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In No Particular Order: Division Names, Puljujarvi, Muckler, TC Thoughts |
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New season starts right away, so be sure to follow me on Twitter for all Oilers related news and updates.
Hockey is back, there are plenty of things to discuss so let's break them down one at a time.
TODAY'S BLOG IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY.....
Feathers were ruffled today when it was announced that the four Divisions would be revamped and named after sponsors. The four new divisions are named as followed:
Scotia NHL® North Division
Honda NHL® West Division
Discover NHL® Central Division
MassMutual NHL® East Division
Obviously this was going to be a controversial decision. Social media since the announcement have been filled with posts, people shouting that ads will soon be covering jerseys and look more like a European football team instead of an NHL team.
While I understand some of the trepidation I think people need to back away from this slippery slope that they believe is imminent. I was not around in the 1980's when ads first appeared on the boards but today no one bats an eye at them.
Even paired with the decision to allow ads on helmets; none of these decisions will personally effect my love for the game. Seeing Scotiabank on Connor McDavid's helmet isn't going to diminish my excitement when he scores on a breakaway. If the Dallas Stars win the Cup, no one will be complaining that they hoist it in American Airlines Centre.
The Division names hatred in particular baffles me. There is nothing sacred about the Division names prior to this branding. It isn't the Smythe or Norris Divisions with a sponsor in front of them. It's directions on a compass (plus Central).
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JESSE PULJUJARVI
Seeing a player perform well in practice is vastly different from in an NHL game but right now all signs are pointing up for Jesse Puljujarvi. Dave Tippett himself commented on how his upbeat demeanor and engagement with his teammates was great to see. Tippett hasn't ever been known as an overly negative coach but he also isn't a guy to lie and say nice things for the sake of being nice. When he says he felt Jesse had a good first day that means something.
This isn't to say this is a sure sign Puljujarvi will be a top six winger immediately, or perhaps at any time in his career. JP needed to come to camp with a positive outlook, connect with his teammates and do what his coaches ask of him. Yesterday he took his first steps on this journey.
JOHN MUCKLER PASSES
Sad news in Oil Country as it was announced Monday night that former Oilers coach John Muckler had passed away at the age of 86.
Muckler was a member of the Oilers coaching staff through the 80's, first as an assistant under Glen Sather and later as a head coach. The last Stanley Cup won by the Oilers was in 1990 with Muckler as head coach.
A professional in all aspects, Muckler served not only with the Oilers, but also the North Stars, Sabres, Rangers, Senators, and Coyotes. He had an impressive career and will be missed by the thousands who he helped make an impact on.
TC THOUGHTS
Very few updates to post on training camp today. The four unfit to play players remain as such though reports suggest that Kahun and Shore will be ready very soon, possibly as early as tomorrow.
There are other reports that suggest Neal is a bit further away and may not be ready for opening night. No details on if this is a specific injury keeping him away.
Don't expect too many changes with any of the lines or defensive pairings. With a shortened training camp and no exhibition games, the best option for all these players is to get comfortable with their linemates as quickly as possible.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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