Zach Hyman is suddenly at the center of Mike Babcock's biggest lineup issue in Edmonton, with the second line looking exposed before camp.
Babcock is expected to open with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together, joined by Vasily Podkolzin. That gives the Oilers a loaded first line, but it creates an immediate problem behind them.
The projected second unit has Ryan Nugent-Hopkins between Hyman and Ike Howard. There's experience on both wings, but the group carries major questions against the NHL's strongest matchups.
Howard remains the wild card. Edmonton likes his upside, yet asking him to become an instant top-six answer beside two established veterans would put serious pressure on a player still finding his place at this level.
That leaves general manager Stan Bowman staring at a roster decision before opening night. Edmonton can keep the current structure and trust Babcock to make it work, or search outside the organization for another top-six weapon.
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The alternative is familiar: split McDavid and Draisaitl and let each drive his own line. Edmonton has used that formula before when the supporting cast needed more balance.
Edmonton may need another top-six forward
But keeping the two superstars together changes the equation. If Babcock wants one dominant unit, the Oilers need enough scoring underneath it to prevent opponents from loading their best defensive matchups against one line.
Hyman becomes a major part of that calculation. His finishing ability gives the second unit a proven scoring threat, but Edmonton still needs someone capable of creating offense when McDavid and Draisaitl aren't on the ice.
Nugent-Hopkins can handle multiple roles, and his versatility remains valuable. The bigger question is whether that trio can generate enough sustained pressure during difficult road matchups and playoff-style games.
That's where trade speculation becomes hard to ignore. A right-shot centre or another skilled scorer would give Babcock more options without immediately breaking apart his top unit.
Bowman doesn't need to make a move simply for the sake of changing the roster. But the construction of Babcock's forward lines has exposed a clear weakness before the season has even started.
Edmonton's top line can overwhelm teams. The concern is what happens when it heads back to the bench.
Should Stan Bowman trade for another top-six forward before opening night?
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