Edmonton Oilers: The Lowe-down on the Offseason Moves

Brule was traded for Torres in what was essentially a salary dump for the Copper and Blue. He'll try to regain the offensive form which made him a star in juniors.

Strudwick, meanwhile, was signed for cheap, and the Oilers expect him to add much-needed muscle to the lineup. The 6'4", 225-lb. Strudwick can play both defence and on the wing.

QUESTION MARKS

Can standout rookies Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, and Robert Nilsson avoid sophomore slumps and help pace the offence? Will Penner start living up to his contract in year two of his five-year, $21.5 million pact?

Can goaltender Mathieu Garon play brilliantly over the course of a whole season? Will the Oilers stay healthy this season? Will Ales Hemsky finally assert himself as a star in the NHL? Who will see more ice time: Brule or Rob Schremp? Can Burke stop taking childish pot-shots at Lowe and the Oilers?

WHO'S OUT

Pitkanen (Carolina), Stoll (LA), Greene (LA), Torres (Columbus), Curtis Glencross (Flames), Geoff Sanderson (retirement?)

WHO'S IN

Cole, Visnovsky, Brule, Strudwick

UP IN THE AIR

Marty Reasoner, Zach Stortini

PROJECTED FINISH

First in Northwest Division, third in the Western Conference.

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