The Edmonton Oilers recently experienced a classic case of "you don't know what you've got until it's gone" when young defenseman Ty Emberson was sidelined with an injury. Emberson, now in his third NHL season and second with the Oilers, has been a key player in their defensive lineup. This year, he’s upped his game, increasing his five-on-five ice time by 90 seconds and proving instrumental in keeping opponents at bay with his smart, responsible play.
Standing at 6 feet and weighing 193 pounds, Emberson might not be the biggest guy on the ice, but his speed and strength are undeniable. He ranks in the 90th percentile for max speed and has shown he can win battles along the boards. His growth since joining Edmonton is evident, transitioning smoothly from veteran Brett Kulak to the less experienced Spencer Stastney as his partner.
The Oilers made a significant move mid-December, trading Kulak for goaltender Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kulak had been solid in past playoff runs, so this trade was a gamble. However, with Emberson stepping up alongside Stastney, the Oilers have thrived in five-on-five situations.
This season, the right side of Edmonton’s defense has seen quite the shuffle. On opening night against the Calgary Flames, the pairings were still being figured out.
Emberson initially paired with Kulak, but as the season progressed, the coaching staff, including Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart, continued to tweak the lineup to find the right mix. Bringing back Paul Coffey to the coaching staff was part of this effort.
Emberson’s performance has been impressive, boasting a 53 percent goal share in five-on-five play, which occasionally earned him a spot on the second pairing. However, pairing him with Darnell Nurse didn’t yield the best results, with a 36 percent goal share in their time together. The Oilers addressed this by acquiring veteran Connor Murphy to partner with Nurse.
Recently, Emberson has been teaming up with either Walman or Stastney, proving his adaptability despite missing a few games due to an injury in March. His ability to handle elite competition has been noteworthy, showing improvement from his rookie season with the San Jose Sharks.
Emberson’s style doesn’t quite mesh with Nurse’s, who benefits from a partner adept at moving the puck out of their zone. Instead, Emberson excels as a third-pair defenseman, winning battles and making effective short passes. His partnership with Ekholm, resulting in a 4-1 goal advantage over 60 minutes, highlights his potential when paired correctly.
A recent game against the Vegas Golden Knights showcased Emberson’s skill set perfectly. Under pressure, he delivered a precise pass from deep in the zone, facilitating a line change.
Later, he adeptly handled a high-pressure situation, clearing the puck safely. These small but crucial plays underline his value to the team.
Emberson’s ability to compete without the puck and his knack for making smart plays have been crucial for the Oilers’ success. If he continues at this level, even in a third-pairing role, he’ll remain an invaluable asset. The question is whether he has another level to reach, which might be answered next season.