$5 Things We\'ve Learned From the Edmonton Oilers\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From the Edmonton Oilers' Early-Season Action

By Darrell Samuels

5 Things We've Learned From the Edmonton Oilers' Early-Season Action

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers — The Edmonton Oilers started the 2015-16 campaign with hope and anticipation of a brand new season that's about to begin with the No. 1 overall pick in last summer's NHL Draft, Connor McDavid. The franchise was dynamite during the 1980s with Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier leading the charge, and this team has skills equal to that 80s roster. The following five things have been learned in the early portion of the new season.

5. Backup Goaltender Upgrade Would Be Nice

Anders Nilsson, Edmonton Oilers

5. Backup Goaltender Upgrade Would Be Nice

Anders Nilsson, Edmonton Oilers — The Oilers did upgrade their starting goaltender role by bringing in Cam Talbot from the New York Rangers. They do have Anders Nilsson in the backup role, but if they ever have aspirations of winning a Stanley Cup, someone a little more experienced wouldn't hurt.

4. Where's the Superstar Nail Yakupov?

Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers

4. Where's the Superstar Nail Yakupov?

Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers — When Yakupov's career started in Edmonton, he was known for his slide across the ice to celebrate his surprising late-game goal. Well, his play appears to be on the decline and he has not lived up to the hype of the No. 1 overall selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

3. GM Peter Chiarelli Already Working the Phones

Peter Chiarelli, Edmonton Oilers

3. GM Peter Chiarelli Already Working the Phones

Peter Chiarelli, Edmonton Oilers — This week, rumors have leaked out that Chiarelli has been trying to entice the Boston Bruins to part with their 38-year-old defenseman, Zdeno Chara. The Oilers have been lacking that quality man on the blue line for years, and Chiarelli was able to work some blockbuster deals during his time with the Bruins.

2. Top Defenseman Remains Dire Need

Andrej Sekera, Edmonton Oilers

2. Top Defenseman Remains Dire Need

Andrej Sekera, Edmonton Oilers — For a number of years, there has been a need for a quality defenseman. Yes, they did go sign Andrej Sekera in the offseason, but it is fairly evident that the blue line could still use an upgrade. There have been rumors connecting the Oilers to the Toronto Maple Leafs' Dion Phaneuf and, most recently, Boston Bruins' Zdeno Chara. With GM Peter Chiarelli at the helm, it only improves the chances of Edmonton bolstering their blue line.

1. Connor McDavid Appears To Be Just 'Normal'

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

1. Connor McDavid Appears To Be Just 'Normal'

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers — Early projections had McDavid taking the league by storm and comparisons were made to the likes of current star Sidney Crosby, as well as Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky. To date, McDavid only has one goal to his name after three games and, sure, it is early, but he is off to a slow start.

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Edmonton Oilers

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