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Dubnyk admits CBA process is “nerve-wracking” as Oilers gear up for exciting season

Chicago Blackhawks  v Edmonton Oilers

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 19: Taylor Hall #4 and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate Shawn Horcoff’s goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on November 19, 2011 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

Dale MacMillan

It’s hard not to look at the Edmonton Oilers and get excited for how that team might do over the years to come.

Their struggles have resulted in a core that now includes Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle, Nail Yakupov, and Justin Schultz.

As it is, they might compete for a playoff spot in 2012-13 and if they can add some complimentary players over the next few years, maybe they’ll even be a serious contender for the Stanley Cup in the not too distant future.

On top of that, right now what they really need is more than anything is for their youngsters to get more NHL experience.

In the words of the Edmonton Sun’s Robert Tychkowski, “It would be a shame if it never happens, if the season is derailed just as the Oilers are poised to challenge for a playoff spot.”

That sentiment is probably shared by plenty of Oilers fans and it’s not lost on their player representative, goaltender Devan Dubnyk.

“There’s a ton of excitement around this team and there’s good reason for it,” Dubnyk said, as reported by the Edmonton Sun. “That makes it even more nerve-wracking to go through this (CBA) stuff. The good thing is that both sides agree that having a lockout would be bad for everybody involved.”

Dubnyk added that “it seems that both sides are being civil.”

The CBA talks are set to resume on Tuesday.