With the season opener less than two weeks away, it looks like the Edmonton Oilers are still looking for players to fill key voids in their lineup. According to Jim Matheson, who covers the Oilers for the Edmonton Journal, that includes someone to play with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and James Neal on the 2nd line, a third line centre and a right-shot defenseman to play with Oscar Klefbom.
Edmonton does have Anton Burdasov at their training camp. The 28-year-old has spent his entire career in the KHL, but has done fairly well there. Whether the winger is talented enough, or can learn the North American style of play quickly enough, to slot in on the 2nd line remains to be seen. Centre Riley Sheahan could see third line action, but it's fair to say on most other teams in the NHL he would likely play on the fourth line. If Jesse Puljujärvi didn't pack up and leave for Finland, he'd likely be seeing 2nd or 3rd line action, if he could start playing like he deserved it. Perhaps trading Puljujärvi could bring someone in to fill that void, but all has been quiet on that front.
For the Oilers, it looks like management is hoping one of their younger players can step up and fill a hole that needs filling as soon as possible. Otherwise, several voids may remain throughout the season.
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