The phrase “turn the page” gets used a lot in sports,
probably too much. When each new season starts, it’s a new chapter for that
franchise. Sometimes though, the amount of changes made aren’t justified with a
new chapter, it’s a whole new book in that series. For the Edmonton Oilers,
tonight begins the first chapter of a new installment of the franchise history.
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| Credit: Wikipedia |
A New Arena
After 42 years, for the first time the Oilers have a new
home. Edmonton called the Northlands Coliseum/Edmonton Coliseum/Skyreach
Centre/Rexall Place home since 1974. Tonight they open Rogers Place. This will
be the first time an Oilers team takes the ice that won’t be in the same
building where legends like Gretzky, Messier, Coffey and others plied their
trade. The statue of Wayne Gretzky that was outside of Rexall Place will be
unveiled outside of the new arena tonight. Speaking of Wayne…
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| Credit: Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun/ QMI Agency |
99 Is Back
Earlier today, it was
reported
that Wayne Gretzky is coming back to Edmonton in an official capacity. For the
first time since he coached the Coyotes franchise for four seasons (2005-2009,
compiling a 143-161-24 record), he’ll be a part of an NHL franchise. He returns
to the franchise that where he became “The Great One” with the title of ‘Partner
& Vice Chairman of Oilers Entertainment Group”. The 55 year old will also
be serving as the NHL’s official ambassador for its centennial season. You can
never have too much Wayne Gretzky when it comes to hockey.
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| Credit: David Bloom - Edmonton Sun |
Roster Overhaul
The Oilers haven’t played in a playoff game since the
Carolina Hurricanes won Game 7 in the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. After many years
of first overall picks and high first round picks not gelling together, Taylor
Hall was traded to New Jersey for Adam Larsson. Even though it was a widely
criticized move, it did address their desperate need to add a reliable defender.
It also cleared out the former face of the franchise (although McDavid became
the face last season) for newly anointed Captain Connor McDavid. After missing
a big chunk of time due to a broken collarbone last season, McDavid now has the
‘C’ on his sweater for what a lot of people hope is his first of many full NHL
seasons. Milan Lucic chose to sign with Edmonton this off-season just to play
with McDavid (and he’ll provide production and protection for #97). The Oilers shipped
out former first overall pick Nail Yakupov to St. Louis for a prospect and a
pick. Their 2016 first round pick Jesse Puljujarvi will also start the season with
the big club. Leon Draisaitl is looking to build off a good rookie season and World Cup performance. Kris Russell was signed recently to block shots and help provide
a veteran presence on the blueline for young and upcomers Oscar Klefbom and
Darnell Nurse.
There’s a lot to be excited for in northern Alberta. A new
building, a new captain, a new-look team, and an old legend returning to help
guide the ship. The Oilers are a nice mix of speed, size, and talent on paper.
It all starts tonight, and it’s fitting that an old rival like Calgary is the
first opponent.
