Stock Watch for the Edmonton Oilers' Top-Six Forwards

As a whole, the Edmonton Oilers stock may be on a slight rise after a modest three-game winning streak saw the team defeat Calgary, Columbus and Florida.

The Oilers have struggled to find the back of the net at times this season, and thanks to inconsistent play and struggles in the defensive zone the Oilers once again find themselves towards the bottom of the NHL standings.

Though it may be a bit early to say that the team as a whole is beginning to round the corner under new head coach Dallas Eakins, the Oilers have looked like a completely different team during the latter days of November. If the progress continues, Edmonton may be able to continue to slowly climb the standings.

Playoffs may be out of the picture but it will be important for the players in Edmonton to develop some confidence and help change the culture of losing in the locker room.

Here is a look at the early stock for the Oilers’ top-six forwards.

David Perron

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David Perron has been the most versatile forward for the Oilers so far in 2013-14.

Stock: Buy

David Perron was Craig MacTavish’s first major transaction as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers and the move is looking to be quite shrewd.

Perron has been one of the most dynamic scoring threats for the Oilers this season, and offers the club a different type of forward from the young core already established in Edmonton.

The feisty winger has been exactly what the Oilers needed this season, a gifted goal scorer and a player who is unafraid to go to the dirty areas on the ice in order to create opportunities.

Perron has been able to find chemistry with whomever Coach Eakins places on the ice, not to mention Perron has been quite the model of consistency this season.

Now is the time to buy on David Perron as he only continues to generate points for the Edmonton Oilers.

Sam Gagner

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Sam Gagner has slowly started to find his scoring touch after a lengthy absence due to injury.

Stock: Hold

Since sustaining a severe jaw injury during the preseason and missing the first 13 games of the regular season, Sam Gagner has slowly started to find his footing for the Oilers.

Held without a goal for 13 games, Gagner was finally able to find the back of the net against the struggling Florida Panthers.

Gagner has had his share of chances to score this season and has been fairly unlucky to not have registered more than one goal so far, but it appears that the new visor and jaw protection that Gagner must wear may be affecting his game.

He is still playing with extremely talented linemates and will surely find his scoring touch, but for now it would be best to hold on Sam Gagner.

Taylor Hall

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Taylor Hall has continued to shine this season for the Edmonton Oilers.

Stock: Buy

Taylor Hall is as good as it gets for forwards in Edmonton, and he continues to be one of the major catalysts in the Oilers offense.

Hall ranks fourth on the Oilers scoring list with six goals and 10 assists for a total of 16 points in 17 games played this season.

The chemistry between Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle continues to thrive for Edmonton, and the new implementation of a five-forward power play unit has seen an increase in scoring output across the board.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

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EDMONTON, AB - NOVEMBER 13: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers takes a shot in warm up prior to a game against the Dallas Stars on November 13, 2013 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)

Stock: Buy

It appears that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ shoulder issues are behind him, as the talented playmaker sits tied for second on team in scoring with five goals and 13 assists for a very respectable 18 points in 22 games.

Nugent-Hopkins may be the most important piece of the Oilers attack—centering Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle—and he has helped lead the way for the Oilers this season.

While Hall may be the most flamboyant of the talented young Oilers forwards, Nugent-Hopkins may be the most important piece of the puzzle in Edmonton. If he can continue to stay healthy, he should have no problems surpassing his previous career high of 52 points.

Nail Yakupov

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It appears that Nail Yakupov has started to find his scoring touch in Edmonton.

Stock: Buy

After an extremely slow start to the 2013-14 season and a public debate over playing time and player utilization, it appears that the former first overall pick is rounding into shape.

Heading into the Nov. 25 contest versus the Chicago Blackhawks, Yakupov has registered five points in a four-game scoring streak.

Increased ice time as well as the new power play configuration has seen Yakupov’s scoring opportunities drastically increase.

If Yakupov can continue to prove to Coach Eakins that he’s willing to invest in the team's system, Yakupov’s minutes will only continue to rise—as will his scoring.

Jordan Eberle

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Jordan Eberle has been one of the most consistent Oilers this season.

Stock: Buy

It does not seem that all of the trade speculation surrounding Jordan Eberle has hindered the winger’s scoring at all.

In 24 games this season, Eberle has registered eight goals and 12 assists to lead the Edmonton Oilers in scoring with an impressive 20 points.

Eberle has continued to demonstrate his consistency despite the Oilers’ overall woes, and he will only continue to blossom as long has he continues to line up with the likes of Nugent-Hopkins and Hall.