Oilers should split up McDavid and Draisaitl, at least until Nuge returns

Columnist Michael Menzies argues that the Edmonton Oilers should split up Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at five-on-five to balance offensive depth until Ryan Nugent-Hopkins returns. Despite Edmonton starting the season 5-1-1, Menzies notes that the bottom three lines are heavily outchanced, making the top line's heavy minutes unsustainable against deeper opponents.

Head coach Mike Babcock stated that the current high ice time logged by McDavid and Draisaitl has to stop. With forward Zach Hyman set to return to the lineup alongside anticipated returns for Colton Dach and Jake Walman, Menzies suggests that Babcock should consider separating the superstar duo across two distinct scoring lines.