The Edmonton Oilers bounced back in Game 2 of their series with the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday and tied a first-round game of seven as they head on the road for Game Three. They did without the services. Matthias Janmark and it is not clear if he will go with the team because reports say he has “at least finished the series”. After blocking a shot in Game 1.
With a strong regular season off the ground where he was one of the Oilers’ top penalty killers, the timing of the injury is especially devastating for a forward. Not only can he miss a significant portion of the playoffs, but he’s a pending UFA national team who needs a contract at the end of the season. Edmonton’s salary situation is tough, and Janmark was probably already facing a 50/50 scenario where the team would likely want to bring him back, but it wasn’t a guarantee. A huge hit, making $1.25 million this season, he wasn’t a regular to start the 2022/23 campaign, but he’s worked his way into the role and has become a solid asset for the future.
Now, as Jean-Marc sits out, the longer the Oilers’ penalty works, the less likely he is to get another offer from GM Ken Holland.
In Game 1, the Oilers took a lot of penalties and it cost them. The Kings came back in the final minutes and eventually tied it up. Another penalty in overtime gave them the win. In Game 2, it was a different story. The Oilers’ kill penalty was tested again, but this time it was perfect. They didn’t allow a goal to be scored when a man was down, and that was without Janmark, someone they usually rely on in that role. Indeed, no striker has played more on average than he has when taking a penalty.
What happens if Edmonton continues to be strong in penalty kicks and learn they can succeed without Gunmark? The answer is that they will probably be tempted to underestimate him at the next offer they make (if they make one at all) and that could mean the end of his Edmonton career. But, what would happen if Oilers penalties killed a struggle without him? Well, his value to the team goes up exponentially.
Lots of riding in the next few games for Janmark
No matter what happens, Janmark will likely never require a long-term commitment from Edmonton or the big bucks to keep him in the fold. However, players in his skill set can be very useful, especially if it is determined that one area of the game is either greatly affected by his presence in the lineup or marginally affected when he is not. It’s a tough place for Janmark to be in. As a teammate, he wants his Oilers kills to be effective. Selfishly, he probably also wants the Oilers to realize how valuable he is in that regard.
This doesn’t take into account the fact that head coach Jay Woodcroft often likes to go 11-7 with his roster post. If that form continues to bring success to the Oilers, a solid penalty kick and winning streak could make Janmark’s return to the lineup, even when healthy, more complicated.
Logic suggests that the Oilers are keen to get him back. However, much of what happens next depends on whether the Oilers can continue to take penalties effectively in the next two games.
Next up: the new Maple Leafs refereeing drama, even as McCauley sat out game two