The Edmonton Oilers added another free agent yesterday, while the Bakersfield Condors signed two forwards with great utility. For fans of the team, this is interesting news that’s worth a long look.
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, check it out here.
- New Daniel Nugent-Bowman: How the Oilers are preparing for an NHL draft in June
- New Jonathan Willis: How Gaetan Haas, Joakim Nygard and Riley Sheahan draw calls that lead to goals
- New James Mirtle: Ranking every NHL team’s salary cap situation, from best to worst
- Lowetide: Can the Oilers find Connor McDavid’s ideal winger this summer?
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: The two coaches who had the biggest influence on Dave Tippett
- Jonathan Willis: The 5 reasons why the Oilers re-signed Gaetan Haas
- Jonathan Willis: Can (and should) the Oilers trade Kris Russell?
- Jonathan Willis: How Edmonton could have left 2010 draft with both Taylor Hall and Ryan Johansen
- Lowetide: Kailer Yamamoto’s NHL comparables offer Oilers fans hope for the future
- Lowetide: Top 20 prospect update: A lot of movement and some impressive graduations
- Lowetide: Mavrik Bourque a quality option for the Oilers in the draft
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Inside the franchise-altering decision to pick Leon Draisaitl over Sam Bennett
- Lowetide: Adam Larsson’s Oilers future uncertain as ‘sexy’ options emerge
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: One-on-one with Wayne Gretzky: On the time he visited Moscow during the Cold War
- Jonathan Willis and Lowetide: Discount forward options the Oilers could pursue in free agency
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: ‘Oh my God, Edmonton’s picking first’: An oral history of the 2015 NHL draft lottery
- Lowetide: Comparison of Oilers, Flames drafts 2010-19 closer than it should be
- Lowetide: The most potent lines in Oilers history
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: On the time Dave Semenko fought Muhammad Ali
- Lowetide: Why Jan Mysak could be a value pick for the Oilers at the 2020 Draft
50-MAN ROSTER (38)
It’s uncertain where Lennstrom will land but my guess is ‘top-4D in Bakersfield and possible NHL recall’ which puts him in the same paragraph as Lagesson and Samorukov, possibly Bouchard.
I’m comparing Lennstrom to Persson because we’re familiar with Persson and they have some things in common. Persson appears to be a slightly superior offensive player, but the scouting report on Lennstrom (he apparently transports the puck out of the zone in a quick hurry) sounds encouraging. I’ll stay with my assessment above until further notice but he’s an interesting addition.
PROJECTED CONDORS 2020-21
Looking at this group to identify legit recall options, I have Benson, Gambardella, McLeod up front, Marody if he’s healthy. Anyone else would be a major surprise (in a good way). Among defensemen, Bouchard may make the big club and Lagesson is also a candidate. Samorukov and now Lennstrom are possible.
HARVEST MOON 2009
It was the first Harvest Moon post, but it was called “Shoot the Moon” after the Albert Finney movie. The original is below.
The Edmonton Oilers under Steve Tambellini play their cards closer to the vest than we’re used to but they’re not going to be a boring management group. In fact, I believe they’re about to shoot the moon. I’m not certain it’s the wise decision but today’s events probably lay the groundwork for one or two big moves in the next couple of weeks.
Steve Tambellini’s trade of Kyle Brodziak for picks addresses the end of the roster. We’re talking about forwards 10-14 here, with the team still having plenty of candidates for the roles (Stortini, Pouliot, Jacques, Brule, MacIntyre, Reddox, Potulny, Schremp) although none are as qualified as the man they sent away.
I think Quinn’s 4th line will be an 8-minute a night “energy line” with Brule, Jacques and Stortini doing the job Bob Kelly, Don Saleski and Orest Kindrachuk did 30 years ago. Aggressive, demons on the forecheck, explosive hitters, contact-finishers. Pouliot might be a better candidate for the Kindrachuk role, but then again maybe he isn’t.
The 3line is probably going to be someone like Blair Betts centering Ethan Moreau and Fernando Pisani, which get us to the top 6 forwards. The Oilers have plenty of candidates: Ales Hemsky, Shawn Horcoff, Dustin Penner, Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, Patrick O’Sullivan, Robert Nilsson, Ales Kotalik (UFA).
I’ve listed Nilsson here but he’s in real trouble. My guess is that he has negative value now, not quite the “garbage barge” the city of New York sent out to sea under cover of night but not exactly in a good place either. Kotalik could be brought in if the Oilers send away a couple of players from the top 6 (above) but it’s not a certainty.
We know from discussions over the past week or so (Heatley sweepstakes) that the team is hesitant to deal Gagner or Cogliano. We also know the team has stated on numerous occasions they’re looking for a complementary player for Ales Hemsky so that’s three players who are in. Dustin Penner probably has value in some deals (Bryan Murray likes him) but it’s a tough nut to crack in the cap world. Which leaves us with Shawn Horcoff and Patrick O’Sullivan.
The Oilers also have a huge hole in goal. Jason Gregor and Guy Flaming have both talked in recent days about the organization’s belief in Jeff Deslauriers as an NHL goalie. Reading the tea leaves, it seems as though they’re going to count on him for 20+ games this season and the new starter is unlikely to be a $3M+ option. Josh Harding may be too inexperienced to be part of a tandem with the extremely raw Deslauriers so there’s a chance we’re looking at a Martin Biron or a Craig Anderson. Here’s a really quick glance at the Oilers picks in the 2009 entry draft:
RD1, 10th overall: L Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson. Top winger available in the draft fell into the Oilers laps at #10. Immediately the best player in the system and represents a big part of this team’s future. Already playing pro hockey. Red Line Report: “Swedish winger Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson possesses blazing speed and is the best pure skater in the entire draft. He’s also got good size and strength, and has been competing against men in the Swedish Elite League all year, so he may be ready to step in and play in the NHL right away.”
RD2, 40th overall: C Anton Lander. Two-way center is Magnum PS’s linemate and a quality prospect. Words like “character” and “work ethic” are woven into his scouting report and overall this is viewed as a quality pick. Already playing in pro hockey. Bob McKenzie: Lander is a two-way checking forward with excellent outside speed. He can make plays at full speed and controls the puck with a lot of confidence. A very unselfish player, Lander is always aware of where his teammates are and makes good crisp passes. He is a hard working forechecker, keeping his feet moving all the time. With a strong quick release wrist shot, he often uses d-men as a screen off the offensive rush. Lander drives the net hard with and without the puck and doesn’t quit on the puck until the whistle goes.”
RD3, 71st overall: D Troy Hesketh. Defender grew a couple of inches late and rode a gathering buzz into the 3rd round. From Minnetonka HS, he will eventually find his way to Wisconsin (NCAA) but has to be considered a long term project. Unlikely to see pro hockey until 2012 (or later).
RD3, 82nd overall: R Cameron Abney. Pure enforcer. He can skate and is an exceptional fighter. If this was the 1970’s he’d have a career. Turned 18 in May, unlikely to see pro hockey until 2011. NHL Draft Notes: Has trouble contributing to the game with the gloves on. Hasn’t shown much ability to do anything but fight yet.
TRADE:
The Edmonton Oilers have traded Kyle Brodziak (and pick 161) to the Minnesota Wild for picks 99 and 133.This trade opens up some holes on the roster, at center and in terms of penalty-killing. The Oilers went into the draft lacking depth in goal and lacking actual NHL centers. They’re going the wrong way this morning.
RD 4, 99th overall. D Kyle Bigos. A big, bruising defender who is strong along the wall and in front of the net. Has an exceptional shot. He’ll attend Merrimack (NCAA) this fall and is 20 years old. Could turn pro in 2011 or 2012.
RD 4, 101st overall. R Toni Rajala. 19 points in 6 games at the U18 WJC’s. Fiesty player, scored well in Fin (Jr) and he sounds like a better Tony Salmelainen. Plays tough despite lack of size. Turns 20 in 2011, but could turn pro in the SM-LIIGA much sooner. Red Line Report: Toni Rajala may be both tiny and mostly a perimeter player, but his ultra-high skill level and goal scoring prowess simply can’t be ignored.
RD 5, 133rd overall. G Olivier Roy. Fine athlete, quick glove, extremely competitive. Despite draft position looks like a quality prospect. Should turn pro in 2011.
The two Swedes, the Finn and the kid from the Q is a nice haul. The two defenders (Hesketh and Bigos) are long shots who could work out. Abney provides a specific skill and as such has value, my issue isn’t with his selection but rather the round his name was called by the Oilers.
Notes: Exactly zero players drafted in 2010 became five-year Oilers, although Paajarvi was a key piece in the trade for David Perron summer 2013. My thought process about a big trade on the way was incorrect, the next big deal came March 2010 when Lubo was sent away for Ryan Whitney. This wasn’t quite a wasted draft, but when you’re picking seventh rounders in the third round there can be little surprise.
OriginalPouzar,
I don’t think any plan will reach consensus, but the only one I see flying is one that allows family members to be in the bubble from the start (they can always exit when they want) but most rounds will need to be shortened. A long run in a bubble won’t fly. And plans outside bubbles won’t fly.
Larry Brooks reporting that players don’t want to go in to 4 play-down sites which could lead to them being “away” for 3-4 months.
Friedman on Oilers Now kind of confirms.
League is looking at cost to quarantining families with the players – just considering it as an option – they are considering all the options.
Brooks also suggesting a “playing at home” type scenario but Friedman says that’s been determined to be a non-starter.
————————–
A key is testing – NBA has said they require 15,000 tests – NHL rosters are bigger so they will probably need more.
To the extent there is still a lack of testing in the public – that will “look” really bad.
———————
Bill Daly will be on Oilers Now in a bit so that will be some good info I’m sure.
OriginalPouzar,
Exactly. My point is that the consensus bar will be too high for any bubble plan or no bubble plan to reach. Without a bubble first player infection would scrub so they will not start. Bubbles isolate players too long for this summer. And that’s OK.
On Insider Trading yesterday on TSN, LeBrun (I think) mentioned there won’t be PA buy-in without some sort of family visitation rights.
As I expected, thanks. Looks like he could be a pretty solid recall option given 30 AHL games.
Finally my Seth Jarvis article! Can’t wait to read it – thanks!
I assume Lagesson is ahead to start. Lennström had a better season this year in the SHL than Lagesson had in his SHL season but Lagesson was ofcourse younger and has the edge in strength, physicality and familiarity with NA ice and style. Lennström is a far better skater and better puckhandler, Lagesson should be ahead defensively. Lagesson is likely the better overall player at this time and on the smaller ice but I don’t think it’s an absolute certainty.
New for The Athletic: If Oilers draft for skill, Seth Jarvis likely to be best available
https://theathletic.com/1784465/2020/05/01/lowetide-if-oilers-draft-for-skill-seth-jarvis-likely-to-be-best-available/
Excellent post, SP – thanks for that! Where would you say Lennström fits into the depth chart in relation to Lagesson? I feel like Holland is attempting to replace Lagesson in Bakersfield with this move, either because he sees Lagesson on the Oilers roster next year of because he’s worried he won’t get through waivers. Does that make sense?
Pass… I mean, Crap! Already picked up the card.
That’s a keeper!
…We hope for the best 🙂
Thanks very much.
I didn’t realize he was staying another year. With his age and those boxcars I wondered whether he might be a top 4 NHL D out of the box (the Flames currently only have 1 RD signed for next season). He clearly has skill and is a good prospect though.
His upside is higher than a guy like Lennström, Kinnvall is younger, more high end skills, but he’s not NHL ready out of the box. Needs to improve defensively, get stronger, or he’ll really struggle to handle NHL forwards. He’s also staying in the SHL for one more season which is probably a smart move. I’d say he needs at least half an AHL season on top of that. But the skill is there and he’s a guy who won’t let adversity beat him down so I think he has a chance.
I think it’s more about throwing a wide net but Holland has a very good rep over here. The hockey community thinks very highly of him not just as a hockey man but as a person. So I think that helps when signing FAs. At the other end it’s pretty clear Holland likes to work with swedish players.
My point isn’t just that Calgary should have more restrictions but that many places should have substantially less.
There are many towns and counties with zero cases. Spruce Grove and Stony Plain both have zero cases. St. Albert has 6. Sherwood Park and Leduc each have 2 cases. These six cities represent 250,000 people. Thousands of families looking for wholesale recreation. What would be the risk if they allowed their kids below to 16 to play soccer and or baseball in those towns? I believe Red Deer also has zero cases. Given that 1/500 people below 20 were hospitalized in the last two months in Alberta I believe it is time to open up the towns with zero or very low case rates for those sports. Similarly, BC is opening outdoor pools in May but Alberta is treating all pools (indoor and outdoor) equally. Dr Bonnie in BC said the likelihood of catching covid outside even if you walked beside somebody with covid who sneezed is “infinitesimal”.
There is so much more we can do very soon that would be safe and be highly unlikely to limit spread. The public only has so much patience and if the gouvernement expects people to cooperate they need to have reasonable facts to guide policy. When six suburbs of 250,000 have 12 combined cases, and the hospitalization rate for people under 20 is 1/500, it is time to let the kids in those towns play sports. The 15 person limit is a guideline for places where there is obvious risk. There is no such risk in many communities at this time
oilersfan,
Phase 1 permits additional local restrictions for outbreak locales rather than whole zones. Similarly Sask has removed La Loche and Lloyd from their phase one until local outbreaks resolve.
Calgary was trending way better 2 weeks ago than now. Active cases turn over quickly in a young population. We’ll see where they are in 2 weeks, but unless this really spreads from the South Calgary neighborhoods touched by High River outbreak Calgary will look better May 15.
Doesn’t surprise me. Sponsors may accept alternative scenarios but they aren’t going to just accept losing whatever this is costing them without getting something back.
Am I the only Edmonton area person to think the current Alberta health mandates are grossly unfair to the part of the province north of Calgary? From Airdrie south they have 96% of the current cases in Alberta. The majority of counties north of Airdrie have zero cases. The suburbs of Edmonton – Sherwood Park, St . Albert, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Morinville and all the counties that go with them have a grand total of 12 covid cases. That’s for 250,000 people. Edmonton has 85. For a million people. I don’t think I’m wrong that the entire province north of Airdrie has less than 100 active cases.
Meanwhile Calgary, Brooks and High River have almost 3000 CURRENT cases. That’s 30x more!!!
Why are we all being treated the same? Northern Alberta is pretty much like Saskatchewan and Calgary/south zone have more covid cases than 16 entire states down south . Southern Alberta has had as many cases as Nevada!!If a person drove to Montana or flew to Hawaii they would
Have to self isolate for 14 days, but if you went to Calgary there is no such required protocol despite Calgary having 10x more current cases than either state!! It is this complete oversight and lack of common sense that is prolonging this crisis .
How does that make sense? The re-opening should be far less gradual up here and frankly I think there should be checkstops stopping travel between the two cities for the entire month of May other than essential service .
Heard on the radio today from a credible guy Matt Sekeres that Bettman is pushing very hard to finish the season because of some clauses in sponsorship deals.
He claimed he couldn’t say much but will tomorrow.
That question was a bit of a mess. Rishaug was wondering if the no arena opening in phases 1-2 precludes NHL games with no fans. Answer was it does not and that everything depends on details in any proposal. While RR mentioned phase 2 specifically at very end of his question nothing in the response said anything against phase 1 which starts May 15. Edmonton is currently is averaging single digits cases per day so any detailed proposal based on a big quarantined buuble including services people should fly.
However I’m still skeptical PA will get a strong player consensus to be away from families that long. Might take 90% support before players would encourage the less enthusiastic to join in
I’m a big olive oil fan but my wife is not. I’ve heard all the arguments about the different types of oils. In the end I have yet to be convinced other than I do avoid corn and canola.
Bacon, of course, is good with everything. 😉
As I said. Just don’t mention it on any cooking blogs. Those gals don’t take kindly to you fiddling with the formula. 😉
I threw Soderberg’s name out there too, a couple of months back. He’s a guy who should be on the team’s radar.
Absolutely better flavour, And you avoid all the glucose Big Food sticks in their dressings, sauces, marinades, etc.
I have made almost the identical dressing, but without sunflower oil and with a titch of mustard or mustard powder.
Sunflower oil…
Firstly, if this is the cooking version of the oil, you should absolutely avoid using it in your dressing, because the processing it goes through to make it stable for frying pretty much destroys all of its nutrient value. If it MUST be Sunflower Oil, find a cold-pressed version (they exist but might be tough to obtain)..
I usually use Olive Oil in the near identical recipe and it works fine for my tastebuds, but might not for yours. But Sunflower oil is not a very good oil health-wise, actually pretty poor (even cold-pressed)… maybe try a combo of Olive and cold-pressed Sunflower if you need the flavour?
Also, for those who want to try DEFMN’s recipe but can’t get a hold of anchovies, you can sub tinned sardines and it will still work.
Also, bacon. Actual bacon, not the shit-bits, lol.
I think I need to try a Caesar salad with scallops… don’t know why I’ve never thought of that. Sounds awesome.
If you change the lettuce it isn’t a caeser salad. It’s something else. Maybe as good maybe better.
Doesn’t matter. A caeser salad has basic components.
Eggs benedict does not have liquid cheese sauce, it has hollandaise. It can’t be on toasted bread.
I don’t know what the original base was, I’ve had it on English muffin and croissant. The latter is outstanding. But it might be wrong and needs a new name.
Words matter. It’s why we all don’t have the same name.
SwedishPoster,
Awesome review.
Was never a fan of Lander’s feet, but always thought his brain and hands were League-worthy.
Do you think there’s a somewhat ulterior motive behind Holland’s signings of mid-20s SHL players?
Building some cachet with the athletes by giving undrafted players a shot, kind of thing?
Aren’t internal relations the least of the league’s worries?
The wanted cash is in the domain of govt’s. I’m sure broadcasters see an opportunity for increased per ad revenue which will offset losses. The NHL back on TV at the moment would have record breaking audiences.
Not playing nice together would seriously hamper any arguments from the NHL’s part.
Yeah, they are going to need that level of cooperation going forward to get things back on track.
I haven’t but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work with any lettuce. Just don’t mention it on any cooking blogs.
You know how those gals can be if you try and change things. 😉
And, from accounts, the pre-COVID normal course CBA negotiations were going well and were generally positive.
Obviously there needs to be some quick “transitory” agreements to get the league through the short (to medium) term but they also need to bang out a long term CBA soon as well.
My famous Southwest Dry Rub:
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon dry cilantro flakes (for colour)
1 teaspoon coarse salt
0.5 teaspoon ancho chile powder
0.5 teaspoon brown sugar
0.25 teaspoon white pepper
0.125 teaspoon salt free lemon/pepper seasoning
All powder (not seeds)
This is low sodium – could use 2 teaspoons coarse salt (even 3 if using for ribs on BBQ, as an example)
Works best for pork.
No heat at all of course. Can easily add cayenne.
Use for dry rub on meat, in soups, stews, casseroles, does work well on beef for fajitas with a sour cream, corriander, orange juice and lime sauce drizzle. Also, works great on pork tenderloin medallions with a touch of smoke on their own (dry) or stirred with their post resting pan juices and a touch of sour cream mixed with a plain tomato, onion, Serrano, salt, and corriander salsa.
Penalty killing is a must when playing the Canuck diving team,?
Wondering if you have tried it with butter lettuce.
Our first planting is almost ready for harvest.
Neat to see the reference to Orest Kindrachuck. I went to university with him in Saskatoon. Some of his high school buddies were drinking pals of mine. Rare junior hockey player who went to university while playing for the Saskatoon Blades.
defmn,
– Sweet recipe. Since being working at home one of the opportunities, I’ve been doing a lot of cooking, and discovered the joy of a blender to make marinades, sauces, glazes, etc. It really does step up the flavours…
– As for the PA and league working together: they have no option, they need to get paid. One day things will be back to normal, but it will take a few years IMO. No playoffs, they will start the season late next year, there won’t full attendance for longer than that, not to mention just the economic impact in terms of ability of everyone to pay the prices they did before for live sporting events
– Perhaps we will look back and this was “peak professional sport” in terms of the economics. We can’t begrudge the salaries that players earn, but it’s pretty gross. With unemployment at 15%, and guys getting paid $12MM. There will be a reset.
Good luck to Big Georges!
This quote from Gary in the story OP linked to above is worth highlighting imo. How many decades has it been since the league and the PA weren’t at war.
“It’s been extraordinarily collaborative, constructive and cooperative, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the interaction that we’re having.”
“Lander with excellent outside speed”. What in the absolute fuck is with that.
With the turn of the month to May it is time to start getting serious about salads for the summer.
One of my favourites is the old standby the Caesar and, of course, it is the dressing that makes it what it is.
One egg
One clove of garlic
5-6 anchovies depending on taste preference
A spoonful of capers
Juice from one lemon
A small handful of parmesan cheese (flakes if possible)
A dash of pepper
Combine in a tall narrow container suitable for use with an immersion blender.
Give the mix a quick blast with the blender and start adding a quality cooking oil. I prefer sunflower but, again, it is to taste.
Add a bit and blend. Add a bit and blend. With the above ingredients you can add until you have about half a litre of creamy caesar salad dressing.
Your croutons, of course, have been baking slowly in the oven, I collect pieces of bread as they start to get old or whatever and always have a supply in the freezer to dig out for the salad or french onion soup – depending on mood and season.
The purists will gasp in horror but I actually prefer iceberg lettuce to romaine for my Caesar – not as bitter. But, of course, according to taste. Don’t be cheap with the anchovies and capers sprinkled in with the lettuce. Nobody appreciates cheapness with the toppings.
I like to turn it into a meal by adding a chicken thigh or two or a nice piece of salmon fillet on top. Scallops work too.
Enjoy.
Bettman spoke to the NHL network:
https://www.nhl.com/news/gary-bettman-says-nhl-pleased-with-talks-about-season-restart-scenarios/c-316783264?tid=280751000
Nothing really we didn’t know:
– hope to re-open training facilities sooner rather than later
– health concerns – both “COVID concerns” but also “game shape concerns”
– don’t want to impact sanctity of next season but flexibility in to when it starts – doesn’t have to be October, can be November or even in December.
—————-
On TSN’s “Insider Trading”
– “Phase 2” won’t be mandatory – I think phase two is the opening of facilities
– Players won’t agree unless there is some sort of concession for visiting with families
– 2021 World Juniors in Edmonton are up in the air – playing with no fans potentially, cancelling/postponing a possibility, being normal a possibility
– CBA talks which were going well have been shelved but they have an intention to re-engage shortly. This is on a macro level – long term system, etc. Of course, all the current discussion vis-a-vis COVID is “CBA related”.
Ryan Rishaug
@TSNRyanRishaug
· 6m
My sense after today is the door is very much open for Edmonton to potentially host games during stage 2. Lots of work for Oilers/NHL to get done with AHS in the meantime but this has progressed from an idea -to tangible – based on these guidelines and the Premier’s comments.
Laraque has tested positive – and he’s got asthama……
https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1255992598621290496
RonnieB,
Thanks – he’s a rightie as well I think (which is needed – after Bouch, they got nothing – well Deharnais I think. Not sure about bringing back Day).
Not that slow – starting in a couple weeks (well, actually starting right away).
The length between states is unkown mind you.
On Malone – ya, getting him signed to an AHL deal is absolutely aces!
I am surprised that he’d agree to an AHL only deal without a chance to see if another team would sign him to an NHL deal.
With that said, there is no salary cap for the AHL and no maximum amount for an AHL contract – Malone made $300K playing in the AHL last year on his NHL contract and I assume he’ll make as much next year (maybe even more to entice him to sign the deal and not have him on the 50).
Of note, ANA let him go as well – re-signing in Vaxjo (or at least expected to).
SwedishPoster,
Thanks for all of that.
It definitely won’t hurt to have Lennstrom in Bakersfield and maybe he shows more vs. less than expected. (it is really too bad we didn’t get to see Persson comfortable and confident)
And at the risk of taking the conversation where we don’t want it to go, any chance you have a quick report on the new Calgary signing Kinnvall? He did put up quite impressive offense this season (led a decent team in scoring). Do you figure he’s an NHL D? Or is he likely to struggle like Persson?
Kevorka
That Lander scouting report is why you always have to account for physical maturity when watching young players against their peers, Lander was a full grown man at 16 which made him look like a powerful skater against his own age group and helped him handle playing against men well. Not only physical maturity but also mental. Still a fine prospect, smart player and tactically really adcanced, but Sammy Påhlsson was always the player type he should have been groomed to be and he certainly should have stayed in Sweden longer to optimize his defense and learn to produce when he didn’t have a strength advantage. Would’ve been easier for him to find an NHL niche imo.
On Joel Persson vs Lennström, Persson has the advantage in hands, shot and creativity, his skating was never a major strength but it seemed to hold him back more than I thought it would though part of what looked like poor skating was likely unfamiliarity and slow rections. His defense and strength on the boards however was always a massive question mark, in the SHL you can look somewhat competent defensively by staying on the inside and use ok positioning and a good stick, especially if you have a defensively strong and aggressive D partner which Persson did, in the NHL that style is way to passive and you saw it with Persson. My hope was that he’d learn on the job, he’s shown that he can be a quick study, but it didn’t happen quick enough for him to stay an Oiler. I do hope he gives the NHL dream another year, I still think he could adapt enough to stick with some more time and he’s a fun player to watch when comfortable and playing with confidence, something we never got to see, but it sounds like he’s returning home. Could be due to a lack of NHL interest ofc.
Anyway on to Lennström, he doesn’t have the pure skill of Persson but he’s ok, he’s a clearly better skater and part of why he broke out this year is that he improved his physique and became more assertive defensively. Pretty smart both with and without the puck, after skating that’s probably his main trait, he reads the game well both with and without the puck. Compared to Persson he’s much more likely to skate the puck out of the D zone but he still has an ok first pass.
As I mentioned a few days ago he’s solid but unspectacular, I don’t think puckskills or creativity will hold him back but it won’t be a calling card at the NHL level. His skating will be a strength, his NHL ability will probably hinge on how well his smarts translate. He should be a good addition to Bako and should be fine in a short 3rd pairing stint playing at maximum focus but for him to become a regular he’d need to really translate well. I question if his defense is strong enough for a player whose skillset likely don’t see him put up a lot of offense. He’s fine defensively, he’s a fine puckmover, he’s got some offensive tools but does he have enough of an edge anywhere? The hope is that his range of skills and lack of any major issue holding him back combined with strong skating and smarts has him finding that same solid but unspectacular game at the NHL level. Some guys with that style of game just translates really well to a higher level. But the most likely outcome is probably a strong AHL player and ok call up option. Which certainly has value in itself.
24 year old Latvian RD named Janis Jaks.