Last season: 25-45-12, 62 points. 5th Northwest, missed playoffs.
Additions: D Cam Barker, C Eric Belanger, RW Ben Eager, LW Darcy Hordichuk, C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, LW Ryan Smyth, D Andy Sutton
Losses: C Andrew Cogliano, D Kurtis Foster, C Colin Fraser, LW J.F. Jacques, LW Steve MacIntyre, D Sheldon Souray, RW Zack Stortini, D Jim Vandermeer
Offense: The offense is led by three straight first round picks. Taylor Hall (2010 #1), Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson (2009 #10) and Jordan Eberle (2008 #22) all debuted last year. The rookie trio combined for 55 goals, 119 points. They’re joined by 2007′s first rounder, Sam Gagner, who’s had four straight 40+ point seasons. This season’s first round pick, #1 overall Ryan Nugent-Hopkins may join the Oilers if the team deems him ready during training camp. Edmonton is hoping two long time Oilers, Ales Hemsky (42 points in 47 games) and Captain Shawn Horcoff, (Oiler since 2000) are healthy this season. Veteran Ryan Smyth was acquired from the Kings, who he had 23 goals, 47 points for last season. He’ll provide some leadership to this inexperienced group of forwards. Ryan Jones came out of nowhere to score 18 goals. Rookie Linus Omark only scored five goals, but showed off his skills (and made headlines) when he scored a shootout winner in his debut. The team also added Belanger, Hordichuk and Eager for toughness and leadership.
