NHL Analyst Suggests Oilers Could Replace Two Veteran Defensemen with Rising Rookie Talent
Today, a new article from Allan Mitchell of Lowetide has indicated that the Edmonton Oilers could push aside Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson in favor of an upcoming rookie.
The Edmonton Oilers fell just short in the Stanley Cup Finals once again losing to the Florida Panthers.
During the Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers lack of talent on defense and inability to keep the puck out of their own net was a major issue that many felt kept them from winning the Stanley Cup.
Despite struggling the Oilers did not make many moves on the back end but did add young standout Finnish defenseman Atro Leppanen.
Leppanen set the Finnish record for points in a season in Liiga during the 2024-25 season.
Coming off this incredible success, Leppanen inked an NHL deal and now Allan Mitchell of The Athletic believes he could challenge for a roster spot.
NHL Analyst Suggests Oilers Rookie Defenseman Could Challenge For A Roster Spot
During a recent discussion going over the competition for the 7th defenseman on the Oilers Mitchell suggested that the race could come down to Leppanen, Stecher, and Emberson all fighting for one roster spot.
The defense has some up in the air spots at No. 3 RH and No. 7. I can't imagine Atro Leppanen makes it as No. 7, but I'm also not certain Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson both make the team.
It seems that the competition will come down to who plays well in the preseason and impresses head coach Kris Knoblauch the most.
Heading into training camp, it will be interesting to see if GM Stan Bowman adds any defensemen on a tryout contract to compete with these three for the final spot.
Previously on HockeyLatest
| POLL | ||
AOUT 17 | 60 ANSWERS NHL Analyst Suggests Oilers Could Replace Two Veteran Defensemen with Rising Rookie Talent Who would you like to see as the Edmonton Oilers 7th defenseman? | ||
| Atro Leppanen | 15 | 25 % |
| Troy Stecher | 35 | 58.3 % |
| Ty Emberson | 10 | 16.7 % |
| List of polls | ||