I always keep track of the Tyler Tullio types who are procured by the town team. Teams don’t draft enforcers anymore, but do need skilled forwards who can bring an element of physicality to the game. Wall battles, fighting for net-front presence, even open ice hits do still happen in the modern game.
Oilers hockey is a lot of things, but there are times when the bark and the bite take a holiday. A player like Tullio, if he lands in the NHL, will score enough and check enough to stay in the lineup, as well as getting under the skin of opponents with dogged determination and aggression. Make no mistake, the Dave Semenko era is over. In the modern game, Tullio is not an easy player to ignore.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers’ reasonable expectations for 2021-22: Goal scoring
- New DNB: Mailbag.
- Lowetide: Oilers’ potential Olympians are a small group with maximum possible impact
- Lowetide: What should the Oilers expect from Cody Ceci in his first season?
- Lowetide: Why Oilers can expect an offensive rebound from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
- Lowetide: Projecting the 2021-22 Edmonton Oilers opening night lineup
- Lowetide: Why Oilers fans should be excited about the progress of Maxim Berezkin
- Lowetide: What should Oilers expect from Duncan Keith in his first season?
- Lowetide: Did the Oilers find the new Fernando Pisani when signing Derek Ryan?
- Jonathan Willis: Tyler Benson, Devin Shore and the 4-year difference between a prospect and a has-been
- Lowetide: What should Oilers fans expect from Zach Hyman in his first season?
- Lowetide: Dylan Holloway headlines new arrivals for Bakersfield Condors in 2021-22
- Lowetide: Why Oilers fans should expect more trades and a deep playoff run this season
- Lowetide: How much playing time will Evan Bouchard get with the Oilers this coming season?
- Lowetide: What are reasonable expectations for the 2021-22 Oilers?
- Jonathan Willis: A resurgent Zack Kassian could be an important part of the Oilers’ scoring
- Lowetide: Oilers sign Darnell Nurse to a massive 8-year contract extension
- Lowetide: How many goals will Jesse Puljujarvi score for the Oilers next season?
- Lowetide: What are Oilers’ ideal defence pairings for 2021-22?
- Jonathan Willis: Oilers 2021-22 depth chart
- DNB: ‘Ultimate competitor’ Zach Hyman signs with Oilers
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, summer 2021
CURRENT 50-MAN (44)
Tullio is a slide and Yamamoto is unsigned, so I expect we’ll see an increase before training camp (Holland might be close to bringing in Alex Chiasson as insurance) and a decrease when Tullio heads back to the Oshawa Generals for the NHL season.
It’s a difficult team to project, because of a return to the Pacific Division, the massive change to the second pairing and the improvement to the forwards. I have my ‘reasonable expectations’ of goal scoring for the 2021-22 season up today at The Athletic, expect more goals per game by Edmonton.
Agitators and intimidators over the last decade
- LW Mitchell Moroz, 2012 draft. He was well known to the Oilers and played on a strong checking line. Red Line: Big, edgy power forward plays an in-your-face style and looks to initiate hard contact all over the ice. A feared enforcer who picked up 20 fighting majors, yet skates and handles the puck well enough to take regular shifts. Emerging force uses great size/strength to dominate below the circles and is impossible to move around crease. Development curve is heading straight up and has upside.
- LC Jujhar Khaira, 2012 draft. One of my favourite draft picks over the decade, he had a great mix of size, attitude and enough skill to play in the NHL. Red Line: this kid is big, mean, aggressive, nasty, and guess what… he can score too. Does the dirty work in the corners, bangs bodies and wins battles, and loves to initiate heavy contact. Creates lots of space for smaller teammates and makes everyone braver.
- LC Leon Draisaitl, 2014 draft. You may not think of him as physical but the big man wins fierce battles and is strong as an ox as well as being supremely skilled. Red Line: Huge German centre is tenacious in puck pursuit with his relentless forecheck often creating chances for linemates. Dominates the game down low with outstanding puck protection. Uses big frame to win the puck, pin men along the walls, or drive straight through would-be checkers. Has learned to use his size to carve out space for himself and effectively separate opponents from the puck.
- RW Jesse Puljujarvi, 2016 draft. The big man doesn’t know his own strength, but this past season he was pissing off opponents regularly just by being a giant wall. It will be a bigger part of his game each winter as he learns to use his gifts effectively. Black Book: This very talented Finn brings to the game a rare blend of power, skills and commitment. He is quick for a big kid and is an impressive skater who uses his speed to impact the play in different ways. He can be very effective on the forecheck, leaving defensemen little time to escape pressure. He can jump on loose pucks in high traffic areas and quickly recognize what’s the best available play. He can be a one on one threat at the offensive blueline with the puck as he likes to challenge opponents.
- LW Tyler Benson, 2016 draft. Although we never saw it after he was drafted (Benson was hurt a lot post-draft), he had a physical edge to his game. Black Book: Benson shows a strong compete level with a bulldog mentality. He’s the type who would rather go through you than around you. He plays with emotion and goes over the edge at times showing frustration. While we like him when he plays his power game, it was a somewhat inconsistent occurrence this season, something that was likely impacted by the nagging injuries.
- RW Tyler Tullio, 2020 draft. Fascinating player who hasn’t seen enough action since draft day due to the pandemic, his skill set is much needed in Edmonton. He is the smallest in the group, but tenacious and brings attitude to every shift. Red Line: Excellent speed and keeps his feet moving in traffic – tough to contain. Shows a fast stick in traffic. Makes subtle, one-touch passing plays, compares to Paul Byron.
I see Tullio as a third-line winger, kind of an Archibald with a little more bite. You might think that has low value, but if you can grab a guy in the fifth round who can score, kill penalties and exact a physical price, that’s a good draft pick.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
A big day on the Lowdown today, we have a special announcement coming at 10:20 you’ll want to hear. At 10:40 Dan Ralph from The Canadian Press joins us to make sense of the CFL weekend (I cannot) and preview Week 6. Geoff Ullrich, Draft Kings NFL analyst, will join us at 11 to start the fire that will be the NFL season. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
Massive congratulations to @jodyvance
!! The new Canadian correspondent for Al Jazeera English TV!! @AJEnglish
1st assignment: off to Ottawa to cover Sept 20 @ElectionsCan_E
I can’t get “tu tu tulio” – phil collins out of my head now when I hear Tulio’s name. Thanks a lot whoever that was yesterday!!
Have you ever seen the Southpark episode with Phil Collins getting mocked it’s hilarious.
My bad.
Stauffer wondering it the team will keep 3 goalies for Covid reasons.
he through out my idea about the league allowing a 3rd goalie with the team but off the roster – that’s not happening though.
Yamamoto I can understand. But what is Marody doing unsigned at this point after not filing for arbitration?
I guess they’ve still go a couple of weeks before main camp..
Marody should have signed his QO if he didn’t want to to the Benson route and take less cap to give himself the best chance.
Ive got a feeling he may be looking to get moved and the org is trying to get a depth pick (Or similar asset) back?
In business he who speaks first loses. I imagine both sides are waiting on the other. Or perhaps Holland has told them he’ll try to make a deal before camp.
If it was about money I’d have expected him to file for arbitration, no? Likely also if he was asking to be moved.
Anyway, I find it quite odd for him not to have filed earlier in the summer, then to end up having difficulty coming to an agreement (though again, there’s still 2 weeks before there’s an actual issue).
Marody wants a 2nd opinion somewhere else. He has tired of skating the frozen streets of Bakersfield.
Not signing a Benson type deal isn’t going to help Maordy with that…..
Even if he did, why wouldn’t he have filed for arbitration when he had the chance?
I don’t think it’s even a matter of arbitration, he was never going to get more than his qualifying offer I wouldn’t think.
Pretty clear he would like a new address.
That was nothing to do with him signing. He won’t play anywhere without a contract. I even alluded to him likely wanting out earlier.
It has everything to do with him not signing.
/
I guess it’s equally clear this applies to Hughes and Pettersson as well?
And like a fart in the wind, HH disappears after getting beat at his own game.
Because you say in again doesn’t make it a fact. He doesn’t sign, he doesn’t play anywhere else. He signs and, if nothing else, he is available to 31 teams on waivers or he’s in the NHL.
Holland probably told him he needs to marinate for another 5 years because he’s going with some 30 year-old dipsy-doodler out of the Chernobyl league that’s the nephew of Pavel Datsyuk
No, he certainly wouldn’t have. I’m still struggling with how not taking the arbitration or QO route would help him with either of: 1) getting paid more, or 2) getting a second opinion.
If he does want a trade and Holland hasn’t accommodated yet I guess that show’s the GM DOES value him to some degree, lol.
Fernandez wins the first set 6-3 – wow!
Keep it going don’t let up.
6-5 (Fernandez) in the 3rd set and I’ve got to go board.
Fernandez wins in a third set tiebreak! Wow – what a run by the Canadian teenager.
Berezkin up to over 8 minutes of ice in today’s game. From 30 seconds, to 1:31 to over 8 – no statistical impact in the 4-3 loss mind you.
Sounds like he’s still being treated as the extra forward, just like last year.
Seems that way – his ice time has gone up 16 times since game 1……..
Tyler Yaremchuk (@tyleryaremchuk) Tweeted:
Career news: this will be my final week at @TSN1260
Working here was truly a dream come true & leaving a group of guys that have become some of my closest friends was a beyond difficult decision.
248 characters isn’t enough to thank them for everything that they’ve done for me.
https://twitter.com/tyleryaremchuk/status/1435277474842099714?s=20
Ya, I wasn’t happy to read that earlier and reach out to Tyler – he seems very happy but can’t say much yet.
First Eric, now Tyler, who else is LT going to send away?
I’m concerned about Dusty leaving for some sort of national platform given how he’s killing it on the CFL broadcasts.
Patrick Johnston (@risingaction) Tweeted:
Don’t be surprised if the Hughes deal turns out to be a little north of $8m. You can probably figure out what that means for term.
I mean, the main comp is obvious.
https://twitter.com/risingaction/status/1435279946851647494?s=20
What’s your handle at Canucks Army?
Hughes Hair
OilFan
Tyson Barrie?
Obvious comparison is obvious
Just looking at Tullio’s performance last year, and it’s pretty impressive for a first year pro, even in a 3rd/4th tier league. The team’s top scorer was 33rd in the league in total points and scored .695 P/GP in 46 games. Tullio came along – an 18-year-old OHL player in a strange country far away from home – and posted a .684 P/GP in 19 games. He had the best +/- on the team, too.
When Holland traded that 3rd rounder for 100 & 126 with Carter Savoie still on the board, I hit the roof. When he still nabbed Savoie with the #100 pick, I was ecstatic. Its early but it sure looks like Holland has pulled a rabbit out of his hat with that move – both players are trending well above their draft status with miles of track to go.
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/170/hk-32-liptovsky-mikulas/2020-2021?tab=stats#players
Dominik Kahun signs for 3 years in the Swiss league.
Has an annual NHL out clause.
https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2021/09/dominik-kahun-linked-to-swiss-league.html
Thank goodness the German experiment is over between the two of them did Kahun and Rieder manage to throw 10 body checks while in Edmonton.
Wait.. Leon?
To your question, 82.
Rieder actually had a hit per game (69 in 67 games). Not so much for Kahun (just 13 in 48 games).
If your scared to go inside the paint there’s No Soup For You!
NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) Tweeted:
Former #Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has signed a one-year contract with Spartak Moscow (KHL).
https://twitter.com/PuckReportNHL/status/1435278959227310083?s=20
Wrong forum.
I’m beginning to think the player that benefits the most from the Hyman signing is going to be Ryan Nugent-Hopkins . It just makes too much sense they play Connor & Leon together on the top line and now they have the luxury of playing Hyman & Nuge on a second line . These two guys are both glue guys that are signed for the next seven years . Even if they play on the 4th line when they’re in their mid thirties , they will still be a force to reckon with .
It’s said that coaches look at pairs for stability on each line . Well the Oilers look solid on this regard with (McDavid & Draisaitl) (Hyman & Nuge) (Foegele & MacLeod) (Ryan & Archibald)
Throw in Kassian , Puljujarvi , Yamamoto , Shore , Benson , Perlini , Holloway & Turris wherever you like
I don’t agree at all that it makes too much sense. I would argue playing them on seperate lines makes the most sense.
I am not here to start a battle royale but I found this Nick Saban piece adds additional context to the Logan Mailloux situation. LT, if this is not appropriate please take it down.
Apologies in advance.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTAXh5tgdBF/?utm_medium=share_sheet
I appreciate you sharing this meanashell11. I agree that we, as a society, are too quick to condemn kids which may cause long term damage to both the individual and society. He’s a kid, he made a mistake and should be punished but let’s not destroy his life. Handled properly he could be a very strong contributing member of society. I think he deserves a chance. Anyone that never made any mistakes at his age feel free to disagree.
The thing that gets me is the hypocrisy around it. How many players, coaches, managers have done similar or worse? In any hockey league?
I’d bet the farm it’s more than a few.
The kid keeps receiving punishment for his wrong action, when is it enough for something that warranted a fine and apology, and not prison time?
The question is how would you feel if it was your sister or daughter that was compromised! There is in my opinion no easy answer! A bad choice and or mistake has ruined many lives and not just of the individual who made the so called mistake!
There is no easy answer, but maybe the question should be, why should anyone’s life be ruined by this?
The young lady can never get her reputation back! What would you suggest is reasonable compensation! A young self entitled young man took something from her that no one can ever give back.
Good point.
Still the gravity of his action has to be take into account as well. Not all bad things are the same level of bad. Which is why most fair judicial systems have degrees of punishment. This situation in the place he was got him a fine and he had to apologize. He did what was required and more. When is enough penance enough?
As a parent ten minutes alone with the young man would suffice!
Whenever I read about a prospect that I am not familiar with, the first thing I do is look at their hockey db card.
I was genuinely shocked to see how small Tulio is listed after that introduction.
5’10” / 165 lbs?
That’s pretty small for the player you’re describing? Has he put on some weight?
Elite Prospects has him at 5’11, 181… https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/201944/tyler-tullio
Okay thanks. that’s what the Oilers’ news story lists him at as well.
Oilers own website has him on the roster page at 5’10, 165
They listed him at 5’11” and 181 lbs on their press release.
Playoff hockey allows more physical and borderline plays. Because refs don’t want to dictate the outcome. Yet they don’t realize that they are actually taking away the skill aspect of certain players away
They dictate the outcome by trying not to dictate the outcome.
Infractions committed leading to real penalty call is the players dictating the outcome. Not calling real penalties, in the name of not dictating the outcome, is the refs contributing to the outcome.
Dave Semenko “Over” ???
Blasphemy!!!
Banking the puck in off of a giants back, belly, butt, or bucket is a lost art.
So… you wanna go for a canoe ride?
Semenko didn’t just screen the goalie; He blocked out the sun.
(knocked out a few “suns of biatches” along the way as well )
Dave scored 27 goals in 61 games for Brandon in the 1976-77 season. It was tough seeing Dave play for Hartford and Toronto his last 2 years but I believe one of the reasons Sather traded him was so Dave good have a couple of money years before his career ended.
Shrinkage.
Tulio was 5’11” 181lbs when playing for the Oshawa Generals.
As an Oiler he’s 5’10” 165lbs.
“When the shot isn’t an option, Tullio shows a great deal of adaptability, integrating one-touch maneuvers, playing pucks into space, manipulating defenders out of shooting lanes — you name it, and he can do it. He plays with a high motor and shows real attention to detail on the defensive side. -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide”
I know “motor” is an attribute Ken Holland values highly.
And attention to detail on the defensive side will endear him to Dave Tippett.
Anyone know what the rookie camp/main camp opening dates are? Had trouble finding them just know.
My understanding is Rookie Camp opens Sep 15, main camp a week later. Everything is about one week behind the “normal” schedule that used to hold sway in decades past.
Given the Cup, the Draft etc. were a month behind, that’s a pretty compressed summer.
That’s what Jim Matheson mentioned as well. link
Thanks!
Not for the Oilers, though…..
Imagine it will be difficult for the Canadiens. I expect a serious shortfall from expectations for them this year.
I hope Munzenburger is at camp.
He’s committed to college so I guess he can’t attend. Agree it would be cool to see him.
Pennies from Heaven?…or a wooden nickel?
Munzen in German means coin.
We can hope it roughly translates to “found money” for the Oilers in the 3rd round.
I prefer Teen Burgers myself.
You will be disappointed – I hope to see him on the German Olympic team.
Holloway, Benson, and Samorukov will be interesting to follow as they have a chance to really impress and push for a spot opening night. Broberg and Lavoie have a tough path and most likely need some AHL time. Tullio will be really interesting to watch and I bet he shows well at camp. Konovalov, Skinner and Stalock will be interesting too.
I would say Lavoie has almost zero real shot at the start of the year. He has real NHL potential, maybe even top 6, but he’s still very raw at the pro level. Lots to work on and lots of development to come from Lavoie this season.
Look forward to seeing Tulio at rookie camp!
Khaira & Moroz were 2012 draft.
I might include Greg Chase in there too (2013). Tullio scored better in Draft year, hard to compare D+1s.
It’s funny, I had him on the list but couldn’t find a scouting report (I keep many) that talked about the edge in his style. I would concur with you, but the scouting reports on hand were silent.
I remember Chase being described more as an agitator than aggressor. I think he got suspended for things like being a jerk on the ice in junior. I thought he was going to have more of a pro impact.
Moroz does Hot Yoga at my wife’s studio in Calgary.
That bastard! He’s also been doing cold yoga with my wife in Red Deer!