from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

General manager Craig MacTavish is trying to give Eakins more ammunition. Ex-Bruins assistant Craig Ramsay, one of the game’s sharpest defensive minds, is in his first year at Eakins’s side. David Pelletier, a former Olympic figure skater, is in his first season as Edmonton’s skating coach. Tyler Dellow, an ex-analytics blogger, is a hockey operations consultant.

This summer, MacTavish acquired Nikitin and Teddy Purcell. He drafted Leon Draisaitl with this year’s third overall pick. He signed unrestricted free agents Pouliot and Mark Fayne.

But the Oilers are still falling short. Despite three No. 1 overall picks and eight straight playoff no-shows, the Oilers need help at all three positions. Deals are hard because Edmonton is on many players’ no-trade clauses.

On Wednesday, the Oilers practiced at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. MacTavish spent part of the practice chatting with BU coach David Quinn. Given his team’s start, MacTavish could be calling the name of Jack Eichel, Quinn’s freshman prodigy, at next year’s draft.

The Oilers need a big center like Eichel, who projects to be a generational player. But he can’t help MacTavish and Eakins now.

Eakins is trying. He is a cerebral, curious, and energetic coach. But he doesn’t have the players needed to challenge Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose in the Pacific Division. So Eakins will continue to grind.

more plus other hockey topics...