Friedman: Only a 'real high-level candidate' will unseat Oilers' Todd Nelson

Edmonton Oilers interim head coach Todd Nelson has elicited a notable response from his players in less than three months at the controls. 

But it's still early in prom season.

Nelson may have a leg up on the competition for the Oilers' still-vacant head coaching position, but won't necessarily be safeguarded from the emergence of a potential rock-star candidate, writes Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman:

It's no guarantee, but it’s very clear he's put himself deep into the conversation. The Oilers are determined to wait until after the season before making any decisions, but it's going to take a real high-level candidate to push him out.

Edmonton hasn't seen an improvement in the standing since replacing Dallas Eakins and having general manager Craig MacTavish return to the press box, but Nelson's presence is very real.

His most notable impact (Nail Yakupov aside) is helping the Oilers to the top-ranked power play since the All-Star break.