Last year, the Oilers' secondary scoring was huge in their run through the Western Conference. This year, they don't have any non-McDavid/Draisaitl forwards over 60 points. Jeff Skinner has been a disastrous fit, and trade deadline acquisition Trent Frederic has only played one game. Those players will have to shine for the Oilers to win the West.

The primary role of a minor-league team is to develop NHL players. It’s a high-stress job for AHL managers and coaches. No blue-chip prospects this year? So what. Find players, develop them for NHL recall and then do it again.