Position battles
The pecking order at right wing needs clarity between Jesse Puljujarvi, Kailer Yamamoto and Zack Kassian. Puljujarvi likely has the inside track to get first-line minutes with McDavid. Yamamoto agreed to a one-year contract as a restricted free agent Sept. 18 and has shown chemistry with Draisaitl. Kassian is a strong skater and plays with an edge but scored two goals in 27 games last season, when he was twice on the injured list.
Most intriguing addition
Keith is 38 and has two seasons left on the 13-year contract he signed with the Blackhawks on Dec. 3, 2009. He was acquired, in part, to provide experience and competitiveness, and show what it takes to win in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where Edmonton has played beyond the first round once in the past 15 seasons (2017 Western Conference Second Round). Keith won the Stanley Cup three times (2010, 2013, 2015), the Norris Trophy voted as best NHL defenseman twice (2009-10, 2013-14) and the 2015 Conn Smythe Trophy voted as playoff MVP during 16 seasons with Chicago.
Biggest potential surprise
Puljujarvi played a better NHL-style game last season after returning from Finland. The 23-year-old is a strong skater, has size (6-foot-4, 201 pounds), a heavy shot and developed more willingness to go to the net. His 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists) in 55 games could be a platform for more production this season, especially if he continues to play next to McDavid.
