NHL division previews: 2017-18 Pacific Division

1st in 2017-18 Pacific Division – Edmonton Oilers

Being led by arguably the best player in the NHL in Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers are going to be a serious threat in the Western Conference in 2017-18. But can they continue to ride the workhorse that is Cam Talbot?

The Oilers forward lines are among the best in the league from top to bottom. McDavid broke the 100-point plateau last season, and there is every reason to believe he can do it again, or even improve on it, in 2017-18.

When you follow-up one of the two best players in hockey today with a supporting cast of Leon Draisaitl, Milan Lucic, Patrick Maroon, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zack Kassian and multiple other quality role players, you have the making for one of the most potent offensive teams in the NHL.

The back-end is strong as well, albeit not nearly as strong as the forward corps. Oscar Klefbom, Adam Larsson, Darnell Nurse and Kris Russell likely make up the top two pairings, and there is depth to fill in on the third pairing as well. It may not be the strongest defense in the league, but it’s nowhere near a weakness.

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The goaltending isn’t necessarily an issue, that is if Cam Talbot can get some help from back up Laurent Brossoit or can play 70-plus games again. It’s unlikely he can do the latter for a second straight season, so Brossoit will need to be a reliable back up to keep Talbot from being burnt out by the end of the regular season.

Player to watch in 2017-18: Jesse Puljujarvi. The Oilers thought they were getting a steal when the Columbus Blue Jackets passed on Puljujarvi. This wasn’t the case last season and the Finnish forward struggled heavily in adjusting to the NHL. He was sent down to the AHL to start the season, likely the right move at this time. If he can capitalize on the obvious physical tools and skill set at his disposal he can challenge for a position within the top nine of a very good offense in Edmonton.