL should take the same approach to the skills comp as the NBA does. You shouldn’t have to be in the game to take part in the skills comp.
Baggedmilk:
The NHL should give everyone on the winning team $100K for the charity of their choice. Should get some guys moving,
<figure id="attachment_126718" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126718" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-large wp-image-126718" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19794716_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19794716_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19794716_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19794716_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19794716_168383996_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19794716_168383996_lowres.jpg 1818w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-126718" class="wp-caption-text">Jan 14, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) shoots the puck at Edmonton Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell (36) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
2) Dylan asks &#8211; It&#8217;s almost been a tale of two seasons so far for Jack Campbell. What do you think he&#8217;s doing differently over the last handful of weeks that seems to be turning his year around? Is it too soon to say that&#8217;s happening?
Jason Gregor:
Changing his equipment helped. Bigger chest protector, firmer glove and pads that push rebounds further. But he also spent time working on sharpening up some techniques, but mainly the new gear has helped with his confidence. Confidence is a big factor.
Robin Brownlee:
Yes, it is. Just like it was too soon to write him off when he was terrible early. He seems more comfortable in the pads he&#8217;s using since the change.
Cam Lewis:
It seems that making the change to his equipment a few weeks ago has been a game-changer. He was eventually going to snap out of the early-season funk and it&#8217;s nice that he&#8217;s finding his groove.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
He&#8217;s coming off a very good month, not just a good couple of games, so I do think it&#8217;s fair to say it&#8217;s happening. I&#8217;m far from a goaltending expert but his glove hand has gotten a lot more reliable. That&#8217;s one thing I&#8217;ve noticed.
Liam Horrobin:
I don’t know the techniques of a goaltender well enough to judge him fully, however, the confidence seems to be there with him way more now. He isn’t allowing as many bad goals, which is the biggest takeaway for me. The team is also playing better defensively in front of him and not giving up as many grade-A chances.
Baggedmilk:
Definitely too soon to hang the Mission Accomplished banner, but I am very happy with his play over the last six weeks or so.
<figure id="attachment_127257" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-127257" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-large wp-image-127257" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19837862-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19837862-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19837862-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19837862-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19837862-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19837862-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-127257" class="wp-caption-text">Jan 21, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) and goalie Stuart Skinner (74) celebrate their victory against the Vancouver Canucks Rogers Arena. Oilers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
3) David O. asks &#8211; A recent article I read ranked Skinner as the 18th best mask among starting goalies (the New York Post listed him as a favourite). What are some of the panels&#8217; favorite all-time goalie masks?
Jason Gregor:
My favourite was Curtis Joseph’s Cujo masks.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-127740" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cujo.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="396" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cujo.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cujo-227x300.jpg 227w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Robin Brownlee:
I&#8217;ve always liked Curtis Joseph&#8217;s Cujo mask.
Cam Lewis:
I love the cage that guys like Dominik Hasek and Artus Irbe rocked&#8230;
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-39231" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hasek.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="373" />
Tyler Yaremchuk:
That Dwayne Roloson one more the 2006 Cup run was iconic. That&#8217;s right up there. Outside of Edmonton, I always liked the Eddie Belfour ones when I was younger. Also, I&#8217;m a sucker for the old-school-style ones that are just super basic. I liked the Mike Smith one where it was a nod to Grant Fuhr.
Liam Horrobin:
I don’t know if I have a favourite but I did like the giraffe on the back of Devan Dubnyks helmet.
Baggedmilk:
Cujo&#8217;s mask was always awesome. I like Bill Ranford&#8217;s classic lid. Tommy Salo always had good ones. Great question.
<figure id="attachment_127622" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-127622" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-large wp-image-127622" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connor-McDavid-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connor-McDavid-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connor-McDavid-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connor-McDavid-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connor-McDavid-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connor-McDavid-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-127622" class="wp-caption-text">Jan 19, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his goal during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
4) Al asks &#8211; The Oilers have 32 games remaining on the year so what do they need to do to make sure they&#8217;re making the playoffs? Do they have a realistic shot at the division?
Jason Gregor:
Continue playing like they have in 2023. They have cut down on the major giveaways, tightened up defensively and got depth scoring throughout the lineup. They are playing to their potential now. They have a very realistic shot at winning the division. I believe they will win it.
Robin Brownlee:
The top four teams in the Pacific are within three points of each other. Two of the three teams ahead of the Oilers have played more games. They can win the division but they need to improve on that 13-11-3 record at home.
Cam Lewis:
The key is the head-to-head matchups. They see Vegas twice in March, they&#8217;ll play the Kings a couple more times late in the season, and they go up against Seattle once more. There&#8217;ll be ups and downs the rest of the way and hopefully those Pacific Division games are the ups.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I&#8217;d like to see them go 20-10-0 and finish the year with 100 points. It&#8217;ll be tough but their schedule isn&#8217;t that difficult and they seem to really be coming together as of late. I think 100 points should be the goal but I think they&#8217;ll need about 104-106 to win the division so that would mean going at least 22-8. Tough sledding for sure but it&#8217;s more than possible.
Liam Horrobin:
The division is 100% in play for the Oilers. They just need to continue winning the games they’re supposed to. They also need a strong finish versus the Pacific Division. Finally, at this point, I don’t see a situation in which the Oilers don’t make the playoffs.
Baggedmilk:
If the Oilers keep this run going, there&#8217;s a real chance they can still win the division. So to answer the question, what I need from the Oilers is for the boys to keep doing what they&#8217;re doing.
<figure id="attachment_126886" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126886" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-large wp-image-126886" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Edmonton-Oilers-Evander-Kane-was-back-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Edmonton-Oilers-Evander-Kane-was-back-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Edmonton-Oilers-Evander-Kane-was-back-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Edmonton-Oilers-Evander-Kane-was-back-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Edmonton-Oilers-Evander-Kane-was-back.jpg 1258w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-126886" class="wp-caption-text">Jan 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane (91) returns to the lineup against the Seattle Kraken after missing two months after having his wrist cut, at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
5) James in Peterborough asks &#8211; Curious as to how you would assess the club as they hit the final months of the season. Close to fully healthy, they have been very good lately, minus a blip or 2. Is their ceiling high enough to be a Cup contender? If not, where are the glaring needs?
Jason Gregor:
They have played very similar to how they did in their 38 games with Woodcroft last season. They’ve lowered their goals against. Offence isn’t an issue. Yes, I see them as a Cup contender. Colorado would be favourite in the West, but EDM is right there with the rest of the teams. I still would like a solid veteran top-four defender. Hard to find, but if they could land one that would be ideal. A right shot forward who could take draws and has speed would be nice as well. Not a necessity, but would be a good addition.
Robin Brownlee:
I don&#8217;t see any glaring needs, but I&#8217;m not excited about how unsettled they are on RW with Kailer Yamamoto coming back from injury and Jesse Puljujarvi nothing more than luggage until he gets traded.
Cam Lewis:
I&#8217;d have thought that the blueline would be the biggest area of need but Philip Broberg and Vincent Desharnais have helped fill that internally. They could still use another veteran on defence but it seems now the biggest need is on the wings, or the third-line centre spot so that a pivot can move to the wing.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Yes. They have the two most consistent offensive producers in the league, other forwards having career years, and a rookie goalie capable of stealing games. Get a better defensive centreman and upgrade the blueline a bit and this team will be set. The Pacific isn&#8217;t that good and quite frankly the entire Western Conference is wide open.
Liam Horrobin:
When you have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl you can be considered Cup contenders. By the deadline, Holland needs to add another defenceman and a two-way forward. Jonathan Toews feels like a good player to fill that two-way forward role.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m worried about the depth on the right wing, especially if Yamamoto gets banged up again whenever he comes back from this recent stint on the LTIR. Also, just as I have been all season, I&#8217;d love a defensive upgrade on the back end.
<hr />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">MAILBAG PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-127539" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Article-1-SME-1-1.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Article-1-SME-1-1.png 728w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Article-1-SME-1-1-300x166.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
Star Mechanical is Edmonton’s top plumbing and heating company. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to helping with all your plumbing and heating needs, from repairs and maintenance to installation and upgrades. With years of experience and a reputation for quality workmanship, you can trust us your local Star to get the job done. <a href="https://starmechanical.ca/?utm_source=nation_network&amp;utm_medium=blog_post" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit us at starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let us help keep your home running smoothly.

Happy Monday, Internet friends, and welcome to a brand new edition of the Mailbag to help get your week started and break down all things Edmonton Oilers. This week we’re looking at the NHL All-Star Game, Jack Campbell's season so far, and a whole lot 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 we can.



<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-127674" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-03-at-9.05.43-PM-1024x587.png" alt="" width="1024" height="587" />

1) Frederic asks - The NHL All-Star Game has never been a competitive game by any means, but I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on how they might improve the annual event?

Jason Gregor:

The game will never be high intensity. Nor should it. The only change I’d make it is to have it be the best players, not one representative from each team. If you want a player from each team then find one who can do one of the skills competitions. But the game itself is never going to be intense. Nor should it. You don’t want the best players in the world risking injury for a nothing game.

Robin Brownlee:

Something other than 3-on-3 hockey at three-quarter speed with zero intensity. Start there.

Cam Lewis:

The live draft that the league did during the mid-2010s was always entertaining. Having two captains choose teams while on the ice and then going straight into playing would be some entertaining chaos.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

It doesn't need to be competitive. It's not really about the game, it's more about the weekend experience as a whole. It's supposed to be a fun celebration of the sport, not some crazy hard-fought hockey game. I think the way it is now is fine.

Liam Horrobin:

Bring back the fantasy draft! For the couple of years that they did do the fantasy draft, it was fantastic. People say the all-star game is for the kids, which is very true. However, the draft showed some personality for the adults too. Additionally, I think the NHL should take the same approach to the skills comp as the NBA does. You shouldn’t have to be in the game to take part in the skills comp.

Baggedmilk:

The NHL should give everyone on the winning team $100K for the charity of their choice. Should get some guys moving,

[caption id="attachment_126718" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-126718" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19794716_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Jan 14, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) shoots the puck at Edmonton Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell (36) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

2) Dylan asks - It's almost been a tale of two seasons so far for Jack Campbell. What do you think he's doing differently over the last handful of weeks that seems to be turning his year around? Is it too soon to say that's happening?

Jason Gregor:

Changing his equipment helped. Bigger chest protector, firmer glove and pads that push rebounds further. But he also spent time working on sharpening up some techniques, but mainly the new gear has helped with his confidence. Confidence is a big factor.

Robin Brownlee:

Yes, it is. Just like it was too soon to write him off when he was terrible early. He seems more comfortable in the pads he's using since the change.

Cam Lewis:

It seems that making the change to his equipment a few weeks ago has been a game-changer. He was eventually going to snap out of the early-season funk and it's nice that he's finding his groove.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

He's coming off a very good month, not just a good couple of games, so I do think it's fair to say it's happening. I'm far from a goaltending expert but his glove hand has gotten a lot more reliable. That's one thing I've noticed.

Liam Horrobin:

I don’t know the techniques of a goaltender well enough to judge him fully, however, the confidence seems to be there with him way more now. He isn’t allowing as many bad goals, which is the biggest takeaway for me. The team is also playing better defensively in front of him and not giving up as many grade-A chances.

Baggedmilk:

Definitely too soon to hang the Mission Accomplished banner, but I am very happy with his play over the last six weeks or so.

[caption id="attachment_127257" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-127257" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/USATSI_19837862-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Jan 21, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) and goalie Stuart Skinner (74) celebrate their victory against the Vancouver Canucks Rogers Arena. Oilers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

3) David O. asks - A recent article I read ranked Skinner as the 18th best mask among starting goalies (the New York Post listed him as a favourite). What are some of the panels' favorite all-time goalie masks?

Jason Gregor:

My favourite was Curtis Joseph’s Cujo masks.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-127740" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cujo.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="396" />

Robin Brownlee:

I've always liked Curtis Joseph's Cujo mask.

Cam Lewis:

I love the cage that guys like Dominik Hasek and Artus Irbe rocked...

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-39231" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hasek.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="373" />

Tyler Yaremchuk:

That Dwayne Roloson one more the 2006 Cup run was iconic. That's right up there. Outside of Edmonton, I always liked the Eddie Belfour ones when I was younger. Also, I'm a sucker for the old-school-style ones that are just super basic. I liked the Mike Smith one where it was a nod to Grant Fuhr.

Liam Horrobin:

I don’t know if I have a favourite but I did like the giraffe on the back of Devan Dubnyks helmet.

Baggedmilk:

Cujo's mask was always awesome. I like Bill Ranford's classic lid. Tommy Salo always had good ones. Great question.

[caption id="attachment_127622" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-127622" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connor-McDavid-celebrates-goal-Edmonton-Oilers-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Jan 19, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his goal during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

4) Al asks - The Oilers have 32 games remaining on the year so what do they need to do to make sure they're making the playoffs? Do they have a realistic shot at the division?

Jason Gregor:

Continue playing like they have in 2023. They have cut down on the major giveaways, tightened up defensively and got depth scoring throughout the lineup. They are playing to their potential now. They have a very realistic shot at winning the division. I believe they will win it.

Robin Brownlee:

The top four teams in the Pacific are within three points of each other. Two of the three teams ahead of the Oilers have played more games. They can win the division but they need to improve on that 13-11-3 record at home.

Cam Lewis:

The key is the head-to-head matchups. They see Vegas twice in March, they'll play the Kings a couple more times late in the season, and they go up against Seattle once more. There'll be ups and downs the rest of the way and hopefully those Pacific Division games are the ups.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I'd like to see them go 20-10-0 and finish the year with 100 points. It'll be tough but their schedule isn't that difficult and they seem to really be coming together as of late. I think 100 points should be the goal but I think they'll need about 104-106 to win the division so that would mean going at least 22-8. Tough sledding for sure but it's more than possible.

Liam Horrobin:

The division is 100% in play for the Oilers. They just need to continue winning the games they’re supposed to. They also need a strong finish versus the Pacific Division. Finally, at this point, I don’t see a situation in which the Oilers don’t make the playoffs.

Baggedmilk:

If the Oilers keep this run going, there's a real chance they can still win the division. So to answer the question, what I need from the Oilers is for the boys to keep doing what they're doing.

[caption id="attachment_126886" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-126886" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Edmonton-Oilers-Evander-Kane-was-back-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Jan 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane (91) returns to the lineup against the Seattle Kraken after missing two months after having his wrist cut, at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

5) James in Peterborough asks - Curious as to how you would assess the club as they hit the final months of the season. Close to fully healthy, they have been very good lately, minus a blip or 2. Is their ceiling high enough to be a Cup contender? If not, where are the glaring needs?

Jason Gregor:

They have played very similar to how they did in their 38 games with Woodcroft last season. They’ve lowered their goals against. Offence isn’t an issue. Yes, I see them as a Cup contender. Colorado would be favourite in the West, but EDM is right there with the rest of the teams. I still would like a solid veteran top-four defender. Hard to find, but if they could land one that would be ideal. A right shot forward who could take draws and has speed would be nice as well. Not a necessity, but would be a good addition.

Robin Brownlee:

I don't see any glaring needs, but I'm not excited about how unsettled they are on RW with Kailer Yamamoto coming back from injury and Jesse Puljujarvi nothing more than luggage until he gets traded.

Cam Lewis:

I'd have thought that the blueline would be the biggest area of need but Philip Broberg and Vincent Desharnais have helped fill that internally. They could still use another veteran on defence but it seems now the biggest need is on the wings, or the third-line centre spot so that a pivot can move to the wing.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Yes. They have the two most consistent offensive producers in the league, other forwards having career years, and a rookie goalie capable of stealing games. Get a better defensive centreman and upgrade the blueline a bit and this team will be set. The Pacific isn't that good and quite frankly the entire Western Conference is wide open.

Liam Horrobin:

When you have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl you can be considered Cup contenders. By the deadline, Holland needs to add another defenceman and a two-way forward. Jonathan Toews feels like a good player to fill that two-way forward role.

Baggedmilk:

I'm worried about the depth on the right wing, especially if Yamamoto gets banged up again whenever he comes back from this recent stint on the LTIR. Also, just as I have been all season, I'd love a defensive upgrade on the back end.

<hr />

<h2 style="text-align: left;">MAILBAG PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-127539" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Article-1-SME-1-1.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" />

Star Mechanical is Edmonton’s top plumbing and heating company. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to helping with all your plumbing and heating needs, from repairs and maintenance to installation and upgrades. With years of experience and a reputation for quality workmanship, you can trust us your local Star to get the job done. <a href="https://starmechanical.ca/?utm_source=nation_network&amp;utm_medium=blog_post" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit us at starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let us help keep your home running smoothly.

Monday Mailbag – What do the Oilers have to do over their final 32 games?

Recent articles from baggedmilk

Breaking News