Edmonton Oilers' management has once again raised eyebrows with their latest roster decision following the recall of forward prospect Quinn Hutson from AHL Bakersfield. The Oilers, aiming to inject some offensive dynamism into their lineup, promptly placed the 23-year-old alongside Trent Frederic and Curtis Lazar on the fourth line. This move has sparked immediate criticism and bewilderment from fans and analysts alike.
The rationale behind slotting Hutson, a player known for his scoring ability, on a line typically reserved for grinding and defensive-minded players is questionable. Ideally, Frederic would provide the expected physicality and two-way play, but his performance has been underwhelming, making the fourth line an even less suitable environment for a smaller, offensively gifted player like Hutson.
The central question echoing among Oilers faithful is: what's the point of calling up Hutson if he isn't going to be given a genuine opportunity to showcase his offensive skills? The general consensus is that Hutson's talents are being wasted in a position where he is unlikely to receive significant ice time or play to his strengths.
As Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now reported, the projected lines for the Oilers' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, December 16th, featured Hutson on a line with Frederic and Lazar. The top lines included Ryan Nugent-Hopkins centering Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman, while the second line had Podkolzin, Leon Draisaitl, and Savoie. Even if Hutson couldn't crack the top six, a spot on the third line with Andrew Mangiapane and Adam Henrique would arguably be a better fit, offering him more offensive opportunities.
Some speculate that the decision to put Hutson on the fourth line might be an attempt to jumpstart Frederic's game, although this rationale seems far-fetched. The reactions on social media reflect the widespread disapproval among Oilers fans. Many question the logic behind burying a promising scorer on the fourth line, with some suggesting that he should be placed in a position where his offensive capabilities can be utilized effectively.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal also weighed in, questioning the wisdom of starting a scorer like Hutson on a line with limited offensive upside. He suggested that a third-line placement with Mangiapane and Henrique would be more conducive to Hutson's style of play, allowing him to combine with fellow attackers and receive more meaningful ice time.
Hutson signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Oilers in April, with an AAV of $875,000. Hutson had a strong junior season with Boston University, leading the Terriers in scoring with 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) in 2025 and helping them reach the NCAA National Championship Game. He also had a successful NCAA career, appearing in 117 games and recording 114 points (56 goals, 58 assists).
The Oilers' decision to pair Quinn Hutson with Frederic and Lazar is perplexing, given his scoring prowess and the team's need for offensive contributions. Whether this move is a temporary experiment or a long-term plan remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly left fans and analysts scratching their heads. The team's success hinges on maximizing the potential of all its players, and the current deployment of Hutson raises serious questions about the Oilers' strategy.
