Oilers season preview: Campbell, Kane to be counted on

The 2022-23 NHL season starts Oct. 7. With training camps opening Sept. 21, NHL.com is taking a look at the three keys, the inside scoop on roster questions, and the projected lineup for each of the 32 teams. Today, the Edmonton Oilers.

Coach: Jay Woodcroft (second season)
Last season: 49-27-6; second place in Pacific Division, lost to Colorado Avalanche in Western Conference Final

3 KEYS

1. Campbell as the new No. 1
The Oilers are hoping they solved their biggest concern by signing goalie Jack Campbell to a five-year contract July 13. He was 31-9-6 with a 2.64 goals-against average, .914 save percentage and five shutouts in 49 games (47 starts) with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. His numbers compare favorably to those of Mike Smith, who was 16-9-2 with a 2.81 GAA, .915 save percentage and two shutouts for the Oilers last season. But Smith played 28 games (27 starts) before struggling in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, going 8-6 with a 3.37 GAA and .913 save percentage in 16 games. Campbell potentially will be asked to play close to 60 games this season, and then he has to be the answer in net for Edmonton in the playoffs.
2. Kane's production
Evander Kane made an instant impact after the forward agreed to a one-year contract as an unrestricted free agent Jan. 27, shortly after his contract had been terminated by the San Jose Sharks. He scored 22 goals in 43 regular-season games before scoring 13 more in 15 playoff games. Kane's production gave the Oilers a secondary scoring threat behind forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He was dangerous and needs to remain that way after signing a four-year contract July 13. The Oilers won't have the season they want if it's only McDavid and Draisaitl driving the offense.
3. Growth of young defensemen
Evan Bouchard broke out last season with 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in 81 games after having six points (three goals, three assists) in 21 games across his previous two NHL seasons. He also had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 16 playoff games. The 22-year-old led Edmonton defensemen in points and was third in average ice time per game at 19:48. The Oilers are relying on Bouchard to continue his ascent and potentially be a top-pair defenseman this season. Philip Broberg is in the same situation Bouchard was last season, and the 21-year-old had three points (one goal, two assists) in 23 games. He played one playoff game. The opportunity is there this season for Broberg to become a regular in the lineup the way Bouchard did.

ROSTER RUNDOWN

Making the cut
Broberg will get a long look in training camp to fill the spot vacated by Duncan Keith, who retired in the offseason. The Oilers signed defenseman Ryan Murray to a one-year contract Sept. 2 and might try a regular lineup that features seven defensemen and 11 forwards. Rookies Dylan Holloway and
Xavier Bourgault
are expected to compete for a forward spot with Devin Shore. Holloway, who will turn 21 on Sept. 23, was a first-round pick (No. 14) in the 2020 NHL Draft. Bourgault, who will turn 20 on Oct. 22, was a first-round pick (No. 22) in the 2021 NHL Draft. Edmonton could add another forward before training camp.
Most intriguing addition
Edmonton invested in goaltending by signing Campbell. Draisaitl said he's all for it because now the Oilers know they have a goalie who could be the difference-maker in them winning the Stanley Cup. It's a lot of pressure on Campbell, but he's used to that after being the No. 1 goalie in Toronto last season.
Biggest potential surprise
It's maybe more likely that Holloway and Bourgault start the season with Bakersfield of the American Hockey League, but both have the skill to eventually be regular top-six forwards for the Oilers. That's why they were drafted so high. It wouldn't be shocking to see one or both make the team out of training camp or, at the very least, be in the lineup by late November. The Oilers should be able to get by offensively for the first few months of the season but might eventually have to add another scoring forward. It would be huge for their NHL salary cap situation if it's Holloway and/or Bourgault, who each is on an entry-level contract.
Ready to break through
Bouchard did it last season, and Broberg is ready to do it this season. The No. 8 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft had 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) in 31 regular-season games with Bakersfield in the American Hockey League last season.
Fantasy sleeper
Holloway, C (undrafted on average in fantasy) -- He had 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 33 games and averaged 2.5 shots per game in the AHL last season before making his NHL debut for the Oilers in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, when they were eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche. Holloway could be a rookie sleeper in fantasy if he earns a spot in Edmonton's potent top-six forward group.-- Anna Dua

PROJECTED LINEUP

Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Kailer Yamamoto
Ryan McLeod -- Leon Draisaitl -- Zach Hyman
Warren Foegele -- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins -- Jesse Puljujarvi
Mattias Janmark -- Derek Ryan
Darnell Nurse -- Tyson Barrie
Brett Kulak -- Evan Bouchard
Philip Broberg -- Cody Ceci
Ryan Murray
Jack Campbell
Stuart Skinner