These are the Edmonton Oilers’ 3 ‘healthy scratches’ who could help in postseason

No matter how much planning goes into setting the roster before the playoffs, the unanticipated dagger lurks and waits to strike.

Injuries and scoring slumps, coverage mistakes and bad luck can all change the minds of a coaching staff if the postseason losses begin to climb.

Less than a week away from opening night of the 2024 playoffs, the top four lines, three pairings and starting goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers are set.

The past informs the present, and that could mean adjustments during the first playoff series beginning next week.

Here are three key names who played (mostly) outside the NHL this season who could see playing time.

The history of forward Dylan Holloway involves taking time to adjust to a new level of play. Since his draft season, Holloway shows pedestrian offence in year one at a specific level before spiking in years two and three.

Here are the points per game percentages as Holloway has progressed from college to pro and then the NHL.

The NHL numbers are low but reflect less ice time at the highest level for Holloway. It’s a matter of trust, and this season the coaching change in Edmonton means Kris Knoblauch is not familiar with his game.

Using points per 60 year over year, Holloway posted 1.2 points per 60 in 2022-23. That’s a total that won’t get a player, especially a rookie, much of a look on the top three lines.

This season, with a new coach arriving in Edmonton early in the year, familiarity and trust don’t exist. Holloway’s points per 60 in 2023-24 (1.23) at five-on-five is almost identical to one year ago.

Until very recently, Knoblauch wouldn’t have seen Holloway in action on a skill line. If we break out his most recent recall, there’s an indication that Holloway is being given a chance (late in the year when veterans get a rest) and the young forward is responding.

All numbers five-on-five

The totals from the most recent games are a small sample size, but Holloway is having an impact on scoring and outscoring currently.

Part of it is playing time (veterans being rested), part of it is quality linemates (Adam Henrique, Corey Perry, Ryan McLeod) and much of it is the player taking advantage of the opportunity.

Holloway’s resume suggested year two at a higher level would see a breakthrough offensively. It happened in both college and the AHL.

It has taken longer for him to move the needle in the NHL, but the opportunity given this week shows clearly he can help when given an opportunity and quality linemates.

Expect the coaching staff to go with established veterans at the beginning of the playoffs. If troubles appear, or losses mount, Holloway should get a chance. This current run is encouraging.

Philip Broberg

Knoblauch has coached Philip Broberg in two NHL games, for a total of 15 minutes and 39 seconds.

Those games took place in November, a very long time ago.

Recalling Broberg to play in NHL games this week could prove prescient should an injury hit the defence during the long playoff run to come.

Edmonton’s top-six defencemen have been effective and healthy, meaning there was no need for Broberg during the regular season.

Each of Edmonton’s left-handed defencemen grade out well past anything Broberg can provide. Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak represent real strength on the left side of the defence for the club.

Broberg won’t play in the postseason unless there’s an injury. However, giving him playing time in the final two games will give Knoblauch a chance to see what he has in the big, fast Swedish defenceman.

Broberg’s AHL bona fides are exceptional. Through 86 regular-season AHL games (over three seasons), he has scored 11 goals and 62 points. He is a quality puck mover and passer at the AHL level, and his career even-strength goal share (44-34, 56 percent) in the AHL is quality.

The Oilers have an opportunity to give Broberg a chance to impress Knoblauch and gain some trust from the coach. It’s an astute move by an organization poised for a long postseason run.

Jack Campbell

Although he would definitely be filed under the “break in case of emergency” recall class, Jack Campbell’s spring performances with the Condors makes him an intriguing story as the NHL playoffs near.

Since March 1, Campbell has a save percentage of .947 and a 5-3-0 record.

Oilers fans may recall that during last year’s playoffs it was Campbell who delivered better results in Edmonton’s net.

Includes all game states

Campbell struggled early when sent to the minors in the fall, but has played well for most of the season. The stretch that began in early March includes six quality starts in a row with subpar efforts bookending the top-flight performances.

The Oilers are running well in goal with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, but Campbell has emerged as a real option in goal should the need arise.

Bottom line

The Holloway recall and performance is an exciting late-season wrinkle for the player and organization. Fans shouldn’t expect Holloway to steal minutes from veterans Evander Kane or Mattias Janmark, but if performances warrant a healthy scratch by an established player, a sliver of opportunity may appear.

Holloway has shown his coach what he can do with a strong audition in the heat of a race for the division title.

That’s a real positive.

In the case of Broberg, his AHL performance this year should give the team confidence. If he can perform well in any opportunities given during the final pair of regular season games, it may ease any fears by the coaching staff about deploying him over the long spring ahead.

Campbell is a welcome insurance plan for the most important position on the ice. His big contract, uneven play and issues with confidence one year ago probably mean he never gets the call.

Like Holloway and Broberg, Campbell looks ready should that recall take place.

(Photo of Dylan Holloway: Leila Devlin / Getty Images)

Originally Appeared Here