EDMONTON, AB - The Oilers will be a more well-rounded team up front next season thanks to their moves this month, according to Head Coach Dave Tippett.
The bench boss joined Bob Stauffer on Tuesday's episode of Oilers Now on 630 CHED to discuss some key additions to the roster with the signings of Kyle Turris and Tyson Barrie, as well as the reunion with Jesse Puljujarvi.
Specifically with regards to Turris and Puljujarvi, who both signed two-year contracts earlier this month, Tippett said the Oilers will have three forward lines capable of generating consistent offence, as opposed to two scoring lines and two checking lines, which was the case in 2019-20.
"I think the NHL has gone to top-nine forwards and then a role-playing fourth line," the coach said. "We were kind of top six and bottom six last year. With bringing in Kyle and with the addition of Puljujarvi, we'll get to where we feel a lot more comfortable with a top nine in offensive situations and in five-on-five situations."
FEATURE: Tippett talks Turris, Barrie, Puljujarvi
Oilers bench boss discusses the team's two biggest free agent signings as well as the return of their 2016 first-round pick
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