Happy Monday, friends, I&#8217;m happy you joined us for another fresh edition of the Mailbag to help get your week started and break down all things Edmonton Oilers. This week, we’re looking at where you slot in Connor Brown, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins point predictions, 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.

<figure id="attachment_135957" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-135957" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-135957" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-Brown-forward-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-Brown-forward-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-Brown-forward-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-Brown-forward-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-Brown-forward-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-Brown-forward-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-135957" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 15, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Connor Brown (28) skates with the puck as Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jordan Harris (54) defends in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
1) @thegoldenmuzzy asks &#8211; Where do you think the best fit in the lineup is for Connor Brown?
Jason Gregor:
He will be on the RW. Makes sense to start him with McDavid, but I could see him and Hyman switching between McDavid and Draisaitl at times.
Robin Brownlee:
RW on the first line.
Liam Horrobin:
It feels inevitable that the Oilers test him with Connor McDavid right away. With that, top line right wing.
 Baggedmilk:
Top six RW. I can see him and Hyman flipping back and forth depending on how things are going.
<figure id="attachment_131259" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-131259" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-131259" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_20338143-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_20338143-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_20338143-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_20338143-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_20338143-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_20338143-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-131259" class="wp-caption-text">Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
2) Bailey asks &#8211; What is a reasonable expectation for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins after putting up a 104-point season?
Jason Gregor:
His previous career high was 69 points. If he stays healthy I’d say he could get to 80+ because the power play is so good. He was the only forward in the top 200 scorers who had more PP points (53) than even strength points (47). Others were close like Corey Perry (13EVP-12PPP) John Tavares (41-39) and Leon Draisaitl (64-62). RNH doubled his previous career high in PP points which was 26 (2019). He is the third most important piece on the PP and if he stays healthy I see him surpassing 40 PPP again.
Robin Brownlee:
I&#8217;m thinking right around 70 points, the second-highest total of his career.
Liam Horrobin:
Tyler and I were just talking about this! I would think between 75 to 90 is reasonable. Tough to expect another 100-point season.
 Baggedmilk:
Give me 75. He&#8217;ll still be getting his power play time and plenty of even strength minutes with Connor or Leon.
<figure id="attachment_134906" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-134906" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-134906" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_20423947-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_20423947-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_20423947-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_20423947-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_20423947-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_20423947-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-134906" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 8, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg (86) chases after the puck during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
3) Ed M. asks &#8211; There is a lot of speculation on the role that Broberg will play. Anywhere from displacing Kulak to another year in the AHL. Where do you think (not hope) he will play this season?
Jason Gregor:
I don’t see him displacing Kulak to start the season. He doesn’t require waivers so unless he beats out Vincent Desharnais for the 3rd RD, I think he will spend more time in the AHL to start. He needs to play. Edmonton’s blueline was very healthy last year. Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Kulak didn’t miss a game. Tyson Barrie/Mattias Ekholm played 82 games for the Oilers. Cody Ceci missed two games. Their top-five D missed a total of two games. I think Broberg will play more this year, because the odds suggest someone on the blue line will get banged up.
Robin Brownlee:
I don&#8217;t see him starting in the top six and it makes no sense to have him hanging around without getting ice time as a seventh guy, so it&#8217;s Bakersfield to start.
Liam Horrobin:
My belief is that the Oilers test him on his off side more often than not. I actually think we will see a lot more of him that people think.
 Baggedmilk:
I think he&#8217;ll be battling for the seventh defenceman role until he steals minutes from someone else.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-136291" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-1024x881.png" alt="" width="1024" height="881" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-1024x881.png 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-300x258.png 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-768x661.png 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field.png 1178w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
4) Kristopher Palmer asks &#8211; In the spirit of the Squire&#8217;s home run, what could each member do better than anyone else at Nation HQ?
Jason Gregor:
I’d be better at steer riding. Also talking like Donald Duck. 
Brownlee is better at music trivia and walking comfortably in six-inch platform boots. 
Wanye can code better than all of us. Also, he is very skilled on the flute. 
Zach can chug beer the fastest. Also quickest at solving intermediate level of Sudoku. 
Baggedmilk dominates at the Price is Right. And is easily the best thrift shopper. 
Tyler can work through a hangover the best. Saw it in Nashville. And he knows the most about “reality TV contestants.” 
Chalmers dominates at limbo (height advantage) and would run a marathon the fastest. 
Cam can type on his phone the quickest, post online the fastest, and he won four piano recitals in his youth. 
Liam is a former spelling bee champion and can dribble a soccer ball (touches) the longest.
Robin Brownlee:
So, you&#8217;re calling it a home run when his foot was outside the batter&#8217;s box? If I&#8217;m limited to one, I&#8217;ll go with work on/restore a classic car. Most of these guys probably haven&#8217;t even done their own oil change.
Liam Horrobin:
I could score more free kick goals in soccer than anyone else.
 Baggedmilk:
Without question, I can giver better than anyone in this company. Put a few rums in me and watch out.
<figure id="attachment_91226" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-91226" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-91226" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NHL-Commissioner-Gary-Bettman-NHL-Draft-1024x751.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="751" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NHL-Commissioner-Gary-Bettman-NHL-Draft-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NHL-Commissioner-Gary-Bettman-NHL-Draft-300x220.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NHL-Commissioner-Gary-Bettman-NHL-Draft-768x563.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NHL-Commissioner-Gary-Bettman-NHL-Draft-1536x1127.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NHL-Commissioner-Gary-Bettman-NHL-Draft-2048x1502.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-91226" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 21, 2019; Vancouver, BC, Canada; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks before the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
5) Summer Mode Scott asks &#8211; I would like to see the elimination of all no-trade/movement clauses in the last year of a contract. If you could make one realistic change to the rules or the CBA with the fans in mind, what would it be?
Jason Gregor:
I’d make the max term a player 28+ can sign is five years.
Robin Brownlee:
Following your lead, I&#8217;d like to see a limit to the number of NTC and NMC any team can have in any given season. Far too many of them now.
Liam Horrobin:
I would add contract modifications. That means that you can adjust the cap hit of a player by adding another year or two.
 Baggedmilk:
Give me a franchise player tag. Do it. Also, max number of pre-season games is four.
<h2 style="text-align: left">MAILBAG PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" 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, friends, I'm happy you joined us for another fresh edition of the Mailbag to help get your week started and break down all things Edmonton Oilers. This week, we’re looking at where you slot in Connor Brown, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins point predictions, 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.



[caption id="attachment_135957" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-135957" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-Brown-forward-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 15, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Connor Brown (28) skates with the puck as Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jordan Harris (54) defends in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

1) @thegoldenmuzzy asks - Where do you think the best fit in the lineup is for Connor Brown?

Jason Gregor:

He will be on the RW. Makes sense to start him with McDavid, but I could see him and Hyman switching between McDavid and Draisaitl at times.

Robin Brownlee:

RW on the first line.

Liam Horrobin:

It feels inevitable that the Oilers test him with Connor McDavid right away. With that, top line right wing.

 Baggedmilk:

Top six RW. I can see him and Hyman flipping back and forth depending on how things are going.

[caption id="attachment_131259" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-131259" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_20338143-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Mar 28, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

2) Bailey asks - What is a reasonable expectation for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins after putting up a 104-point season?

Jason Gregor:

His previous career high was 69 points. If he stays healthy I’d say he could get to 80+ because the power play is so good. He was the only forward in the top 200 scorers who had more PP points (53) than even strength points (47). Others were close like Corey Perry (13EVP-12PPP) John Tavares (41-39) and Leon Draisaitl (64-62). RNH doubled his previous career high in PP points which was 26 (2019). He is the third most important piece on the PP and if he stays healthy I see him surpassing 40 PPP again.

Robin Brownlee:

I'm thinking right around 70 points, the second-highest total of his career.

Liam Horrobin:

Tyler and I were just talking about this! I would think between 75 to 90 is reasonable. Tough to expect another 100-point season.

 Baggedmilk:

Give me 75. He'll still be getting his power play time and plenty of even strength minutes with Connor or Leon.

[caption id="attachment_134906" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-134906" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_20423947-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Apr 8, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg (86) chases after the puck during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

3) Ed M. asks - There is a lot of speculation on the role that Broberg will play. Anywhere from displacing Kulak to another year in the AHL. Where do you think (not hope) he will play this season?

Jason Gregor:

I don’t see him displacing Kulak to start the season. He doesn’t require waivers so unless he beats out Vincent Desharnais for the 3rd RD, I think he will spend more time in the AHL to start. He needs to play. Edmonton’s blueline was very healthy last year. Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Kulak didn’t miss a game. Tyson Barrie/Mattias Ekholm played 82 games for the Oilers. Cody Ceci missed two games. Their top-five D missed a total of two games. I think Broberg will play more this year, because the odds suggest someone on the blue line will get banged up.

Robin Brownlee:

I don't see him starting in the top six and it makes no sense to have him hanging around without getting ice time as a seventh guy, so it's Bakersfield to start.

Liam Horrobin:

My belief is that the Oilers test him on his off side more often than not. I actually think we will see a lot more of him that people think.

 Baggedmilk:

I think he'll be battling for the seventh defenceman role until he steals minutes from someone else.

<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-136291" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jay-Downton-hits-home-run-at-REMAX-Field-1024x881.png" alt="" width="1024" height="881" />

4) Kristopher Palmer asks - In the spirit of the Squire's home run, what could each member do better than anyone else at Nation HQ?

Jason Gregor:

I’d be better at steer riding. Also talking like Donald Duck.
Brownlee is better at music trivia and walking comfortably in six-inch platform boots.
Wanye can code better than all of us. Also, he is very skilled on the flute.
Zach can chug beer the fastest. Also quickest at solving intermediate level of Sudoku.
Baggedmilk dominates at the Price is Right. And is easily the best thrift shopper.
Tyler can work through a hangover the best. Saw it in Nashville. And he knows the most about “reality TV contestants.”
Chalmers dominates at limbo (height advantage) and would run a marathon the fastest.
Cam can type on his phone the quickest, post online the fastest, and he won four piano recitals in his youth.
Liam is a former spelling bee champion and can dribble a soccer ball (touches) the longest.

Robin Brownlee:

So, you're calling it a home run when his foot was outside the batter's box? If I'm limited to one, I'll go with work on/restore a classic car. Most of these guys probably haven't even done their own oil change.

Liam Horrobin:

I could score more free kick goals in soccer than anyone else.

 Baggedmilk:

Without question, I can giver better than anyone in this company. Put a few rums in me and watch out.

[caption id="attachment_91226" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-91226" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NHL-Commissioner-Gary-Bettman-NHL-Draft-1024x751.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="751" /> Jun 21, 2019; Vancouver, BC, Canada; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks before the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

5) Summer Mode Scott asks - I would like to see the elimination of all no-trade/movement clauses in the last year of a contract. If you could make one realistic change to the rules or the CBA with the fans in mind, what would it be?

Jason Gregor:

I’d make the max term a player 28+ can sign is five years.

Robin Brownlee:

Following your lead, I'd like to see a limit to the number of NTC and NMC any team can have in any given season. Far too many of them now.

Liam Horrobin:

I would add contract modifications. That means that you can adjust the cap hit of a player by adding another year or two.

 Baggedmilk:

Give me a franchise player tag. Do it. Also, max number of pre-season games is four.
<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.

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Why the success of the Oilers signing John Klingberg is dependent on usage and expectations

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