With their backs against the wall, the Edmonton Oilers are trying something new. Dylan Holloway will make his NHL debut according to several reports including Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. The Oilers are also expected to dress Brad Malone in the do-or-die game four, with Kailer Yamamoto unavailable due to injury and Evander Kane suspended.
Holloway, 20, was the 14th overall pick in 2020 and made his professional debut this season with the Bakersfield Condors. The former University of Winsconsin winger had eight goals and 22 points in 33 regular season games, before adding four points in five postseason contests. He figures to challenge for a full-time role with the Oilers next season, given players like Kane, Josh Archibald, Derick Brassard, Colton Sceviour, and Kyle Turris are all scheduled for unrestricted free agency this summer.
Making your NHL debut in the playoffs is something not a ton of players get to experience, though there is a shining example on the other side of the ice. Cale Makar jumped right into the 2019 postseason with the Colorado Avalanche and made an impact immediately, scoring what ended up being the winning goal.
Currently, Holloway is the third highest pick from the 2020 draft to have yet to suit up for an NHL game, following just Jake Sanderson and Yaroslav Askarov. That will change tonight, when he tries to help keep the Oilers alive in the Western Conference Finals.
Plan the Parade!