As dominant as Leon Draisaitl looked during the Edmonton Oilers rookie camp, his performance during the big club's exhibition games was always going to be the sole determining factor as to whether or not he would start the 2015-16 season in the Alberta capital. In order for him to make the cut, the 19-year old was going to need to send a very clear message to Todd McLellan and his coaching staff that he was ready to contribute at this level.
If the decision to use Taylor Hall at centre ice during yesterday’s 4-0 loss to the Calgary Flames was solely due to the fact Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was unable to suit up after taking a shot off his skate against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, than it is no big deal.
Be it tonight in Colorado against the Avalanche or Sunday evening when John Tavares and the New York Islanders pay a visit to Rexall Place, forward Benoit Pouliot would be making his return to the Edmonton Oilers starting lineup.
