Connor McDavid and Mike Babcock could drive Edmonton's offence, but reuniting the captain with Leon Draisaitl creates a serious lineup problem.
Loading both superstars onto one line gives the Oilers a dominant first unit capable of controlling possession, attacking off the rush and changing a game within one shift.
McDavid finished last season with 138 points, while Draisaitl remains Edmonton's most dangerous finisher. Their chemistry isn't the concern. The damage left behind them is.
Moving Draisaitl to the wing leaves Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson and rookie Josh Samanski as the centres responsible for Edmonton's remaining three lines.
That setup can survive during a homestand, when Babcock controls the matchups through last change. It becomes far more vulnerable during a road trip.
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Opposing coaches could send their strongest two-way lines over the boards against Nugent-Hopkins or Dickinson, forcing Edmonton's supporting forwards into difficult defensive assignments.
The Oilers would win plenty of opening shifts with McDavid and Draisaitl together. The bigger question is whether the bottom nine can hold the bench together afterward.
Edmonton's roster crunch complicates Babcock's plan
Edmonton didn't add another established centre during the offseason. Stan Bowman strengthened other areas, but the middle of the ice was never restocked.
That decision now carries more weight. Babcock's lineup idea turns a position led by McDavid and Draisaitl into one built around a loaded top unit and uncertain depth.
The roster battle creates another complication. A projected forward chart includes 15 names, while Edmonton can dress only 13 forwards on a given night.
Ike Howard, Samanski, Mattias Janmark, Mathieu Joseph and Max Jones could be competing for the final spots. Waiver eligibility may also influence who stays.
That could work against Samanski, even though his ability to play centre fits the exact weakness created by moving Draisaitl beside McDavid.
Babcock can keep his two stars together and force opponents to deal with Edmonton's most dangerous combination. But unless another centre earns his trust, the Oilers could become easier to attack once their top line leaves the ice.
Should Mike Babcock separate Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl?
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