The 2018 NHL Entry Draft may have more importance for the Edmonton Oilers than any of us thought possible. A bad season has a lot of things in play, including the possibility of front office and coaching changes. For fans, it’s a chance to contemplate (gulp) yet another lottery party. Let’s have a look.
THE ATHLETIC!
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- New Lowetide: Peter Chiarelli needs some answers from this week’s meetings
- New Lowetide: Procurement 2018: Oilers are going to need a bigger boat
- Black Dog Pat: Hard to be optimistic about the Oilers
- Lowetide: Hard target search 2018 deadline
- Lowetide: Oilers and the 2018 Entry Draft
MY SHARONA
- I use NHLE as a strong guiding light. Christian Roatis has my current conversation calculator here.
- My list list rewards offense heavily, and the most gifted offensive players will be at the top. Players with a range of skills usually do well, but there is a fine line between a two-way player and a checking future. The list does not give high numbers to players who have a lot of their value tied up in the defensive side of the game. Goalies are graded (almost exclusively) by save percentage, although success over more than one season has terrific value.
- I view Bob McKenzie’s list as the draft Bible, but my list does not factor in any scouts input beyond the obvious. (My list is complete before his final one).
- Corey Pronman’s views have a major impact on my list. He’s been finding value in the draft for years and his list is unique.
- Craig Button’s list has high value for me, I like the fact he has the courage of his convictions. I pay attention to Red Line Report.
- Simon Boisvert is a wonderful resource. He’s on the Lowdown today.
- I also view McKeen’s, Steve Kournianos, Grant McCagg, Tom Hunter, The Black Book, Scott Wheeler, Brock Otten, Adam Sherren, ISS.
- I do not copy their rankings (this should be fairly obvious if you look at the rankings of the scouting services).
- Mark Edwards Black Book is a brilliant reference. His release last year has been very useful for this year’s draft. Highly recommended.
- It is very rare for me to rank a defenseman No. 1 overall. Last time? Victor Hedman, 2009.
- My list is not designed to compete with, or copy any of the sources mentioned above. Organizations like Red Line, ISS, McKeens, Future Considerations and others employ actual scouts who observe, evaluate and project. None of their work is contained here.
- This list uses math, previous draft trends (the CHL delivers enormous talent to the NHL), various pieces of anecdotal information volunteered by scouts and observers along the way, and an educated guess based on watching these things unfold since 1971.
THE 31 BEST PLAYERS IN THE 2018 DRAFT
- LD Rasmus Dahlin, Frolunda (SHL). The complete package, with size, speed and skill. Two-way acumen and he’s already playing well (26, 5-6-11) in a top flight pro league. Absolute franchise.
- R Andrei Svechnikov, Barrie Colts (OHL). Another complete talent, fleet winger (shoots left) who has a well rounded game. He brings size as well and is regarded as a plug and play right after the draft.
- L Filip Zadina, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). Another fantastic skill winger, he brings size and shooting ability to the game. He’s in the upper tier of offensive prospects in this draft.
- LC Jacob Olofsson, Timra (Allsvenskan). Speedy center with skill, he’s an emerging player who may be moving up lists.
- LD Ty Smith, Spokane Chiefs (WHL). Nice range of skills and impressive offense, he’s smooth and makes smart decisions with the puck. Underrated based on rankings I’ve seen.
- RD Adam Boqvist, Brynas (SuperElite). Undersized puck moving defender who is very creative. Fast, brilliant, excellent in all areas with the puck on his stick.
- RC Akil Thomas, Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL). Undersized center with all of the tools, plus his work ethic gets mentioned a lot. Speed and skill (RH), another player who is underrated based on current rankings I’m seeing.
- L Brady Tkachuk, Boston University (NCAA). Rugged power winger with two-way skills, he has soft hands and can post offense. He’s shy of his brother offensively but an excellent prospect.
- RD Ryan Merkley, Guelph Storm (OHL). Another undersized puck mover, Merkley has holes defensively but is a ridiculous offensive package.
- LD Quinn Hughes, Michigan (NCAA). Fast as lightning defender, smooth as silk and very creative with the puck. Small (5.09) and electric, prototype for the modern game.
- L Joel Farabee, U.S. National Development Program (USHL). Speedy winger with legit skill, he’s a little undersized. Smart player.
- R Oliver Wahlstrom, U.S. National Development Program (USHL). Pure scorer with good size, he’s done well in international competitions. Plus shot.
- LC Filip Hallander, Timra (Allsvenskan). Big, fast forward is an excellent puck transporter and passer, although he can also shoot the puck.
- RD Jett Woo, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL). Coolest name in the draft (Charlie Finley would have chosen him on that alone) he’s a fine two-way prospect and a rare righty. Offense seems to be underrated in draft lists I’ve seen, he might be available when Edmonton picks.
- LC Ryan McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL). Late ’99 has size, speed and skill, plus the tools to flourish in all three disciplines.
- LC Barrett Hayton, SSM Greyhounds (OHL). Attractive player because he’s a shooter, possesses a heavy shot and uses it liberally. He played a depth role last season, more prominent in the Soo this year and numbers reflect it.
- RC Rasmus Kupari, Karpat (Sm-Liiga). Skilled center who has rocketed up the Finnish hockey system in the last 18 months. His offense is the big selling point, continues to progress. Offense obscured by playing in a pro league.
- LC Joe Veleno, Saint-John Sea Dogs (QMJHL). Good size and speed, creative center who has 25 assists in 31 games this season. Improved in a big way season over season.
- RD Noah Dobson, Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL). A big (6.03, 179) two-way defenseman whose scouting report includes glowing reports with and without the puck. He might go higher based on range of skills.
- LC Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Assat (Sm-Liiga). Smart, very skilled and he’s 6.02, 190. Has good speed, is a playmaker but has a good shot. A nice resume.
- RD Evan Bouchard, London Knights (OHL). Two-way player, big numbers, his first-step quickness is average and he’s one of the oldest players in the draft.
- LD K’Andre Miller, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). Big defender who can skate and has a big shot. Converted forward so he’s a bit raw in coverage.
- RD Calen Addison, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL). He’s small but everything else is strong. Very creative player, very fast and surprisingly effective defensively.
- R Dominik Bokk, Vajxo Lakers (SuperElite). Another impressive German forward, he’s an elusive skater and a fine stickhandler, has a scorer’s instincts.
- RD Bode Wilde, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). Has size, skill, skating ability plus can shoot the puck and pass it very well. That’s a pretty complete skill set.
- RC Cam Hillis, Guelph Storm (OHL). He’s a burner and he’s spiking, point-per-game over his last 25 games. June 2000, playing in an outstanding league.
- LC Phillipp Kurashev, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL). My favorite player type, intelligent two-way center who has already established that area of the game as a strength. The question is offense and that’s why he’s here.
- LC Milos Roman, Vancouver Giants (WHL). A 1999-born prospect who will impress you with his vision and passing ability, Roman is a smart player in all areas of the ice.
- L Isac Lundestrom, Lulea (SHL). I’m nicking older eligibles more than ever, but this guy appears to be a real player. Playing in a strong pro league in Europe and having some offensive success, he is a burner, probably a little shy offensively.
- W Samuel Fagemo, Frolunda (SuperElite). Impressive climb through the Swedish system, he has good boots and an excellent shot. Dynamic with the puck on his stick, raw in other parts of the game. Boisvert likes him.
- LD Jared McIssac, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). Strong offensive potential, he’s a powerful skater who can blue bayou. Emerging offense, too soon to know.
Oilers at the 2018 Draft
Numbers based on standings January 15, 2017.
- First Round—No. 7 overall
- Second Round—No. 38 overall
- Third Round—No. 69 overall
- Fourth Round—No. 100 overall ( Oilers acquired goaltender Al Montoya from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick in 2018. If Montoya plays less than seven regular season games for the Oilers the draft pick becomes a fifth rounder)
- Fifth Round—No. 131 overall
- Sixth Round—No. 162 overall
- Seventh Round—No. 193 overall
Mock Draft
- First Round—No. 7 overall. LD Ty Smith, Spokane Chiefs (WHL).
- Second Round—No. 38 overall. LC Allan McShane, Oshawah Generals (OHL). Good skater, skilled, intelligent, two-way skills.
- Third Round—No. 69 overall. RD Axel Andersson, Djurgardens (SuperElit). A nifty puck-moving defensemen who can also play the position.
- Fourth Round—No. 100 overall. ( Oilers acquired goaltender Al Montoya from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick in 2018. If Montoya plays less than seven regular season games for the Oilers the draft pick becomes a fifth rounder)
- Fifth Round—No. 131 overall. RD Ty Emberson, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). Impressive speed and skills, he projects as a puck mover with a good shot and the ability to retrieve pucks like a madman. Zero buzz, but he has a nice resume.
- Sixth Round—No. 162 overall. RC Connor Roberts, Flint Firebirds (OHL). A big PF prospect whose only question mark appears to be offense. A trade to Flint gave him an opportunity to play a more prominent role and he’s taking advantage.
- Seventh Round—No. 193 overall. L Ryan Chyzowski, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL). Good skater, some skill.
I’m sure some of you would take Merkley or a forward at the No. 7 spot but Smith appears to be something else. He has the complete range of skills and may emerge as that power-play quarterback Edmonton so badly needs. I wanted the mock to reflect what is available and the answer is defensemen.
CONDORS
Bakersfield plays today, we’ll update as the afternoon rolls along. Iiro Pakarinen (17gp, 9-4-3), Brad Malone (29gp, 9-9-18) and Ty Rattie (36gp, 16-12-28) are the most likely forward to be recalled when the trades start popping in Edmonton.
As for defensemen, the most interesting are Ethan Bear (20gp, 2-8-10), Caleb Jones (36gp, 1-10-11) and Ryan Mantha (34gp, 3-6-9). I suspect the first recall would be Eric Gryba (4gp, 0-0-0) and the next goalie recall could be Nick Ellis.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
At 10 this morning, we kickstart the week with a giant group of guest. TSN1260, scheduled to appear:
- Pierre Lebrun, TSN and The Athletic. Oilers at the deadline, Olympics, Canada’s best team.
- Simon Boisvert, Prospect Insider. Condors and 2018 draft.
- Marc Majeau, TSN1260. Oilers, NFL weekend, Taylor Swift.
- Kent Wilson, The Athletic. Flames on fire.
10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
Professor Q,
My phone, & my vsion…I can’t see the periods very well. I figured out the settings that were changing words like “it” to “if” or “looking” to “dklrgjhi” and that sort of thing, so I am a little more happy when I post.
You must mean T Blades, did they offer a safety advantage? I just thought they were some of the first to be a quick change or.replaca ble blade.
€v¥£€us,
Are you in perpetual playoff overtime? Because you have way too many extra periods.
And yes, some goalies (like Cam Talbot on some nights) wear neck protectors, but not necessarily neck guards.
I think the turtle necks need to come back, where they had the neck guards in their collars. Plus they’re stylish and remind me of Yzerman.
I also bring up the Jochen Hecht skates. Have they stopped producing them or did they just fall out of German style?
Only four more days off until Oiler hockey returns.
Go Oilers!
Since music titles these Oilers posts. How about this season of bad luck and penaltykill …
ZOMBIES
Not Rob Zombie but the one sung by this Limerick powerhouse who left planet earth this week.
Which singer can sound this LIVE in and out of the studio?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81c5ko2GGzg&list=RD81c5ko2GGzg&t=3
Remember I used to hit the Rev around Jasper Ave on Wednesday nights in the mid 90s. We would finish Psych 102 at UofA and then jump in my friends car which could only turn left. Which meant we would have to turn left a few times to go right or do some doughnuts on the black ice.
When this song came on full blast for some reason we all went crazy and started singing the lyrics although we had no idea what war she was yelling about. Must have been the war all inside our heads. The war people still fight on some of these blogs. The war that Catch 22 talked about. The #HerToo war. The war to bomb to pieces to create peace.
Well she lost the battle today against that war in her head and her voice will linger on and on and on. Ride on Dolores!
I thin it can be replaced at the deadline via Cammaleri.
Of course, we’d rather have the pick and the asset return for those players but, at the same time, we are talking about a real magic bean here (with about a 10% chance of carving out an NHL career) for an actual NHL player that fills a hole very well.
Before the Lucic neck cut I was thinking about how the league could make this league better for the fans and safer for the players. The 3 worst things about the game IMO.are:
1. Inconsistent officiatng – I HATE HATE HATE it when there is a lack of consistency regarding what is or.is not a penalty. There is one rule.book, interpretation of.the rules should be consistent. A player should not be punished for being dominant and not.getting calls nor should.a.player.(like.Maroon) be.targetted, but not.getting.calls (Hartnell nut shot). I saw this.vs Anaheim, Maroon, Gryba,.Cagguila.and.Kassian were psnalty magnets,.while Perry,.Kesler and Getzlaf could.hack, slash, hook and.interfere.almost.at.will.
2. Bouncing puck – so they have to freeze a vulcanized rubber.puck to make.it.harder.so it.bounces.less. How about a butyl rubber puck? Makes.too much sense to me….
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/the-puck-remains-the-same/article554735/%3fservice=amp
3. Increase scoring – Goal.posts should be the shooter’s.best.friend. Every time we hear that distinctive.sound of.puck hitting iron, that means the red light.is.coming.on.
https://www.google.ca/amp/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.3351784
Player safety – to prevent players.from getting cut, you can do this, but it would drastically slow.down the game:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/canadiens-jonathan-drouin-forgets-skate-blades-wipes-practice/
I.remember after.the Malarchuk injury, neck guards became very popular. Grant Fuhr wore one.for.a while. Do any current NHL goalies wear.them today?
What with everyone aside from Yeti a new game seemed the only sensible way to take the season forward.
You will have to go to the site yourself to register for the new game here: http://www.oilersdeathmarch.com
It’s getting impossible to get the Death March™ interns to scroll through every Lowetide post for entries.
Each contest comes with it’s own inimitable prizes, so no worries there.
Thank you for the query.
After going through this exercise and playing around on CapFriendly, the Draisaitl contract is really going to be a burden (as most predicted). I know there was a suggestion of an $80 million salary cap, but I doubt it. It will likely be $77.5 million ( my prediction).
I think the next 6 weeks, like LT suggests will be the most interesting that we’ve seen in E-town in a very long time.
deardylan,
VOR??
Thinking about trading for D and for speed, I had thought these would be viable moves:
Klefbom, Benning, Cagguila + 2019 1st and 2018 3rd (and a conditional 2020 1st if he resigns) for Karlsson, Pageau and 2019 2nd & 2018 6th
Leon, Russell, Strome for OEL, Rieder and Perlini and a 2018 2nd
Sleppy and a 2018 2nd for Athanasiou and a 2018 5th
Letestu and a 6th to Pittsburgh for Riley Sheahan and a 2018 3rd
Maroon & Platzer to Car for Foegele & McKeown (as per VOR’s suggestion) & a 2018 3rd
Athanasiou-CMD-JP
Lucic-RNH-Chris Stewart (UFA)
Sheahan-Pageau-Rieder
Perlini-JK-Kassian
Sekera-Karlsson
OEL-Larsson
Nurse-Jan Rutta (UFA)
Davidson
No, he can sign at any time after the draft, forgoing his college career. Most sign after their second post draft season, at 20.
Thanks for the kind words, gents. I think this is going to be a very interesting six weeks.
“10. LD Quinn Hughes, Michigan (NCAA). Fast as lightning defender, smooth as silk and very creative with the puck. Small (5.09) and electric, prototype for the modern game”
Clicking on mock draft and Oilers kept grabbing “Quinton Hughes” at 6th place and the simulator also said he is already committed to Michigan.
Does that mean he is unavailable to play for Oilers for the next few years until he gets his university degree?
Great Athletic article, LT.
That second last paragraph was an excellent capsule of everything that is wrong with the Chia regime.
Lucic isn’t covering the money now, let alone down the road.
That 4th round pick should be able to be replaced at the trade deadline Letestu??
Lowetide,
Your Athletic article today is truly one of your best. Didn’t pull any punches, did you?
I think the Chia braintrust rejected Schultz more than Todd did.
Todd doesn’t play his doghouse denizens. Schultz played.
Chia likes his PP 2RD’s to be the Krug/Benning type, not Schultz brand.
Fun thing of this blog is to go back to similar rankings and see where we can find the wisdom and wounds of past evaluations.
I know 2016 draft is still very recent although maybe some wisdom in looking back 2 years and seeing how it is playing out. The comments below come from lowetide review of the class of 2016 which are fun to read again.
Prediction in 2016: https://lowetide.ca/2016/01/05/the-30-best-players-in-the-2016-draft/
Reality in 2018: http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2016e.html
Two that have exceeded expectations: any wisdom here we can apply to 2018?
4. L Matthew Tkachuk, London Knights (OHL): His NHLE is 82, 13-40-53 (!!!) and he did a lot of good things at the WJs. I didn’t change my rankings (through the top 9) from the pre-WJs, but he is the one guy who might have done more to earn a move up in the small sample size tournament of teenagers.
20. C Clayton Keller, USNDTP (USHL): Jeff Cox of SBNation’s College hockey department has a great description here. Undersized, very skilled, average speed. Looks like there is substantial offensive potential.
Two possible below expectations and haven’t played a game yet: any wounds here we can avoid in 2018?
13. C Michael McLeod, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL): He is 6.02, 187 and EP suggests he is an emerging Power Center with great skating. If all of that and his NHLE (82, 11-19-30) are true, I have him undervalued here.
7. R Julien Gauthier, Val D’Or Foreurs (QMJHL): NHLE is 82, 21-5-26 which is Sandy Koufax level. He is a monster 6.04, 224 and runs over people for fun. Did not get a lot of traction from WJs, but I don’t think it will matter. Appears to have good speed for his size.
The issue with Justin Shultz was him being forced to play big minutes in all situations with high responsibilities against tough competition.
He was asked to play on the 1st pairing with a revolving door of partners – including Darnell Nurse as a rookie.
He was put in to a position to fail (by the coach but a function of the horrible defensive group we had) and never had a chance to develop.
Third pairing with PP time is what Justin needed and what he got when he arrived in PIT.
Given our defence in his first year had a:
– just signed Sekera who took some time to get his feet under him with the new team
– Fayne
– Nikitin
– Davidson
– Nurse (rookie)
– Reinhart
Also included Clandening, Osterle (rookie), Pardy, etc.
McLellan wasn’t given a chance to “fix” Shultz.
hunter1909,
Good on you for introducing the new game Hunter. I’m going to stick with my original true 500 of 92 points. 41 wins and 10 Betmans and not play the new game.
I realize its a long shot now but if the Oilers go on an insane run, is there any chance you will add the prizes of the new game to the old one?
I only ask because a friend is suggesting the new prognostications are not going to be anywhere near 92.
Well…maybe OPs
Mike Sullivan demonstrated that he was fixable. Why wasn’t McLellan able to fix him? The biggest hole in the roster is the direct result of not fixing him. Right shot D with PP specialisation.
Hunter1909 Emergency Death March™ Update for new/returning players:
Oilers miserable start to the season makes for Emergency Death March; a Contest within a Contest! To original 2017-18 Death march Players don’t worry! Your game is safe! Emergency Death March™ is a brand new game!
Here’s how You play: simply go to http://www.oilersdeathmarch.com and click ENTER NEW CONTEST
It’s Easy! Free to enter!
More prizes for Emergency Death March™ winners…Contest Book will remain open until mid February…until puck drop for games either the Yotes on the 15th or the Bruins on the 20th.
Why aren’t we resigning RNH?
He will be in his prime. I can’t recall the organization wronging him (except TMacs refusal to play him with McD).
If everything (the draft) goes right over the next ~3 years, that will be our window to win.
godot10,
Dallas Eakins is responsible for Schultz, absolutely destroyed him as an Oiler and almost as a hockey player
And I disagree that wingers are easy to get (unless you’re trading with Peter Chiarelli). We don’t have the depth on the wings, impact wingers cost $$$ as free agents (Even Loui Erikkson got 6 mill). We don’t have enough talent percolating in the minors to trade for wingers, nor the cap space even if we did.
I guess I’m just a big believer in getting the best player available. Even if we kept the 16th pick in 2015 we wanted to take the big right shot centre in Erikkson Ek over the smaller more skilled Barzal. I think Zadina will be an elite forward, I’ll take the elite left winger over just a good to very good right shot centre (our top six is set down the middle). If we need a 3c, when the time comes maybe the return for RNH are depth pieces.
I’m not against drafting a RD either (or Dahlin, lol).
Caleb Jones with a pair of assists today.
His game has really started to come around after struggling early (as anticipated given he’s a rookie pro).
I did see that the lineup card had him playing with Keegan Lowe and on the right side. I wonder how much of the right side he’s been playing in Bakersfield.
As per Craig Morgan- Coyotes writer for AZ Sports:
Per recent reports the Coyotes have made D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Niklas Hjalmarsson & Jason Demers available, or they’ve set the market on those players, my understanding is the reports are baseless. I wouldn’t call Demers untouchable, but I don’t think there’s anything to this.
Great points but I think wingers are easier to get. Nobody can find a decent centre, especially right shot, or right side D without paying a King’s ransom.
It’s the same as trading anything, sports cards or stocks, scarcity equals price.
We all covet players that other teams have that draft centres and D, especially right shot. Our turn.
I’ve been in the phone booth all season, Godot. Look down. See the little cockroach near your left foot waving his right wing? That’s me. There’s plenty of room in here. Good thing too … I expect it to get a lot more crowded before the season is over.
We have already drafted Nuge’s replacement – Aapeli Rasanen.
Well, probably not, chances are he’ll never make it but I’ve got my eye on him as a darkhorse for the 3C of the future when Nuge’s contract is up.
I wont disagree with you that there have been a few too many players who ended up on the scrap heap here and rebounded elsewhere under TMacs tenure.
Not sure about when he was in San Jose but along with not able being to fix special teams this year, not being able to fix guys like Yak, Schultz and others since he became HC, should not go unnoticed.
As for Nurse hiring a personal skills coach, many of the star players do it, so I wouldnt say Nurse hired Oates only because McCellan isnt coaching Nurse properly. Nurse hired Oates because he wanted to keep improving. Hiring a personal skills coach is no different than hiring a personal trainer or nutrionist. Some of the star players also have their own analytical reviews in 5 to 10 game segments in where the players get feedback on their performances by an analyst outside of the club.
Many players are looking for that extra edge. Especially the driven players. Nurse is one of them.
New for The Athletic:
Peter Chiarelli has questions to answer after bye week meetings
https://theathletic.com/212196/2018/01/15/oilers-gm-peter-chiarelli-has-questions-to-answer-after-bye-week-meetings/
Barzal with 1G 1A, Eberle with an A, Beauvillier with a goal 10 minutes into the Habs-Isles game.
MacT gets a lot of criticism for trading Jeff Petry.
But McLellan gets far to little criticism to failing to rehabilitate Justin Schultz. Schultz is exactly what the team is missing right now. And if McLellan had rehabilitated Schultz, the Taylor Hall trade might not have been “necessary”.
Jeff Petry and a “fixed” Justin Schultz and there would have been absolutely no need to trade Taylor Hall.
McLellan’s failure with Schultz, with Yakupov, with Pouliot, with Eberle is forcing Chiarelli’s hand, and making it extremely weak.
Changing the players OVER fixing the players and modifying the systems is much more costly endeavour.
Aside: Nurse felt the need to go out and hire a personal coach, since he didn’t feel the coaching he was getting was good enough.
Does anyone think the yotes are blowing it up and trading away OEL so they can trade for Karlsson? That would probably move the needle pretty quick… And it would suck for us… and if they somehow got dahlin too? Yikes!
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has three years left on his contract after this one. They should strongly consider drafting his future replacement. Centre and D, with a preference for right shots, should be the priority.
How many young wingers can one break in anyways. They will be breaking in Puljujarvi, Yamamoto, and Benson over the next couple of years.
They should probably look for established wingers in the short term and draft centres and D.
Well we are lacking forward prospects at left wing. Tyler Benson projects to be a middle 6 left winger, and we have Milan Lucic at 6 mill, and probably not covering the money over the length of the contract. I think if we have a chance at Zadina that solidifies our forwards.
For me it’s RD or centre. They have prospects at wing LD and goal. They have winger prospects. They have nothing at centre and no blue chippers at RD. Or left D but have Klef and Nurse already.Bear is showing offense but at this point is still not a sure thing given size skating and defensive play currently.
Ideally they find a RD that can push Larsson down to 2nd pair. Or a centre too good long run for bottom 6 because of trade value. wingers are the easiest players to get other than backup goalies and replacement level types.
I think we need to draft a RD or a winger. I know it’s early days yet but I think we potentially missed out on a fair bit of offense picking JP over Tkachuk and Keller. It wouldn’t hurt to get a winger with a proclivity for making plays with the puck and a history of scoring goals.
Svechnikov’s #’s are a bit dissapointing in the OHL coming back from injury, and historically the Edmonton Oilers don’t seem to make the most out of their Russian prospects, so I think it has to be Zadina if we finish low enough. One more high end offensive piece could really make our forwards tick.
Also earlier in this thread I said 2+4 went 0-10, that was wrong.
It looks like 2-83 went 0GF 6GA, then were split up and Sekera paired wih Russell and went 0GF 4GA.
Rough trip back for Reggie.
A slew of veteran players sign one year deals every year, the only risk is which one you pick. The Oilers could have gotten a player before the season on a one year deal. PC neglected to do so, either to use it at the deadline, or who knows.
Rishaug has “confirmed” that Nuge does NOT have a concussion and just some bruising that should clear up prior to next week.
Cap space is only available for this season. Next year there is none.
This was a HUGE factor I’m sure in not using up the cap space in the off-season – its not easy to sign a material player for one year and we were limited to such term in any material acquisition.
Edit: Wait a second, I may be misunderstanding the term “cap space”.
Zadina could be in a wheelchair at the draft and go before 36 LOL
Wilde,
Very young blueline.
I’d offer them Russell for Gorges.
Just for fun, because I don’t have much else to add right now and too much time on my hands, here is how the top 10 of the 2017-18 NHL Entry Draft went in my current game on FHM.
1. Mattias Samuelsson – Sabres ????????
2. Rasmus Dahlin – Flyers
3. Svechnikov – Panthers
4. Brady Tkachuk – Golden Knights
5. Joe Veleno – Oilers LOL
6. Ty Smith – Coyotes
7. Jared McIsaac – Islanders
8. Quinn Hughes – Rangers
9. Ryan Merkley – Canucks
10. Allan McShane – Jets
Oilers picked C Veleno (5), LW Zadina (36), G Rodrigue (67), LD Andersson (98), RW Lafontaine (129), RD Comrie (160), and C Otruba (191).
Ty Smith went 6th, Allan McShane went 10th, Axel Andersson 98th, Ty Emberson 28th, Connor Roberts went undrafted, and Ryan Chyzowski 25th.
The sim engine in this game is way, way, way off lol.
OmJo,
Buffalo might take him. Look at their blueline.
Seriously, go look at their blueline and consider the fact that Ristolainen is a #3/4.
He was here a couple summers ago about to sign with us.
Maybe General Disappointment broke his heart lol.