In the Edmonton Oilers five Stanley Cup winning seasons, this was the strongest group of rookies. By far. Martin Gelinas was the only regular during the playoffs, scoring 2-3-5 in 20 games on a line that seemed to be involved in everything. The 2022-23 Oilers will be looking for Stanley Six. I believe they’ll need help from rookies.
The Edmonton Oilers will graduate several young forwards to pro hockey this fall, and just in time. The depth chart at RW and RHC is about to get a badly needed boost. https://t.co/JwzBa40qXm
DNB: First-round pick Reid Schaefer can bring ‘big-boy hockey’ to his hometown team
THE 2015-16 ROOKIES
Total Rookies of Interest: 10
2015 Draft Notes: Edmonton picked Connor McDavid No. 1 and everything changed. Despite a difficult rookie season (injury), there was absolutely no doubt about McDavid’s stunning talent.
Best Player as a Rookie: Connor McDavid. Only the one play against Philly’s Brandon Manning derailed a dream campaign.
Second Best Player as a Rookie: Brandon Davidson gets the edge, the young defender had a fantastic rookie season.
Oldest Rookie: G Anders Nilsson was 25. He was effective for the team in a backup role, actually getting most of the starts at early points in the year. Nilsson would be traded to St. Louis at the deadline.
Oldest Rookie Who Played a Lot: Nilsson play 26 games, that’s significant. Iiro Pakarinen, 24, also played quite a bit.
Most Unusual Story: Griffin Reinhart was acquired at great expense and the organization whiffed completely in regard to his being NHL-ready. He still hasn’t established himself as an NHL player three years later.
Longest NHL careers. Connor McDavid will be fast at 50. His career is going to be a monster.
Anything Else? The sheer number of defensemen who arrived in a single season (Darnell Nurse, Davidson, Jordan Oesterle, Reinhart, Adam Clendening) was well above average. The quality of this crop remains to be decided.
THE 2016-17 ROOKIES
Total Rookies of Interest: 7
2016 Draft Notes: Edmonton picked Jesse Puljujarvi at No. 4 overall. He was an ideal selection for the team, as his position (RW) was an area of need and his style was ideal. In the words of Red Line Report big horse looks and plays like a Mats Sundin clone.
Best Player as a Rookie: Matt Benning. He is a strong two-way defender, and a perfect fit on the right side for Edmonton.
Second Best Player as a Rookie: Jesse Puljujarvi. The big Finn and his rambunctious style had an impact. He was not the best rookie on the team, but his career arc is very likely to be splendid.
Oldest Rookie: LD Dillon Simpson, just a little older than Laurent Brossoit, both 23.
Oldest Rookie Who Played a Lot: Matt Benning was 22, turned 23 in May 2017.
Most Unusual Story: Jesse Puljujarvi falling on draft day. Truly weird. A lot of people now point to Columbus (and Finnish general manager Jarmo Kekalainen) passing on JP as confirmation of issues, but for me the Oilers made the right call on draft day.
Longest NHL careers. Jesse Puljujarvi the prohibitive favourite.
Anything Else? Like most Oilers rookie clusters this century, it isn’t what these rookies will do as rookies, it is what their peak levels will look like.
THE 2017-18 ROOKIES
Total rookies of interest: 6
2017 draft notes: Kailer Yamamoto made it from the draft floor to the NHL for nine games. He showed tremendous potential and would have to be considered the favourite for best Oilers rookie in 2018-19, although there are other candidates.
Best player as a rookie: Laurent Brossoit played in 14 games, starting 10, posting a 3.24 goals against and .883 save percentage.
Second best player as a rookie: Pontus Aberg, who played in 16 games as an Oiler, scoring twice and finishing with eight points. He was acquired from Nashville during the campaign, Aberg’s final boxcars reading 53, 4-12-16.
Oldest rookie: Brossoit was 24 and had extensive pro experience, including three cups of coffee in previous seasons with the Oilers.
Oldest rookie who played a lot: No Oilers rookie played a lot in 2017-18.
Most unusual story: Nathan Walker was claimed on waivers from the Washington Capitals, played two games with the Oilers, was lost to the Caps on waivers, and then won the Stanley Cup with them. He was claimed December 1 and was home in time for Christmas.
Longest NHL careers: Kailer Yamamoto is the best bet, other candidates include Ethan Bear and Aberg. In the absence of a dominant rookie, best to go with the fastest player who can deliver offense.
Anything else? Keegan Lowe qualified as a rookie, playing two games with Edmonton. The Oilers had another rookie named Lowe who played in the first NHL game in franchise history.
The summaries of these rookie crops were written after the 2017-18 season. There are verbal tells all along the way. The rest of these seasons are from this summer’s point of view.
THE 2018-19 ROOKIES
Total rookies of interest: 10
2018 draft notes: Evan Bouchard was the most substantial offensive defensemen drafted by the organization since Paul Coffey. Ryan McLeod had some questions about his game, but his blazing speed made him a quality second-round selection.
Best player as a rookie: Colby Cave was picked off waivers from the Boston Bruins in January 2019. He provided solid two-way play for the Oilers and was a big help in the dot.
Second best player as a rookie: Josh Currie, for many of the same reasons Cave helped out. He is a RH forward, and showed enough in 21 games to earn a long look in the fall of 2019. It never came.
Oldest rookie: Currie was 25, Cave and Joe Gambardella just a little younger.
Oldest rookie who played a lot: No Oilers rookie played a lot in 2018-19.
Most unusual story: Cave was a promising young player who was instantly popular with his teammates. He played for the Oilers and Condors in 2019-20, before suffering a hemorrhagic stroke and passing away in April 2020. He is never far from the thoughts of the Oilers organization and fans and one expects he’ll be a prominent topic of conversation when this team wins Stanley, along with Joey and Ben. There are some things you never get over, Cave’s loss is one of them.
Longest NHL careers: Evan Bouchard is the answer, but names who should be mentioned just in case include Kailer Yamamoto and Caleb Jones.
Anything else? Cooper Marody played in six games and he performed well in most of them. I hope he gets a full NHL shot because he didn’t get one with the Oilers.
THE 2019-20 ROOKIES
Total Rookies of Interest: 6
2019 Draft Notes: On the day Ken Holland arrived as general manager, the name Philip Broberg meant nothing. By draft day, the entire town bet their houses on Broberg being the pick. As confident as Holland was, and as well as Broberg played last season in Bakersfield and Edmonton, there were other options. It looks like it’ll work out, but there was risk and many fans are convinced passing on Trevor Zegras was the modern Zach Parise/Mathew Barzal. I am not one of them.
Best Player as a Rookie: Ethan Bear moved up the depth chart opening night, played most of the season on one of the top two pairs, and helped the Oilers make the postseason.
Second Best Player as a Rookie: Caleb Jones played just over half of the season in the NHL, and had some chaos, but showed enough to project him as a succesful NHL defenseman.
Oldest Rookie: Joel Persson played 13 games, he didn’t get much of a chance after the Larsson injury.
Oldest Rookie Who Played a Lot: Bear and Jones were 22 and the only rookies who played a lot.
Most Unusual Story: Gaetan Haas and Joakim Nygard didn’t qualify as rookies, as they were 27 and 26 respectively. Holland signed them so he could evaluate everyone in the system without having to rely on unproven rookies. Another example of Tyler Benson and Cooper Marody being passed over and valuable at-bats devoted to journeymen.
Longest NHL careers. Caleb Jones and Ethan Bear are the easy choices and I believe Bear is the better player but Jones the better skater. I don’t know the answer but am pretty sure it’s between those two men.
Anything Else? Jones and Bear were the only rookies to appear in the playoffs, that can often be a sign of a promising future with a team. The team would trade both men in the summer of 2021.
THE 2020-21 ROOKIES
Total Rookies of Interest: 4
2020 Draft Notes: Dylan Holloway was the first choice of scouting director Tyler Wright’s time with the Oilers. He seemed a curious pick based on the players who remained on the board (Dawson Mercer, Ridly Greig and Kaiden Guhle) but the combination of speed and passing looks exceptional. The hand issues make the goal-scoring a worry but he’s a player. Carter Savoie may be a sneaky good selection.
Best Player as a Rookie: Evan Bouchard. His playing just 14 games is a reflection of an extremely conservative coaching staff, not his significant ability.
Second Best Player as a Rookie: Ryan McLeod showed well in 10 games.
Oldest Rookie: William Lagesson was 24.
Oldest Rookie Who Played a Lot: No one played a lot. The list: Stuart Skinner (1), Ryan McLeod (10), Evan Bouchard (14) and William Lagesson (19).
Most Unusual Story: It was a 56-game season, but not playing Evan Bouchard for 75 percent of the schedule was coaching malpractice.
Longest NHL careers: Evan Bouchard is an impact player in waiting, Ryan McLeod is fast and Stuart Skinner is a young goalie with size and good mechanics. It’s Bouchard, he’s an elite talent.
Anything Else? If the Oilers do win a Stanley this decade, this rookie class, specifically the three who remain, will play a big part in the success. Outstanding talent.
THE 2021-22 ROOKIES
Total Rookies of Interest: 7
2021 Draft Notes: Many Oilers fans will view the 2021 draft as the time the organization failed to pick Jesper Wallstedt, instead trading down and picking Xavier Bourgault. Both men are tracking well.
Best Player as a Rookie: Ryan McLeod was outstanding during the year, and took on more playing time once Jay Woodcroft arrived as coach. He was the only rookie regular in the postseason, scoring three goals in 16 games. He could be the best second-round pick in 15 years or more.
Second Best Player as a Rookie: Stuart Skinner played 13 games, started 12, and posted a save percentagre of .913. It was the most encouraging debut since Devan Dubnyk for an Oilers goalie.
Oldest Rookie: Cooper Marody played one game, age 25.
Oldest Rookie Who Played a Lot: Tyler Benson played 29 games, scoring 1-1-2, age 23.
Most Unusual Story: Dmitri Samorukov played 2:28 in his only game, made a couple of missteps and didn’t play another minute in the game. This is a significant prospect, it might have been a good idea to give him another shift or two without Jordan Kyrou on the ice.
Longest NHL careers: It’s my opinion we’re looking at three long careers here. Ryan McLeod and Philip Broberg are strong candidates and I believe Stuart Skinner could play a long time.
Anything Else? Dylan Holloway played one game and it was in the playoffs. Broberg (and McLeod) were the only other rookies to make a postseason appearance.
THE 2022-23 ROOKIES
Total Rookies of Interest: There are 7. Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Stuart Skinner, Dmitri Samorukov, Markus Niemelainen, Vincent Desharnais. I’m also including Xavier Bourgault because he’s skilled and there could be an opening.
2022 Draft Notes: The Oilers had only one pick of true value in 2022 and spent it on Reid Schaefer. You can criticize the team for identifying a need and then acting on that need, but at No. 32 overall that’s a pick with a chance to fill the role projected in the NHL someday. It’s clear the organization has made enormous progress over the last decade.
Best Player as a Rookie: Philip Broberg has 23 games experience, he was drafted by Holland and Woodcroft-Manson are Steve McQueen in Bullitt. Fast men play. He’ll get opportunities.
Second Best Player as a Rookie: Dylan Holloway is a close second. I’ll throw Stuart Skinner in here in case opportunity knocks.
Oldest Rookie: Vincent Desharnais is 26.
Oldest Rookie Who Will Play a Lot: Stuart Skinner is 23, this is a young group.
Most Unusual Story: Noah Philp is not a known commodity. A college man with an interesting scouting report that dovetails perfectly with team need. Today, there’s very little ahead of him in terms of player-type and what he brings. RHC making under a million with two-wau ability? Yes, please! A solid month in Bakersfield could get him a spin in Edmonton on the fourth line. I’m not saying it will happen, only that the way is clear.
Longest NHL careers: Broberg, Holloway, Skinner. Stay healthy, men.
Anything Else? VIncent Desharnais lingers in the shadows, like a character in an Agatha Christie novel. He isn’t central to the plot, but are you absolutely certain? He always shows up when things are happening, could he be a bigger character in the story? Woodcroft likes him, he’s righthanded and a crane in human form. He has a chance.
ROOKIES
My article in The Athletic today details the six men who are turning pro in the fall. One thing I believe is often missed about an NHL organization is the large number of rookies each year. We just talk about the promising ones on this blog, so you get the tip of the iceberg. In actuality, an AHL team like the Bakersfield Condors is running rookies in and out like a car wash after a rainy weekend. Here are the names of last year’s AHL rookies, there are sixteen. Disregard them if you wish, but someone on that list spent the summer running up the side of a mountain, hammering slap shots at their Dad’s garage door back home, training with people who have a track record of improving talent. Fans cheer for these players, and most of them are 75 percent or more NHL quality. One of them is going to emerge at training camp, just like Kyle Brodziak in fall 2007. I hope it’s Raphael Lavoie, suspect it’s Vincent Desharnais.
Chris Peters (NCAA Hockey Expert who provides great info) tweeted out that the POG for Latvia is committed to Vermont so I asked if they look to be more competitive this coming season (vested interest with Munzenburger and Maatta there) and his response:
Chris Peters
@chrismpeters
·
1m
Replying to
@coopsie39
They should be better. I’m not sure how much. It’s going to be a process. Hockey East is tough and will be tougher next year.
OriginalPouzar
August 14, 2022 6:35 pm
Whoa, I think that win by Latvia (their first ever at the tournament) puts them in the medal round games over Slovakia (due to their shootout win, not reg).
OriginalPouzar
August 14, 2022 2:57 pm
The actual article is behind a paywall so who knows how reputable this source/model is but the Oilers are ranked 12th as far as franchise value growth from 1996-2021….. this is all North American sports, not just hockey – they are number 1 for hockey.
He looks ok to me. Tactically advanced with strong positioning, mainstay on the PK though can’t say I loved how he played there but might have been a weird setup from the coaches, did well as the net front on the second PP unit, not a fantastic skater but compensates by always keeping his feet moving and making smart decisions, gives off a Samuel Påhlsson vibe in that sense, can make and take a pass but needs to speed up his puckhandling a lot and make much quicker decisions with the puck on his stick to even become an AHL player, that looked like the biggest weakness by far, it’s something that can be worked on as his hands and vision seems okish but he’ll need to actively speed up his game to get to higher levels.
That’s my one game evaluation of Määttä, all the sample size you need really.
Named player of the game for the Finns. It’s early, but he’s a real exciting late round pick for the Oilers. It will be interesting to see how he and Munzenburger fare in Vermont this year.
Here is hoping that the Catamounts are a better team overall – If Munzenburger can earn top four minutes on a more competitive team, that will be an arrow up – Maatta at 3C and PK1 would be great as well (notwithstanding today’s performance, I’m not sold on him being a PP specialist at the game’s highest level…..).
OriginalPouzar
August 14, 2022 12:19 pm
Most unusual story: Nathan Walker was claimed on waivers from the Washington Capitals, played two games with the Oilers, was lost to the Caps on waivers, and then won the Stanley Cup with them. He was claimed December 1 and was home in time for Christmas.
I would posit that, what’s more intriguing is that he’s Australian, in fact, Welsh-born Australian, who became the first Aussie to play an NHL game, score an NHL goal and then record an NHL hatty……. recently re-signed by the Blues I believe.
defmn
August 14, 2022 12:03 pm
Leavins on possibility of a 3rd turn with the Oilers for Gagner.
The Oilers do need a right winger as they only have 3 in Jesse, Kailer and Ryan (give or take a Hyman). I’ve thought about Sam and have plenty of time for him on the roster as a depth RW option but I’m not sure if Ryan/Gagner as the 3/4RW is “good enough”.
I know Hyman can move over but I’d like to keep him on the left, if possible, and increase the right side depth.
I’ll take someone with some muscle and is smart about it. It’s a long season need to keep teams from thinking they can slew foot and take other liberties on Connor and Leon. Does anyone think that Khadi is ever going to Fuk around playing his Claude Lemieux games against Edmonton with Kane hairy eyeballing him.
I don’t think Kadri is going to change his game in the least the next time he plays the Oilers and I don’t think there is anyone the Oilers are signing as a depth player (cost) that is going to have any effect on any other player’s actions towards McDavid and Draisaitl.
Well if you say so. You sure don’t put any value into physical play and protecting Leon and Connor. I can guarantee those two are glad your not running the show.
Well, that is my opinion – I don’t post it as fact (as you like to do) but my opinion.
I put plenty of value on physical play. I don’t think there is anyone the Oilers are going to sign for $800K to play on the 4th line or 7D that is going to “protect Connor or Leon”.
Are you saying Kane didn’t have Connor’s and Leon’s back? There’s a time and a place you have to be smart about these things ever since the Betuzzi incident. Regardless you want another player like Hass that’s scared of his own shadow. I hope they grab a couple of PTOers that are hungry and physical and may the best man win.
Well, he did have 13G and 31 points last season (8G and 21 points at 5 on 5) and, get this, played 2:25 per game on the penalty kill (I can’t speak to his effectiveness in that area).
Those 5 on 5 points were produced with his most common linemates being Joe Valeno, Giavani Smith and Carter Rowney.
I’m not positive he’s the right fit given the general make-up of the bottom six and it being “lighter on the puck” but right now 3/4 RW are Derek Ryan and ????? (subject to moving Hyman over which isn’t idea, in my opinion).
All day for Gagner to be the 12/13th forward. Feel good story, good vibes through the NHLPA and current Oilers and maybe ones out there thinking that’d be fun again..looking at you Ebs when you’re old and cheap.
Again you surprise with calling for such a low event improvement to the Oilers.
Gagner is washed up, and never was much to start with other than his early NHL career before he started to get his head caved in. Exactly what he is supposed to do when playing a hard dirty series against the Avs other than get sympathy in the handshake line I do not understand.
Normally you make such well thought out and unassailable posts.
I never called for the Gagner signing – I was discussing the substance of the post and, in particular, responding to a statement that he doesn’t have much to give.
You can say he’s “washed up” and I can provide some facts regarding his production last season.
As I said, he might not be the right player for the current make up of the bottom six.
Yeah, he may not be the best fit. But I remember the way he went after Giordano in that fight-filled game against Calgary (also featuring the Talbot-Smith tilt). He literally sought out Giordano for revenge for his goonery, not too long after Gio’s dirty hit that could have permanently altered McDavid’s career. For that, Samwise will always have a place in my heart.
Hmmm, Janmark the teams current playoff games leader.
OriginalPouzar
August 14, 2022 11:02 am
Most Unusual Story: Noah Philp is not a known commodity. A college man with an interesting scouting report that dovetails perfectly with team need. Today, there’s very little ahead of him in terms of player-type and what he brings. RHC making under a million with two-wau ability? Yes, please! A solid month in Bakersfield could get him a spin in Edmonton on the fourth line. I’m not saying it will happen, only that the way is clear.
I agree, and I’ve been posting a bit about him recently. I’m not sure if there might be an NHL call-up after a month but I do see him as a player that Chaulk and Josh Green will learn to trust early in his AHL career – a right shot center but, also, that “type of player” that coach’s like – responsible play, effort, right side of the puck, good decisions, etc.
I would also add James Hamblin to the list……… a poor-man’s Yamamoto that coaches can play in all positions and in all game states – tenacious and quick with some skill.
OriginalPouzar
August 14, 2022 10:59 am
Total Rookies of Interest: There are 7. Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, Stuart Skinner, Dmitri Samorukov, Markus Niemelainen, Vincent Desharnais. I’m also including Xavier Bourgault because he’s skilled and there could be an opening.
Give or take Deharnais, I think all those guys see NHL games this season, even Bourgault (that could be 1-2 games but it could be 25 plus after a mid-late season call-up. I don’t think he breaks camp with the team unless injuries factor in).
Even Deharnais could see games but, to be honest, I think that would be more due to lack of NHL ready right shot d-men than truly “an NHL player”. I’m not sure if Deharnais would get the call if there is a right side injury or if they move over a Broberg or a Kulak and back-fill the left side. We are likely to find out.
I would LOVE if Vinny proved me wrong and showed a translation of his skills at the next level and to be serviceable enough with the puck on his stick.
The left shot D can all skate like the wind….Nurse, Kulak, Broberg, Samorukov. So Desharnais has a chance/opportunity. Wingspan and teammates can compensate for a lack of mobility.
He would have no chance if he was a left D with a right side Ceci, Bouchard, and Barrie.
Reja
August 14, 2022 10:52 am
Just watched Colby’s 4 NHL goals all nice goals especially his last goal against the Pens where he walks the defender out wide . I remember that beauty Goal it had me jumping off the sofa in real time.
tcho
August 14, 2022 10:35 am
A few months old, but interesting nonetheless. The hockey writers have Edmonton’s prospect system ranked well within the top half of the league. And several grades higher than our Canadian competition (Calgary, Vancouver).
Oilers haven’t traded away a first rounder in years and years and years – even those these haven’t been top 15 picks in a while, keeping that first rounder yearly will produce dividends eventually and we are starting to see that. No, not with respect to “elite level prospects” but simply a growing depth of “real prospects” that can, or will soon be able to, fill NHL roster spots.
Some solid talent outside the first round bubbling with arrows up certainly helps.
ok……. I still think that not trading the first round pick for the last 7 years is a key to the current NHL ready (and/or soon to be) depth that we are seeing.
P.S. – it was a single first (and a 2nd), not two firsts.
Greatest day of the franchise? Not even close to top 20.
Groggie
August 14, 2022 10:10 am
Hey LT. So my daughter just turned 17 and had a party in the back yard last night. They had a ton of fun, ever broke out twister. Anyway, one of her friends is Alexis. You speak very highly of her father Fernando and his playing time with the Oilers. Small world
I saw Taylor Hall at the Detroit airport on Thursday. I felt travel-cranky and he looked it so I left him alone instead of bothering him with a rant about the trade.
I might have grabbed him by the ankles and refused to let go, while pleading with him to return to the Oilers.
: p
meanashell11
August 14, 2022 9:29 am
One of the things I really like about this corner of the interwebs is the amount of very smart people that hang out here. Not only are they very knowledgable about hockey, but about a great range of topics including but not limited to maths, philosophy, and human nature.
If you are here just for hockey please skip over this topic, otherwise I wanted to see what people think about the following.
I find it very interesting that occasionally a word, not a new word, a word that has existed forever, suddenly becomes popular and you start to see it everywhere. It’s in news stories, scientific publications, #’s, etc. Yet just a short time ago no mention. A few years ago the word “holistic” became popular and suddenly it was everywhere and it still is.
Today a new word has started to pop up, or at least I have started to see it in many things I read, I believe I have even seen it here relating to free agents and unsigned draft picks. The word is “agency”. Suddenly “agency” has entered the lexicon and I see it everywhere. In this context agency means “an individual’s capacity to determine and make meaning from their environment through purposive consciousness and reflective and creative action” (Houston, 2010). Effectively, a person’s ability to effect their future through action that they take.
Has anyone else noticed this or am I going crazy? If others have noticed this, why do they think this happens.
Thank you in advance for any thoughts on this and, of course, your patience!
I have not noticed agency but do recognize what you have described. I’ve noticed words being used in new ways, and also words that are no longer used much if at all.
I’ll give you an example. When I was a kid, my Dad would use the word “consumption” as a medical item. What did Uncle Norm die of? The consumption. I never knew it was tuberculosis and only learned that in school.
Well, it’s not like we have any reason to talk about consumption now that we don’t run into people with TB anymore (in the western world). Another bit of history forgotten by all by the anti-medicine Facebook “experts.”
Haven’t seen agency cropping up more often lately. Shows up a lot in child development and in prosecutions but can’t think of another setting I’ve seen it in.
Anyway, I think agency is a perfectly cromulent word.
Well, it’s not like we have any reason to talk about consumption now that we don’t run into people with TB anymore. Another bit of history forgotten by all by the anti-medicine Facebook “experts.”
Haven’t seen agency cropping up more often lately. Shows up a lot in child development and in prosecutions but can’t think of another setting I’ve seen it in.
Anyway, I think agency is a perfectly cromulent word.
No doubt you hate me already so no need to go into details;
I have heard and known full well about consumption, its effects and its history in treatment. In other words you are a perfect example of a modern internet “human” who thinks that anything “they” can just throw on anyone they happen to disagree with.
Yes, I’m a subhuman who must be called only a “human,” and I think I’m the worlds’ biggest expert on all topics. Or, you know, my wife volunteered a couple years pre-covid to go treat people with several conditions–including TB–on the pacific island nation of Vanuatu.
Didn’t know Orwell saw The Simpsons, I bet that really embiggened his spirit.
Medical friend insists TB making a comeback, and was gonna drop link, but relieved to find nothing too worrisome in the top page of hits for my lazy search.
Consumption was more a descriptor of what the disease did to the human body. Hence given the prevalence of the disease at the time was readily substituted for the medical term tuberculosis!
One that sticks in my craw (what is a craw anyway?) is “prizing” as it relates to winning something in a contest. Seems to me “prizes” was perfectly adequate but some marketing dude decided to change it and everyone fell into line.
I hear prizing every day from the promotions department. “We’re moving back the contest one week because the prizing isn’t here yet.” I’m not upset about it, but that is a new wrinkle for sure. Here are some new words.
The concept immediately made me think of Nietzsche who is always ‘lingering in the shadows’ of change. 😉
I learned a new meaning for an old word recently when ‘homesteading’ got mentioned. I tried to correct the person using it by pointing out that it referred to land given by the government under certain conditions but it has apparently resurfaced to refer to a lifestyle of self sufficiency on a small parcel of land.
Apparently it is quite the phenomena given the accelerating rate of rot that has taken over the major cities. My son just sold a harbour front condo in Victoria and bought a hobby farm in the Kootenay’s which is where I learned the new meaning of the word.
Just back from a week of visiting and I was amazed at the number of city slickers turned country bumpkins who have moved there in the last two or three years – primarily from Vancouver and Calgary.
I don’t think my son knows which end of a chicken poops but I am also pretty sure he is going to figure it out and be a lot happier there than in what Victoria has become over the last number of years.
“Agency” has bubbled to the surface because Western society has become a “Victimization-Restitution” culture. The pendulum of our society has swung to the denial of the “agency” of the individual. One is either an oppressor or a victim. And it is easy to identify the oppressors.
Our society has moved from “equality of opportunity” to “substantive equality” to “reparations”…i.e from agency to victimhood.
One is supposed to save in the good times for the hard times to the central bank will just print money for the government to send to people. i.e. from agency to victimhood.
I missed one step. From the individual/family/community saving in the the good times for the hard times, to the government saving in the good times for the bad times, to partying in the good times and having the central bank print money for the government to give to people in the hard times. i.e. from agency to victimhood.
The journey back from liberal democracy (agency of the individual) to neofeudalism, collectivism and serfdom, which is the denial of agency, which is victimhood.
Basically, when “agency” was presumptive, there was no need for the word so it submerged. “Agency” is now/again denied, so the idea/word of agency has to reemerge. That and computer science and AI.
I am very late to the dance, as usual. Agency, is a word familiar to me, I have noticed it much recently, but know of it from having read 1000’s of books before my 20th birthday decades ago. I have barely read anything in the past 34 years though, maybe 50 books cover to cover.
I vividly recall as a teen and pre-teen noticing a “word of the week” that a specific word would jump out at me in life, at school and on various tv shows or events. It was interesting how perhaps the universe was “speaking to me”, has anyone else ever experienced this sort of phenomenon?
And I know we have a poster who has recently incorporated it as part of his handle, but the entire “stan” thing, kinda of grates on me/repulses me. It make no sense to my brain…and I dislike it strongly… hell in a hand basket, indeed.
You know, that resonates (I know, now I’m starting a new one!). After reading your post i realize I too seem to be sensitive to things like that that just jump out to me that others do not notice. I do it with faces as well. I will say two people look similar and others look at me like I am blind, when actually I am hyper focused on some element that makes me see similar.
I notice it when I buy a new car. I have often purchased vehicles that aren’t famous, haven’t been seen by me before the transaction. Not expensive, but obscure. Ford EXP, 1986 Honda Prelude, early Explorer. Inevitably ALL I see afterward is my car driving toward me sometimes in a different colour.
Chris Peters (NCAA Hockey Expert who provides great info) tweeted out that the POG for Latvia is committed to Vermont so I asked if they look to be more competitive this coming season (vested interest with Munzenburger and Maatta there) and his response:
Chris Peters
@chrismpeters
·
1m
Replying to
@coopsie39
They should be better. I’m not sure how much. It’s going to be a process. Hockey East is tough and will be tougher next year.
Whoa, I think that win by Latvia (their first ever at the tournament) puts them in the medal round games over Slovakia (due to their shootout win, not reg).
The actual article is behind a paywall so who knows how reputable this source/model is but the Oilers are ranked 12th as far as franchise value growth from 1996-2021….. this is all North American sports, not just hockey – they are number 1 for hockey.
https://twitter.com/LevAkabas/status/1558085896750202880
Joel Määttä is the beneficiary of a terrible clearing attempt, wasting no time in zipping one past the Slovak tendy to give the Finns a 2-1 lead:
https://twitter.com/eliteprospects/status/1558885791652352000
He picks up another PP goal, this time shoveling home his own rebound on the doorstep:
https://twitter.com/eliteprospects/status/1558899046386962438
He looks ok to me. Tactically advanced with strong positioning, mainstay on the PK though can’t say I loved how he played there but might have been a weird setup from the coaches, did well as the net front on the second PP unit, not a fantastic skater but compensates by always keeping his feet moving and making smart decisions, gives off a Samuel Påhlsson vibe in that sense, can make and take a pass but needs to speed up his puckhandling a lot and make much quicker decisions with the puck on his stick to even become an AHL player, that looked like the biggest weakness by far, it’s something that can be worked on as his hands and vision seems okish but he’ll need to actively speed up his game to get to higher levels.
That’s my one game evaluation of Määttä, all the sample size you need really.
Named player of the game for the Finns. It’s early, but he’s a real exciting late round pick for the Oilers. It will be interesting to see how he and Munzenburger fare in Vermont this year.
Here is hoping that the Catamounts are a better team overall – If Munzenburger can earn top four minutes on a more competitive team, that will be an arrow up – Maatta at 3C and PK1 would be great as well (notwithstanding today’s performance, I’m not sold on him being a PP specialist at the game’s highest level…..).
I would posit that, what’s more intriguing is that he’s Australian, in fact, Welsh-born Australian, who became the first Aussie to play an NHL game, score an NHL goal and then record an NHL hatty……. recently re-signed by the Blues I believe.
Leavins on possibility of a 3rd turn with the Oilers for Gagner.
https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/could-the-3rd-time-be-a-charm-for-the-edmonton-oilers-and-sam-gagner-9-things
The Oilers do need a right winger as they only have 3 in Jesse, Kailer and Ryan (give or take a Hyman). I’ve thought about Sam and have plenty of time for him on the roster as a depth RW option but I’m not sure if Ryan/Gagner as the 3/4RW is “good enough”.
I know Hyman can move over but I’d like to keep him on the left, if possible, and increase the right side depth.
Cogliano got his ring last season … time for Master Samwise to come back to Edmonton and get his ring this season.
I think I prefer Kessel if the money is the same.
I’ll take someone with some muscle and is smart about it. It’s a long season need to keep teams from thinking they can slew foot and take other liberties on Connor and Leon. Does anyone think that Khadi is ever going to Fuk around playing his Claude Lemieux games against Edmonton with Kane hairy eyeballing him.
Got a name?
I don’t think Kadri is going to change his game in the least the next time he plays the Oilers and I don’t think there is anyone the Oilers are signing as a depth player (cost) that is going to have any effect on any other player’s actions towards McDavid and Draisaitl.
That’s just me though.
Well if you say so. You sure don’t put any value into physical play and protecting Leon and Connor. I can guarantee those two are glad your not running the show.
Well, that is my opinion – I don’t post it as fact (as you like to do) but my opinion.
I put plenty of value on physical play. I don’t think there is anyone the Oilers are going to sign for $800K to play on the 4th line or 7D that is going to “protect Connor or Leon”.
Did Kane protect Leon against the Kings?
Are you saying Kane didn’t have Connor’s and Leon’s back? There’s a time and a place you have to be smart about these things ever since the Betuzzi incident. Regardless you want another player like Hass that’s scared of his own shadow. I hope they grab a couple of PTOers that are hungry and physical and may the best man win.
Like the guy, would be nice, but question how much Sam has left to give. Not like he was a valuable role player at any stage.
Well, he did have 13G and 31 points last season (8G and 21 points at 5 on 5) and, get this, played 2:25 per game on the penalty kill (I can’t speak to his effectiveness in that area).
Those 5 on 5 points were produced with his most common linemates being Joe Valeno, Giavani Smith and Carter Rowney.
I’m not positive he’s the right fit given the general make-up of the bottom six and it being “lighter on the puck” but right now 3/4 RW are Derek Ryan and ????? (subject to moving Hyman over which isn’t idea, in my opinion).
No worries there Yost says Evander is a RW.
All day for Gagner to be the 12/13th forward. Feel good story, good vibes through the NHLPA and current Oilers and maybe ones out there thinking that’d be fun again..looking at you Ebs when you’re old and cheap.
Well, Yost be wrong I believe – he’s a LW – at least he played LW all last season for the Oilers and I believe played LW for the Sharks prior.
Again you surprise with calling for such a low event improvement to the Oilers.
Gagner is washed up, and never was much to start with other than his early NHL career before he started to get his head caved in. Exactly what he is supposed to do when playing a hard dirty series against the Avs other than get sympathy in the handshake line I do not understand.
Normally you make such well thought out and unassailable posts.
I never called for the Gagner signing – I was discussing the substance of the post and, in particular, responding to a statement that he doesn’t have much to give.
You can say he’s “washed up” and I can provide some facts regarding his production last season.
As I said, he might not be the right player for the current make up of the bottom six.
Production as you call it on a bottom dwelling red Wings team has little bearing on a high event contender like the Oilers.
Your excellent response is was well… excellent.
Yeah, he may not be the best fit. But I remember the way he went after Giordano in that fight-filled game against Calgary (also featuring the Talbot-Smith tilt). He literally sought out Giordano for revenge for his goonery, not too long after Gio’s dirty hit that could have permanently altered McDavid’s career. For that, Samwise will always have a place in my heart.
I’d love that. I’ve always liked Sam
The bulk of the Oilers leaders appear to be in their prime careers. Below is the potential roster for the Oilers with a couple of call ups.
Name/NHL games/Play-off games/rookie season
NHL games, play-off games, rookie season
Kane 812, 44, 2009
Hopkins 719, 37, 2011
Barrie 683, 46, 2011
Ceci 627, 52, 2013
Driaisaitl 558, 37, 2016
McDavid 487, 37, 2015
Nurse 477, 36, 2014
Hyman 421, 48, 2015
Janmark 420, 61, 2015
Ryan 420, 30, 2015
Shore 375, 4, 2015
Kulak 334, 39, 2014
Foegele 282, 46, 2017
Puljujarvi 259, 20, 2016
McKegg 233, 18, 2013
Yamamoto 186, 22, 2017
Campbell 135, 14, 2013
Bouchard 102, 16, 2018
McLeod 81, 20, 2020
Benson 36, 0, 2019
Broberg 23, 1, 2021
Niemelainen 20, 0, 2021
Skinner 14, 0, 2021 ish
Samorukov 1, 0, 2021
Holloway 0, 1, 2022
Bourgault 0, 0, 2022
Hmmm, Janmark the teams current playoff games leader.
I agree, and I’ve been posting a bit about him recently. I’m not sure if there might be an NHL call-up after a month but I do see him as a player that Chaulk and Josh Green will learn to trust early in his AHL career – a right shot center but, also, that “type of player” that coach’s like – responsible play, effort, right side of the puck, good decisions, etc.
I would also add James Hamblin to the list……… a poor-man’s Yamamoto that coaches can play in all positions and in all game states – tenacious and quick with some skill.
Give or take Deharnais, I think all those guys see NHL games this season, even Bourgault (that could be 1-2 games but it could be 25 plus after a mid-late season call-up. I don’t think he breaks camp with the team unless injuries factor in).
Even Deharnais could see games but, to be honest, I think that would be more due to lack of NHL ready right shot d-men than truly “an NHL player”. I’m not sure if Deharnais would get the call if there is a right side injury or if they move over a Broberg or a Kulak and back-fill the left side. We are likely to find out.
I would LOVE if Vinny proved me wrong and showed a translation of his skills at the next level and to be serviceable enough with the puck on his stick.
He may just get the opportunity.
The left shot D can all skate like the wind….Nurse, Kulak, Broberg, Samorukov. So Desharnais has a chance/opportunity. Wingspan and teammates can compensate for a lack of mobility.
He would have no chance if he was a left D with a right side Ceci, Bouchard, and Barrie.
Just watched Colby’s 4 NHL goals all nice goals especially his last goal against the Pens where he walks the defender out wide . I remember that beauty Goal it had me jumping off the sofa in real time.
A few months old, but interesting nonetheless. The hockey writers have Edmonton’s prospect system ranked well within the top half of the league. And several grades higher than our Canadian competition (Calgary, Vancouver).
I’m surprised that HH didn’t beat you to putting out this information!😉
Oilers haven’t traded away a first rounder in years and years and years – even those these haven’t been top 15 picks in a while, keeping that first rounder yearly will produce dividends eventually and we are starting to see that. No, not with respect to “elite level prospects” but simply a growing depth of “real prospects” that can, or will soon be able to, fill NHL roster spots.
Some solid talent outside the first round bubbling with arrows up certainly helps.
Two first rounders for Griffin Reinhart in 2015. A colossal flushing of potential.
Franchise altering screw-up considering the players on the board.
Took what should have been the greatest day of the franchise and managed to knock it down a peg.
Even thinking about it today pisses me off.
Idiotic of the highest order.
ok……. I still think that not trading the first round pick for the last 7 years is a key to the current NHL ready (and/or soon to be) depth that we are seeing.
P.S. – it was a single first (and a 2nd), not two firsts.
Greatest day of the franchise? Not even close to top 20.
Hey LT. So my daughter just turned 17 and had a party in the back yard last night. They had a ton of fun, ever broke out twister. Anyway, one of her friends is Alexis. You speak very highly of her father Fernando and his playing time with the Oilers. Small world
One of my all-time favourite Oilers. I see him once every so often at the car wash in St. Albert. What a run in 2006.
I still believe that his illness robbed him of some very good seasons.
I saw Taylor Hall at the Detroit airport on Thursday. I felt travel-cranky and he looked it so I left him alone instead of bothering him with a rant about the trade.
I might have grabbed him by the ankles and refused to let go, while pleading with him to return to the Oilers.
: p
One of the things I really like about this corner of the interwebs is the amount of very smart people that hang out here. Not only are they very knowledgable about hockey, but about a great range of topics including but not limited to maths, philosophy, and human nature.
If you are here just for hockey please skip over this topic, otherwise I wanted to see what people think about the following.
I find it very interesting that occasionally a word, not a new word, a word that has existed forever, suddenly becomes popular and you start to see it everywhere. It’s in news stories, scientific publications, #’s, etc. Yet just a short time ago no mention. A few years ago the word “holistic” became popular and suddenly it was everywhere and it still is.
Today a new word has started to pop up, or at least I have started to see it in many things I read, I believe I have even seen it here relating to free agents and unsigned draft picks. The word is “agency”. Suddenly “agency” has entered the lexicon and I see it everywhere. In this context agency means “an individual’s capacity to determine and make meaning from their environment through purposive consciousness and reflective and creative action” (Houston, 2010). Effectively, a person’s ability to effect their future through action that they take.
Has anyone else noticed this or am I going crazy? If others have noticed this, why do they think this happens.
Thank you in advance for any thoughts on this and, of course, your patience!
I have not noticed agency but do recognize what you have described. I’ve noticed words being used in new ways, and also words that are no longer used much if at all.
I’ll give you an example. When I was a kid, my Dad would use the word “consumption” as a medical item. What did Uncle Norm die of? The consumption. I never knew it was tuberculosis and only learned that in school.
Yup, and now you never see consumption in that context anymore.
Well, it’s not like we have any reason to talk about consumption now that we don’t run into people with TB anymore (in the western world). Another bit of history forgotten by all by the anti-medicine Facebook “experts.”
Haven’t seen agency cropping up more often lately. Shows up a lot in child development and in prosecutions but can’t think of another setting I’ve seen it in.
Anyway, I think agency is a perfectly cromulent word.
Well, it’s not like we have any reason to talk about consumption now that we don’t run into people with TB anymore. Another bit of history forgotten by all by the anti-medicine Facebook “experts.”
Haven’t seen agency cropping up more often lately. Shows up a lot in child development and in prosecutions but can’t think of another setting I’ve seen it in.
Anyway, I think agency is a perfectly cromulent word.
Now I will see cromulent everywhere!
No doubt you hate me already so no need to go into details;
I have heard and known full well about consumption, its effects and its history in treatment. In other words you are a perfect example of a modern internet “human” who thinks that anything “they” can just throw on anyone they happen to disagree with.
Cromulent? George Orwell says hello.
Yes, I’m a subhuman who must be called only a “human,” and I think I’m the worlds’ biggest expert on all topics. Or, you know, my wife volunteered a couple years pre-covid to go treat people with several conditions–including TB–on the pacific island nation of Vanuatu.
Didn’t know Orwell saw The Simpsons, I bet that really embiggened his spirit.
I waited all day for this, and it was worth it. Kudos.
Ha ha ha okay.
Who the hell called you a subhuman? No one, that’s who.
You need to argue better than that. Next time stop putting words in other people’s mouths.
Medical friend insists TB making a comeback, and was gonna drop link, but relieved to find nothing too worrisome in the top page of hits for my lazy search.
It still exists in other countries, he may have been referring to that.
Consumption was more a descriptor of what the disease did to the human body. Hence given the prevalence of the disease at the time was readily substituted for the medical term tuberculosis!
Yep, that’s right (and also how I used the words above).
Joey Chestnut will die of consumption one day.
I remember when party was a noun.
One that sticks in my craw (what is a craw anyway?) is “prizing” as it relates to winning something in a contest. Seems to me “prizes” was perfectly adequate but some marketing dude decided to change it and everyone fell into line.
We’re all going to hell in a hand basket.
I hear prizing every day from the promotions department. “We’re moving back the contest one week because the prizing isn’t here yet.” I’m not upset about it, but that is a new wrinkle for sure. Here are some new words.
https://www.pearsonpte.com/articles/10-new-english-words-for-2021
Number 10 made me cringe.
Even spammers are trend savvy.
Yes, yes we are!
The concept immediately made me think of Nietzsche who is always ‘lingering in the shadows’ of change. 😉
I learned a new meaning for an old word recently when ‘homesteading’ got mentioned. I tried to correct the person using it by pointing out that it referred to land given by the government under certain conditions but it has apparently resurfaced to refer to a lifestyle of self sufficiency on a small parcel of land.
Having spent my first five years on a homestead I find the new use interesting and actually appropriate! Thank you for the info.
Apparently it is quite the phenomena given the accelerating rate of rot that has taken over the major cities. My son just sold a harbour front condo in Victoria and bought a hobby farm in the Kootenay’s which is where I learned the new meaning of the word.
Just back from a week of visiting and I was amazed at the number of city slickers turned country bumpkins who have moved there in the last two or three years – primarily from Vancouver and Calgary.
I don’t think my son knows which end of a chicken poops but I am also pretty sure he is going to figure it out and be a lot happier there than in what Victoria has become over the last number of years.
Tent cities, plus junkies have really helped to make Victoria a byword for urban decay.
That is interesting. When my grandfather first moved to Canada and settled in southern Sask, his first winter was spent in a cabin he made from sod!
I like the Nietzsche comment!
I was picking at this exact phenomenon yesterday but can’t recall now what word triggered it. As for the rest…
Agency pretty common to my adult life, in both liberal arts and business/admin spheres.
Party predates me as a popular verb: “I wanna rock n roll all night…!”
Prizing new to me but readily slides into all the other corporate/promo speak. I can action its proper use among stakeholders as my next deliverable.
I have heard agency used in different ways lately. Same with currency.
“Agency” has bubbled to the surface because Western society has become a “Victimization-Restitution” culture. The pendulum of our society has swung to the denial of the “agency” of the individual. One is either an oppressor or a victim. And it is easy to identify the oppressors.
Our society has moved from “equality of opportunity” to “substantive equality” to “reparations”…i.e from agency to victimhood.
The exercise of free speech and expression has morphed into micro-aggressions and the need for safe spaces. i.e. from agency to victimhood.
One is supposed to save in the good times for the hard times to the central bank will just print money for the government to send to people. i.e. from agency to victimhood.
I missed one step. From the individual/family/community saving in the the good times for the hard times, to the government saving in the good times for the bad times, to partying in the good times and having the central bank print money for the government to give to people in the hard times. i.e. from agency to victimhood.
The journey back from liberal democracy (agency of the individual) to neofeudalism, collectivism and serfdom, which is the denial of agency, which is victimhood.
and prescribed or compelled speech.
That’s what happens when a formerly free and responsible civilization decides to tank for an esoteric first overall draft pick.
Echos of Nietzsche’s Ascetic Ideal come home to roost.
This is what I was looking for! Thanks Godot!
“Agency” is also back because of computer science (and AI)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_agent
Basically, when “agency” was presumptive, there was no need for the word so it submerged. “Agency” is now/again denied, so the idea/word of agency has to reemerge. That and computer science and AI.
Don’t blame me! I’m waiting for Godot!
The Golden Rule is arguably the principle underlying how to identify the proper limits of and/or obligations of “agency”.
I am very late to the dance, as usual. Agency, is a word familiar to me, I have noticed it much recently, but know of it from having read 1000’s of books before my 20th birthday decades ago. I have barely read anything in the past 34 years though, maybe 50 books cover to cover.
I vividly recall as a teen and pre-teen noticing a “word of the week” that a specific word would jump out at me in life, at school and on various tv shows or events. It was interesting how perhaps the universe was “speaking to me”, has anyone else ever experienced this sort of phenomenon?
And I know we have a poster who has recently incorporated it as part of his handle, but the entire “stan” thing, kinda of grates on me/repulses me. It make no sense to my brain…and I dislike it strongly… hell in a hand basket, indeed.
You want so called words that will stick in your craw, pick up the official scrabble dictionary.
Have it, agreed 😀
You know, that resonates (I know, now I’m starting a new one!). After reading your post i realize I too seem to be sensitive to things like that that just jump out to me that others do not notice. I do it with faces as well. I will say two people look similar and others look at me like I am blind, when actually I am hyper focused on some element that makes me see similar.
I notice it when I buy a new car. I have often purchased vehicles that aren’t famous, haven’t been seen by me before the transaction. Not expensive, but obscure. Ford EXP, 1986 Honda Prelude, early Explorer. Inevitably ALL I see afterward is my car driving toward me sometimes in a different colour.