I don’t imagine many reading this blog today believe in reincarnation. However, if believing meant Philip Broberg getting closer to replacing Oscar Klefbom, I suspect many would be willing to convert. These two players have similarities, and differences, but for the Oilers to succeed in 2022-23, Edmonton needs young Broberg to develop quickly.
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DNB: First-round pick Reid Schaefer can bring ‘big-boy hockey’ to his hometown team
THE IMPORTANCE OF PHILIP BROBERG
Can Broberg replace Klefbom? I don’t think it works like that, to be honest. We can track Broberg and see if he’s progressing at the same rate, but Klefbom played his last NHL game in early August 2020. It’s been over two years since then, and the question should be can Broberg replace Duncan Keith, in my opinion.
Can Broberg replace Klefbom? Well he’s ahead of him offensively based on AHL numbers, the two men produced at about the same rate in the NHL at age 20. If you’re asking if Broberg will ever score 34+ points in an NHL season (Klefbom did it twice), I can’t tell you for certain. Based on the AHL numbers, Broberg will be a better offensive player.
Klefbom was a substantial defensive player, Broberg is error prone. Both men made mistakes early in their careers, some of Klefbom’s moments have survived on video.
Klefbom was far better defensively as a rookie. In his first season in the NHL (17 games), Oscar was on the ice for a 35 percent goal share and 41 percent expected-goal share at five-on-five. In Broberg’s first season in the NHL (23 games), he helped post a 37 percent goal share and a 47 percent expected-goal share.
Who was better? Hell if I know. The point is both had gaps in coverage and the one we know about developed into a fine NHL player. Past that, we’ll have to wait and see.
What are the good signs? His offense and goal differential in Bakersfield were outstanding. He was impressive on the power play and he made progress defensively. In the period Jay Woodcroft coached him in Bakersfield, Broberg was 24-10 (71 percent) in even strength goal differential. When Woodcroft coached Broberg in the NHL his on-ice goal differential at even strength was 8-8 (50 percent). Those are good signs, but we need to see him progress and the first real step, in the NHL, will come this year.
Where will he play this coming season? Third pair is my guess, probably with Tyson Barrie. You’d like a veteran stay at home type, but Barrie has been in the NHL for 683 games, that’s plenty of experience.
When will he pass Brett Kulak? I don’t know. Third pair is the best way for him to break in and they have to play him as a regular this season if he makes the team.
Why? GM Ken Holland will need to know if he can handle to rigors of the playoffs. Handling third pair minutes will be challenge enough for season one. If he exceeds that level, consider it a major success.
Did Klefbom begin his career with a veteran? Quite the opposite. Klefbom received heavy offensive zone starts with offensive defenseman Justin Schultz in 2014-15, Klef’s first big season.
So maybe that’s how they handle the Broberg-Barrie tandem? It could be, Woodcroft and Manson are innovators and that’s the kind of forward thinking we’ve seen so far from them.
How drastic was the Dallas Eakins zone-start push? Heavy. In 2014-15, Justin Schultz had 75 more offensive than defensive zone starts, Jeff Petry had 38 more defensive than offenze zone starts, and Mark Fayne had 97 more defensive than offensive zone starts.
That’s a great idea! I doubt it will be that drastic but there are reasons why Broberg might flourish with a zone start push.
No, put that in!! Well, why don’t we see how the coaching staff handles the defense. We might see seven men in the lineup a few times this year.
No sir! Offensive zone starts for all the rookies! Last season, Woodcroft-Manson’s deployment seems to favor “on the fly” starts to shifts for the kids, meaning the puck is heading in a good direction when they arrive on the ice.
Is that good? Possession is assumed, and if so, yes.
Was drafting Broberg a mistake? I know many believe so, and Swedish defensemen are difficult to figure out in the early days, but I think he could be a real contributor in a position that (because of Klefbom’s injury) emerged as a position of need. It might work out well.
EXITING THE SYSTEM, GOODBYE
Here are the men who finished careers with Edmonton, I’ve posted their totals per 82 regular season and in brackets GP totals. The point leaders (forwards and defense) are in yellow, the men on the verge of extinction are in dark blue. This isn’t a complete list, but rather those who spent 200+ games in the league.
2009-10 Robert Nilsson: 12-27-38 (252 games)
2010-11 Jason Strudwick: 2-5-7 (674)
2010-11 Martin Gerber: .263 .911 (229)
2011-12 Andy Sutton: 5-13-18 (676)
2011-12 Josh Green: 9-9-18 (341)
2012-13 Darcy Hordichuk 3-3-6 (542)
2012-13 Eric Belanger 14-22-36 (820)
2013-14 Ryan Smyth 25-29-54 (1270)
2013-14 Ryan Jones 13-12-25 (334)
2013-14 Denis Grebeshkov 6-24-30 (234)
2013-14 Ben Eager 9-8-17 (407)
2015-16 Nikita Nikitin 5-19-24 (259)
2015-16 Andrew Ference 4-16-20 (907)
2016-17 Anton Lander 4-9-13 (215)
2016-17 Mark Fayne 4-10-14 (389)
2017-18 Jussi Jokinen 16-33-49 (951)
2018-19 Jason Garrison 7-17-24 (555)
2018-19 Kyle Brodziak 12-14-26 (917)
2019-20 Brandon Manning 5-10-15 (255)
2019-20 Oscar Klefbom 7-27-34 (378)
2019-20 Markus Granlund 14-11-25 (335)
2020-21 Gaetan Haas 6-6-12 (92)
2020-21 Dominik Kahun 15-22-37 (186)
2020-21 Joakim Nygard 6-12-18 (42)
2020-21 Patrick Russell 0-10-10 (59)
None of the 2020-21 group played in the NHL last season, but they will be struck from the record when you see this list a year from now, as none reached the 200-game plateau. Among the candidates who could appear for 2021-22 ( we won’t know until the completion of next year’s schedule) are Duncan Keith, Mike Smith, Kris Russell, Derick Brassard, Kyle Turris, Colton Sceviour, Devin Shore, Brendan Perlini, Josh Archibald and Brad Malone.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
CFL weekend, Jays-Yankees, NHL rumours and anything you’d like to throw our way from 10-2 today on TSN1260. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
Only teams 17-32 have been released so far, but 6 of 8 WC playoff teams are in the bottom half of the league. Minnesota and LA (presumably at #1) still to come.
6 of 8 EC playoff teams also find themselves in the 17-32 group (Carolina and NYR the exceptions).
That’s to say the Oilers find themselves in a pretty solid spot for a team that’s in their contending window.
Dusty and Lt. Eric and “Tales of the North” – they do quite the job.
OriginalPouzar
August 22, 2022 4:05 pm
cowboy bill
August 22, 2022 12:02 pm
Bruce McCurdy makes an interesting observation on Noah Philp . Describes him as a bigger version of Derrek Ryan . Philp is a 23 year old forward . The 6’3 right shot center /winger was signed as an unrestricted free agent to an entry level contract in April . Just another youngster to look forward to see in training camp along with Broberg , Neimalainen , Samarukov , Holloway & Bourgault . Wahoo !!!
I wanted to bump this to a new post as the McCurdy CoH article has a FANTATIC scouting report on Philp by Bruce Curlock who is someone all Oilers fans that want to be informed on their AHL prospects should follow – a great eye for the game and he does great work.
winchester
August 22, 2022 3:32 pm
I have a bone to pick with Mister Scott Wheeler and his WJC tournament notebook.
He made notes on almost all players, many of who were average. Lots of unflattering comments at times but no conclusions or limitations suggested.
Of all these players he spoke about, there was only two where he decided to form conclusions that they will not be good enough to make top level NHL hockey. Muzenberger and Maatta.
I find that strange. Both Edmonton picks not good enough. Everybody else, their average players still have an chance, the door is still open. Not Edmonton.
Where will he play this coming season? Third pair is my guess, probably with Tyson Barrie. You’d like a veteran stay at home type, but Barrie has been in the NHL for 683 games, that’s plenty of experience.
When will he pass Brett Kulak? I don’t know. Third pair is the best way for him to break in and they have to play him as a regular this season if he makes the team.
I would think he starts with third pairing 5 on 5 minutes (presuming no injury) but I think the pairings will be in flux as there will be games and situations where Manson wants to load up Nurse/Ceci but I think there will be times where Ceci is moved up and down to balance the pairings a bit.
Nurse/Ceci can’t play 50% TOI vs. elites for the year – that’s too much to ask through the grind of an 82 game season.
Kulak is a good/solid d-man, we don’t know how he will do with a fullsome 2LD type role – I think he will be “just fine” but I also think that Broberg could “pop” and press – this may be in 4 months, 6 months, 12 months or 18 but it will happen.
I could see Woodcroft running 11/7 a significant portion of the year as well. This roster is uniquely suited to it and it could solve some headaches with Samorukov’s waiver status if he has a good camp.
I think Samorukov makes the team as 7D on merit (and will be higher if there are any injuries to start the season).
I hope not to see 11/7 too often this season as, for me, the goal is the reduction of McDavid/Drai minutes and I am firmly against a benefit of 11/7 being the ability to “find more minutes for McDavid and Drai”.
When the Oilers win with McDavid and Drai under 20 minutes, heck, in the 16-18 minute range, its perfect.
Bouchard played with Duncan Keith on the second pair . That worked quite well last season .
OriginalPouzar
August 22, 2022 1:23 pm
Can Broberg replace Klefbom? I don’t think it works like that, to be honest. We can track Broberg and see if he’s progressing at the same rate, but Klefbom played his last NHL game in early August 2020. It’s been over two years since then, and the question should be can Broberg replace Duncan Keith, in my opinion.
For me, the Klefbom comparison is really related to developmental timeline and future role and not on-ice style or skill set.
Both Klef and Broberg were teenagers drafted out of the SHL and both played draft plus 1 and 2 in the SHL.
Broberg is developing right on schedule, maybe even a little ahead, and his season in the AHL last year (and cup of coffee in the NHL ahead of schedule) provides us with real potential for a top 4 LD future.
Stylistically, he is more of a Nurse/Bouwmester type mix for me – with the skating and transition by skate being elite skills of his.
He is tracking to be a 10 year top 4 LD and the Klefbom-replacement in that role.
teddyturnbuckle
August 22, 2022 1:06 pm
Klefbom was injured so much that he never really had a great career. At his best I would say he was a decent number 3. Good all around defence man but to me he lacked the elite decision making skills and at times he made plays that baffled my dog and I who would leave the room quickly after I yelled at the TV.
Boberg is trending well and its too early to call out the draft pick. He was always going to take longer being a tall skinny player. This is a big year for him and he may still turn out to be one of the best players in the 2019 draft. The Oilers did well to draft Broberg and Bouchard when they did as they are coming into maturity at the perfect time. Now the Oilers can draft forwards with their 1st round picks and they can be ready in 2 to 3 years.
My dog puts his paw on my arm to calm me down when I start yelling at the TV during Oilers games.
Scungilli Slushy
August 22, 2022 12:29 pm
A very important Klef Bro comparison, for many Oiler fans, is being overlooked
They are similar looking young men, and after the Bro shirt off pick this summer, he has seriously upped his pec/ab/arms game. Not a skinny teen anymore
He’s been putting in his time in the gym. I’m curious to see if it gives him more confidence in battles. I foresee a lot of jerseys in small and medium, possibly pink if they make them, being sold
I mentioned this a little while back as well. While Broberg was shredded in the beach pick from a few years ago, the new one circulated this off-season showed him to be much “bigger” – not as lean and definitely heavier – to me, a VERY good thing, given the punishment he has taken (and is learning to avoid but its a development process).
This really is the most critical thing that needs to happen for Broberg – the physical tools are excellent. It’s the mental side of the game that needs to mature … he just needs to learn to keep his feet moving in the D-zone, and make quicker reads.
I do agree and would note that, at least in Bakersfield, there was noted improvement in that regard from earlier in the year – much quicker on retrievals and he wasn’t taking the physical toll later in the year that he was earlier in the year.
He’s a tall gangly kid that opposing players love running. Someone needs to teach him the tricks of the trade in the corners. How to accidentally have his elbows and stick out and up so opposing players relize that he’s not a easy mark.
Its called Hockey smarts and I’ll take that over muscle. I don’t get all love for Kelfbom he had 1 1/2 good years the rest of the time he was hurt or he was going to be hurt are he was hurt and he needs time to get back into playing shape before he gets hurt again. The best thing that happened to Holland was Kelfbom retiring on the LTIR pension plan.
With the way he skates he’ll be able dish out a few heavy hits.
I remember when Pronger first came into the league he took some abuse.
Boy he take his pound of flesh in later years. Did he ever.
Kinger_Oil.redux
August 22, 2022 12:24 pm
— Isn’t Brah a better skater and puck carrier but not as good shot or passer as Klef? Maybe I’m mixing up but of those 4 skills who is more advanced/projects to be more advanced when finished products? Klef was very good with passing puck I recall but not elite in any skill. I thought Brah is/projects elite skating. Peak Klef was deadly on PP because shot and pass is my recollection. He also had top pairing 5×5 production didn’t he?
— You need a skills analysis as part of the Brah comp. happy to hear what is the consensus.
cowboy bill
August 22, 2022 12:02 pm
Bruce McCurdy makes an interesting observation on Noah Philp . Describes him as a bigger version of Derrek Ryan . Philp is a 23 year old forward . The 6’3 right shot center /winger was signed as an unrestricted free agent to an entry level contract in April . Just another youngster to look forward to see in training camp along with Broberg , Neimalainen , Samarukov , Holloway & Bourgault . Wahoo !!!
What wonderfully strange and unfamiliar fan territory to be in! A tidy list of young players on the cusp of their NHL careers, and rather than needing them to fill gaping holes in the roster they have to force their way onto the team.
I’ve posted along these lines a few times: a mature prospect (age wise), a right shot center, a player that “plays the right way”, that is, responsible.
This is the type of player a coach can learn to trust and I think he’ll earn a fairly prominent role and deployment by Chaulk early.
I’m not sure about NHL time, even a cup of coffee, we are miles from that stage, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s seeing more ice than the likes of Savoie, Tulio, etc.
YYCOil
August 22, 2022 10:58 am
The end goal is Nurse, Bouchard and Broberg being your top 3 defenseman – getting there is tricky.
Starting line-up is established
Nurse-Ceci – Worked well last year, keeps Bouchard as 2RHD to grow
Kulak-Bouchard Can Kulak leap to 2LHD and teach Bouchard
Broberg- Barrie – great pairing for both players
The moves look obvious – Bouchard moves to 1RHD and Broberg moves to 2LHD around February.
Play-off pairs
Nurse – Bouchard – 150 games under Bouchard’s belt and wasted season of practice
Broberg- Ceci – Broberg gets a solid pro partner to take on tougher competition
Kulak-Barrie – Solid 3rd or 2A pairing that worked well last year
No need to move guys around like that unless they truly earn it.
Let Bouchard feast on 2nd pairing duties and spot him out there on O-zone draws if you have to. No need to thrust him up to 1st pair this year unless Ceci underperforms. Ditto with Broberg for now. Let him get used to the flow, travel and the grind of an NHL season. You can rotate pairings if you want but Bouch showed some young man moments last year and I’m sure Broberg will this year. Let them grow.
That Dobson contract is wonderful for Bouch. Give him Barrie’s money and tack on a 4th year and we’re laughing all the way to the bank on one of the best value contracts in the league.
Posters and commentators are selling themselves short. I love the Cult podcast (Bruce I wish you’d talk more 😉 ) but too much time is spent talking about a window in the here and now. No no no, double no. The Oilers Cup window is 15 years not 4. Its ridiculous to plan for four. We’re building a damn dynasty here not some flash in the pan.
Bouchard should never play on the shutdown pair with Nurse. One wants Bouchard to dominate and win the game in the middle tier minutes. Bowman never used Larry Murphy in a shutdown role. One wants that passing to give your middle tier guys the edge over the opponents middle tier guys.
Don’t saddle him with being a shutdown guy.
Nurse Ceci SHUTDOWN role
Broberg Bouchard (eventually) OUTSCORE role
Todd Macallan
August 22, 2022 10:55 am
Out here on George St. in St. John’s for the Newhook Cup Day parade and celebration. Several thousand here, including the premier, and they aren’t showing up for another half hr. The Oilers need a Newfoundlander for several reasons, not the least of which is so I can do this again for the home team haha
cowboy bill
August 22, 2022 10:49 am
It would be great to see Broberg make an impact in his first full NHL season . I suspect he will be focusing more on his defensive game than his offensive game . In fact I’d like to see him paired on the second pair with Ceci , in more of a shutdown role and go from there . That would allow them to set up the other pairs accordingly . We could either see Nurse & Barrie , or Nurse & Bouchard , or Kulak & Barrie , or Kulak & Bouchard , depending on what works the best .
Nah…it is much better to pair Broberg with the better puck mover in Barrie. Ceci has a good forward pass to forwards, but one wants the more adapt overall passer in Barrie to break Broberg in.
Nah …. three balanced pairings is important. Splitting up Nurse & Ceci in my humble opinion is the way to go . There’s no way to happiness , happiness is the way .LOL.
And how well do you propose they do as a pair in the defensive zone? For the life of me I can’t see how anyone of clear thinking can see pairing a a non defensive veteran D with a rookie and expect everything to be just fine!
Barrie’s defensive zone issues are highly over-stated in my view – no he’s not a high end defensive cycle breaker or net clearer but, for me, he’s serviceable in the defensive zone and has a good stick.
For me, his main issues have come in the offensive and neutral zone and bad pinches and decisions, something that all but disappeared after Manson showed up (along with a stronger commitment to forward support).
Barrie has a decade plus playing real 5 on 5 minutes in this league and I think he can handle a 3rd pairing deployment, even with a rookie (a high pedigree rookie, of course).
Broberg and Barrie will do fine defensively because the puck will never be in the defensive zone for long. Their success, if it works, will rely on defending very little.
Broberg needs a solid veteran that understands the defensive side of the NHL game to learn and develop quickly . Much like Bouchard had with Duncan Keith .
Klefbom ran with Justin Schultz. Ideally you’d have a veteran, but the Broberg-Barrie pairing is strictly third pair, and Barrie showed terrific ability to make it count last season. Nurse-Ceci is the pairing vs elites imo, as they were with Woodcroft-Manson tandem last year after the coaching change.
Broberg isn’t helpless defensively, and much of what he’ll do well is using that speed to make that third pairing effective.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Broberg with Ceci this year.
I’d guess it would be more in a 2A/2B role than shutdown, but ignoring the other pairs, Ceci is the partner I’d pick for the rookie.
Not sure who Nurse would get in that case, but he’s played 700ish min (including PK) with each of Barrie and Bouchard over the past 2 years, so it’s not like it would be uncharted territory.
Nurse’s best 5v5 GF% results in that span are still with Barrie (of Barrie, Bouch, Ceci, Bear, who were all over 250 min with Nurse). Nurse-Ceci can offer protection for the other pairs, but that might be something that gets save for more important games in the spring.
I would guess in certain situations they might like to use the Nurse / Ceci pair . But Yes Broberg / Ceci could be just as effective . I can see Broberg carrying the puck as well as Nurse and I really liked the Kulak / Barrie pair . Bouch can play with either of Nurse or Kulak . As a group they all fit together well . It will all get sorted out .
Dobson and Bouch are about as direct a comparable that you can get.
Would people be happy if Holland offers that contract as soon as he is able to extend?
I fear after a year of increased minutes and PP time that price only gets higher. And his agent will know that too…
Not sure that’s true. Dobson already got more minutes and more PP time, so that’s already baked into the 3 x $4M number.
ES: Dobson played 1:18 more
PP: Dobson played 1:19 more (2x)
PK: Bouchard played 1:00 more
Net: Dobson played 1:39 more
TOI/GP
Dobson: 21:27 (60th in NHL)
Bouchard: 19:48 (100th in NHL)
So Bouchard could double his PP time and increase his Even Strength time by over a minute without necessarily changing that $4M x 3 contract expectation.
The 3-year term for the bridge is always a bit of a risk as it leads to a potential Matthew Tkachuk situation – an RFA one -year from UFA with arb rights – can really force a 4th year at the QO to UFA status.
With that said, I would LOVE that AAV for Bouch.
I don’t think that AAV will be available in a year (if Bouch has a healthy season).
We know Holland is cognizant of his raise for next season (as he’s mentioned it) – we don’t know how high he is prioritizing getting an early extension done, if at all.
We know Holland is cognizant of his raise for next season (as he’s mentioned it) – we don’t know how high he is prioritizing getting an early extension done, if at all.
And we don’t know how highly Bouchard’s agent is prioritizing NOT getting an early extension done 🙂
I’d like to get Bouchard done long-term before the season starts … something like 5 million x 6-7 years. Buys some UFA years, but he’s still 28-29 years old and can get one more long-term deal.
That would be something but I don’t see it happening.
Frankly, Holland seems like a GM that likes a certain order the player personnel matters. Of course, this doesn’t apply to the elites coming off ELCs (like McDavid and Drai) but his order of business has RFA signings in the off-season and after the main UFA procurement period and, even further, the non-arb right RFAs near the end of the summer.
Maybe he tries to get ahead of Bouch and this next contract if he values him as much as I think he should but, realistically, I think we are waiting for next off-season.
True – of course, the risk of not doing it is higher for the player, I believe. Injury risk – injuries can change a player and career – if a $30MM on a Klef type deal is thrown in front of the kid, well, that is money that guarantees one for life, for example.
Sure, but I presumed we were still talking about something in the $4M x 3 range like Dobson.
jp
August 22, 2022 9:47 am
Despite the comparisons to Klefbom, for obvious reasons, I’ve always felt Nurse is the more true Broberg comp in terms of size, skating, style of play. Hopefully also in terms of even strength offense.
As to Klefbom’s 5v5 offense, the only time he bested 0.85 P/60 (5v5) was in his injury shortened 15-16 season (30 games played). (his range was 0.59 to 0.85, plus 1.09 in 15-16)
In contrast, Nurse has been over 0.86 every one of the last 5 seasons (range 0.86 to 1.19). Pretty surprising considering what most think of Klefbom and Nurse offensively.
Barrie as another comparison point has ranged between 0.88 and 1.42 for the past 9 season.
I think Broberg’s puck carrying and rushing game is much more similar to Nurse than Klefbom, and I’m hopeful (assuming he can become a top 4 D) that he’ll actually contribute more even strength offense than Klefbom did. We will see.
jp
August 22, 2022 9:31 am
While they aren’t really style comparables (as you say) the league and boxcar progression for Klefbom and Broberg really is striking.
I agree it’s fair to question whether Broberg will ever score 34+ points in the NHL, but I think Klefbom having done that is more a reflection of him earning a spot on that PP (and credit due for that to be sure) than a real difference in their offense.
Looking at the leagues/tournaments both men played in prior to the NHL:
Klefbom
SweU18 Klefbom 54 15-23-38 0.70 Broberg 42 5-10-15 0.36
U17 WJr
Klefbom 6 1-3-4 0.67
Broberg 5 0-0-0 0.0
Hlinka
Klefbom 5 1-6-7 1.40
Broberg 5 3-1-4 0.80
U18 WJr
Klefbom 6 1-3-4 0.67 (top 3 player on team)
Broberg 7 2-4-6 0.86 (all star, best defenseman, top 3 player on team)
Klefbom seemed to show an offensive advantage over Broberg early, but in most/all of the later leagues/tournaments (U18 Jrs, Swedish U20, SHL, AHL) Broberg has pulled ahead.
Broberg has miles to go, obviously, to equal or surpass Klefbom. I feel his defense is the bigger question in getting there than offense though (I guess because I’m not giving Klefbom a lot of credit for his PP scoring, and his even strength offense was always very mediocre).
I know that Broberg’s numbers in the AHL were pumped up by PP time (i saw it in real time, in particular early in the season) and Klef didn’t get that PP time in his main AHL season, however, it seems Broberg has outproduced Klefbom basically every step of the way – that is something and its heartening.
OriginalPouzar
August 22, 2022 9:30 am
Dobson’s AAV will be interesting via-a-vis Bouch signing next week.
We have an example of where burning a year of an ELC isn’t necessarily negative. If Bouch was re-signing for this season, it would have been cheaper than what he’ll warrant after being a year further established and 60 plus points being reasonable.
It would have been tough to fit in this season but cheaper on the medium term.
106 and 106
August 22, 2022 9:28 am
Respecting the 24 hour rule, Leavins suggested Nuge (shoulder), JP (shoulder) and Yamo (concussion) were still banged up.
If they aren’t ready to go:
Kane – McDavid – Hyman
Janmark – Drai – Ryan
Foegle – McLeod – Shore
Benson – McKegg – Malone
I read it as a lack of information that prevents him to make a judgement. Concussions can be a coin flip on recovery. Shoulders as often as not, need surgery or only some rehab. The good news, no surgery was suggested but Nuge has some history of shoulder problems. Fingers crossed.
I suppose we are supposed to be rooting for Lou in this negotiation! -).
Pretendergast
August 22, 2022 9:24 am
Huge season for Bro, although the Kulak cover was absolutely vital. Shocking he came back after deciding to check on free agency. If Gudbranson money was out there it made sense for Kulak to market himself. Real coup to bring him back while Bro gets up to speed.
Still a bit surprising considering Holland’s MO. He’s tried his darndest to keep the kids off the roster and he did it too well with Bouch one year. Now a player without an established level of ability is being put in pen to hold an NHL position. It is fair to question if he is ready for it.
Pushing and earning his games last year with obvious holes is one thing. Being an everyday player is another. Here’s hoping Woody does his magic and gets the kid in comfortable spots while the 9+mill man and Ceci take all the hard stuff.
I believe in Bro, but am always cautious with young d, they can break your heart, it’s a very tough position to play.
It is an impressive list arriving in a 12 month window. It is going to be a very entertaining season watching them carve out their place on the team and in the league.
Holland has three defenders and he’s counting on one of them to slot into a bottom pair role. Bro is at the top of the list, but if he waivers at camp, they’ll check to the next “ready” rookie. Plus there’s can I buy a “K” Koekkoek
Fair point. I would say Bro is the only one I see with top 4 potential. I see that as a glaring need because I don’t see Kulak as a long-term 2nd pair option. I think he’s a low 4 high 5 which he’s been for most of his career. In order to see this team make the leap, I believe one of the youngsters has to take the Keith role as LT pointed out above.
I would also argue tempered expectations on Bouch while although he’s real and spectacular, he only has 100 games under his belt.
Consider me someone who does not believe in KK given his track record here so I’d be happy to be wrong.
I’m still excited because this is a very good hockey team. Man that 17 team got screwed out of a cup berth tho. Klef Lars Sek Nurse was top drawer for the time. Damn Getzlaf.
I would almost be surprised if Kris Russell wasn’t at Oilers camp.
If the Oilers had the ability to run a normal 23 player roster, I could see 8D on the roster (13F) including Kris Russell at league min (and wouldn’t be against that).
I’m not sure they’ll be able to run a 23 player roster though.
hunter1909
August 22, 2022 9:24 am
Broberg is the kind of player contending teams like Edmonton going forward need most of – excellent new cheap players.
I don’t remember if he was injured or brought up too soon or both, but looking ahead there is every reason to hope that he blows the doors off at Training Camp and beyond.
SayItAin'tSo, Gretz, SayItAin'tSo!
August 22, 2022 8:58 am
As we head into the season one thing I’ll be keeping an eye on is how ManWood tweaks the PP. Last year was a bit of a feast or famine type run. There were periods of glowing hot combined with some ice cold. One constant was the PP unit itself playing about 1:40 of each PP.
That’s too much for five guys given the talent on the roster.
I’d like to see three guys rotate with McD and Leon over the PP. If you can back off their combined 5v5 time and keep Leon away from the PK I think its doable. That’s probably a bit too much as well and the smart men might run a top unit of McD, Leon, Barrie, Hyman/Kane and Yamo/JP. And then turn out the Witch (who won’t need to take draws if its on the fly) along with Hyman/Kane, JP/Yamo, McLeod and The Bouch. We can quibble with the exact set of players here especially if Holloway presents himself as an option and I’m always a fan of using PP time for rewarding guys but i think we need to see a change in how this PP is run.
Got too stale last year and with the embarrassment of riches available at forward this year it behooves our new coaching staff to trying something a bit new.
Nugent-Hopkins, McDavid, and Draisaitl play three positions on the power play. Each can play either one of the three (except Nugent-Hopkins rarely ever plays on the right side, so it might be said to play two of the three). That is why it has been the best or near the best powerplay for the last three seasons regardless of who is net front or playing the “point”.
His drop pass when being pressured off the boards or straight back which opens up the ice in the oppositions end is second to none. However teams cheat on RNH side he has plenty of time to snapshot or wristshot from the high slot area. Ryan needs to bury it or hit the net. Way to many times he’s looking for the perfect shot and he misses up high with the puck careening off the glass and out of the zone. Mike Bossy stated the biggest key to scoring was hitting the net.
I think they will continue to look to get PP2 more minutes generally – 1:40 is a bit much for the PP1 unless its o-zone domination.
McLeod had really good PP scoring rates as a leader of the PP2 brigade.
They aren’t going to split McDavid/Drai on PP1 – PP1 will be McDavid/Nuge/Drai and Bouchard or Barrie and Kane, Puljujarvi or Hyman.
Kane was NOT effective on the PP this past regular season and I think he could be a solid PP2 guy with McLeod and, for me, Jesse with his puck retrieval and presence in front should get the first PP1 reps, subject to effectiveness.
The McDavid-Draisaitl-Kane-Nuge 10.51 g/60 is in 17 total power play minutes based on what I’m looking at, and if true, that’s not something we can trumpet with any certainty.
Was it Pronman who was slow to warm to Bouchard as a prospect?
He’s got him now in the “Bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player” tier. Seems appropriate, but still nice to see.
Oilers come in at 18th in Pronman’s 22 and under system rankings, up from 25th last year.
https://theathletic.com/3514639/2022/08/23/edmonton-oilers-nhl-pipeline-rankings-prospects/
Only teams 17-32 have been released so far, but 6 of 8 WC playoff teams are in the bottom half of the league. Minnesota and LA (presumably at #1) still to come.
6 of 8 EC playoff teams also find themselves in the 17-32 group (Carolina and NYR the exceptions).
That’s to say the Oilers find themselves in a pretty solid spot for a team that’s in their contending window.
Perhaps most importantly, the Flames alllll the way down at no. 28
I hadn’t noticed 😉
I think the Oilers should adopt the Game of Thrones theme song.
Fans: NAAAA-naaa na-na-na NAA na-na-naaaa….
Broberg is a warrior from the North.
I take it you don’t listen to the Morning Show on TSN that is on before LT?
Nope. We’re on it then? Good.
Dusty and Lt. Eric and “Tales of the North” – they do quite the job.
I wanted to bump this to a new post as the McCurdy CoH article has a FANTATIC scouting report on Philp by Bruce Curlock who is someone all Oilers fans that want to be informed on their AHL prospects should follow – a great eye for the game and he does great work.
I have a bone to pick with Mister Scott Wheeler and his WJC tournament notebook.
He made notes on almost all players, many of who were average. Lots of unflattering comments at times but no conclusions or limitations suggested.
Of all these players he spoke about, there was only two where he decided to form conclusions that they will not be good enough to make top level NHL hockey. Muzenberger and Maatta.
I find that strange. Both Edmonton picks not good enough. Everybody else, their average players still have an chance, the door is still open. Not Edmonton.
Just coincidence?
Wheeler has written VERY positive pieces on Oilers’ mid-tier prospects in the past – for example Lavoie.
I don’t think he has any bias against Oiler prospect but I could be wrong.
Bulletin board material for Muzenberger and Maatta to use as motivation to prove their doubters wrong.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
“Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.”
From the mind that thinks Kuzmenko is the next Panarin.
You do ?
Seems like a stretch to me.
Terrible come back.
He probably forgot what they were talking about.
I would think he starts with third pairing 5 on 5 minutes (presuming no injury) but I think the pairings will be in flux as there will be games and situations where Manson wants to load up Nurse/Ceci but I think there will be times where Ceci is moved up and down to balance the pairings a bit.
Nurse/Ceci can’t play 50% TOI vs. elites for the year – that’s too much to ask through the grind of an 82 game season.
Kulak is a good/solid d-man, we don’t know how he will do with a fullsome 2LD type role – I think he will be “just fine” but I also think that Broberg could “pop” and press – this may be in 4 months, 6 months, 12 months or 18 but it will happen.
I could see Woodcroft running 11/7 a significant portion of the year as well. This roster is uniquely suited to it and it could solve some headaches with Samorukov’s waiver status if he has a good camp.
I think Samorukov makes the team as 7D on merit (and will be higher if there are any injuries to start the season).
I hope not to see 11/7 too often this season as, for me, the goal is the reduction of McDavid/Drai minutes and I am firmly against a benefit of 11/7 being the ability to “find more minutes for McDavid and Drai”.
When the Oilers win with McDavid and Drai under 20 minutes, heck, in the 16-18 minute range, its perfect.
Bouchard played with Duncan Keith on the second pair . That worked quite well last season .
For me, the Klefbom comparison is really related to developmental timeline and future role and not on-ice style or skill set.
Both Klef and Broberg were teenagers drafted out of the SHL and both played draft plus 1 and 2 in the SHL.
Broberg is developing right on schedule, maybe even a little ahead, and his season in the AHL last year (and cup of coffee in the NHL ahead of schedule) provides us with real potential for a top 4 LD future.
Stylistically, he is more of a Nurse/Bouwmester type mix for me – with the skating and transition by skate being elite skills of his.
He is tracking to be a 10 year top 4 LD and the Klefbom-replacement in that role.
Klefbom was injured so much that he never really had a great career. At his best I would say he was a decent number 3. Good all around defence man but to me he lacked the elite decision making skills and at times he made plays that baffled my dog and I who would leave the room quickly after I yelled at the TV.
Boberg is trending well and its too early to call out the draft pick. He was always going to take longer being a tall skinny player. This is a big year for him and he may still turn out to be one of the best players in the 2019 draft. The Oilers did well to draft Broberg and Bouchard when they did as they are coming into maturity at the perfect time. Now the Oilers can draft forwards with their 1st round picks and they can be ready in 2 to 3 years.
He was no Igor Ulanov though.
My dog puts his paw on my arm to calm me down when I start yelling at the TV during Oilers games.
A very important Klef Bro comparison, for many Oiler fans, is being overlooked
They are similar looking young men, and after the Bro shirt off pick this summer, he has seriously upped his pec/ab/arms game. Not a skinny teen anymore
He’s been putting in his time in the gym. I’m curious to see if it gives him more confidence in battles. I foresee a lot of jerseys in small and medium, possibly pink if they make them, being sold
Both very handsome – we cannot discount that similarity
This is the real hard hitting analysis we need. What is his dreamy/60 at all strengths?
Expected time lost in his eyes?
+/- total wives who suddenly want to go to a -20 Wednesday nighter against the Yotes?
The people want answers
Who wants they Corssy ate? (I’m so sorry)
I mentioned this a little while back as well. While Broberg was shredded in the beach pick from a few years ago, the new one circulated this off-season showed him to be much “bigger” – not as lean and definitely heavier – to me, a VERY good thing, given the punishment he has taken (and is learning to avoid but its a development process).
This really is the most critical thing that needs to happen for Broberg – the physical tools are excellent. It’s the mental side of the game that needs to mature … he just needs to learn to keep his feet moving in the D-zone, and make quicker reads.
I do agree and would note that, at least in Bakersfield, there was noted improvement in that regard from earlier in the year – much quicker on retrievals and he wasn’t taking the physical toll later in the year that he was earlier in the year.
He’s a tall gangly kid that opposing players love running. Someone needs to teach him the tricks of the trade in the corners. How to accidentally have his elbows and stick out and up so opposing players relize that he’s not a easy mark.
He’s no longer gangly all joking aside
Not many players will have a strength advantage anymore with that muscle and his height not to mention his speed
BUT he has to use it in his game. Not being Mean Nurse, but playing his game as a physically strong large fast player
Its called Hockey smarts and I’ll take that over muscle. I don’t get all love for Kelfbom he had 1 1/2 good years the rest of the time he was hurt or he was going to be hurt are he was hurt and he needs time to get back into playing shape before he gets hurt again. The best thing that happened to Holland was Kelfbom retiring on the LTIR pension plan.
Being in LTIR the last number of years has been HIGHLY limiting for Holland.
Especially the stick. 😉
With the way he skates he’ll be able dish out a few heavy hits.
I remember when Pronger first came into the league he took some abuse.
Boy he take his pound of flesh in later years. Did he ever.
— Isn’t Brah a better skater and puck carrier but not as good shot or passer as Klef? Maybe I’m mixing up but of those 4 skills who is more advanced/projects to be more advanced when finished products? Klef was very good with passing puck I recall but not elite in any skill. I thought Brah is/projects elite skating. Peak Klef was deadly on PP because shot and pass is my recollection. He also had top pairing 5×5 production didn’t he?
— You need a skills analysis as part of the Brah comp. happy to hear what is the consensus.
Bruce McCurdy makes an interesting observation on Noah Philp . Describes him as a bigger version of Derrek Ryan . Philp is a 23 year old forward . The 6’3 right shot center /winger was signed as an unrestricted free agent to an entry level contract in April . Just another youngster to look forward to see in training camp along with Broberg , Neimalainen , Samarukov , Holloway & Bourgault . Wahoo !!!
What wonderfully strange and unfamiliar fan territory to be in! A tidy list of young players on the cusp of their NHL careers, and rather than needing them to fill gaping holes in the roster they have to force their way onto the team.
This is a very good thing . If two or three of them force their way onto the roster sooner rather then later , how awesome would that be .
I’ve posted along these lines a few times: a mature prospect (age wise), a right shot center, a player that “plays the right way”, that is, responsible.
This is the type of player a coach can learn to trust and I think he’ll earn a fairly prominent role and deployment by Chaulk early.
I’m not sure about NHL time, even a cup of coffee, we are miles from that stage, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s seeing more ice than the likes of Savoie, Tulio, etc.
The end goal is Nurse, Bouchard and Broberg being your top 3 defenseman – getting there is tricky.
Starting line-up is established
Nurse-Ceci – Worked well last year, keeps Bouchard as 2RHD to grow
Kulak-Bouchard Can Kulak leap to 2LHD and teach Bouchard
Broberg- Barrie – great pairing for both players
The moves look obvious – Bouchard moves to 1RHD and Broberg moves to 2LHD around February.
Play-off pairs
Nurse – Bouchard – 150 games under Bouchard’s belt and wasted season of practice
Broberg- Ceci – Broberg gets a solid pro partner to take on tougher competition
Kulak-Barrie – Solid 3rd or 2A pairing that worked well last year
What would make you think the starting line up is established ?
No need to move guys around like that unless they truly earn it.
Let Bouchard feast on 2nd pairing duties and spot him out there on O-zone draws if you have to. No need to thrust him up to 1st pair this year unless Ceci underperforms. Ditto with Broberg for now. Let him get used to the flow, travel and the grind of an NHL season. You can rotate pairings if you want but Bouch showed some young man moments last year and I’m sure Broberg will this year. Let them grow.
That Dobson contract is wonderful for Bouch. Give him Barrie’s money and tack on a 4th year and we’re laughing all the way to the bank on one of the best value contracts in the league.
Posters and commentators are selling themselves short. I love the Cult podcast (Bruce I wish you’d talk more 😉 ) but too much time is spent talking about a window in the here and now. No no no, double no. The Oilers Cup window is 15 years not 4. Its ridiculous to plan for four. We’re building a damn dynasty here not some flash in the pan.
Think Bulls or Lakers not Raptors or Jays.
My point in the above is,
1.It is not optimal to go into the play-offs with BOTH Bouchard and Broberg as your second pair defensemen.
2.Ceci is probably a 2RHD and Kulak is probably a 3LHD (that can play SOME games higher in the batting order).
3.Bouchard needs to move to 1RHD to make room for Broberg to play 2LHD, their development is probably tied together on a top four NHL team.
Pieterangelo didn’t make THE difference in the playoffs until Parayko assumed the shutdown role in St. Louis, freeing Pieterangelo of that burden.
1st pair 2nd pair is a lousy way to think about defensive deployment.
Shutdown role, Outscore role is a much better way to think of a contending top 4.
Bouchard should never play on the shutdown pair with Nurse. One wants Bouchard to dominate and win the game in the middle tier minutes. Bowman never used Larry Murphy in a shutdown role. One wants that passing to give your middle tier guys the edge over the opponents middle tier guys.
Don’t saddle him with being a shutdown guy.
Nurse Ceci SHUTDOWN role
Broberg Bouchard (eventually) OUTSCORE role
Out here on George St. in St. John’s for the Newhook Cup Day parade and celebration. Several thousand here, including the premier, and they aren’t showing up for another half hr. The Oilers need a Newfoundlander for several reasons, not the least of which is so I can do this again for the home team haha
It would be great to see Broberg make an impact in his first full NHL season . I suspect he will be focusing more on his defensive game than his offensive game . In fact I’d like to see him paired on the second pair with Ceci , in more of a shutdown role and go from there . That would allow them to set up the other pairs accordingly . We could either see Nurse & Barrie , or Nurse & Bouchard , or Kulak & Barrie , or Kulak & Bouchard , depending on what works the best .
Nah…it is much better to pair Broberg with the better puck mover in Barrie. Ceci has a good forward pass to forwards, but one wants the more adapt overall passer in Barrie to break Broberg in.
Nurse Ceci
Kulak Bouchard
Broberg Barrie
Broberg with Bouchard by the playoffs.
Nah …. three balanced pairings is important. Splitting up Nurse & Ceci in my humble opinion is the way to go . There’s no way to happiness , happiness is the way .LOL.
And how well do you propose they do as a pair in the defensive zone? For the life of me I can’t see how anyone of clear thinking can see pairing a a non defensive veteran D with a rookie and expect everything to be just fine!
If this is how they line up Manson is telling Broberg to focus exclusively on his defensive game for at least the first 40 games.
I agree that the pairings do not offer a clear path to balance.
Barrie’s defensive zone issues are highly over-stated in my view – no he’s not a high end defensive cycle breaker or net clearer but, for me, he’s serviceable in the defensive zone and has a good stick.
For me, his main issues have come in the offensive and neutral zone and bad pinches and decisions, something that all but disappeared after Manson showed up (along with a stronger commitment to forward support).
Barrie has a decade plus playing real 5 on 5 minutes in this league and I think he can handle a 3rd pairing deployment, even with a rookie (a high pedigree rookie, of course).
Broberg and Barrie will do fine defensively because the puck will never be in the defensive zone for long. Their success, if it works, will rely on defending very little.
Exactly as I see it. Broberg NEEDS this season, has to play in the NHL.
Broberg needs a solid veteran that understands the defensive side of the NHL game to learn and develop quickly . Much like Bouchard had with Duncan Keith .
Klefbom ran with Justin Schultz. Ideally you’d have a veteran, but the Broberg-Barrie pairing is strictly third pair, and Barrie showed terrific ability to make it count last season. Nurse-Ceci is the pairing vs elites imo, as they were with Woodcroft-Manson tandem last year after the coaching change.
Broberg isn’t helpless defensively, and much of what he’ll do well is using that speed to make that third pairing effective.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Broberg with Ceci this year.
I’d guess it would be more in a 2A/2B role than shutdown, but ignoring the other pairs, Ceci is the partner I’d pick for the rookie.
Not sure who Nurse would get in that case, but he’s played 700ish min (including PK) with each of Barrie and Bouchard over the past 2 years, so it’s not like it would be uncharted territory.
Nurse’s best 5v5 GF% results in that span are still with Barrie (of Barrie, Bouch, Ceci, Bear, who were all over 250 min with Nurse). Nurse-Ceci can offer protection for the other pairs, but that might be something that gets save for more important games in the spring.
I would guess in certain situations they might like to use the Nurse / Ceci pair . But Yes Broberg / Ceci could be just as effective . I can see Broberg carrying the puck as well as Nurse and I really liked the Kulak / Barrie pair . Bouch can play with either of Nurse or Kulak . As a group they all fit together well . It will all get sorted out .
Dobson 3X$4 million as per Cap Friendly.
That probably puts a smile on Holland’s face.
Dobson and Bouch are about as direct a comparable that you can get.
Would people be happy if Holland offers that contract as soon as he is able to extend?
I fear after a year of increased minutes and PP time that price only gets higher. And his agent will know that too…
Not sure that’s true. Dobson already got more minutes and more PP time, so that’s already baked into the 3 x $4M number.
ES: Dobson played 1:18 more
PP: Dobson played 1:19 more (2x)
PK: Bouchard played 1:00 more
Net: Dobson played 1:39 more
TOI/GP
Dobson: 21:27 (60th in NHL)
Bouchard: 19:48 (100th in NHL)
So Bouchard could double his PP time and increase his Even Strength time by over a minute without necessarily changing that $4M x 3 contract expectation.
The 3-year term for the bridge is always a bit of a risk as it leads to a potential Matthew Tkachuk situation – an RFA one -year from UFA with arb rights – can really force a 4th year at the QO to UFA status.
With that said, I would LOVE that AAV for Bouch.
I don’t think that AAV will be available in a year (if Bouch has a healthy season).
We know Holland is cognizant of his raise for next season (as he’s mentioned it) – we don’t know how high he is prioritizing getting an early extension done, if at all.
And we don’t know how highly Bouchard’s agent is prioritizing NOT getting an early extension done 🙂
Interesting aside…Bouchard’s agent is Dave Gagner (Sam’s dad) of the Wasserman Agency that also represents McDavid.
I’d like to get Bouchard done long-term before the season starts … something like 5 million x 6-7 years. Buys some UFA years, but he’s still 28-29 years old and can get one more long-term deal.
I think you’ll see the agents for this tier of player insisting on shorter terms in anticipation of the cap taking a big jump when escrow is paid off.
That would be something but I don’t see it happening.
Frankly, Holland seems like a GM that likes a certain order the player personnel matters. Of course, this doesn’t apply to the elites coming off ELCs (like McDavid and Drai) but his order of business has RFA signings in the off-season and after the main UFA procurement period and, even further, the non-arb right RFAs near the end of the summer.
Maybe he tries to get ahead of Bouch and this next contract if he values him as much as I think he should but, realistically, I think we are waiting for next off-season.
True – of course, the risk of not doing it is higher for the player, I believe. Injury risk – injuries can change a player and career – if a $30MM on a Klef type deal is thrown in front of the kid, well, that is money that guarantees one for life, for example.
Sure, but I presumed we were still talking about something in the $4M x 3 range like Dobson.
Despite the comparisons to Klefbom, for obvious reasons, I’ve always felt Nurse is the more true Broberg comp in terms of size, skating, style of play. Hopefully also in terms of even strength offense.
As to Klefbom’s 5v5 offense, the only time he bested 0.85 P/60 (5v5) was in his injury shortened 15-16 season (30 games played). (his range was 0.59 to 0.85, plus 1.09 in 15-16)
In contrast, Nurse has been over 0.86 every one of the last 5 seasons (range 0.86 to 1.19). Pretty surprising considering what most think of Klefbom and Nurse offensively.
Barrie as another comparison point has ranged between 0.88 and 1.42 for the past 9 season.
I think Broberg’s puck carrying and rushing game is much more similar to Nurse than Klefbom, and I’m hopeful (assuming he can become a top 4 D) that he’ll actually contribute more even strength offense than Klefbom did. We will see.
While they aren’t really style comparables (as you say) the league and boxcar progression for Klefbom and Broberg really is striking.
I agree it’s fair to question whether Broberg will ever score 34+ points in the NHL, but I think Klefbom having done that is more a reflection of him earning a spot on that PP (and credit due for that to be sure) than a real difference in their offense.
Looking at the leagues/tournaments both men played in prior to the NHL:
Klefbom
SweU18
Klefbom 54 15-23-38 0.70
Broberg 42 5-10-15 0.36
U17 WJr
Klefbom 6 1-3-4 0.67
Broberg 5 0-0-0 0.0
Hlinka
Klefbom 5 1-6-7 1.40
Broberg 5 3-1-4 0.80
U18 WJr
Klefbom 6 1-3-4 0.67 (top 3 player on team)
Broberg 7 2-4-6 0.86 (all star, best defenseman, top 3 player on team)
SweU20
Klefbom 15 1-3-4 0.27
Broberg 46 8-15-23 0.50
U20 WJr
Klefbom 6 1-1-2 0.33 (all star, top 3 player on team)
Broberg 15 1-4-5 0.33
SHL
Klefbom 67 3-4-7 0.10
Broberg 89 4-17-21 0.24
AHL
Klefbom 57 2-16-18 0.32
Broberg 31 4-19-23 0.74
Klefbom seemed to show an offensive advantage over Broberg early, but in most/all of the later leagues/tournaments (U18 Jrs, Swedish U20, SHL, AHL) Broberg has pulled ahead.
Broberg has miles to go, obviously, to equal or surpass Klefbom. I feel his defense is the bigger question in getting there than offense though (I guess because I’m not giving Klefbom a lot of credit for his PP scoring, and his even strength offense was always very mediocre).
On Swedish World Junior teams, both Klefbom and Broberg were used in “shutdown” roles vs. their more offensively oriented Swedish peer D.
i.e. both were seen as stronger defensively than their peers.
Yes, that’s a good arrow for Broberg, as it was for Klefbom.
Thank you for this.
I know that Broberg’s numbers in the AHL were pumped up by PP time (i saw it in real time, in particular early in the season) and Klef didn’t get that PP time in his main AHL season, however, it seems Broberg has outproduced Klefbom basically every step of the way – that is something and its heartening.
Dobson’s AAV will be interesting via-a-vis Bouch signing next week.
We have an example of where burning a year of an ELC isn’t necessarily negative. If Bouch was re-signing for this season, it would have been cheaper than what he’ll warrant after being a year further established and 60 plus points being reasonable.
It would have been tough to fit in this season but cheaper on the medium term.
Respecting the 24 hour rule, Leavins suggested Nuge (shoulder), JP (shoulder) and Yamo (concussion) were still banged up.
If they aren’t ready to go:
Kane – McDavid – Hyman
Janmark – Drai – Ryan
Foegle – McLeod – Shore
Benson – McKegg – Malone
Or something to that effect.
Woof.
I think it’s already been 24 hrs.
And his wording was Nuge, Puljujarvi, Yamamoto “also probable to start the season”.
https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/do-the-edmonton-oilers-need-to-answer-the-calgary-flames-on-the-transaction-wire-9-things
I took it as he doesn’t have confirmation they’re 100% healed, but has no indication they’re not.
How I read it as well.
I read it as a lack of information that prevents him to make a judgement. Concussions can be a coin flip on recovery. Shoulders as often as not, need surgery or only some rehab. The good news, no surgery was suggested but Nuge has some history of shoulder problems. Fingers crossed.
I read it as he knew they were hurt at the end of the year and hasn’t heard that they aren’t still hurt and presumes they are fine.
I have the same presumption.
Noah Dobson sighs for 3 years with Islanders.
No word yet on terms.
Dan Milstein-Hockey
@HockeyAgent1
· 24m
Alexander Romanov signs 3 year contract extension with the New York Islanders.
Elliotte Friedman
$2.5M AAV
Lou must be back in the office.
CapFriendly
Keiffer Bellows – #NYI $1.2M x 1 year All base salary. He will be an arbitration-eligible RFA at the expiry of the contract.
He’s probably had these deals in the top drawer of his desk for weeks.
Probably. Lou has always assumed that rules were for everybody else.
I suppose we are supposed to be rooting for Lou in this negotiation! -).
Huge season for Bro, although the Kulak cover was absolutely vital. Shocking he came back after deciding to check on free agency. If Gudbranson money was out there it made sense for Kulak to market himself. Real coup to bring him back while Bro gets up to speed.
Still a bit surprising considering Holland’s MO. He’s tried his darndest to keep the kids off the roster and he did it too well with Bouch one year. Now a player without an established level of ability is being put in pen to hold an NHL position. It is fair to question if he is ready for it.
Pushing and earning his games last year with obvious holes is one thing. Being an everyday player is another. Here’s hoping Woody does his magic and gets the kid in comfortable spots while the 9+mill man and Ceci take all the hard stuff.
I believe in Bro, but am always cautious with young d, they can break your heart, it’s a very tough position to play.
Broberg, Bouchard, Holloway, Bourgault, Skinner, McLeod, Samorukov.
It is an impressive list arriving in a 12 month window. It is going to be a very entertaining season watching them carve out their place on the team and in the league.
I don’t agree with this perspective.
Holland has three defenders and he’s counting on one of them to slot into a bottom pair role. Bro is at the top of the list, but if he waivers at camp, they’ll check to the next “ready” rookie. Plus there’s can I buy a “K” Koekkoek
Fair point. I would say Bro is the only one I see with top 4 potential. I see that as a glaring need because I don’t see Kulak as a long-term 2nd pair option. I think he’s a low 4 high 5 which he’s been for most of his career. In order to see this team make the leap, I believe one of the youngsters has to take the Keith role as LT pointed out above.
I would also argue tempered expectations on Bouch while although he’s real and spectacular, he only has 100 games under his belt.
Consider me someone who does not believe in KK given his track record here so I’d be happy to be wrong.
I’m still excited because this is a very good hockey team. Man that 17 team got screwed out of a cup berth tho. Klef Lars Sek Nurse was top drawer for the time. Damn Getzlaf.
I think he’s a low 4 high 5 which he’s been for most of his career.
=================
While I agree that this is his past there were many here who said the same thing about Ceci last summer.
Sometimes the penny drops late and sometimes it is the coaching or the partner.
It is not Bro or bust. It is Bro or Sam or Niemo or bust.
And there is Koekkook and probably a PTO targetted for under a million at training camp.
If none work, then he trades for a D at the deadline.
I would almost be surprised if Kris Russell wasn’t at Oilers camp.
If the Oilers had the ability to run a normal 23 player roster, I could see 8D on the roster (13F) including Kris Russell at league min (and wouldn’t be against that).
I’m not sure they’ll be able to run a 23 player roster though.
Broberg is the kind of player contending teams like Edmonton going forward need most of – excellent new cheap players.
I don’t remember if he was injured or brought up too soon or both, but looking ahead there is every reason to hope that he blows the doors off at Training Camp and beyond.
As we head into the season one thing I’ll be keeping an eye on is how ManWood tweaks the PP. Last year was a bit of a feast or famine type run. There were periods of glowing hot combined with some ice cold. One constant was the PP unit itself playing about 1:40 of each PP.
That’s too much for five guys given the talent on the roster.
I’d like to see three guys rotate with McD and Leon over the PP. If you can back off their combined 5v5 time and keep Leon away from the PK I think its doable. That’s probably a bit too much as well and the smart men might run a top unit of McD, Leon, Barrie, Hyman/Kane and Yamo/JP. And then turn out the Witch (who won’t need to take draws if its on the fly) along with Hyman/Kane, JP/Yamo, McLeod and The Bouch. We can quibble with the exact set of players here especially if Holloway presents himself as an option and I’m always a fan of using PP time for rewarding guys but i think we need to see a change in how this PP is run.
Got too stale last year and with the embarrassment of riches available at forward this year it behooves our new coaching staff to trying something a bit new.
One of the downbeat periods coincided with a Nuge injury. A difficult time for those who don’t see 93 as being valuable.
He plays the point doesnt he? Dont see a LD better than him, nor any of the other wingers better than him on the point.
Nugent-Hopkins, McDavid, and Draisaitl play three positions on the power play. Each can play either one of the three (except Nugent-Hopkins rarely ever plays on the right side, so it might be said to play two of the three). That is why it has been the best or near the best powerplay for the last three seasons regardless of who is net front or playing the “point”.
His drop pass when being pressured off the boards or straight back which opens up the ice in the oppositions end is second to none. However teams cheat on RNH side he has plenty of time to snapshot or wristshot from the high slot area. Ryan needs to bury it or hit the net. Way to many times he’s looking for the perfect shot and he misses up high with the puck careening off the glass and out of the zone. Mike Bossy stated the biggest key to scoring was hitting the net.
Backing off Drai of the PK to the extent possible is a no-brainer. There will be times where he helps/contributes but I would think the standard is:
Nuge/Hyman
McLeod/Ryan
Then there is Yamamoto, Kane and even Foegele (who killed in Carolina) to back-fill.
Leon shouldn’t be playing those minutes except the last 20 seconds with McDavid, for example, and high pressure situations.
They need to not have to rely on him for the PK faceoff becuase, if he loses it, he has to stay on with tough minutes.
I think they will continue to look to get PP2 more minutes generally – 1:40 is a bit much for the PP1 unless its o-zone domination.
McLeod had really good PP scoring rates as a leader of the PP2 brigade.
They aren’t going to split McDavid/Drai on PP1 – PP1 will be McDavid/Nuge/Drai and Bouchard or Barrie and Kane, Puljujarvi or Hyman.
Kane was NOT effective on the PP this past regular season and I think he could be a solid PP2 guy with McLeod and, for me, Jesse with his puck retrieval and presence in front should get the first PP1 reps, subject to effectiveness.
What supports your statement that the first unit was NOT effective with Kane?
Stats!
2.29 P/60 on the 5 on 4 for Kane – that is not good.
The G/60 of the McDavid/Drai on the 5 on 4 after February 11 drops from 10.96 without Kane (208 minutes) to 8.25 with Kane (72 minutes).
Stats:
McDavid/Draisaitl and Kane with RNH on the PP: 10.51 g/60
McDavid/Draisaitl and Kane w/o RNH on the PP: 7.55 g/60
Seems like with the full first unit, Kane as the net front presence was doing a decent job, similar to Hyman and a little behind Jesse.
RNH being injured impacted the pp significantly over that stretch.
I will say though as long as the first unit keeps clicking with someone else, I think Kane is better used on the second unit.
The McDavid-Draisaitl-Kane-Nuge 10.51 g/60 is in 17 total power play minutes based on what I’m looking at, and if true, that’s not something we can trumpet with any certainty.
Was going to chime in with something similar. Even the 72 minutes (McDavid+Draisaitl+Kane) is rather small.
I think the SSS may be the root to begin with:
McDavid+Draisaitl with Kane 67.6SF/60 9.89xGF/60
McDavid+Draisaitl w/outKane 67.5SF/60 9.93xGF/60
The underlying numbers are identical, so I think this is much ado about nothing.
Its interesting, in the regular season, in 18 minutes, that trio was 0-3 goals and caved in posession.
At 5v5. Huh.
Doesn’t look too caved (48% shots). But they were on for 25 face-offs in 18 min, and more Dzone than O.
I’d guess this is late protecting leads, IIRC Woodcroft was using them together a fair bit for that.