EDMONTON, AB - It isn't quite October yet but the boys are back in town, as a large group of Oilers players and prospects hit the ice at Downtown Community Arena for the first informal skate of September.
Several returning players including Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse, Kris Russell and Matt Benning skated, while newcomers James Neal, Joakim Nygard and Gaëtan Haas were also on the ice.
Prospects such as Dmitri Samorukov, Ethan Bear, Tyler Benson and Kailer Yamamoto also dressed. Oilers Rookie Camp is scheduled to commence on Thursday, Sept. 5.
In the blue paint, Dylan Wells and Stuart Skinner took shots for the large group skate but Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith hit the ice after.
EdmontonOilers.com caught up with European forwards Nygard and Haas following the skate. Get all content from the day below.
WRITTEN
- BLOG: Nygard hopes his speed translates to NHL ice
- BLOG: Haas, Nygard offer first impressions with Oilers
- BLOG: Haas determined to help Oilers improve at faceoffs
- BLOG: Patience from Haas, Nygard rewarded with Oilers opportunity
BLOG: Oilers take the ice for first informal skate
Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and James Neal were among those skating, in addition to European forwards Joakim Nygard and Gaëtan Haas
