And the answer, of course, is Patrick Russell

by Lowetide

The Edmonton Oilers iced an outmanned team in Vancouver last night, in a way you can see how things are going from games where the lesser lights are in the deep end.

The Oilers are looking for grinders and puck movers and penalty killers and centers, plus a few more things. They got more answers on the coast, and there are names emerging.

THE ATHLETIC!

The Athletic Edmonton features a fabulous cluster of stories (some linked below, some on the site). Great perspective from a ridiculous group of writers and analysts. Proud to be part of The Athletic, we are celebrating our 2-year anniversary this week. To mark the occasion, you can get 40% off subscriptions until Sept. 19 here.

  • New Jonathan Willis: Four players who helped, three who hurt their Oilers hopes in Edmonton’s second preseason game
  • New Daniel Nugent-Bowman: How an offseason adding more pop in his stick and skates has James Neal primed for first Oilers season
  • Lowetide: A big night for Oilers defencemen Joel Persson, William Lagesson and Evan Bouchard
  • Lowetide: Preseason 2019-20: The Oilers’ journey to respectability begins
  • Lowetide: Handicapping Oilers prospect progress: The development of Ethan Bear, Caleb Jones and William Lagesson
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Eight key questions for the Oilers to solve at training camp
  • Jonathan Willis: Predicting the winners of the Oilers’ top-six and top-nine forward jobs out of camp
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: In, out or on the bubble: Breaking down positional battles at Oilers camp
  • New Lowetide: Evan Bouchard and the Calder Trophy: The Oilers’ pursuit of the elusive rookie award
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Alex Chiasson prepares to return to scoring form for Edmonton Oilers
  • Jonathan Willis: Kyle Brodziak defied the odds, and then the Oilers, to carve out a significant NHL career
  • Lowetide: Can Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith stop enough pucks for the Oilers?
  • Lowetide: Shutdown success by Darnell Nurse and Adam Larsson is a key for the Oilers in 2019-20.
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Even if he’s unsure about his return, Oilers’ Connor McDavid looks and sounds like his old self
  • Lowetide: RE 19-20: How can the Oilers’ bottom six close the gap in goal differential?
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Kailer Yamamoto and Tyler Benson address respective highs and lows as Oilers rookie camp begins
  • Jonathan Willis: Riley Sheahan is a prudent signing by the Oilers in more ways than one
  • Jonathan Willis: Oilers’ defensive hopes will rest on the new shutdown pair of Darnell Nurse and Adam Larsson
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: With Evan Bouchard as the headliner, here are the players to watch at Oilers rookie camp
  • Lowetide: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and the configuration of the Oilers second line
  • Lowetide: Connor McDavid’s 2019-20: Pushing for 50 goals while Dave Tippett loads up the Oilers’ top line
  • Lowetide: Estimating reasonable expectations for the 2019-20 Edmonton Oilers: A difficult journey
  • Jonathan Willis: How much money will Darnell Nurse make on his next NHL contract?
  • Corey Pronman: Oilers No. 9 farm system.
  • Lowetide: Oilers coach Dave Tippett might have to take drastic action in order to find a second outscoring line in 2019-20
  • Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects summer 2019.

NOTES

LINE 1: Tomas Jurco-Cooper Marody-Patrick Russell. They played just 5:22 together, went 9-3 Corsi, 2-0 goals and 1-1 HDSC. All numbers five-on-five via Natural Stat Trick.

Cooper Marody looked tentative early. Poor passing decision on the five-on-three, he was also late for the puck on the forecheck and outlets. Missed opportunity to impress in the first 20. Then, things clicked. He got lucky on the Jurco goal and was flat out brilliant on the Russell tally. His skating was not strong in this game, that’s a concern, but he played well enough to get another game.

Patrick Russell is from Denmark. He is 26. He is coming from a long way back but my goodness there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for him. He had another strong game, scoring and picking up an assist. The goal was a beauty. He works so hard every shift, I know that’s cliche but it’s also true. Turns out, busting your ass is a good thing.

Tomas Jurco scored a nice goal, quick reaction and had a nice assist as well. Based on the other left wing hopefuls in the first two games, his stock is probably rising. He’s a rangy fellow, bigger than I remember. He may make this team as a starter. 3 HDSC to lead the team.

LINE 2: Tyler Benson-Ryan McLeod-Cameron Hebig. A line with plus speed and skill, I was impressed. Played 10:58 together, went 17-3 Corsi, 0-0 goals and 3-0 HDSC. How on earth did McLeod miss that third period chance? Goal post and out. Same as it ever was. Led all lines with nine defensive zone faceoffs.

Tyler Benson had a fine evening, he’s aggressive and anticipates well, plus has creative instincts and can pass the puck. I don’t know if he’s going to make the team, but hes impressive. Had 2 HDSC.

Ryan McLeod’s speed stands out on this Oilers team and you can see why the organization likes him. On the other hand, he needs to post offense, and last night was another example of not cashing. 12-3 faceoffs is terrific. I think he might see the NHL at some point this season.

Cameron Hebig took a high sticking penalty against the phenom Hughes early. He played well showing excellent speed and making good decisions. I like him. He might score 20+ in Bakersfield this season.

LINE 3: Joe Gambardella-Brad Malone-Anthony Peluso. Played 8:58 together, went 10-6 Corsi, 0-1 goals and 0-1 HDSC. They were physical and aggressive on the forecheck.

Joe Gambardella did a nice job on the forecheck, No turnovers but he hurried some outlets. Brad Malone had two shots and a takeaway, and was 11-3 on the dot. Anthony Peluso had a good game, he was irritating the hell out of the Canucks all night. He had five shots.

LINE 4: Markus Granlund-Colby Cave-Josh Currie. Played 6:10 together, 6-5 Corsi, 1-2 shots, 0-1 goals and 0-2 HDSC.

Markus Granlund had two shots but I didn’t see a whole lot from him in this game. Colby Cave had one shot, one HDSC and was 13-4 on the dot. He needs a night like Russell’s to get on the radar offensively. Josh Currie took the early penalty and didn’t show a lot.

PAIRING ONE: Darnell Nurse-Adam Larsson. Duo went 22-9 Corsi in 17:15, 11-5 shots, 0-1 goals and 1-1 HDSC.

Darnell Nurse skated miles as always, he was physical and transported the puck well. The issues (passing, shot from long range five-on-three when a pass was the better option, turnover with an empty net) are the finesse offensive elements that Nurse has to improve in order to make the next level.

Adam Larsson was more involved offensively. Three shots, several solid passes, he looked good to me. Outside speed was an issue once, against a burner, but overall I liked his game.

PAIRING TWO: Dmitri Samorukov-Evan Bouchard. Played 14:48 together, 21-7 Corsi for, 0-1 goals and 1-2 high danger. Both rookies showed flashes, clearly both men are quality.

Dmitri Samorukov showed the full range of his abilities, moving the puck well, passing and a couple of shots. He can close a gap in a heartbeat, is very physical and offers an impressive size/speed combination.

Evan Bouchard continues to impress with his intelligent play. He passed well, defended well, and save for being down a quart in the third period his game was rock solid. A little slow on the Starrett rebound that Pettersson cashed, but rookie blue make mistakes.

PAIRING THREE: Brandon Manning and Ethan Bear spent 14:28 together, 17-13 Corsi for, 9-7 shots, 2-0 goals and 3-2 HDSC. High event evening for the pairing.

Ethan Bear definitely looks faster, made some impressive headman passes and led the rush a few times, too. He’ll get more chances this week, I liked his game but he has to get noticed. That means a goal, great chance, a couple of assists or hammering someone into next week.

Brandon Manning got noticed with a filthy hit on Jake Virtanen. Wow. Wildly unpopular among Oilers fans. Based on results and circumstances, the idea of his being 7D is not outrageous.

Shane Starrett stopped 20 of 23, .870 save percentage.

Shane Starrett had a good first period, he didn’t play the PS well. In the second period, he was money. Gave up two goals, both of the HD variety, the only one he had a chance on was Pettersson (let out a hella rebound).

Looks like Edmonton has a late addition to the training camp roster. Burdasov is 28, 6.02 and 227 and carries an NHLE of 37.7, which compares favorably to Joakim Nygard (32.0) and Gaetan Haas (26.6).

I’m fine with the move, but PTO’s are like a box of chocolates: You never know what you’re going to get and this late in the process all the good ones are probably gone. By the description of Burdasov, he’s a big strong bull of a man with a good shot and lacking elite speed. I keep hoping for another Jaroslav Pouzar, who was a steamroller with a Jofa hat.

LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE

A fun morning for me, TSN1260 at 10. We have a preseason game and a big Euro winger coming in on a PTO. Ideally, I’d invite Bruce McCurdy from the Cult of Hockey at the Edmonton Journal to talk about it, and as it turns out his regular spot comes up at 10:20 this morning. Kris Abbott from OddsShark also joins the fun and we’ll chat NFL QB injuries and soccer’s VAR.

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hunter1909

Jethro Tull,

I had the most incredible retort lined up, seeing that you’re sitting on the fence with the Holland/Tippett regime. After all, you weren’t around for the Dynasty, while suffering as much as the rest of us during the KLowe regime.

I’ll confidently predict that this team comes storming out of the gate October 2. Holland/Tippett represent the best management combination since Sather/Muckler(old timey Oilers managers who knew a thing or two about winning).

hunter1909

BONE207: Congratulations on your Happy Destiny…is that the same as a happy ending?

You’d better ask his wife.

fishman

franksterra:
fishman,

Such a lovely place. If you have time and you haven’t already, get over to Kererra (sp) for a few hours. Glorious walking. I am jealous.

Taking a boat trip over there tomorrow!!!

OriginalPouzar

KingerOiredux:
Jaxon,

– My working theory untill proven otherwise (despite the meek verbage from Tippett), is that CmD won’t be ready for game 1, or even if he is, with no pre-season, he will need to get up to speed,they need to bring in another scorer, which is why they have tried out Burdasov

– I think Drai and Nuge (untill CmD is 100%), the team needs 4 wingers who can score, and between Burd, Neal, Kassian, Nygard etc this is how they patch it together.

Verbal was quite strong in my opinion yesterday.

They’ve gone from “unlikely to play exhibition games” to “somewhat likely” and now “very optimistic” on him playing opening night. That, to me, is a confirmation on opening night barring some sort of set back (of which, he’s had zero from the start).

OriginalPouzar

JethroTull: Hahahaha! My goodness, did I listen.And what did I hear?Ken has invited a player he clearly has no idea about.Read shit straight from the wiki page, same with Tip, who did at least do a little due diligence and watch some video.But it’s clear Ken hasn’t a clue who he is.

All I thought of through that interview is “Ken’s been told be someone to give this guy a shot.” He must have been, because if he’s doing it as a favour to the agent, which was suggested on TSN, then nothing has change. decisions are still being made based on things other than winning.
We just changed Oilers Old Boy nepotism for Detroit flavoured.Blue gatorade for red powerade.

Ken just jumped through visa hoops and had a guy travel 24hrs straight for a slim shot in less than ten days of camp.

Have you tried realism?When something doesn’t sound right, it usually isn’t.

Anyone arguing that this is a good thing is being deliberately disingenuous.It’s a waste of everyone’s time. The worst thing for the Oilers is if he blows the doors off, then gets offered.

Ken admitted to not seeing him play or knowing much about him because he is honest. Of course, Ken had a team of people working for him and he listens tot he advice of the people he hires to advise him.

He would have been here for the beginning of camp in not for Visa issues – the shortened period/late start was due to law.

Its disingenuous to think that this is such an egregious move that requires vitriol towards management – doing that is clearly a stretch to find, yet another, way to propagate the negative narrative one wishes.

I agree that there is a slim shot of this working, however, the “risk” (which is only 15 – 30 min of exhibition ice for another player) is so small that its essentially no risk and “why not”?

Kinger_Oil.redux

Jaxon,

– My working theory untill proven otherwise (despite the meek verbage from Tippett), is that CmD won’t be ready for game 1, or even if he is, with no pre-season, he will need to get up to speed, they need to bring in another scorer, which is why they have tried out Burdasov

– I think Drai and Nuge (untill CmD is 100%), the team needs 4 wingers who can score, and between Burd, Neal, Kassian, Nygard etc this is how they patch it together.

Jethro Tull

OriginalPouzar: There is absolutely no indication that Holland would offer anything close to that contract – he already held firm on just giving a PTO and, maybe, you should listen to what Holland had to say today about his apparent contract wishes.

Hahahaha! My goodness, did I listen. And what did I hear? Ken has invited a player he clearly has no idea about. Read shit straight from the wiki page, same with Tip, who did at least do a little due diligence and watch some video. But it’s clear Ken hasn’t a clue who he is.

All I thought of through that interview is “Ken’s been told be someone to give this guy a shot.” He must have been, because if he’s doing it as a favour to the agent, which was suggested on TSN, then nothing has change; decisions are still being made based on things other than winning.
We just changed Oilers Old Boy nepotism for Detroit flavoured. Blue gatorade for red powerade.

Ken just jumped through visa hoops and had a guy travel 24hrs straight for a slim shot in less than ten days of camp.

Have you tried realism? When something doesn’t sound right, it usually isn’t.

Anyone arguing that this is a good thing is being deliberately disingenuous. It’s a waste of everyone’s time. The worst thing for the Oilers is if he blows the doors off, then gets offered.

Jaxon

As of today, this is what I’d like to see. I’m sure I’ll have a very different view on Saturday morning.

Draisaitl/McDavid/Burdasov
Khaira/Nugent-Hopkins/Neal
Granlund/Marody/Gagner
Chiasson/Sheahan/Kassian

Vying for 13th, 14th forward:
Jurco, Nygard, Archibald, Haas

Most likely to be knocked out of the top 12: Burdasov and Marody.

Maybe Nygard and Haas adjust quickly and impress enough to knock someone out of the top 12, but I haven’t see it yet. Archibald and Jurco have looked good but I’m not sure if they’ve looked good enough to displace anyone in this super small sample.

Maybe one of the AHL vets (Russell, Currie, Gambardella) keep impressing and make it. They’ve got a tough road to hoe though.

BONE207

unca miltie:
OriginalPouzar,

just thought I would let you know, I am heading out to celebrate 40 years of trudging the road to a happy destiny. Hope your travels are going well

Congratulations on your Happy Destiny…is that the same as a happy ending?

Pouzar

Chabot 8 x 8

McNuge93

gimme shelter:
With the possible retirement in Winnipeg, 2 of our young defenders ( You pick the names) and Puju for Patrick Laine. The bonus of having an abundance of D is to trade for wingers.
I am really,really,really curious to see our final lineup for the start of the NHL season.We have too many bodies and not enough NHL experience,goal scoring.
Also the Condors,which defenders end up there and which forwards.
Also Bouchard being tired in the 3rd last game. Yes he is a rookie.I imagine even vets at this time of year when they have not gotten their legs would be tired.
So after our lineup is named then we have an injury to a defender. Who will get the callfrom the Bake?

Not sure Winnipeg is looking for D prospects, I would think they’d want actual NHL defenders. And we cannot afford Laine.

It will be interesting how the Oilers lineup eventually shakes out.

Pouzar

OriginalPouzar: I think we are here:
Dr. Drai — GORD — Kassian
Contender — Nuge — Neal
Khaira — Sheahan — Archibald
Contender— Contender — Contender
Contender/Contender

I dunno if this is how they see it but I think it should be.
I would argue that that Sheahan line could be the 4th line.

Pouzar

SwedishPoster: Why is Gagner considered a lock? I’m sure he’ll be among the 14 forwards but I wouldn’t say he’s a lock for the lineup.

+1

And I am not high on Granlund either outside of his PK ability…I mean he has that at least right?

gimme shelter

With the possible retirement in Winnipeg, 2 of our young defenders ( You pick the names) and Puju for Patrick Laine. The bonus of having an abundance of D is to trade for wingers.
I am really,really,really curious to see our final lineup for the start of the NHL season.We have too many bodies and not enough NHL experience,goal scoring.
Also the Condors,which defenders end up there and which forwards.
Also Bouchard being tired in the 3rd last game. Yes he is a rookie.I imagine even vets at this time of year when they have not gotten their legs would be tired.
So after our lineup is named then we have an injury to a defender. Who will get the call from the Bake?

franksterra

fishman,

Such a lovely place. If you have time and you haven’t already, get over to Kererra (sp) for a few hours. Glorious walking. I am jealous.

jp

Munny:
digger50,

I look at that roster and wonder how a Gagner, Chiasson or Khaira can avoid a trade.Or somehow Holly letting loose lesser lights like Russell, Gambardella, Cave…

And if both Haas and Burdasov make varsity, the jam goes full out “WE BE JAMMIN!” lol.

And then of course there’s Pujo too.

I don’t see the issue, or the need for a trade TBH.

I feel pretty comfortable calling 12 of the 14 roster forwards now: McDavid, Draisaitl, Nuge, Neal, Kassian, Chiasson, Gagner, Sheahan, Granlund, Khaira, Archibald and Nygard.

So if Haas and Burdasov make the team and there are no injuries (worst case scenario for too many bodies to be sent down) who does that leave to be traded, waived or assigned?

Cave, Jurco and the guys who played in the AHL last year.

I’m fine with that. And do any of them have trade value anyway? Would they even be claimed on waivers? Maybe, but just as likely not. I just don’t see an issue (and this is the worst case – if Burdasov or Haas don’t make the team or there are injuries fewer bodies need to be sent out).

Derek

fishman:
Currently touring in Scotland. Now in Oban and touring the distillery today. Have a new appreciation for Whisky. Good to see LT gang locked and loaded for new season!

Lucky bastard.

rickithebear

Look forward to morning skate notes for every preseason game day.

Genjutsu

Yeti: Ricki: The response you were looking for was the one that said: “Sorry, LT. I got worked up about that important issue, but I understand that this is not the right place for it. Thanks for the gentle reminder and I’ll make sure to respect your fine blog by keeping my posts to hockey.”

It’s easy to get swept up in something we are passionate about. Happens to the best of us. Emotion can gets the best of us and make us act inappropriately.

But at the end of the day when you live in dad’s house, you play by his rules. Same as it ever was.

rickithebear

Yeti: Ricki: The response you were looking for was the one that said: “Sorry, LT. I got worked up about that important issue, but I understand that this is not the right place for it. Thanks for the gentle reminder and I’ll make sure to respect your fine blog by keeping my posts to hockey.”

You are correct!

It is a hockey blog.

I will not post about pure evil human, things, and actions that people treat as a religion.
That has differing political cliques point of views that have caused public arguements and fights in the past.

I showed burdasov’s evg, ppg, shg NHLE by season.

He is Definitely worth an intelligent look!

We are seeing players fail at a lower level of competition.

Some perceived to be better than that will get a chance at a higher more organized level of pre season play.

Probably Including 4gm 0g Benson.

Yeti

rickithebear

Ricki: The response you were looking for was the one that said: “Sorry, LT. I got worked up about that important issue, but I understand that this is not the right place for it. Thanks for the gentle reminder and I’ll make sure to respect your fine blog by keeping my posts to hockey.”

fishman

Currently touring in Scotland. Now in Oban and touring the distillery today. Have a new appreciation for Whisky. Good to see LT gang locked and loaded for new season!

SwedishPoster

Why is Gagner considered a lock? I’m sure he’ll be among the 14 forwards but I wouldn’t say he’s a lock for the lineup. He’s not a great fit stylewise for the team Holland and Tippett seem to be building, he could add some skill and scoring to the bottom six but imo he’s one of several options where the playing field is pretty even.

I have a similar feeling with Chiasson, not a great fit stylewise but could find a role adding some scoring in the bottom six. I think one of them starts the season in the pb tbh. Neither player PKs very well, neither player is a great fit with either of the top 6 duos. They will get playing time during the season, both in the top 6 and bottom 6, but they kind of feel like leftovers from the old regime. I know Holland gave Chiasson a contract but I think that’s more about the optics of not offering a guy who just scored 20+ goals and is well liked in the room when you have a serious lack of established goalscorers outside the top three forwards than the guy being a great fit for the team.
And if Chiasson can repeat his scoring spree from last season he’ll obviously have a spot on the team but the guy we saw during the second half of the sure didn’t look like it, imo he was worthy of being healthy scratched at times down the stretch.

Professor Q

RonnieB:
OriginalPouzar,
A couple of questions…

Burdasov is a left shot but plays RW. Isn’t he more likely to be considered for Kassian’s spot in the top 6 than the 2LW job ? As a side note, it seems to be a thing for Russians that play their off wing ( Yakupov, Slepyshev, etc. ) to be attractive to the Oilers.

If Dustin B. retires, will that be like a Datsyuk situation where the Jets are still stuck with his Cap hit ?

There is a Swede (Lucas Raymond) projected in the Top 5 coming up in the 2020 draft who is a Right Shot but plays the LW. They’re taking Ovie’s lead!

Wilde

I will NOT try to guess what the deleted post was and be right on the first try

defmn

Jaxon,

Not to mention there could be a trade. 😉

Half joking but there are a lot of teams out there with unsettled lineups from cap space issues.

Jaxon

Draisaitl/McDavid/__________
______/Nugent-Hopkins/Neal
Granlund/Sheahan/Gagner
Chiasson/__________/Kassian

Gagner or Granlund could move into that 4C spot if needed thereby freeing up a LW or RW spot. If Gagner isn’t RW, then Chiasson could move into his spot thereby freeing up aLW spot.

Burdasov/Nygard/Haas – Europeans signed (contact or PTO) this summer
Khaira/Jurco/Archibald – NHL players who haven’t been able to stick yet. Archibald and Khaira are a bit more established than Jurco.
Benson/Marody/Hebig/Yamamoto(inj) – young guns from last season’s AHL success
Russell/Currie/Gambardella/Cave/Malone – vets from last season’s AHL success
MacLeod – rookie pro

That’s a lot of bodies for 3 spots.
LW
Khaira
Burdasov
Benson
Jurco
Nygard
McLeod
Gambardella

C
Khaira
Marody
Haas
Cave
Currie
Hebig
McLeod
Malone

RW
Burdasov
Jurco
Archibald
Marody
Russell
Currie
Yamamoto (inj)

I think Khaira should get a spot beside Nugent-Hopkins and Neal. That leaves a spot for a RW scorer and a C. If Burdasov grabs the RW spot (or maybe Jurco), that leaves a spot for another C. Marody, Haas. Cave, Currie, Hebig, McLeod? I have no idea who might emerge from that group.

RonnieB

Bank Shot,

I see. Thanks.

Bank Shot

RonnieB:
OriginalPouzar,
A couple of questions…

Burdasov is a left shot but plays RW. Isn’t he more likely to be considered for Kassian’s spot in the top 6 than the 2LW job ? As a side note, it seems to be a thing for Russians that play their off wing ( Yakupov, Slepyshev, etc. ) to be attractive to the Oilers.

If Dustin B. retires, will that be like a Datsyuk situation where the Jets are still stuck with his Cap hit ?

Datsyuk was over 35 when he signed his contract ergo Wings were stuck with it.

Dustin was under 35 so his caphit would go away.

Jaxon

Burdasov’s Goal NHLe for the last 3 years:
2016-17: 32 goals
2017-18: 24 goals
2018-19: 25 goals
Don’t know if he can bring all that to the NHL, but yes please.

RonnieB

OriginalPouzar,
A couple of questions…

Burdasov is a left shot but plays RW. Isn’t he more likely to be considered for Kassian’s spot in the top 6 than the 2LW job ? As a side note, it seems to be a thing for Russians that play their off wing ( Yakupov, Slepyshev, etc. ) to be attractive to the Oilers.

If Dustin B. retires, will that be like a Datsyuk situation where the Jets are still stuck with his Cap hit ?

Munny

jp,

If you have a chance to get a Laine at a reasonable price and on a reasonable contract, you do it every day and twice on Winnipeg Day.

Defense is always the slowest thing to come for kids. You snap up players other teams give up on too early.

OriginalPouzar

Munny:
OriginalPouzar,

I think it’s more locked up than that.

In fact, I’d say 2LW is actually Nygard’s to lose and everyone else is essentially a fallback position if the bet doesn’t work.

Haas we know is returning to Cheese Country if he doesn’t make the team, so I think he will be given every opportunity to do so as long as doesn’t blow TC, look overwhelmed etc.So he’s listed.Cave could steal it back, and all the power to him if he does, but that’s not the default position of the org is my best guess.

Granlund isn’t going anywhere.

Gags and Chaser are definitely locks, as you say, so needed to be slotted somewhere… since the point of the exercise was to show the number of extra Fs we’re carrying, and possibly sending down to the A ,where you’d want some space and playing time for the yutes.

Some of this log jam could be resolved by Haas and Burdasov Kon-Tikkying their way back to Europe.But still, a lot of bodies.

I know Haas said its the NHL or back to Europe but he did also say that he’d be willing to head to the AHL for an aclimitization stint if necessary and I think he may see that to start the year.

I agree Granlund is a lock and should be in my list with Chiasson and Ganger – those guys are on the team and in the lineup, I just don’t know where.

OriginalPouzar

digger: I just seen Tips interview.

Yes of course all coaches will say this. I still believe with these tighttryouts he’s going to go with steady defensive forward over a few more points.

What did Benson get for goals? 7? Where as Gambardella scores 29. I do like your thought around utilizing Benson as a playmaker a little lower in the line up. He would be good with JJ.

Benson had 15 goals, mostly in the 2nd half. He shot like 4% in the first half.

jp

OriginalPouzar: Does he even make the team better given his team gets shredded when he’s on the ice?

Yes. Strong yes.

We need to remember this past season was by far the worst of his short career.

– He scored 36 and 44 goals as an 18 and 19 year old.
– He scored 20+ 5v5 goals his first 2 years (top 15 in the NHL each season)
– He was a plus player for 2 years before falling off a cliff last year (5v5 goal differential has been +7, +16, -14 (he struggled this year but is also a poster boy for the limitations of +/- as a stat, which paint him as worse than the 5v5 results)
– His “possession” numbers aren’t great, this is true. They were terrible this past season but somewhat decent the previous 2 yrs
– However he seems to drive on ice shooting %. He’s outperformed league average every year but was truly elite in each of his first 2 yrs (top 20 on the league and basically a full % better than his nearest teammate).
– All the negatives come at 5v5. He’s top 10 in the league in PP goals each of the past 2 yrs, and tied with Ovechkin for most total PP goals over that span.

Laine isn’t perfect. Maybe what he demands in salary takes away any value. But he’s a difference maker as a player and a textbook buy-low candidate.

Think about how many allowances you (and I and many others) have made for Puljujarvi since he’s “just turned 21”. Puljujarvi has honestly produced sweet f* all so far but we believe he still has a chance. Well Laine is the same age and has done nothing but actually produce (it’s really quite impressive – he’s #6 in total NHL goals over his first 3 seasons in the league).

This is a player every NHL team should want. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Munny

And it feels like LT is always calling for a trade this time of year—something about balance affecting a plane taking off, blah, blah, blah—and he hasn’t said nuthin’ this year.

So there’s no LT Trade Jinx. Ha! Stick that in your hooka and smoke it, Godot!

Munny

digger50,

I look at that roster and wonder how a Gagner, Chiasson or Khaira can avoid a trade. Or somehow Holly letting loose lesser lights like Russell, Gambardella, Cave…

And if both Haas and Burdasov make varsity, the jam goes full out “WE BE JAMMIN!” lol.

And then of course there’s Pujo too.

digger50

Munny:
Is this where we are right now?

Dr. Drai — GORD — Kassian
Contender — Nuge — Neal
Granlund — Sheahan — Gagner
Khaira — Haas — Chiasson
Archibald

Or thereabouts?

Contenders:

Nygard
Burdasov
Benson
Jurco

Jeeezus we have a lot of bodies lying around. Burdasov might not make it, granted; still, it looks like a trade is imminent. I’m not predicting one, but Jeezus we have a lot of bodies lying around here.

Russell, Cave, Gambardella…

I think a trade is coming as well.

Holland burned up the phones this summer and obviously didn’t like the deals and didn’t pull the trigger. Those calls may still pay off, I think he’s still got some lines in the water.

Munny

OriginalPouzar,

I think it’s more locked up than that.

In fact, I’d say 2LW is actually Nygard’s to lose and everyone else is essentially a fallback position if the bet doesn’t work.

Haas we know is returning to Cheese Country if he doesn’t make the team, so I think he will be given every opportunity to do so as long as doesn’t blow TC, look overwhelmed etc. So he’s listed. Cave could steal it back, and all the power to him if he does, but that’s not the default position of the org is my best guess.

Granlund isn’t going anywhere.

Gags and Chaser are definitely locks, as you say, so needed to be slotted somewhere… since the point of the exercise was to show the number of extra Fs we’re carrying, and possibly sending down to the A ,where you’d want some space and playing time for the yutes.

Some of this log jam could be resolved by Haas and Burdasov Kon-Tikkying their way back to Europe. But still, a lot of bodies.

digger50

Munny: Tppett addressed this specifically last night. He said he doesn’t want just checkers, but checkers who can score.

I’d speculate that response may explain Benson’s deployment thus far, and perhaps why Burdasov is being given a look, too.

I just seen Tips interview.

Yes of course all coaches will say this. I still believe with these tight tryouts he’s going to go with steady defensive forward over a few more points.

What did Benson get for goals? 7? Where as Gambardella scores 29. I do like your thought around utilizing Benson as a playmaker a little lower in the line up. He would be good with JJ.

digger50

OriginalPouzar: Yes, McDavid’s line 100% needs to be better defensively – they can’t give away all the good they do – that’s egregious.

I believe there were some factors involved:

– McDavid and Drai simply playing too many minutes – leading to (1) resting on the ice, (2) aggregate fatigue and bad decisions because of it

– pressure to provide all the offence due to lack of scoring depth – leading to “cheating a bit” for offence – a bit too much.

– losing in general – lead to “cheating a bit”, again.

A better overall team, a better team defence, some help with secondary scoring, better PK, bottom 6 able to keep and even create momentum, etc. – all these things will help the top of the lineup, no?

Yes, and the good news is all things that can be corrected. I know looking for reasons to believe, im starting to see some.

OriginalPouzar

Munny:
Is this where we are right now?

Dr. Drai — GORD — Kassian
Contender — Nuge — Neal
Granlund — Sheahan — Gagner
Khaira — Haas — Chiasson
Archibald

Or thereabouts?

Contenders:

Nygard
Burdasov
Benson
Jurco

Jeeezus we have a lot of bodies lying around. Burdasov might not make it, granted. still, it looks like a trade is imminent. I’m not predicting one, but Jeezus we have a lot of bodies lying around here.

Russell, Cave, Gambardella…

I think we are here:

Dr. Drai — GORD — Kassian
Contender — Nuge — Neal
Khaira — Sheahan — Archibald
Contender— Contender — Contender

Contender/Contender

There are locks for some of those spots such as Gagner, Chiasson, etc. but who knows where – Gagner could be 2LW or 4RW, same with Chiasson.

2LW Contenders: Gagner, Nygard, Russian PTO, Benson, Chiasson

4C Conternder: Marody, Haas, Cave

rickithebear

vs very weak comp.
Benson 4gm 0 evg

Contender?

defmn

Munny:
I would say that Burdasov and Benson are applying for different jobs though.

Burdasov is applying for goal-scoring winger, Benson play-making.

Pretty sure we’re more short of the former, which is sad for Benson, who has really come along nicely since his injury-ridden youth.

With all those past injuries, I don’t mind Benson returning to the A,I feel like his development lost a year, if not more, and that there’s more to come from this young man.I’d tell him to go down there and see what he can do about beating AHL netminding more often if I’m Holly.

Like Boosh he’s unlikely to spend a full year down there anyways.

I see it much the same way. I am skeptical about Burdasov being the answer but I expect all the AHL guys from last year to start the season down there and be brought up as injuries or circumstances dictate.

Munny

Is this where we are right now?

Dr. Drai — GORD — Kassian
Contender — Nuge — Neal
Granlund — Sheahan — Gagner
Khaira — Haas — Chiasson
Archibald

Or thereabouts?

Contenders:

Nygard
Burdasov
Benson
Jurco

Jeeezus we have a lot of bodies lying around. Burdasov might not make it, granted; still, it looks like a trade is imminent. I’m not predicting one, but Jeezus we have a lot of bodies lying around here.

Russell, Cave, Gambardella…

pts2pndr

OriginalPouzar: Oh, I’m find with him getting a shot there – I just feel like Benson deserves (has earned) a shot there as has Jurco.

Now the Russian is in and will get an AB up there too.

I “fear” Benson won’t get a single game with “NHL top 6 skil” – I think Holland has all but made up his mind that Tyler will start in Cali -not the end of the world though.

I like Benson too. I am of the belief that his career is better served playing in the AHL as a top six with the extra playing time rather than playing bottom six in the NHL. I believe the team will have no choice but to play him on the big team by no later than next year. I hope he gets some time on a line with Maksimov. A shoot first winger with his complimentary set up man on the other wing would be fun to watch.

Munny

I would say that Burdasov and Benson are applying for different jobs though.

Burdasov is applying for goal-scoring winger, Benson play-making.

Pretty sure we’re more short of the former, which is sad for Benson, who has really come along nicely since his injury-ridden youth.

With all those past injuries, I don’t mind Benson returning to the A, I feel like his development lost a year, if not more, and that there’s more to come from this young man. I’d tell him to go down there and see what he can do about beating AHL netminding more often if I’m Holly.

Like Boosh he’s unlikely to spend a full year down there anyways.