Dan Smith, D (FA-Phx); Rocky Thompson, RW (FA-Fla); Stephen Valiquette, G (FA-NYI)
Daniel Cleary, LW (FA-Phx); Kari Haakana, D (FA-Europe); Todd Marchant, C (FA-CBJ); Jussi Markkanen, G (T-NYR); Brian Swanson, C (FA-Atl)
Tommy Salo will once again log most of the time between the pipes in Edmonton. The Swedish netminder has averaged almost 70 games per season over the past four years. While not one of the major goaltending stars in the league, Salo is dependable and spectacular at times for the Oilers. However, the 32-year-old enters 2003-04 off one of his weaker campaigns in recent years, with his goals-against average ballooning by .49 points and save percentage dipping below .900.
After paying his dues in the American Hockey League, 27-year-old Ty Conklin has earned his way to the big club in a backup capacity. Conklin takes over from Jussi Markkanen, who was shipped to the New York Rangers during the off-season. Conklin was impressive in his only four career NHL appearances in 2001-02, going 2-0-0 with a 1.63 GAA and .939 save percentage.
Goals could be hard to come by in Edmonton this season. With Mike Comrie yet to reach contract terms and Todd Marchant now plying his trade in Columbus, the scoring burden falls squarely on the shoulders of Ryan Smyth. Edmonton's leading point-getter last season (27 goals, 61 points) is the one most observers and fans expect to carry the offensive load this year.
Sophomore right-winger Ales Hemsky is one of the Oilers' lone natural goal scorers. The 20-year-old former first-round draft pick netted 30 points in 59 games last season and is expected to grow into an offensive force at some point in his career — maybe even as soon as this season.
The Oilers need production from their collection of dependable but unspectacular secondary scoring options. Mike York, Brad Isbister and Ethan Moreau will need to find the net, while the club hopes 25-year-old centre Shawn Horcoff can put up another career season.
The biggest question mark surrounds Radek Dvorak, acquired at the trade deadline last season in the Anson Carter swap. Dvorak fit right in with coach Kevin Lowe's club, collecting four goals and eight points in 12 games at the end of last year. The veteran forward has had difficulty staying healthy since a career-best 67-point performance in 2000-01. The Oilers' attack would benefit should Dvorak post similar numbers in 2003-04.
Edmonton's blue line hosts a collection of big and mobile defenders. Eric Brewer leads the list, and at 24, many believe there is still room for him to grow into an elite defenceman. The Oilers also have a nice mix of experience in Steve Staois, Jason Smith and Cory Cross, combined with youngsters like Alex Semenov and Brewer.
Staois, Smith and Cross are reliable stay-at-home types. What you see is what you get. Semenov is perhaps the most intriguing Edmonton blue liner. The 6-foot-6 22-year-old Russian became an important part of the Oilers' defence late last season, and many observers feel he could be on the verge of a breakout season in 2003-04.
With Comrie unsigned and Marchant moved on, the bulk of Edmonton's offensive load falls to Ryan Smyth. The Oilers forward has managed to produce at close to a point-per-game pace over the past three seasons, despite a revolving door of linemates and teammates. Smyth's full value doesn't show up on the scoresheet. He is a valued leader with a reputation as a hard worker who will do what it takes to win — even if that means tossing a bone-crushing check in lieu of scoring the game-winning tally.
