Story Summary
The Edmonton Oilers could face an early penalty-killing shortage after forwards Matthew Savoie and Mattias Janmark were reported to be set to miss training camp. Both had been expected to feature on the penalty kill. Edmonton has some salary-cap space and could consider adding an unrestricted free agent with penalty-killing experience, although no move has been confirmed.
Key Facts
- Bob Stauffer reported that Edmonton Oilers forwards Matthew Savoie and Mattias Janmark will miss training camp.
- Savoie and Janmark were expected to be part of the Oilers’ penalty kill prior to their camp absences.
- The Oilers reportedly have some salary-cap space and could consider addition a UFA with penalty-killing experience.
- Arpon Basu reported that Montreal Canadiens prospect defenceman Adam Engstrom’s name has been mentioned in trade talks.
- Basu wrote that the Canadiens have been open to talks and value Engstrom as someone who could help their blue line.
- Basu also noted that Engstrom and the majority of Montreal’s blue line are not particularly physical.
- There is no current talk, per the report, of the Canadiens acquiring Connor McDavid; Basu noted the Canadiens would have interest if McDavid reaches free agency after his contract expires next season.
- Travis Yost reported the Vancouver Canucks have started to ‘tear things down’ as part of a rebuild.
- Yost cited Elias Pettersson’s US$11.6 million cap hit and Jake DeBrusk as roster names that have come up in discussion.
- Yost noted Jake DeBrusk could be a deadline move.
IHM Discussion
For Edmonton, the immediate issue is special-teams depth. Savoie and Janmark were expected to contribute on the penalty kill, so their reported training-camp absences could leave the Oilers needing to redistribute those minutes or examine outside options. The possibility of a UFA addition remains speculative: Edmonton has some cap space and could look for penalty-killing experience, but no target or addition has been identified.
Why It Matters
Penalty killing can decide close games, and training camp is where units establish their reads, pressure routes and clear-out habits. If Savoie and Janmark are unavailable, Edmonton may need other forwards to take on those reps. A veteran addition would be a possible response, not a confirmed plan.
IHM Market Outlook
If Edmonton enters the free-agent market, it could seek a forward with established penalty-killing experience. The reported cap space gives the club room to explore that option, but there is no indication that a particular player has been targeted or that an addition is imminent.
Mini Q&A
Which Oilers players will miss training camp?
Matthew Savoie and Mattias Janmark were reported to be set to miss training camp. Both had been expected to be part of Edmonton’s penalty kill.
Are the Oilers likely to sign someone to help the penalty kill?
The reporting says the Oilers have some salary-cap space and could possibly look to sign an unrestricted free agent with penalty-killing experience, but no addition is confirmed.
Can the Canucks trade Brock Boeser easily?
Travis Yost noted Boeser’s name is in the rumour mill, but Boeser has a no-movement clause, is 29 years old, and recently produced significant goal totals, all of which complicate any potential deal; Vancouver must weigh keeping him against acquiring future assets.
Coach Mark Comment
Edmonton’s priority would be to give replacement penalty killers clear, repeated reps together. The key is not simply finding a player willing to block shots; units need shared timing on entries, pressure and clears before they can be trusted in games.
IHM Final View
This is an early training-camp concern rather than a completed transaction. Edmonton may have to adjust its penalty-killing plans if Savoie and Janmark are unavailable, and a veteran free-agent addition remains one possible solution.
