Player expectations

I am beginning to wonder what this version of the Oilers will be like. Will it be a good showing or another disappointment in which we must switch gears and cheer for a good draft? First of all, I don't expect the Oilers to make an impact, not even close, but I am debating if they will satisfy the viewers. At this stage, fans have welcomed change and are excited for the new faces coming in. Expectations for the team isn't particularly high, but we are depending on individual players to shine.

I have compiled a list of players who have indicated that this coming year will see personal improvement. Hear are some of the core members of the Oilers who all feel a better year is on the horizon.

Shawn Horcoff - Yes, we are all aware he made 7 million last year and there is 5 more years at a 5.5 million cap hit. But can he cushion the steep numbers with a better performance - was the Shawn Horcoff we saw last year simply a result of a poor training regimen? According to Horcoff, he experimented with a different workout routine in the off-season of 2009 and never did get his legs during the season. He has now vowed his game is back to where it should be and credited his return to a familiar work out. Even though an intrasquad game isn't the greatest indicator, you have to admit Horcoff did look MUCH improved.

Ales Hemsky - Because Hemsky's season was cut short so early it gave him ample time to focus on his conditioning. Hemsky is down 10 pounds and swears he is stronger then ever, including his surgically repaired shoulder. Fans have been waiting a very long time for # 83 to take the next step. Can he stay healthy and can he hit that point a game mark. It's always a big if with this guy, but with his extended off-season should come an enormous appetite for hockey. 

Sam Gagner - Gagner is entering his 4th year as an Oiler, a period where many players have a breakout year. As with Hemsky, Sam has also shed 10 pounds. Gagner believe his vigorous training this past summer has greatly improved his overall speed. Along with his new shape comes an attitude that demands a leadership role for this team. With this years roster, Gagner feels his voice will be better heard and he is excited to be surrounded with a similar age group.

Ryan Whitney - The 27 year old American who makes 4 million a season found great chemistry with, you guessed it, a 27 year old American who makes 4 million a season, I'll be damned. The tandem of Gilbert and Whitney absolutely gelled and resulted in Gilbert playing his finest hockey of his career. Ryan Whitney, who is not know for his physical game, played a heart felt 22 games with the Oilers last season. He brought a more physical brand of hockey and showed immediate leadership. Whitney tackled a major foot issue this summer which will finally allow him to play pain free. His abnormally high arches in his feet have been re-aligned and should bring consistency to his game.

Andrew Cogliano - Cogliano has been singled out as trade bait since the Heatley fiasco. The knock on this player is his size, his hands aren't up to speed with his legs, and no one knows where exactly he fits in on a team that has many players with similar attributes. This hasn't gone unnoticed by Cogliano and he took it upon himself to demand the coaches attention. This summer Cogliano worked hard on face offs and let it be known that he is comfortable and capable of a defensive game and a 3rd line role. For more information on what to expect this season from Cogliano, go to this earlier blog.

Nikolai Khabibulin - After only playing 18 games last season, The Bulin Wall can only improve on this season. Khabibulin, who has apparently come off successful back surgery, says he's ready to go. Although there is a lot of distractions in Khabibulin's personal life, one would think he has a lot of work to do in order to win the hearts of fans. 

So these are the player which would suggest improvement over last season. I encourage you to keep an eye on this class of players and let us see if this isn't just another year of propaganda being spewed. I will keep this list and come back to it at a later date and see if progress has been made.

In the meantime, is there a player you feel should have been on the list, and why?