David Pagnotta shared some news on Friday that every Edmonton Oilers fan was already thinking. The problem with the third line is still not solved.
The Daily Faceoff expert talked on DFO Rundown and made it clear. The Oilers are planning to find a new third center this offseason. This could be Jason Dickinson returning or someone younger from another team.
“They might choose someone younger. ” That’s the message from Pagnotta. The team around Connor McDavid is getting older, and Stan Bowman understands the numbers.
Dickinson played 64 games during the regular season with a cap hit of 4.25 million. He scored 7 goals and got 17 points while having a minus-10 rating. This is average scoring for a deeper player at that cost.
His playoff performance was very limited. He only played 4 games, scored 2 goals, and had a plus-2 rating. The 30-year-old center was either healthy or switched out, depending on the night.
Bowman aims to improve this area. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead the top two lines. The drop-off in talent after them has been a big reason for every playoff loss during the McDavid years.
Bowman needs to improve the center depth or risk seeing the chance to win with McDavid slip away.
The third center spot has been where the Oilers struggle in the playoffs.
The Ducks took advantage of this in the first round this spring. The Panthers also highlighted the issue in the Cup Final the previous year.
Edmonton lost to Anaheim in 6 games. McDavid ended his playoff run with a minus-8 rating.
The captain’s disappointment with the team supporting him has been noted all year.
This is why Pagnotta’s idea of going younger is significant. Dickinson is a familiar player, but paying 4.25 million for someone known does not help a lot.
The Oilers had a record of 41-30-11 in the regular season, achieving 93 points and placing 14th overall.
Their drop from making it to the Cup Final two years ago is noticeable, and fixing the third line is something they can do.
Bowman has to focus on finding a new coach first. Kris Knoblauch got let go this week. Bruce Cassidy is the one they want.
Right now, the Vegas Knights are not allowing anyone to interview him.
There’s also talk about Mavrik Bourque in Dallas, which ties into this situation. He shoots right, is young, and could be signed.
That’s the kind of player Edmonton has been looking for since the trading deadline.
It’s still uncertain if Bowman will make a move with an offer sheet, sign a free agent, or trade for someone. Pagnotta’s report shows that the team knows where they need to improve.
McDavid’s two-year extension is a reminder that they need to make significant improvements every offseason until that contract is up.
The third center position is clearly the place to start. Bowman’s summer has officially begun.
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