The Edmonton Oilers released the rookie camp roster yesterday, and it’s a list with some fine things for the future. It’s also a group one would expect to see from a club without many high draft picks in recent years. Edmonton has made the postseason two years in a row, and it’s likely the first-round pick in 2022 is long gone by draft day.
What does that mean? Rookie camp Oilers 2021 fall could house be a big part of Edmonton’s 2025 opening night lineup. What do we know for sure?
NEW for @TheAthleticNHL Dylan Holloway is on the rookie roster for Oilers camp next week, but is also coming off an injury. Why being patient is vital, with a cautionary tale from 15 years ago. https://t.co/HX6btyzL0Z
G Ilya Konovalov.At 23, he’s easily the most experienced goalie in rookie camp and should be the class of the group. Listed at 5.11, 196 and it’s possible he sees NHL action this season.
G Olivier Rodrigue. He’s two years younger even though Edmonton drafted him a year before Konovalov. He’s still thin (6.02, 170) but is up a few pounds from the last listing. Highly thought of in his draft year, ended his junior career with flourish, got lost a little last season.
G Ethan Kruger. Local goalie from Sherwood Park, he had a dandy season for the Brandon Wheat Kings (16, 2.30 .915) in 2020-21. He turns 20 later in September and is a solid prospect.
DEFENSE
LD Philip Broberg. He’s 6.03, 203 and 20, I’ve placed him at the top of the defensive group because that’s where I believe the organization has him. He’s fast, big and has skill, plus his North American performances suggest the SHL was holding him down. I believe (actually, I’ve been told) he needs another year outside the NHL, but if he shows well in camp, just as he has every time he sees Rogers ice, I’m not betting against him getting a call to Edmonton some time in 2021-22.
LD Dmitri Samorukov. He’s 22 and 6.03, 198, with two seasons of pro experience. He could be a big mover this season in the organization, but a full year bringing his KHL game to the AHL would set up an easier adjustment to the NHL in 2022-23. His season ended in injury so he’ll need to be cleared by the doctors.
LD Markus Niemelainen. Giant defender (6.05, 203) is 23 and posted an impressive season with the Condors after what seemed like a decade of pedestrian performances in Finland. He has a chance.
RD Filip Berglund. He’s 24, 6.03, 209 and has two-way skills. I might be underestimating him here, but Niemelainen has played in the AHL so we’ll give him a slight edge on this depth chart. I liked his game in Berglund’s draft year, but that was five years ago and he’s never been to North America. Anticipation gave way to indifference long ago.
RD Phil Kemp. He is 22 and has one year’s pro experience (Allsvenskan, AHL) and seemed quite comfortable in his boots during the games I saw in Bakersfield. Calm feet, good reads, I don’t think he’ll be a game changer on offense but he isn’t Gary Doak 1974-75 either. He’s 6.03, 203.
RD Mike Kesselring. He’s 21, 6.05 and 205, on this list that’s about average but he’s a load. Kesselring doesn’t have Kemp’s smooth assuredness but he does have a more dynamic skill set. We may never see him in Edmonton, but if he makes it we’ll be talking about his range of skills and ability to insert himself into the offense.
LD Yanni Kaldis. Oldest player on the roster (25) and without an NHL contract, but he is creative with the puck and has no fear. He’s a player Jay Woodcroft likes, I’d bet.
RD Simon Kubicek. Big Czech blue (6.02, 205) who played at the World Juniors and Elite Prospects has him playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings this season. He turns 20 in December and had a couple of good seasons with the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) before last season.
RD Max Wanner. He’s 18, 6.03, 185 and apparently passes the puck extremely well and can skate. This is the reason these are important. Like Kesselring when he arrived after his draft (for summer orientation) we need to get a glimpse of him. We don’t know what we don’t know.
CENTER
LC Dylan Holloway. He’s 6.01, 203 and turns 20 on September 23 and posted an NHLE of 41.6 in the Big-10 last year. What does that mean? Holloway will be one of the feature players against the Calgary Flames rookies and is my highest ranked Oilers prospect at rookie camp. He could play in the NHL this season, his thumb injury in the spring means special attention will be paid to the results of his physical at camp.
RC Xavier Bourgault. The newest first-round draft pick, I’m pleased with his resume. He’s a scorer, likely to land on the wing, and a marksman as opposed to a volume shooter. Money in the offensive zone, he’s 6.02, 172 and turns 19 in late October. He should catch your eye.
RC Jake Chiasson. Conflicting reports on Chiasson’s skating, Red Line is a big fan and believes the Oilers got a steal. One of the good things about rookie camps is we can find out what he can do in this area. Chiasson is 18, 6.01 and 165, and scored 9-11-20 last season for the Brandon Wheat Kings in 23 games.
LC Brady Burns. He’s small (5.10, 159) and an overager (19), he’s very skilled and should be noticeable when he has the puck. Burns posted 18-20-38 in 32 games with the Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) last year. He is from Port Williams, Nova Scotia, the home of explorer Drake Batherson.
RC Henry Rybinski. He’s a C-RW who played for the Medicine Hat Tigers and Seattle Thunderbirds in junior. He is 20, 6.01, 185 and played multiple roles. Over a point per game last season, he arrives without a contract but would be a strong candidate for an AHL deal based on Holland’s past offseasons.
RC Drew Englot. He’s 18, and a big forward (6.03, 190) who plays a gritty style and disrupts opponents. He scored 12 goals in the dub two years ago but was unable build on it last season with the Regina Pats. An intriguing player, you’ll notice him when he irritates the Flames.
LEFT WING
R Raphael Lavoie. He is 6.05, 197 and turns 21 on September 25. This blog has discussed him at length since he was drafted and it’s clear he does have significant scoring prowess. For an NHL prospect, that means he’s going to get lots of opportunities to show he can deliver at the highest level. He should have a great rookie camp.
L James Hamblin. He is 22, 5.09, 176 and played multiple roles for the Bakersfield Condors (7-8-15 in 38 games). Hamblin was on the radar of this blog back in 2017 In four WHL seasons he scored 113 goals. He’s an intriguing player on AHL deal.
L Tim Soderlond. He’s 5.09, 162 and 23. Swedish Poster: He’s a small, speedy forward with good not great hands who’s offense has never really translated to the pro ranks.
L Devin Brosseau. He’s 24, and 6.01, 203. A skilled college man, he posted decent numbers in four seasons of ECAC hockey at Clarkson University. In 2020-21, he posted 7-14-21 in 34 games in the Austrian league, and then returned to North America to go 4-1-5 in 27 AHL games. Nothing about his resume suggests he will be an AHL 20+ goal scorer. Has AHL deal.
L Matvei Petrov. He’s 6.02, 181 and 18. Pure scorer whose main interest is being a pure scorer, he went 22-20-42 in the MHL (58 games). He’s a long shot for the NHL but I’ll credit Edmonton: They need scorers and by God they’re drafting them like madmen. He was slated to play in Russia but will instead spend the winter with the North Bay Battalion of the OHL.
RIGHT WING
R Kirill Maksimov. He’s 22, 6.04 and 207, and possibly the most intriguing prospect at this camp. His skill set has significant range and he can score goals. Maksimov should be farther along in his career but hasn’t been able to make the grade. Last year in the KHL, he scored 2-1-3 in 16 games, while producing in Russia’s second pro league (the VHL) to the tune of 12-15-27 in in 25 games. He has ability, it’s time to stand and deliver.
L Ostap Safin. He’s 22, and 6.05, 204. I was impressed with him during his time with the Bakersfield Condors (4-2-6 in 22 games). When he was on, Safin was a bull in a china shop. He just wasn’t on enough. Still, you’d like to see a full season from the young man at this level. He’s a fairly unique prospect on this list.
R Tyler Tullio. He’s 19, 5.11 and 181, a player Red Line compared to Paul Byron. He has several elements that could get him to the NHL and should be considered one of the best prospects in this camp. Scored 4-9-13 in 19 games in the Slovak league last season.
R Josh Brokop. He’s 21 and smaller (5.11, 190) than most of the forwards at this camp. He is headed for the University of Alberta this fall. He went 25-35-60 in 78 games for the Calgary Hitmen over the last two seasons.
R Dino Kambeitz. He’s 21, and a load (6.02, 212) with some goal-scoring acumen. He has scored 22 goals in 73 games as a member of the Lethbridge Hurricanes over the last two seasons. He has an AHL contract for the coming season.
Roster is here. Several of my top 20 prospects made the rookie camp, including Holloway, Broberg, Bourgault, Lavoie, Samorukov, Konovalov, Tullio, Petrov,, Rodrigue, Chiasson and Niemelainen.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
It’s Friday! Tune in at 10, TSN1260, as we say goodbye to a friend. Tyler Yaremchuk is moving on to a great opportunity and we’ll miss him. So, in true radio fashion we’ll bring up all the embarrassing moments we can find from five years of radio. Yes, we’ll play the Jim Brown audio, and we’ll also find out his best and toughest days working on the Lowdown. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter, we’ll also tee up a wild weekend in sports.
I saw that exchange on twitter earlier this morning, Matty said something like “he believes” Larsson was offerred five years, then some random called him out saying he shouldn’t speculate and Matty reroted with the fact that he knows Larsson was offered 5 years.
Large portions of the Oilers’ fanbase are so condescending and pretentious towards some of the main stream media (and bloggers and management). Just looking for reasons to call them out, in particular the old school guys.
I think Matty is “past his prime” with many of his takes, etc., however, I fully trust his scources and info – he could call up Holland and get a quote any time he wants I’m sure.
jtblack
September 10, 2021 8:16 pm
D MEN all are a good size …
leadfarmer
September 10, 2021 7:50 pm
Athletic ranks Dylan Guenther as the 21st top player under 23 and to think he was traded for OEL
this has the makings of the next Forsberg for Erat trade
My only Gary Doak memory is from the early 70’s when I was collecting hockey cards. I think I had duplicates of just one player: Gary Doak. I tried trading him for another player but I couldn’t give him away. Couldn’t even get a Phil Myre in return. ?
Yes! The one year I had SO many Gary Doak “doubles”
OriginalPouzar
September 10, 2021 1:28 pm
Per Matty:
After Dylan Holloway’s surgery (broken thumb) this spring, Oilers hoped it would be completely repaired for rookie camp next week but it’s iffy the winger takes part. Doctors will see if the hand is fully healed after looking at some pictures…
Scaphoid is super tough as there is very little blood that goes to it naturally (as I recall from anatomy 20 years ago and many rodeo friends breaking theirs)
A bad scaphoid means trouble squeezing the thumb shut I believe
Scaphoid fractures suck. You definitely want to be careful as the blood supply is poor and the bone is prone to dying which would be a terrible outcome
What you are trying to prevent is a nightmare scenario called a SLAC wrist.
feel free to google it but it’s essentially the Klefbom shoulder of wrist injuries
If that’s the case it makes sense on the caution, I just jammed my thumb recently at slo-pitch and one of the things the doc was concerned about was a scaphoid fracture. That area doesn’t get a lot of blood flow so they can take a long time (over 6 months) to heal and with surgery can be even worse. Complications can be bad too – and stiffness and lost range of motion in the wrist/thumb. Hoping he has a green light soon.
i broke my scaphoid skateboarding in the early 2000s. Honestly it was nothing, healed fine and no long term effects. But I think it’s easy to re injure, especially if you’re playing hockey at a high level.
Most will heal just fine. But out of the bones in your body the scaphoid is notorious for not healing well.
which does not mean that the vast majority do not heal well, which they do
but a SLAC wrist is a real entity and really shitty outcome
Randle McMurphy
September 10, 2021 12:56 pm
So you’re saying there’s a high probability the 2021 first round pick is going for a goalie, either at the deadline if need be, or at the draft?
Goalies from other organizations that get traded at the deadline rarely live up to anyone’s expectations and offhand I can only think of one that had a deep playoff run and we all know who that was. It’s important to get a good look at Stalock because if Smith groin holds up for a 82 game Schedule I would loose money on that bet.
that is equal parts hilarious and terrifying. I’ll take your work for it and leave it there
Randle McMurphy
September 10, 2021 12:48 pm
“I have a pure interest in watching this pure scorer score pure goals.”
Does that make you a purest?
Dave Tippett: “The one thing that’s different between the regular season and a playoff series is, you have to be able to score grinding goals where you create off the forecheck. It can’t all be off transition and rush and power play. You have to be able to score off the cycle. Hard goals. And those guys I just mentioned, they’re all players who will enhance our group in that part of the game.
We don’t need more scoring off the rush. We’re fine there. I’ll take all the pretty goals we can get, but you have to be able to score hard goals also.”
I have been watching a lot of Oilers goals from the Gretzky/Coffey years in the playoffs and a lot of them are banging ones in front of the net…just a higher level of banging but its still tough goals Gretzky and his friends are getting against a very tough Flyers team for example.
One of the goals features I think 4 players take turns shooting the puck in serious traffic until one of them gets “lucky”.
Last edited 3 years ago by hunter1909
jp
September 10, 2021 12:28 pm
The short junior/college seasons last year obscure the numbers a bit (and make it harder to fully trust them), but Holloway and Bourgault both had really terrific years.
In a normal/full year their boxcars would have looked something like:
Bourgault 62-43-43-86
Holloway 40-19-42-61
Those are exceptional numbers for QMJHL draft eligible and NCAA draft +1 seasons.
Hopefully they can pick up right where they left off in their development.
They’re really nice prospects, and as Brogan Raffetty’s Uncle said below, the Oilers don’t need these guys in order to make the playoffs, they’re gravy for an already good team once they arrive.
OriginalPouzar
September 10, 2021 12:24 pm
Treliving doesn’t just bring Gubrandson in on a PTO but straight to a contrast – and for $1.95M.
How can you say that? Would the thought of 1-0 or 2-1 grinding hockey games thanks to good ol’ Sutter coached hockey just not get your blood pumping as a fan? Especially when you watch Calgary lose just as often they did before Sutter hockey?
Personally, it makes me rockhard just thinking about.
The only thing I worry about is injury to Oilers players. Sutter will try to win through intimidation just as he always has.
Bohologo
September 10, 2021 12:12 pm
I can append no useful insights to this list of prospects beyond what our host has provided and what more credible posters will no doubt add in the course of discussion.
However! You may be wondering: how should we cheer for the young Russians, who are so far from home and missing their families?
You wouldn’t go down to the rink and holler “Brilliant puck management Michael!” to Kesselring, or “Splendid effort young Phillip!” to Kemp, it’s unnecessarily formal and you risk alienating the young men by way of undue politeness. Accordingly, you could make the Russian prospects feel more at home by using their most likely nicknames.
Here is a quick guide to Russian diminutive naming conventions:
Dmitry: Dima
Kirill: Kirya
Matvei: Matyash
Maksim: Max (a rare case of predictable outcome)
Do we only play Calgary again this year? I’d love to see the return of the multi team round robin rookie camp, but understand that it’s impossible at the moment.
Edmonton, Seattle, Van, Calgary would be fun to watch.
One of the first things that Holland did when he was hired was he spear-headed the revival of the Young Stars Tournament in Penticton (which had been a no go for the last few years, due to “politics”).
Unfortunately, since it was officially brought back, Covid hasn’t allowed for it in either of the two pre-camp periods.
Excellent, I’ve been missing it. It’s a fun start to the preseason and I like getting a look at other team’s prospects seeing as I kind of live in an Oilers tunnel.
The moment Petrov was drafted I instantly thought of one of the greatest forward lines ever that being Boris Mikhailov, Vladimir Petrov and arguably top 5 player ever Vaileri Kharlamov. That line brought skill that was never seen by NHL players and fans. What a treat is was cheer against them almost 50 years ago.
The Legend of #17, Russian movie about Kharlamov. The goons playing the Canadian villains are hilariously evil.
BornInAGretzkyJersey
September 10, 2021 11:18 am
Looking at the big roster and the rookie invites, this is a team that seems to have legit competition at all levels.
I am not a fan of every move he’s made, but Old Dutch sure has reshaped the franchise in his short tenure. Will be interesting to follow what he does after he’s got it going in the direction he wants, instead of being forced to constantly triage the cap or roster or organization
Other than the Keith trade terms (which I still think was too rich in cost) Holland & Gretzky’s work has been exactly that – competent and stable.
No huge wins on the trade front but good drafting, smart smaller bets. I think Larsson threw him a curve and I really wish he would find a goalie but overall I think it would be difficult to argue that this team isn’t better now than when he arrived.
And as per reports, we know he’s looked to upgrade in net by pursuing Markstrom but was mature enough to back out when the going rate got too rich. So it’s not as though he’s satisfied, but isn’t willing to go all out for his guy either.
RC Henry Rybinski. He’s a C-RW who played for the Medicine Hat Tigers and Seattle Thunderbirds in junior. He is 20, 6.01, 185 and played multiple roles. Over a point per game last season, he arrives without a contract but would be a strong candidate for an AHL deal based on Holland’s past offseasons.
Something about this description makes me think immediately of a potential replacement for Marody. Maybe without the gaudy numbers, but as a C/RW who can put up some points and add versatility to the lineup in BAK.
OriginalPouzar
September 10, 2021 11:04 am
I agree on listing the right shot Lavoie as a LW (which is where he played in the Bake last season). If he’s going to make it to the NHL (which is not a lock), its going to be primarily off of his shot and his ability to get his shot off, find/create shooting lanes, etc. – he’s better at that from the left side.
I agree Maksimov is one of the most intriguing, certainly to me. I’m been posting about him putting his name back in the conversation as a “real prospect” and I hope to see him battle Lavoie for top line winger and top PP minutes. His shot is just as dynamic as Lavoie’s. He may not be as good a shooter as Lavoie while moving or shot creation but his release is elite and his shot is devastating from the off-side.
Maksi, unlike Lavoie, could make the NHL in various ways – he was a plus 2-way guy and PK guy in the OHL and he showed that as a rookie pro in the NHL – playing both roles as that rookie pro. He also had more of a physical edge to his game.
I don’t know about Safin. I agree with LT that, when on, he showed a dynamic player – big, good skater, great release, offensive instincts. The issue, for me, was it we rarely saw that – a few shifts here or there or a game here or there. He rifled off a couple good games this past season but was back as a healthy scratch a few games later due to being a complete non-factor.
I look for Tulio to put up pretty big numbers in the OHL this year and maybe make Canada’s short list – a big long-shot for the team but he is going to go off offensively – translation of his skill to the NHL and his style of play with his body is something we won’t know for a few years.
OriginalPouzar
September 10, 2021 10:56 am
Here is hoping that Holloway is a full participant – if he doesn’t skate, they may just be being cautious but, then again, after 4-5 months, is a week (prior to main camp) going to make any difference.
Also thumb vs. wrist – I think there was wrist surgery (not just thumb surgery) based on Gregor and Matty.
I also “forget about” Bourgault – for some reason, in my head, I lump him in as a Tulio-level prospect but he was a legit 1st round pick and, no offence to Tulio, who looks like a a great value pick, Bourgault is a few tiers higher and could be in the conversation when he turns pro in 2022/23. One “quibble” – I know he’s listed as a C/W but I think he played wing almost all of last year (subject to being fact-checked on that) and, during his post-draft radio spots, he did say that he can play anywhere but is probably most comfortable on the wing. I presume he plays wing at the NHL level.
OriginalPouzar
September 10, 2021 10:51 am
My goodness, what a rookie camp list, just a spectacular collection given how many are “real prospects” with a real chance at the NHL at some point – of course, some closer than others.
That defence list is DEEP.
For me, I agree that Broberg is the higher rated and higher ceiling prospect than Sammy. Probably more of a “sure bet” to make it at some level (although I believe both are pretty close to “sure bets”).
I have no doubt that Broberg is going to absolute shine line a diamond at rookie camp and he will do so at main camp, definitely in the first week and early exhibition – high pedigree prospects with size and speed – they always sparkle during camps and we’ve seen it with Broberg. We also saw it with Jesse as an 18 year old, with McLeod as an 18 year old and numerous others.
There is really nothing Broberg can do during camp to prove he’s “NHL ready” – performance at camp simply does not equate to NHL readiness (see above). At the same time, he can (and will likely) show well that he will be in that conversation for maybe even first call up but he is likely battling with Lagesson and Samourkov, two more advanced pro players.
—————
For me, I switch Kemp and Kesselring. I think Kesselring has the much higher ceiling given his array of skills and is much more likely to “make it”. Unless Kemp has improved his skating, like 2-3 tiers, he has not NHL future. He makes Benson look like Bure.
I think Berglund is slotted correctly. We don’t know what we are going to get from this player to start. I mean, he could just be another tweener coming over from Europe almost mid-career. On the other hand, he has pedigree and vast pro experience in a good league. His career has been up and down but, right now, he’s 4th on the right shot depth chart – there will be an opportunity for him if he shows well at camp and in the Bake early.
PennersPancakes
September 10, 2021 10:48 am
When was the last time the parent club had nhl players in all roster spots as well as a starting 5 of legitimate recall options?
Not only is there no Luke Gazdic on the roster (please dont kick my ass Luke) but theres also better quality injury replacements than the Jesse Joensuus and Ryan Hamiltons of the world. This is starting to feel like a real hockey team. Even improvements over last year is something else especially looking at the forwards corps.
Without accounting for TOI and role (lazy analysis on my part) the even strength numbers are nuts for roster replacements.
These guys combined for 270 games and 58 even strength points. (0.21 ppg)
In: Hyman, Ryan, Foegle, (basically McLeod but wont include him). (0.44 ppg)
These guys combined for 139 games and 61 even strength points.
This doesnt factor in Hyman missing games or Ryans reduced roles which could be interpreted either way (injury prone vs bad luck, aging game vs will bounce back with a bigger role).
I do love watching the Oilers where I don’t get nervous every time the opposing team has the puck in our end though.
Jordan
September 10, 2021 10:16 am
So… I just wanted to highlight we have a very different mix of prospects this year.
Of the Oilers draft picks who are attending rookie camp..
Forwards average size is 6’2 190 lbs.
Defensemen average size is 6’3 200 lbs.
I see these numbers and expect Coke Machines.
But… these are players that can play…
It appears that the Oilers may have finally drafted potential power forwards / utility forwards with size…?
On the one hand… I am… very reluctant to be optimistic about this development. 20 years of watching these players not make it does something to a person.
I remember the days of yore around here arguing for size with skill.
When the Corsi blew up things leaned pretty hard to the numbers, but my eyes were seeing the Oilers get pushed around and basically thugged out if games.
And then later several incoming coaches confirmed that was often how teams played the Oilers because the skill seemed to give up when it got rough.
I was never into coke machines either. The averages are still not quite typical NHL, but the lads have some filling out to do. The height is pretty close.
Skill first always, but with normal NHL size and also that they can all skate well, there are so many fewer obstacles to overcome to being a contributing NHL player at some level.
The previous ways of drafting/ signing mediocre skating and either too big or too small players didn’t deliver much we’ve seen.
I remember those days too. I think they are only a few months in the rear view mirror for some who think size isn’t part of a balanced roster.
The thing I remember most about the 80’s Oilers was the comment “they can beat you anyway you want to play the game” and for me that is pretty much the definition of balance.
Of course you need skill to play in the NHL but that is just the most important thing on the list – not the complete list. And once the playoffs start it isn’t even close to being the only thing you need.
And I think it is important to note that not every guy on the team needs to be tall and heavy. This is a sport where small guys can and do excel.
You just can’t have so many small skill guys that the opposing coach’s pre-game talk starts with “all we have to do with these guys is hit them every chance we get for the 1st 10 minutes and they will give up”. That makes it too easy for the other guys.
Oil2Oilers
September 10, 2021 10:06 am
A Lavoie – Holloway – Foegle unicorn line emerging this year or next would beget dreams of kid lines of yore.
Sadly kid lines seem as unlikely as unicorn lines with the current Oilers.
I do think Holloway could arrive at some point this season, and maybe he does play center on the 3rd line to start.
Personally, I believe Lavoie is at least a full AHL season away. He’s got lots of work to do away from the puck and away from the offensive zone to get a sniff – that is often something that happens for 2nd tier prospects in their second pro seasons. He needs to get stronger on his skates in battle, be more aware from the opposition blue back and have better positioning in the neutral and defensive zones.
I think a more realistic setup would be a Foegele – Holloway – Puljujarvi 3rd line. What fun that would be to watch!
Cassandra
September 10, 2021 9:56 am
Tyler on Jim Brown is the single greatest thing I have ever heard on the radio. It cannot be topped.
David
September 10, 2021 9:49 am
The Oilers have been drafting giants on defence for some time: Marincin, Gernat, Paigin, Betker…Would be nice to see Kesselring pan out into a true top 4 D, unlikely though. Nice to see virtually all the likely prospects at 6’3”.
FAR from a sure-bet but Kesslering has the skill-set to be a legit NHL top 4 – he’s a draft and watch though – probably 3 AHL years before there is a real conversation.
He’s ahead of schedule – I wouldn’t have though he’d be signed and go pro for one more year.
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
September 10, 2021 9:39 am
It is enjoyable watching/following rookie camp without simultaneously praying that all the rookies make the opening night roster and all score 50 pts for the Oilers to have a hope of making the playoffs.
Cape Breton Oilers 4EVR
September 10, 2021 9:07 am
Remember the year they tried to sign that little Russian kid who lit up rookie camp? Tkachev I think, and maybe MacT was GM. Found out later they couldn’t sign him. Competent front offices don’t do that stuff. glad those days are long behind us!
Berezkin back down to 58 seconds in yesterdays’ game so:
40 seconds
1:51
Just under 9 minutes
58 seconds
I wonder if he’ll get flip flopped between the KHL/VHL this season.
Jim Matheson
@jimmathesonnhl
·
5h
I know they offered Larsson five years
Interesting.
A bit sad he decided to leave. I guess he’s not famous enough to ever write a ‘tell all’, but I’d love to know what went into his decision.
I saw that exchange on twitter earlier this morning, Matty said something like “he believes” Larsson was offerred five years, then some random called him out saying he shouldn’t speculate and Matty reroted with the fact that he knows Larsson was offered 5 years.
Large portions of the Oilers’ fanbase are so condescending and pretentious towards some of the main stream media (and bloggers and management). Just looking for reasons to call them out, in particular the old school guys.
I think Matty is “past his prime” with many of his takes, etc., however, I fully trust his scources and info – he could call up Holland and get a quote any time he wants I’m sure.
D MEN all are a good size …
Athletic ranks Dylan Guenther as the 21st top player under 23 and to think he was traded for OEL
this has the makings of the next Forsberg for Erat trade
Close. Erat wasn’t on the hook for $45 million.
He was traded for Conor Garland.
OEL was traded for $13 million in cap space.
OEL was traded for one year of $13M in cap space (minus $7.2MM) and, of course, a cap commitment of apx $43MM over 6 years.
Lou pulls another contract out of the drawer.
https://news.google.com/articles/CBMiRGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRzbi5jYS96YWNoLXBhcmlzZS1uZXcteW9yay1pc2xhbmRlcnMtY29udHJhY3QtMS4xNjkyMDk50gFMaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudHNuLmNhL3phY2gtcGFyaXNlLW5ldy15b3JrLWlzbGFuZGVycy1jb250cmFjdC0xLjE2OTIwOTk_dHNuLWFtcA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen
My only Gary Doak memory is from the early 70’s when I was collecting hockey cards. I think I had duplicates of just one player: Gary Doak. I tried trading him for another player but I couldn’t give him away. Couldn’t even get a Phil Myre in return. ?
Yes! The one year I had SO many Gary Doak “doubles”
Per Matty:
After Dylan Holloway’s surgery (broken thumb) this spring, Oilers hoped it would be completely repaired for rookie camp next week but it’s iffy the winger takes part. Doctors will see if the hand is fully healed after looking at some pictures…
Maybe this finally confirms thumb? Would think that’s somewhat better than wrist in terms of impact on play
Gregor saying minutes ago it’s his wrist, not his thumb – scaphoid bone.
Says the org is being ultra-cautious.
Scaphoid is super tough as there is very little blood that goes to it naturally (as I recall from anatomy 20 years ago and many rodeo friends breaking theirs)
A bad scaphoid means trouble squeezing the thumb shut I believe
Scaphoid fractures suck. You definitely want to be careful as the blood supply is poor and the bone is prone to dying which would be a terrible outcome
What you are trying to prevent is a nightmare scenario called a SLAC wrist.
feel free to google it but it’s essentially the Klefbom shoulder of wrist injuries
Therefore they should take as long as it takes to heal
If that’s the case it makes sense on the caution, I just jammed my thumb recently at slo-pitch and one of the things the doc was concerned about was a scaphoid fracture. That area doesn’t get a lot of blood flow so they can take a long time (over 6 months) to heal and with surgery can be even worse. Complications can be bad too – and stiffness and lost range of motion in the wrist/thumb. Hoping he has a green light soon.
i broke my scaphoid skateboarding in the early 2000s. Honestly it was nothing, healed fine and no long term effects. But I think it’s easy to re injure, especially if you’re playing hockey at a high level.
Most will heal just fine. But out of the bones in your body the scaphoid is notorious for not healing well.
which does not mean that the vast majority do not heal well, which they do
but a SLAC wrist is a real entity and really shitty outcome
So you’re saying there’s a high probability the 2021 first round pick is going for a goalie, either at the deadline if need be, or at the draft?
I agree.
I think the best case scenario is that Holland is able to wait until the TD to make that trade.
If he is forced to do it by December the cost is going to be even worse. Something about 40 year old groins makes me nervous.
Goalies from other organizations that get traded at the deadline rarely live up to anyone’s expectations and offhand I can only think of one that had a deep playoff run and we all know who that was. It’s important to get a good look at Stalock because if Smith groin holds up for a 82 game Schedule I would loose money on that bet.
I wouldn’t expose Stalock to waivers myself. I’d keep him in the PB as insurance if not as the #2.
They may very well need/have to go with 3 goalies on the 23.
Far from ideal as they may also want to go with 8D which won’t even be a potential.
I am starting to think 13F on the roster is highly likely.
Does Smith have chronic groin problems? Hasn’t missed any time with a groin issue as an Oiler.
Are you sure about that?
I searched Google for ‘Mike Smith groin’ to confirm and immediately regret my decision.
There’s a lot of Mike Smith’s out there…
that is equal parts hilarious and terrifying. I’ll take your work for it and leave it there
“I have a pure interest in watching this pure scorer score pure goals.”
Does that make you a purest?
Dave Tippett: “The one thing that’s different between the regular season and a playoff series is, you have to be able to score grinding goals where you create off the forecheck. It can’t all be off transition and rush and power play. You have to be able to score off the cycle. Hard goals. And those guys I just mentioned, they’re all players who will enhance our group in that part of the game.
We don’t need more scoring off the rush. We’re fine there. I’ll take all the pretty goals we can get, but you have to be able to score hard goals also.”
Does this make Tippett a realist?
I have been watching a lot of Oilers goals from the Gretzky/Coffey years in the playoffs and a lot of them are banging ones in front of the net…just a higher level of banging but its still tough goals Gretzky and his friends are getting against a very tough Flyers team for example.
One of the goals features I think 4 players take turns shooting the puck in serious traffic until one of them gets “lucky”.
The short junior/college seasons last year obscure the numbers a bit (and make it harder to fully trust them), but Holloway and Bourgault both had really terrific years.
In a normal/full year their boxcars would have looked something like:
Bourgault 62-43-43-86
Holloway 40-19-42-61
Those are exceptional numbers for QMJHL draft eligible and NCAA draft +1 seasons.
Hopefully they can pick up right where they left off in their development.
They’re really nice prospects, and as Brogan Raffetty’s Uncle said below, the Oilers don’t need these guys in order to make the playoffs, they’re gravy for an already good team once they arrive.
Treliving doesn’t just bring Gubrandson in on a PTO but straight to a contrast – and for $1.95M.
My goodness.
Same with Stone – only league min there thought.
All the truculent RHD. One wonders if Burke isn’t still running the show in cowtown.
Sutter.
I agree. These are all Sutter moves. Calgary are going to be hard to watch for their fans this year (if they aren’t other years too).
How can you say that? Would the thought of 1-0 or 2-1 grinding hockey games thanks to good ol’ Sutter coached hockey just not get your blood pumping as a fan? Especially when you watch Calgary lose just as often they did before Sutter hockey?
Personally, it makes me rockhard just thinking about.
Go Flames! Go Sutter hockey!
The only thing I worry about is injury to Oilers players. Sutter will try to win through intimidation just as he always has.
I can append no useful insights to this list of prospects beyond what our host has provided and what more credible posters will no doubt add in the course of discussion.
However! You may be wondering: how should we cheer for the young Russians, who are so far from home and missing their families?
You wouldn’t go down to the rink and holler “Brilliant puck management Michael!” to Kesselring, or “Splendid effort young Phillip!” to Kemp, it’s unnecessarily formal and you risk alienating the young men by way of undue politeness. Accordingly, you could make the Russian prospects feel more at home by using their most likely nicknames.
Here is a quick guide to Russian diminutive naming conventions:
Dmitry: Dima
Kirill: Kirya
Matvei: Matyash
Maksim: Max (a rare case of predictable outcome)
Always appreciated your Russian insights.
Do we only play Calgary again this year? I’d love to see the return of the multi team round robin rookie camp, but understand that it’s impossible at the moment.
Edmonton, Seattle, Van, Calgary would be fun to watch.
Yes, just the two games against the flames.
One of the first things that Holland did when he was hired was he spear-headed the revival of the Young Stars Tournament in Penticton (which had been a no go for the last few years, due to “politics”).
Unfortunately, since it was officially brought back, Covid hasn’t allowed for it in either of the two pre-camp periods.
Should be back for 2022 though.
Excellent, I’ve been missing it. It’s a fun start to the preseason and I like getting a look at other team’s prospects seeing as I kind of live in an Oilers tunnel.
The rookie tournament in Penticton is nothing but great fun. I highly recommend it once it comes back.
It’s even more fun than training camp and I always used to book myself off work to attend that when I lived in Edmonton.
Matvei Petrov. He’s 6.02, 181 and 18. Pure scorer whose main interest is being a pure scorer
I have a pure interest in watching this pure scorer score pure goals.
That description is my favourite from the list, well done LT.
The moment Petrov was drafted I instantly thought of one of the greatest forward lines ever that being Boris Mikhailov, Vladimir Petrov and arguably top 5 player ever Vaileri Kharlamov. That line brought skill that was never seen by NHL players and fans. What a treat is was cheer against them almost 50 years ago.
The Legend of #17, Russian movie about Kharlamov. The goons playing the Canadian villains are hilariously evil.
Looking at the big roster and the rookie invites, this is a team that seems to have legit competition at all levels.
I am not a fan of every move he’s made, but Old Dutch sure has reshaped the franchise in his short tenure. Will be interesting to follow what he does after he’s got it going in the direction he wants, instead of being forced to constantly triage the cap or roster or organization
Stability and competence, who knew?
Other than the Keith trade terms (which I still think was too rich in cost) Holland & Gretzky’s work has been exactly that – competent and stable.
No huge wins on the trade front but good drafting, smart smaller bets. I think Larsson threw him a curve and I really wish he would find a goalie but overall I think it would be difficult to argue that this team isn’t better now than when he arrived.
And as per reports, we know he’s looked to upgrade in net by pursuing Markstrom but was mature enough to back out when the going rate got too rich. So it’s not as though he’s satisfied, but isn’t willing to go all out for his guy either.
Not what happened.
Markstrom was always going to sign in Calgary…he just used Holland to drive up the price.
Or Holland used Markstrom to drive up the price to Calgary.
Rick Dhaliwal was in contact with Markstrom’s agent throughout.
I’ll take his word for it.
I guess I should have added the 😉
A Q&A with Dave Tippet
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/qa-oilers-tippett-keith-hyman-turning-hard-lessons-playoff-wins/sn-amp/
Pretty much boiler plate.
Something about this description makes me think immediately of a potential replacement for Marody. Maybe without the gaudy numbers, but as a C/RW who can put up some points and add versatility to the lineup in BAK.
I agree on listing the right shot Lavoie as a LW (which is where he played in the Bake last season). If he’s going to make it to the NHL (which is not a lock), its going to be primarily off of his shot and his ability to get his shot off, find/create shooting lanes, etc. – he’s better at that from the left side.
I agree Maksimov is one of the most intriguing, certainly to me. I’m been posting about him putting his name back in the conversation as a “real prospect” and I hope to see him battle Lavoie for top line winger and top PP minutes. His shot is just as dynamic as Lavoie’s. He may not be as good a shooter as Lavoie while moving or shot creation but his release is elite and his shot is devastating from the off-side.
Maksi, unlike Lavoie, could make the NHL in various ways – he was a plus 2-way guy and PK guy in the OHL and he showed that as a rookie pro in the NHL – playing both roles as that rookie pro. He also had more of a physical edge to his game.
I don’t know about Safin. I agree with LT that, when on, he showed a dynamic player – big, good skater, great release, offensive instincts. The issue, for me, was it we rarely saw that – a few shifts here or there or a game here or there. He rifled off a couple good games this past season but was back as a healthy scratch a few games later due to being a complete non-factor.
I look for Tulio to put up pretty big numbers in the OHL this year and maybe make Canada’s short list – a big long-shot for the team but he is going to go off offensively – translation of his skill to the NHL and his style of play with his body is something we won’t know for a few years.
Here is hoping that Holloway is a full participant – if he doesn’t skate, they may just be being cautious but, then again, after 4-5 months, is a week (prior to main camp) going to make any difference.
Also thumb vs. wrist – I think there was wrist surgery (not just thumb surgery) based on Gregor and Matty.
I also “forget about” Bourgault – for some reason, in my head, I lump him in as a Tulio-level prospect but he was a legit 1st round pick and, no offence to Tulio, who looks like a a great value pick, Bourgault is a few tiers higher and could be in the conversation when he turns pro in 2022/23. One “quibble” – I know he’s listed as a C/W but I think he played wing almost all of last year (subject to being fact-checked on that) and, during his post-draft radio spots, he did say that he can play anywhere but is probably most comfortable on the wing. I presume he plays wing at the NHL level.
My goodness, what a rookie camp list, just a spectacular collection given how many are “real prospects” with a real chance at the NHL at some point – of course, some closer than others.
That defence list is DEEP.
For me, I agree that Broberg is the higher rated and higher ceiling prospect than Sammy. Probably more of a “sure bet” to make it at some level (although I believe both are pretty close to “sure bets”).
I have no doubt that Broberg is going to absolute shine line a diamond at rookie camp and he will do so at main camp, definitely in the first week and early exhibition – high pedigree prospects with size and speed – they always sparkle during camps and we’ve seen it with Broberg. We also saw it with Jesse as an 18 year old, with McLeod as an 18 year old and numerous others.
There is really nothing Broberg can do during camp to prove he’s “NHL ready” – performance at camp simply does not equate to NHL readiness (see above). At the same time, he can (and will likely) show well that he will be in that conversation for maybe even first call up but he is likely battling with Lagesson and Samourkov, two more advanced pro players.
—————
For me, I switch Kemp and Kesselring. I think Kesselring has the much higher ceiling given his array of skills and is much more likely to “make it”. Unless Kemp has improved his skating, like 2-3 tiers, he has not NHL future. He makes Benson look like Bure.
I think Berglund is slotted correctly. We don’t know what we are going to get from this player to start. I mean, he could just be another tweener coming over from Europe almost mid-career. On the other hand, he has pedigree and vast pro experience in a good league. His career has been up and down but, right now, he’s 4th on the right shot depth chart – there will be an opportunity for him if he shows well at camp and in the Bake early.
When was the last time the parent club had nhl players in all roster spots as well as a starting 5 of legitimate recall options?
Benson – Holloway – Marody
Lagesson – Samorukov/Berglund (if youre feeling spicy)
Not only is there no Luke Gazdic on the roster (please dont kick my ass Luke) but theres also better quality injury replacements than the Jesse Joensuus and Ryan Hamiltons of the world. This is starting to feel like a real hockey team. Even improvements over last year is something else especially looking at the forwards corps.
Without accounting for TOI and role (lazy analysis on my part) the even strength numbers are nuts for roster replacements.
Out: Chiasson, Kahun, Khaira, Neal, Ennis, Turris (likely), Haas, Russell, Nygard.
These guys combined for 270 games and 58 even strength points. (0.21 ppg)
In: Hyman, Ryan, Foegle, (basically McLeod but wont include him). (0.44 ppg)
These guys combined for 139 games and 61 even strength points.
This doesnt factor in Hyman missing games or Ryans reduced roles which could be interpreted either way (injury prone vs bad luck, aging game vs will bounce back with a bigger role).
You may claim there is no Luke Gazdic on the roster…
Did Kassian come to your house and kick your dog or something?
HUNTER1909 OILERS DEATH MARCH
https://oilersdeathmarch.com/marches/2021-22/
Go HERE and register for the upcoming Oilers season.
The prospects I’ll be watching:
Broberg
Samorukov
Holloway
Xborg
Chiasson
Lavoie
Tullio
Hopefully all of these guys show well as there isn’t much else in the system right now.
No love for the goalies?
Goalies are Voodoo.
No one loves Voodoo until it stops a breakaway in the playoffs.
That’s good. 😉
I do love watching the Oilers where I don’t get nervous every time the opposing team has the puck in our end though.
So… I just wanted to highlight we have a very different mix of prospects this year.
Of the Oilers draft picks who are attending rookie camp..
Forwards average size is 6’2 190 lbs.
Defensemen average size is 6’3 200 lbs.
I see these numbers and expect Coke Machines.
But… these are players that can play…
It appears that the Oilers may have finally drafted potential power forwards / utility forwards with size…?
On the one hand… I am… very reluctant to be optimistic about this development. 20 years of watching these players not make it does something to a person.
On the other hand… MO@R P0W3R F0RW@RD$ PL3@$3
I remember the days of yore around here arguing for size with skill.
When the Corsi blew up things leaned pretty hard to the numbers, but my eyes were seeing the Oilers get pushed around and basically thugged out if games.
And then later several incoming coaches confirmed that was often how teams played the Oilers because the skill seemed to give up when it got rough.
I was never into coke machines either. The averages are still not quite typical NHL, but the lads have some filling out to do. The height is pretty close.
Skill first always, but with normal NHL size and also that they can all skate well, there are so many fewer obstacles to overcome to being a contributing NHL player at some level.
The previous ways of drafting/ signing mediocre skating and either too big or too small players didn’t deliver much we’ve seen.
The heights are actually above NHL average already, and the weights are pretty damn close considering the guys are youngsters.
According to Dom the averages last season:
Forwards 72.7 inches, 197 lbs
Defensemen 73.7 inches, 202 lbs
https://theathletic.com/2347203/2021/01/27/sizing-up-the-nhl-2020-21-nhl-teams-by-age-height-weight-and-nationality/?access_token=123214
This rookie camp crop is pretty certain to be above average across the board once they’re all 25.
Agree that size with skill and skating ability is great to see!
I remember those days too. I think they are only a few months in the rear view mirror for some who think size isn’t part of a balanced roster.
The thing I remember most about the 80’s Oilers was the comment “they can beat you anyway you want to play the game” and for me that is pretty much the definition of balance.
Of course you need skill to play in the NHL but that is just the most important thing on the list – not the complete list. And once the playoffs start it isn’t even close to being the only thing you need.
And I think it is important to note that not every guy on the team needs to be tall and heavy. This is a sport where small guys can and do excel.
You just can’t have so many small skill guys that the opposing coach’s pre-game talk starts with “all we have to do with these guys is hit them every chance we get for the 1st 10 minutes and they will give up”. That makes it too easy for the other guys.
A Lavoie – Holloway – Foegle unicorn line emerging this year or next would beget dreams of kid lines of yore.
Sadly kid lines seem as unlikely as unicorn lines with the current Oilers.
I do think Holloway could arrive at some point this season, and maybe he does play center on the 3rd line to start.
Personally, I believe Lavoie is at least a full AHL season away. He’s got lots of work to do away from the puck and away from the offensive zone to get a sniff – that is often something that happens for 2nd tier prospects in their second pro seasons. He needs to get stronger on his skates in battle, be more aware from the opposition blue back and have better positioning in the neutral and defensive zones.
I think a more realistic setup would be a Foegele – Holloway – Puljujarvi 3rd line. What fun that would be to watch!
Tyler on Jim Brown is the single greatest thing I have ever heard on the radio. It cannot be topped.
The Oilers have been drafting giants on defence for some time: Marincin, Gernat, Paigin, Betker…Would be nice to see Kesselring pan out into a true top 4 D, unlikely though. Nice to see virtually all the likely prospects at 6’3”.
FAR from a sure-bet but Kesslering has the skill-set to be a legit NHL top 4 – he’s a draft and watch though – probably 3 AHL years before there is a real conversation.
He’s ahead of schedule – I wouldn’t have though he’d be signed and go pro for one more year.
It is enjoyable watching/following rookie camp without simultaneously praying that all the rookies make the opening night roster and all score 50 pts for the Oilers to have a hope of making the playoffs.
Remember the year they tried to sign that little Russian kid who lit up rookie camp? Tkachev I think, and maybe MacT was GM. Found out later they couldn’t sign him. Competent front offices don’t do that stuff. glad those days are long behind us!
Bill Scott is still with the team in the same role.
Signed with LAK.
Might as well hand them the cup now. Seasons over boys