The 31 best players in the 2018 draft
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!
Great work LT, thank you for this.
I’ll have to bookmark this and come back to it when we have a better sense of where we are going to pick in the first round.
A couple of questions:
1) Do we think that any of the skilled forwards slated in the top 10 are NHL ready, top 6 ready?
2) Do you think the Oiler target Boquist? I am also weary of reaching to draft a d-man due to need – D-men, generally, take a while to develop and, when the player is ready to make an impact in 2-4 years, who knows if there is still the same need. Of course, there will be exceptions like Dahlin who will play in the NHL next year.
“…..the next goalie recall could be Nick Ellis.”
You hearing something there, boss? Or just establishing pecking order?
Svechnikov.
Also, if the Oilers get Dahlin, I think the NHL HQ implodes.
I think Smith has the complete package and that may sway them. Otherwise Boqvist would be the one.
Just making things up. 🙂 I think Ellis has earned a look
I’m not sure we’ll need to recall a d-man due to trades as, aside from Auvitu, we have no pending UFA d-men.
With that said, if/when we do recall a d-man for any reason (trades, injury replacement, etc.), I’d like to keep Bear, Jones, Mantha in the minors.
Yes, lots of people like the “cup of coffee” but these d-man are still very much in the early part of their pro development state. Bear has only played 20 games and just back from a fairly major concussion. Jones has had an uneven start to the year and is just now finding traction.
The Condors are starting to play well and win games – I’d like to keep those d-men in their appropriate league.
Gryba would be the first recall, then Stanton – I’d even go Keegan Lowe as the third (even though the vitriol from the fanbase due simply to last name would be insufferable).
I’m simply a big fan of letting these real prospect d-men peculate slowly in the developmental league.
That’s the problem when you aren’t surprised by anything management does; the rustling in the bushes could just be the wind. Or it might be Talbot traded for a shooter tutor.
Wouldn’t that be sweet, the look on Bettman’s face! I fear for Connor though, they might never call a penalty his way again.
I wonder how they would change the draft after that?
Agreed, they are blocked right now anyway barring a rash of D injuries. I’d rather see everyone push their way up (forwards too), force the issue rather than what we are used to. If they have some idea how to play the system McLellan will do better with them. I believe the farm is still using the same concepts as the Oilers?
Since we’re talking draft, Brad posted this on twitter the other day:
Blue Bullet Brad
@BlueBullet1981
I took a look back at my 2010 rankings.
https://lowetide.ca/2010/06/23/draft-week-post-8-blue-bullets-list/ …
If Oilers used my list they would have ended up with Hall, Merrill, Toffoli, Jarnkrok, Weal and Pulkkinen.
Those 6 players have played 1506 NHL games. The Oilers picks 771.
Lowetide,
Adding to the Leftorium…. No thanks.
I’d rather see them trade that pick for help on the wings or trade down to restock the prospect pool.
Unless it’s a top 3 pick I don’t see the value in the prospects listed.
I know the players aren’t permitted to do anything “official” during the bye week including media avails but does this apply to the coaching staff as well? Will we hear from anybody this week?
Joe Veleno dropped quite a bit. I think he’ll be a steal of the draft if he continues to do so.
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
You forgot to add “and plays in the QMJHL”. Pouliot may get jealous this year LT.
Depends if the others would have developed with Edmonton like they had with their teams or not.
Edmonton is like the Yellowstone Wolves.
Instead of changing rivers, they change the draft.
Sadly this is my favorite post of the year 🙂
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.
Don’t have to give up Nurse and Drai to get #65…
Wishful and probable
Really Great work LT, one of my favorite posts of the year…
Unlike you using ‘math’, I quickly google the name, look at eliteprospects numbers (G/A/P/PIM, Weight/Height & Nationality) and make the call…
Filip Zadina impressed me during the World Juniors… doubt he will be available unless we continue our play in the second half…
I’d probably go with Ryan Merkley if we are going for undersized offensive defenseman, at least he fills the ‘RD’ gap on the roster…
Allan McShane me likes, yes please!
I agree with Zadina if were going forward. I think this is the year we finally get a top tier dman that will play with Larsson or Nurse.
LT: a little edit
#23 – Calen Addison plays for the Lethbridge Hurricaness (not Red deer)
If Montoya plays less than 7 games, then why did we trade for him. We already had a backup the coach wouldnt play
I have the magical feeling we’re going to swing to 3rd in the lottery.
Just thought I’d post it now for posterity.
Thank me later.
Would you pick whoever’s left of Svech or Zadina, or go Boqvist there?
Montoya solidifies the back-up position for next season.
He showed against ARI exactly the type of value he can provide to the team – the starter gets chased early after a couple quick goals and he comes in and plays solid hockey allowing the team to make a comeback and win the game. We don’t win that game if the back-up lets in another goal, in particular an early one.
Montoya has also shown the ability to play 25-30 games and generally give the team a chance to win as well as to take the reigns during an injury and provide solid tending for a stretch (he did so when Price got injured)
Yes, there will be backups available during the off-season so we can question the need to give up the pick but I am very happy with the back-up goaltending position solidified for next year.
A couple of questions:
1) Do we think that any of the skilled forwards slated in the top 10 are NHL ready, top 6 ready?
2) Do you think the Oiler target Boquist? I am also weary of reaching to draft a d-man due to need. D-men, generally, take a while to develop and, when the player is ready to make an impact in 2-4 years, who knows if there is still the same need. Of course, there will be exceptions like Dahlin who will play in the NHL next year. Is Boqvist NHL ready? I would think he’d need a few years of development like most d-men do but I don’t really know. If he does need some development time, does it make sense to reach to grab him not knowing what the team needs will be when he’s ready?
I like the idea of picking a defenceman with the first pick. They’ve gone winger so many times, six times of the last decade, and only one is currently on the roster (thought KY might be on it next year). They’ve rarely picked defenceman, and you can make a good argument there’s enough defence talent in the draft to take one as the BPA.
Boqvist is probably 1 to 1 and a half years out, a la Werenski/Provorov.
Zadina and Svech are probably ready. Todd might not fancy the russian-born though.
I still think we need to draft a forward regardless if we’re top 7. Fits the window better.
Besides Boqvist. I’m high on Boqvist.
Id go Boquist as well. Hard to pass on Tkachuk though if he made it to us. Man that would make playing Calgary even more fun.
OriginalPouzar,
My point is we might as well just pencil in the 4th rounder was given up for Montoya
I have a feeling we trade the pick if it isn’t top 3.
If we have the option of drafting Boqvist your run to the podium and grab him. He is exactly what this team needs. Leave him in Sweden for two years and let him develop and then actually get 3 years from an entry level contract. Although if you have him and Zadina that you can pick its a very hard choice and would not fault either pick since Zadina is a safer choice
Oilers need impact defenders now, with their being plug and play wingers and the Oilers history of plug and play wingers let’s stick with plug and play wingers and go get fucking OEL! Wooot
The Montoya situation is bizarre, Oilers needed a proven back up last season. Trading a pick for one in a lost season, is something I would figure you’d see Tambi do, not an accomplished GM like Chia. What gives?
Oilers need those bullets in the draft in a lost season or atleast for a bigger move then a back up goaltender when other teams claim them bi weekly on the waiver wire. Serious bush league management
I think he might be at least two full years away. Massive upside but late birthday and still not moving the needle at all against men. A lot can happen quickly at that age, he might look like a star in the SHL by april, but when you watch him today he’s very much a junior player and not close to being NHL ready.
This team needs exactly this player type now, not in 3 years, well they will then too but only because they drafted him and haven’t made a move to acquire a established puck hound on the back end.
Don’t worry Connor by the time your 25 Oilers might have someone on the back end that can pass the puck.
Other than Dahleen, none of these picks should be in the NHL right away. I just hope they do the right thing and forget about the player for a couple years. Not holding my breath though. The second round pick will be hugely important as well. Please please get it right Chia.
Appreciate the input, I’d probably absolutely leave him in europe for draft+1, but I’d actually not be completely taken off-guard if he ends up transitioning to NA ice quite well after that.The kind of plays he makes in so little time and space are very very impressive.
Would be exactly what this team needs to have 3 cheap years of a guy that can outplay forechecks, move the puck and post offense on the right side.
1) I don’t think so (ouside of Svech jr. and Zadina), but that’s never stopped us before.
That development path would be fine with me but a player drafted out of the European leagues can have their contract slide while playing in the AHL.
He can spend one year in Sweden and then a year in the AHL and we would still have his entire 3 year ELC.
Yes, this season is a lost season but next year is not a lost season – the acquisition of Montoya is as much for next year as it is for this year.
Yes, I’m remiss to trade picks but Montoya is exactly what we need in the back-up position and at the right price point. We should be able to recoup that mid-round pick for Cammy at the deadline.
Yes, we likely could have signed a similar type player this coming off-season but at the end of the day, we trade a giant magic bean (i.e a pick with apx 10% chance of playing in the NHL) for an actual NHL player to fills a hole.
On Boqvist: I’m a lottle uneasy about taking an undersized offesnive dman who doesn’t have much of an offensive track record in the top 10. I get that he’s the only RHD there, but it strikes me as a pretty big gamble, particularly is Bear, Benning or Jones find top 4 time by then. Might not be a bad year to trade down.
Might we see another 3-headed monster to close out the season? Ellis or Brossoit backing up to hide Montoya.
Good information and, given the talent in the top 10, I don’t see why we would reach for this player.
There seems to be a good deal of risk that he doesn’t develop as anticipated and he is years away.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying don’t draft the kid where he’s ranked but I’m not sure about reaching for a player that is years away and not a “can’t miss”.
Yeah, his player type can improve by leap and bounds once it clicks. And they usually struggle initially in the SHL as well, even Erik Karlsson had a tough time in his draft year, looked just ok in his draft +1 and then came over in his draft +2 and was a very good NHL player after a short stint ripping up the AHL.
Can’t really count on that kind of trajectory though, he just took off and never looked back.
Boqvist comes with some risk, especially if you rush him, but man that ceiling is crazy. Doesn’t really lack any offensive tools and is smart enough defensively to handle that part once he matures physically and learns to balance when to play it safe and when to be creative.
Thinker,
I certainly hope that’s the plan….
As much as I enjoying reading about who the Oilers might pick in the upcoming draft..
I’d rather see some roster holes filled with legit NHL talent.
It would be nice to watch the playoffs again someday and I love Stanley Cup parades.
Can’t do it with prospects. Or at least they haven’t been able to yet.
SwedishPoster,
This. Yes he comes with some risk but so does the history of picking 3-5 overall. I know he does come with a little more risk than the guys alongside him, but man if he pans out his upside is so high that you may be getting a hall of famer with that pick
So Jason Demers is once again available. Couple more trades with retention and we may be able to afford him
David Pangotta is advising that ARI is looking to trade Jason Demers.
I only bring it up given the past conversations that we’d be better keeping Hall and signing Demers as opposed to trading for Larsson and signing Lucic.
It just seems interesting that Demers is being shopped yet again – I think he’s having a decent season (as decent as one can have for the Coyotes) but, if he’s providing value for his contract, presumably they wouldn’t be looking to move him……
@lowetide
How would Boqvist & Merkley compare to Makar from last year’s draft?
OriginalPouzar,
Given that they are shopping Demers Hjalmarsson and OEL I think they are rebuilding the rebuild
Kournianos has Ty Smith at #5 over Boqvist #6 as well.
Suggests Evan Bouchard (Knights) might even be a better PP QB than Dahlin. He’s leading the Knights in scoring as a d-man and is the OHL top d-man for points.
Bode Wilde looks interesting too.
Lots of great d-men in this draft, I’d love to grab 2 of them.
All of the teams with great D that we envy drafted them.
There are also no centres in the system. If they aren’t in the top 3 definitely draft for position, BPA would be far from a clear choice.
Great work, as long as we don’t pick another right winger or a potential # 3-6 left d man I’m fine with who they pick.
If you look at need right D and centers are something we are lacking, then maybe concentrate on the left wing.
It seems every team in the league has a player they picked in the 3rd round or later who plays big minutes for the team. except the Oilers.
This is what needs to be a priority, much, much better picking when it comes to the draft.
Bigger righty too. 50pts already, I’d like to see his EV pts.
Stuart Skinner was named WHL goalie of the week.
I believe he let in one goal in two games after traded to Swift Current.
Demers would be great. Need to ship out Russell desperately at that point though.
Nurse Larsson
Klefbom Demers
Sekera Benning
I loveeee it.
Karlsson and Ekman-Larsson are available, too.
I think it has less to do with value for his contract and more to do with the Yotes blowing everything up.
I hope the Devil’s trade for him, to be honest.
What I see with Boqvist is all the unteachables except size, and teams are getting shorter and closer to 5.09-6.00 on the blueline.
Talent, creativity and hockey IQ. This team needs it in spades.
What do we have to add to get the dogs to take Russell’s contract?
Nothing.
Just have Edmonton sports media figures call up Chayka and let them tell him how amazing Russell is.
Good stuff!
I know Cap Space is tearing it up this season but I think we could trade him for Demers.
OmJo,
Chayka’s a snake oil black box broker, but he does actually look at numbers. Russel and Sekera going like 0-10 in GF/GA recently might not be too attractive.
Other than the NMC.
Rohypnol.
Hm… Hit him with the…
“Russell leads the league in blocked shots and intangibles/60!” line.
How can you argue with that?
…
I hate this damned contract.
He was here a couple summers ago about to sign with us.
Maybe General Disappointment broke his heart 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.
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.
Wilde,
Very young blueline.
I’d offer them Russell for Gorges.
Zadina could be in a wheelchair at the draft and go before 36 LOL
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”.
Rishaug has “confirmed” that Nuge does NOT have a concussion and just some bruising that should clear up prior to next week.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Barzal with 1G 1A, Eberle with an A, Beauvillier with a goal 10 minutes into the Habs-Isles game.
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/
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
godot10,
Dallas Eakins is responsible for Schultz, absolutely destroyed him as an Oiler and almost as a hockey player
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.
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.
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,
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
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.
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.
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.
Lowetide,
Your Athletic article today is truly one of your best. Didn’t pull any punches, did you?
That 4th round pick should be able to be replaced at the trade deadline Letestu??
Lucic isn’t covering the money now, let alone down the road.
Great Athletic article, LT.
That second last paragraph was an excellent capsule of everything that is wrong with the Chia regime.
“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?
Thanks for the kind words, gents. I think this is going to be a very interesting six weeks.
No, he can sign at any time after the draft, forgoing his college career. Most sign after their second post draft season, at 20.
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
deardylan,
VOR??
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
Only four more days off until Oiler hockey returns.
Go Oilers!
€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?
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.