A first NHL recall is damned important, but context matters. Fernando Pisani’s came after 172 AHL games and four years in college. It came in mid-season and he was inserted into the lineup where he ate Daniel Cleary’s lunch immediately.
Curtis Hamilton’s first recall came after 208 AHL games, and was an end of season (and entry deal) ‘sail on’ thanks from an organization that misspent a valuable draft pick on a player with a substantial injury history. Hamilton damned near got thrown out of the game on the first shift, and was off to Europe the next fall. The recall is important, but context matters.
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, there is a Puck Drop Special offer here.
- New Lowetide: Josh Archibald’s injury and limited replacements available puts some pressure on Oilers
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: 4 reasons why the Oilers passed their first true test of the season
- Lowetide: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and James Neal are leading a quality Oilers second line
- Lowetide: Assessing the early season progress of Oilers’ defence and goaltending
- Jonathan Willis: A rare success during Edmonton’s long rebuild, why Oscar Klefbom is the model for finishing Oilers’ blue line
- Lowetide: Jesse Puljujarvi’s impressive Liiga performance headlines Oilers prospects this week
- Lowetide: Oilers recall Sam Gagner to bolster offensive depth, option Gaetan Haas
- Jonathan Willis: Can the Oilers afford to pursue Taylor Hall in free agency?
- Lowetide: There are many similarities between this year’s Oilers team after seven and the 2016-17 team that made the playoffs. Similarities, differences and the work that needs to be done.
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: ‘That was pretty sick’: What teammates and opponents are saying about Connor McDavid’s latest goal
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: ‘I’m gonna bring a bigger bag with me’: Oilers rookies learn about life on the road in the NHL
- Jonathan Willis: A deep dive on the Oilers’ bottom six, which needs to produce more offence
- Lowetide: Ethan Bear’s early success with the Oilers and what it might mean at the trade deadline
- Jonathan Willis: How well are the solutions to key Oilers weaknesses working?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ Oscar Klefbom playing tough minutes with inexperienced partners — and looking good doing it
- Corey Pronman: Oilers No. 9 farm system.
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects summer 2019.
2005-06 RECALLS
- October 15, recalled C Kyle Brodziak (10 games no points)
- November 4, recalled D Danny Syvret (10 games no points)
- November 4, recalled D Dan Smith (7 games, no points)
- November 5, recalled G Ty Conklin (18, 2.80, .880 spring Armageddon)
- December 7, recalled Matt Greene (27 games, two points, plus 18 playoff games)
- December 20, recalled L Brad Winchester (12, 0-1-1, big playoff goal)
- January 31, recalled J-F Jacques (7 games, and no points)
- February 11, recalled Mathieu Roy (1 game, no points)
- February 28, recalled Yan Stastny (3 games, no points)
- March 13, recalled Marc Pouliot (8 games, a goal, mono)
- May 21, recalled Toby Petersen (2 games, one goal, in playoffs)
The best players, as it turned out, were Brodziak and Greene. Both men were traded early by the organization, and the heart of their careers spent elsewhere. Here are my top 20 prospects from May of 2005, notice the slotting of Brodziak and Greene. What you see below is exactly what I wrote 14.5 years ago, was dying to edit but didn’t touch a thing.
TOP 20 PROSPECTS, MAY 2005
- Marc Antoine Pouliot-Has a lot going for him imo. Good size, can make a pass, and appears to be one of the few first round forwards the coach might like.
- Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers-The first of many prospects who didn’t have a solid season, but he did play and ended the season with more good than poor efforts.
- Devan Dubnyk-He had a solid season and played well late in the season and in the short playoff.
- Rob Schremp-Improved as a scorer, but apparently hasn’t progressed as a 5×5 player. Some complained when London acquired Fritsche, but the real question is why did the team feel a need to go get him?
- Matt Greene-If he turns pro, it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes the coach to elevate him past Woywitka.
- Doug Lynch-Had a poor season after a terrific rookie season as a pro. I’m betting he comes back strong in the fall and returns to 03-04 form.
- Kyle Brodziak-Fine 20 year old AHL season, especially the second half. This generation’s Shaun Van Allen?
- JF Jacques-Prototype for the new generation of Oiler winger. Had a terrific season.
- Jeff Woywitka-In danger of getting passed by a second tier of defensemen.
- Brad Winchester-Splendid season. Back on track as a prospect after a couple of indifferent college seasons and a rough transition to pro.
- Dragan Umicevic-Did the Oilers accidentally pick a guy the Senators wanted?
- Liam Reddox-Scored at a Schremp-like pace and isn’t as small as first thought.
- Geoff Paukovich-Half hockey player, half monster.
- Colin McDonald-Injury hurt his season.
- Mathieu Roy-Got everything possible out of this season.
- Roman Tesliuk-Started terribly, improved as the season rolled on.
- Alexei Mikhnov-Season wasn’t as bad as it first appeared. Get him over here.
- Jani Rita-All reports say he had a good season in Finland.
- Tom Gilbert-Had a very good season.
- Tony Salmelainen-Missed a massive chance to move ahead of Rita, etc.
Anyway, back to Pisani and Hamilton. Both men turned pro in the Lowe-MacT era, and there were certain things about the Oilers at that time that could be viewed as unusual. For instance, MacT wasn’t overly fond of the Oilers first-round picks. He liked later picks, would often elevate a smart player like Pisani ahead of the first rounder.
We’re finding out about the Ken Holland Oilers as the days go down. There’s a recall coming, and last night’s game featured a strong Colby Cave performance and a goal from Joe Gambardella. Tyler Benson, Cooper Marody and Kailer Yamamoto were also in the game, but didn’t shine like diamonds. Who is the Kyle Brodziak and who is the Curtis Hamilton?
Safe options include Colby Cave, Josh Currie, Joe Gambardella, Brad Malone. Prospect options include Yamamoto, Benson, Marody, maybe even Ryan McLeod.
At the time of his recall, Kyle Brodziak was playing for the Iowa Stars (this was during the time Edmonton had no AHL affiliate of its own). He played in 55 games, went 12-19-31 and played a solid two-way game. Brodziak would play another AHL season, in which he blossomed offensively (62, 24-32-56) before landing as a fulltime NHL player. He was 21 in 2005-06, 23 when he made it to the NHL for good.
AHL POINT PER GAME TOTALS, CAREER
- Cooper Marody 1.03
- Tyler Benson .925
- Kyle Brodziak .688
- Kailer Yamamoto .676
- Joe Gambardella .673
- Josh Currie .613
- Gaetan Haas .500
- Brad Malone .490
- Colby Cave .486
- Ryan McLeod .429
Based on performance this season, I think Kailer Yamamoto is the choice. Based on the Lowe-MacT era criteria, I’d say someone like Gambardella or Currie might be the choice.
I wrote all of this to get here: For Benson and Marody, if there is no recall, this is a bit of an opportunity missed. Entering training camp, both would have been considered better bets than the rest of the field. No one is suggesting a Curtis Hamilton future, but if both men are in the AHL Monday, that’s an opportunity missed. Context matters.
The bad thing about these injuries is that it keeps Khaira in the lineup, and he’s the one that should watch for a while. Maybe they like his reach on the PK though..
Jurco probably deserves to draw back in and Gagner and Jurco together might actually do something. I also noticed last game that Gagner group got a bit of 2nd unit powerplay time.
I don’t see Yamo or Benson getting called up unless there is a long term injury to Chaisson, who is your defacto plug and play right wing. … on that… there were some shifts last game where Ganger was up with Neal and Nuge and looked good… Jurco can draw up also. Tipp is running a 2 line game with the third line fluid… Khaira Sheehan at this point just bench warmers and PKs.. .. which is OK. team still winning games.
I admit I’m not watching Condors games so I don’t know… .. is there a big difference between last years yamo and this years? I think it’s far more likely Yamo , like Marody, is part of a trade bundle that to ever play with oil this year. Edit, An injury to James Neal might also get Yamo up here.
Benson, is a different beast. I legitimately feel Benson could play 2nd line in the NHL and like Bear he should have the opportunity to feel that heat in the NHL to grow. Benson will be the call up but only with an injury or team fading or injury to Chaisson.
Nice to give some space and nods to the farm LT, .. but I don’t see those guys getting called up. Not even sure why Haas is called up……..? If it’s just a warm body in the stands , like Lagesson, then ya you should go with Gambardello, even Malone.
My feeling also is that Marody is not considered NHL caliber by the Org. I think it’s his size but they just won’t say that. They’ll bundle him in a trade.
Overall, pretty cool Heritage Classic. I don’t remember another outdoor game happening during the night. Was this the first one?
Made the CF-18 flyby less than dramatic but Mosaic Stadium was a great venue. Kudos to the NHL for giving Saskatchewan a game after they’ve provided the league so many great players.
Gotta think the Oil are up for the next Heritage Classic.
Wait till the black cloud fully settle’s in for the winter.
They panned the crowd and there was an Oilers fan jumping with a group of Jets fans when the goal went in. Awesome.
Kyle Connor made a great play on the winning goal — he’s slick.
Finally, the Flames blow a lead late and lose in OT
Yeah that would have been pretty special. And still time for him to make an impact as well obviously.
My apologies, next time I’m driving my wife to a party, I’ll be sure to pull over, check in on the Condors’ game and update the blog – just to make sure I’m being honest….
Ah. Like a disappearing hobbit come playoff time.
Both of those things may be true. I’m not sure either guy is the answer for the 2nd line but hopefully Tippett can find something that works (to be fair, both Jurco and Chiasson have “worked’ just fine in their limited minutes so far).
I may be in the minority.
But won’t hurt my feelings one bit.
Of course the two Flame suck holes Burke and Hrudey agree with the on ice call when it was obvious high stick. I hope the jets hammer them in the third you know they’re pissed off after that terrible call that even had Tkachuk smirking.
I didn’t know attendance every night was a command performance.
I’ll try and do better.
You have a friend?
Probably same reason you ghosted last night.
Why don’t you report when the opposition is leading 4-2?
Asking for a friend.
Obvious high stick missed by refs in outdoor game, even after review. Tkachuk sure gets away with all sorts of calls doesn’t he
Marody walk out from the half boards to the tops of the circles and rips home a wrist shot on a 5 on 3.
His 2nd of the night ties it up at 2.
Assists to Yamamoto and Bouchard.
PLEASE!!!!!
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Something horrible that happens to NHL teams relying on small forwards to “Get the Job Done” lol
Mmmmkay so …
We’ve already acertained Oilers will be putting their sparkling line ups out until that time when:
McDavid/Draisaitl
Seriously: What NHL team has anyone like these geniuses??
Friendly reminder, it’s a day game tomorrow, 2pm start!
The NHL has on the team page choosing the Team Goal-Game report, the stat mentioned. No explanation that is specific I can find.
2 goal game can mean a lot of things. 1 – 3 also etc.
https://www.iheart.com/live/fox-sports-970-4273/?autoplay=true&pname=15400&campid=header&cid=index.html
Ken Holland is supposed to speak in the intermission of the condors game. You can listen here.
Really good forecheck shift for the Benson/Marody/Currie line – Currie works the puck back to Sammy at the point – pressure is on Sammy but he does a good job to get the puck on net – traffic in front and Marody puts home the rebound.
Benson won’t get a point but he took out the Heat d-man in front opening room for Cooper.
Yamamoto and Malone go in on a quick strike 2 on 1 – very nice set up by Kailer to Malone but he misses the tap in goal. Puck may not have been sitting flat for him.
Holland spoke with Ryan Holt today and it’ll be aired in the first intermission of the Condors’ game in about 45 min.
Skinner starts tonight.
No Joe G for some reason (in addition to Haas). Vesey in.
Lavoie held off the scoresheet in a 4-1 loss – like Jesse earlier today, a rare occurrence.
He did have another 7 shots on net.
Rodrigue stops 23 of 25 in a 4-2 win.
TOTALLY believe that!
The roses are still blooming on Vancouver Island but my wife and children are taken you would find me to be a curmudgeonly relative.
I really like some of the new helmets in the CFL this year.
Double E for Edmonton, Argo for Toronto, cool colour scheme and Alouette Silhouette for Montréal, and classic look for the Lions (although I liked the Clemson-esque paw print and the swiped lion).
Or perhaps it could be a shootout victory in a 1-1 game (2 goals having been scored)?
Even though the “goal” counts for the team but no individual player.
After many trials and tribulations, some dwarf intervention, the acquisition of a rotten apple and a long deep sleep… the two mates are reunited at the story’s end to the cheers of the common folk.
I appreciate KRusty for his honest game, but remain glad they tried that, given the options in house.
Question to the stats users here – at the NHL site what does ‘Wins 2 goal game’ literally mean’?
I assume a win by 2 goals, but I can’t find any clarification on the inter webs.
I appreciate any help!
I haven’t read that story. How does it end?
I don’t disagree on Cave and I do agree that he’s really not an NHL player.
My concern with Archie out and Haas brought up is the PK and that is the only reason I would have wanted Cave up. Haas has played one second on the PK this year and Cave about about 1:20 per game.
I guess they’ll lean on extra PK bats up the lineup for the likes of Russell but it likely increases the minutes of Drai, not idea.
Listening to Coach T and Persson “is getting close but needs a few more practices” – won’t be in tomorrow but possibly the following game.
It was amazing how many family visits we had while living in Hawaii. Absolutely great. I have always told my friends that rather than chase your kids retire in a place everyone likes to visit. The Okanagan has worked quite well!
Congrats to you all, your vision coming to reality!
Agree
Gaudreau and Monahan split onto two separate lines for tonight’s game.
I have this curious feeing like I’ve read this story before and know how it ends…
Except he has the trifecta of things that makes it hard for tweeners to make the league at all – average skater, smallish, not an elite scorer.
Icing on the cake is not a physical player either. McLeod has a far better chance to me. Even though less productive so far, as a role player at least, which Marody seems to be heading for.
Archibald is definitely a throwback player.
Congrats to you!!
Nutty that he hid a fractured bone injury and played on it for 2 more games.
– every time I come here : I be like why don’t I live here? Sanfran is perfect small big town IMO.
This heart wants some warm weather & a free vacation whilst visiting the inlaws
I find it hard to second guess a Coach who pulled off 3 series upsets and pulled the little engine team to the Stanley Cup Finals.