32 in 32 Oliers: [Season preview | Top prospects | Fantasy breakdown]
1. Can Evander Kane provide the same level of production through an entire season?
The Oilers signed Kane on Jan. 27, shortly after his contract had been terminated by the San Jose Sharks. At the time, the Oilers had fallen out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference and the signing was considered somewhat of a gamble. It paid off better than imagined, however, as Kane helped the Oilers turn their season around and qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He was then a key contributor in the run to the Conference Final, scoring 13 goals in 15 games. Kane averaged 0.97 points per game with the Oilers through the second half of the season and into the playoffs; the highest offensive point-per-game production of his NHL career.
"He found tremendous chemistry with Leon [Draisaitl] and Connor [McDavid]," general manager Ken Holland said. "He fit in real well, and when I went through the exit interviews with the players, to a man, everybody in that locker room wanted him back, and everybody made that very clear to me, and felt that we were much better with Evander on our team."
2. Can Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner prove an effective goaltending tandem?
Campbell signed a five-year, $25 million contract ($5 million average annual value) after spending the previous three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 30-year-old played 49 games last season, his first as a starter. The Oilers are counting on Campbell to replace Mike Smith, who is expected to spend the final year of his contract on long term injury reserve. Campbell will team up with Skinner, a rookie.
"If both guys are healthy, I'd like to think Jack will play 50 games and Stuart will play 30, give or take three or four games," Holland said. "Stu Skinner played some games last year and gave us a chance to win every night. By him playing some games, he gives us a comfort level."
3. Should the Oilers be considered Stanley Cup contenders?
Holland has tried to surround McDavid and Draisaitl with a strong supporting cast to contend for the Cup. The Oilers took a big step in winning the first two rounds of the playoffs and made it to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006. McDavid and Draisaitl are approaching the prime of their careers and Holland believes the window to win the Cup is open.
"When you look at the NHL, you need that nucleus, that engine of star players," Holland said. "We've got them, and the time is now."
