Top line scorer returns to Edmonton Oilers line-up as third line woes heat up

This in from the Edmonton Oilers, news that winger Jack Roslovic has been activated off of Long-Term Injured Reserve.

The Oilers said on social media: “JACK IS BACK‼️ The Oilers have activated forward Jack Roslovic from long-term injured reserve, moved forward Connor Clattenburg to LTIR and loaned forward Quinn Hutson to the Condors.”

My take

1. The Oilers are a mediocre team so far this year with 17 wins and 19 losses this year for four main reasons: inconsistent goaltending (which has now been altered by a major trade), a defensive group that played terrible hockey for the first 20 games (but has since trended up), a wicked schedule with plenty of road games (which is now behind them), and awful even strength play by the third and fourth lines.

The Oilers have scored 56 goals for and given up just 43 goals against in 5-on-5 play with Connor McDavid and/or Leon Draisaitl on the ice in 985 minutes, but without one of their two superstars out in 815 5-on-5 minutes, they’ve scored just 17 goals and given up 41 goals against.

Ouch! Double Ouch!

2. In places where this team is good, it’s very, very good. In places where it’s bad, it’s rarely been worse.

The third and fourth lines are now the main issue for coach Kris Knoblauch and GM Stan Bowman to solve if the Oilers hope to be more than mediocre come playoff time.

Do they have a plan? What is it?

3. Bowman and Knoblauch certainly have options. Option is the return of a player like Roslovic, who is clearly a Top 6-quality winger and might also work as a puck moving third-line centre. I’m not convinced Roslovic has the defensive attitude or ability to play centre on a championship team. At the same time Roslovic has proven he can make plays with McDavid and Draisaitl, that he’s got the skill and confidence to get that done, a rare quality in a player. Many have tried to fit in with McDavid and Draisaitl over the years, many have failed. Only a few have succeeded, such as Patrick Maroon for a time, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Kailer Yamamoto and Evander Kane for a time.

But it’s not easy task and if Roslovic can do it, my own preference is to see him in that role.