Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to each and all of you. As always, I&#8217;ve got a brand new 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&#8217;re discussing the Ryan McLeod trade, Stuart Skinner&#8217;s contract, and 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 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_162475" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-162475" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-162475" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24501374-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Troy Stecher fights Sean Couturier" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24501374-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24501374-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24501374-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24501374-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24501374-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-162475" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Troy Stecher (51) and Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier (14) fight during the third period at Rogers Place.</figcaption></figure>
1) Yves asks &#8211; What has been the most surprising part of the Oilers&#8217; game through the first two weeks of <a href="https://oilersnation.com/schedule">the season</a>? I&#8217;m most perplexed by the special teams struggles we&#8217;ve seen.
Jason Gregor:
The lack of finish from the Oilers top guys. Zach Hyman having no goals or points is a major surprise.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I 100% agree. The powerplay looking as disjointed as it has been is very surprising. They haven&#8217;t even been producing many &#8220;Grade A&#8221; chances either. Bouchard is having an alarmingly high number of his shots blocked, Draisaitl is trying to make too many hero plays, and McDavid has been a non-factor. It&#8217;s wild.
Baggedmilk:
It&#8217;s definitely been  a quieter start to the season by the star players than I maybe expected, but I also think they&#8217;ll rebound sooner than later. We&#8217;ll see. I&#8217;m with you, though, the power play struggles aren&#8217;t something I had on my bingo card.
<figure id="attachment_145078" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-145078" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-145078" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_22310684-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan McLeod" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_22310684-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_22310684-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_22310684-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_22310684-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_22310684-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-145078" class="wp-caption-text">Jan 16, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan McLeod (71) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rogers Place.</figcaption></figure>
2) Brendan asks &#8211; <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/08/many-layers-to-the-oilers-ryan-mcleod-for-matthew-savoie-trade/">Ryan McLeod was traded</a> after <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/01/edmonton-oilers-sign-adam-henrique-to-two-year-contract/">Adam Henrique signed</a>, but doesn&#8217;t it seem like the Oilers could still use him since they&#8217;re already playing Leon Draisaitl with Connor McDavid?
Jason Gregor:
I don’t expect 97 and 29 to play together long term. McLeod was traded for high end potential in Savoie.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
No, I just think the Oilers should stop playing Connor McDavid with Leon Draisaitl. They could have excellent centre depth, they&#8217;re just actively choosing not to. They do miss McLeod on the PK though.
Baggedmilk:
I wish Kris Knoblauch would separate McDavid and Draisaitl, and put them together at strategic moments of the game. I think the Oilers are a more dangerous team when they&#8217;re both anchoring their own line.
<figure id="attachment_162405" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-162405" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-162405" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24491542-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24491542-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24491542-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24491542-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24491542-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24491542-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-162405" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 13, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) follows the play against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Mitch asks &#8211; How do you think the recent goaltender contracts like Swayman and Oettinger will impact Edmonton&#8217;s approach with <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/10/01/the-jeremy-swayman-drama-and-stuart-skinners-next-contract/">Stuart Skinner</a>? Or is he not even in the same league as those guys?
Jason Gregor:
Skinner would need more consistency to be in their category. He has shown he can have long stretches of playing well, but he also has stretches of poor play which lowers his Sv% and increases his GAA and until that changes he likely won’t sign a similar deal to either of Swayman and Oettinger.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think he&#8217;s closer to being in the same league as those guys than some people realize. He&#8217;s a very good goaltender, not elite, but very good for his age and it&#8217;s going to cost the Oilers. If I were Stan Bowman, I would be trying to extend Stuart Skinner as soon as he&#8217;s eligible next summer. Give him the full eight-year team and lock in some cost certainty.
Baggedmilk:
No matter what Stuart Skinner gets on his next deal, his agent is going to use Swayman and Oettinger as comparables. He wouldn&#8217;t be doing his job if he didn&#8217;t. I think Stu is a fantastic goalie but I also think his lows are maybe a step below where the truly elite goalies end up when they&#8217;re off their game.
<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="auto, (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>
4) Jay C. asks &#8211; Have we, as fans, underestimated the impact on this team’s play and identity that Evander Kane has?
Jason Gregor:
I can’t answer that for others.  I wrote before the season began they would miss his combination of skill and toughness. I disagreed with those claiming they wouldn’t miss him.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I don&#8217;t think so. I don&#8217;t believe the reason they&#8217;re loosing is because of depth scoring or toughness. The reason they&#8217;re loosing is because of their special teams and a lack of production from some of the big guns.
Baggedmilk:
When Kane is healthy and at his best, he&#8217;s one of the best power forwards in the league. Unfortunately, our man has been pretty banged up over the last two years, and we&#8217;ve forgotten how good he is at his best. I miss the swagger he brings to the lineup. It doesn&#8217;t show in the spreadsheets, but it does in overall vibes.
<figure id="attachment_151272" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-151272" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-151272" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23058853_168383996_lowres-1024x696.jpg" alt="Colorado Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon" width="1024" height="696" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23058853_168383996_lowres-1024x696.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23058853_168383996_lowres-300x204.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23058853_168383996_lowres-768x522.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23058853_168383996_lowres-1536x1044.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23058853_168383996_lowres-2048x1392.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151272" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 18, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his assistant of a goal in the first period against the Edmonton Oilers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
5) Marc asks &#8211; Which west contender out of the Oilers, Avalanche, or Predators has had the most surprising start and why?
Jason Gregor:
Predators being 0-5 is a surprise. Oilers offence being MIA is also a surprise, but I’d say NSH is a bigger surprise.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
The Predators being 0-5 is very surprising. Yes, they brought in a lot of new pieces and it just isn&#8217;t clicking yet, but they had a full pre-season to get used to playing with each other. The Avalanche have some serious problems, but with all their injuries, their roster looked flawed from the jump.
Baggedmilk:
All of them are surprising, but having Nashville go 0-5 with the pieces they have in their lineup wasn&#8217;t something I saw coming.
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Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to each and all of you. As always, I've got a brand new 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 Ryan McLeod trade, Stuart Skinner's contract, and 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 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_162475" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-162475" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24501374-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Troy Stecher fights Sean Couturier" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Troy Stecher (51) and Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier (14) fight during the third period at Rogers Place.[/caption]

1) Yves asks - What has been the most surprising part of the Oilers' game through the first two weeks of <a href="https://oilersnation.com/schedule">the season</a>? I'm most perplexed by the special teams struggles we've seen.

Jason Gregor:

The lack of finish from the Oilers top guys. Zach Hyman having no goals or points is a major surprise.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I 100% agree. The powerplay looking as disjointed as it has been is very surprising. They haven't even been producing many "Grade A" chances either. Bouchard is having an alarmingly high number of his shots blocked, Draisaitl is trying to make too many hero plays, and McDavid has been a non-factor. It's wild.

Baggedmilk:

It's definitely been  a quieter start to the season by the star players than I maybe expected, but I also think they'll rebound sooner than later. We'll see. I'm with you, though, the power play struggles aren't something I had on my bingo card.

[caption id="attachment_145078" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-145078" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_22310684-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan McLeod" width="1024" height="683" /> Jan 16, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan McLeod (71) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rogers Place.[/caption]

2) Brendan asks - <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/08/many-layers-to-the-oilers-ryan-mcleod-for-matthew-savoie-trade/">Ryan McLeod was traded</a> after <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/01/edmonton-oilers-sign-adam-henrique-to-two-year-contract/">Adam Henrique signed</a>, but doesn't it seem like the Oilers could still use him since they're already playing Leon Draisaitl with Connor McDavid?

Jason Gregor:

I don’t expect 97 and 29 to play together long term. McLeod was traded for high end potential in Savoie.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

No, I just think the Oilers should stop playing Connor McDavid with Leon Draisaitl. They could have excellent centre depth, they're just actively choosing not to. They do miss McLeod on the PK though.

Baggedmilk:

I wish Kris Knoblauch would separate McDavid and Draisaitl, and put them together at strategic moments of the game. I think the Oilers are a more dangerous team when they're both anchoring their own line.

[caption id="attachment_162405" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-162405" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24491542-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 13, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) follows the play against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Mitch asks - How do you think the recent goaltender contracts like Swayman and Oettinger will impact Edmonton's approach with <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/10/01/the-jeremy-swayman-drama-and-stuart-skinners-next-contract/">Stuart Skinner</a>? Or is he not even in the same league as those guys?

Jason Gregor:

Skinner would need more consistency to be in their category. He has shown he can have long stretches of playing well, but he also has stretches of poor play which lowers his Sv% and increases his GAA and until that changes he likely won’t sign a similar deal to either of Swayman and Oettinger.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I think he's closer to being in the same league as those guys than some people realize. He's a very good goaltender, not elite, but very good for his age and it's going to cost the Oilers. If I were Stan Bowman, I would be trying to extend Stuart Skinner as soon as he's eligible next summer. Give him the full eight-year team and lock in some cost certainty.

Baggedmilk:

No matter what Stuart Skinner gets on his next deal, his agent is going to use Swayman and Oettinger as comparables. He wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't. I think Stu is a fantastic goalie but I also think his lows are maybe a step below where the truly elite goalies end up when they're off their game.

[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]

4) Jay C. asks - Have we, as fans, underestimated the impact on this team’s play and identity that Evander Kane has?

Jason Gregor:

I can’t answer that for others.  I wrote before the season began they would miss his combination of skill and toughness. I disagreed with those claiming they wouldn’t miss him.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I don't think so. I don't believe the reason they're loosing is because of depth scoring or toughness. The reason they're loosing is because of their special teams and a lack of production from some of the big guns.

Baggedmilk:

When Kane is healthy and at his best, he's one of the best power forwards in the league. Unfortunately, our man has been pretty banged up over the last two years, and we've forgotten how good he is at his best. I miss the swagger he brings to the lineup. It doesn't show in the spreadsheets, but it does in overall vibes.

[caption id="attachment_151272" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-151272" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23058853_168383996_lowres-1024x696.jpg" alt="Colorado Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon" width="1024" height="696" /> Apr 18, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his assistant of a goal in the first period against the Edmonton Oilers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

5) Marc asks - Which west contender out of the Oilers, Avalanche, or Predators has had the most surprising start and why?

Jason Gregor:

Predators being 0-5 is a surprise. Oilers offence being MIA is also a surprise, but I’d say NSH is a bigger surprise.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

The Predators being 0-5 is very surprising. Yes, they brought in a lot of new pieces and it just isn't clicking yet, but they had a full pre-season to get used to playing with each other. The Avalanche have some serious problems, but with all their injuries, their roster looked flawed from the jump.

Baggedmilk:

All of them are surprising, but having Nashville go 0-5 with the pieces they have in their lineup wasn't something I saw coming.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
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