“First and foremost, we want to thank those players who left us,” Head Coach Kris Knoblauch said. “They were a big part of our runs, and they contributed a lot. But having the two guys come in here, obviously, Tristan’s established as the goaltender. He’s been in the league for a long time and has just been very solid in goaltending. Last year was a bit of a down year, but looking at his track record, he’s been very solid. So we feel that we’re getting better in that area.
“With Stastney, just a young defenceman who’s just getting established in the NHL, he’s been playing really well, and probably his biggest asset is his skating. Very quick, mobile out there and has been able to help offensively.”
With Riley Stillman and Max Jones having also been called up from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors and on the ice for Saturday’s pre-game skate, Coach Knoblauch acknowledged that it feels like a different era is starting for the Oilers, with a changing of the guard in goal and some fresh new faces on the team.
“I think anytime you have a new player come in, it’s like you have a new identity, or you have a new chapter,” he said. “I think it’s very exciting for everyone. Coming back to Toronto, got so many Ontario guys, so there’s a little bit of excitement about that. But adding those players, and actually, we have some call-ups, so we have quite a few new faces around right now, but it is an exciting time for us. “
