I remember well the 2020 entry draft, because of it’s strangeness (some players were badly underscouted, plus it happened on a Tuesday and Wednesday) and because the Detroit Red Wings’ scouting director Tyler Wright was overseeing his first draft in charge of the Oilers board. You may recall the “Harvest Moon 2020” article here at Lowetide because of a rabbit, or possibly 22 rabbits.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie turns a corner, now NHL-ready
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers are about to start a major makeover at right wing
- New DNB: How Oilers’ Stuart Skinner learned to be a pro — and an NHL All-Star
- Lowetide: Is Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft saving another season?
- DNB: Why Ryan Nugent-Hopkins matters more to the Oilers now than ever before
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers ride high-flying offence to strong January finish
- DNB: Are the Oilers actually good again or are they simply benefitting from an easy schedule?
- Lowetide: Are the Oilers getting enough out of their AHL prospect pipeline?
- DNB: Oilers give a third-string university goalie the experience of his lifetime
- Lowetide: Oilers rookies Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway arriving right on time
- DNB: Oilers trade target: Scouting Blue Jackets defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov
- Lowetide: 3 trades that could help the Oilers this season and beyond
- New DNB: Oilers’ Zach Hyman subscriber Q&A
- Lowetide: The 5 biggest reasons for Edmonton Oilers’ recent turnaround
- DNB: What I’m hearing on Oilers’ trade deadline plans
- Lowetide: Is Oilers’ Vincent Desharnais an NHL defenceman?
- DNB: Oilers must act at the trade deadline
- Lowetide: Oilers midseason review of 2022-23 reasonable expectations
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
THE HARVEST MOON INTRO
There’s been a rabbit in my backyard every year since I moved to this house, and that’s 22 years. Sometimes there are four or five. My neighbour loves when they show up. The rabbits know they’re welcome here, it’s one of their spots in this area. I’m cool with it. Ziggy can see them from the deck and barks, but on the grass she can smell them but rarely sees them. It’s an unusual relationship but it works for all involved.
I have talked to a rabbit (either 22 different ones or one rabbit 22 times) about the NHL draft every year I’ve lived here. This year, we spoke Tuesday afternoon, I expressed some trepidation about how things might go with the Detroit wheels in charge.
The rabbit, as it has done 22 times (or 22 rabbits once), listened quietly from its comfortable spot by the fence. The rabbit doesn’t say much, but like all good friends gives me the gift of his time and listens intently. Every year, without fail, the rabbit guides me to the lesson of the draft year.
This year’s lesson: Get over myself. I control nothing, just like that rabbit. I’m worried about the town team making a bad pick, this rabbit has to be aware of every damn dog or coyote in Christendom, or a kid on a bicycle or a CAR!
The rabbit was telling me to enjoy the good times, chew on some grass and find a warm spot near the fence, because there isn’t one damn thing I can do about the Oilers 2020 draft. That’s one smart rabbit.
OILERS V. LOWETIDE, THREE YEARS LATER
My first-round pick has more NHL time, and I do believe Mercer will have a better career. However, the Oilers next three picks are matriculating impressively and odds are Edmonton will have two players (or more) emerge from this draft. Holloway is a promising NHL prospect and has shown flashes, suspect Mercer would have to be something else to trump the Oilers five years from now. We’ll see.
THEN AND NOW, THE OILERS DRAFT
No. 14 overall: LC Dylan Holloway, Wisconsin (Big-10). NHLE: 13.3. There is an AJHL NHLE but I never use it, Holloway’s 16-year old season in that league had an equivalency of 20.4 using outlawed math. I think Edmonton drafted a complementary left winger for the McDavid line or a solid checking center for the No. 3 line. His NHLE says checker, but his splits in Wisconsin suggest he was spiking as the season ended: 5-4-9 in his last 10 games, with 31 shots on goal. I’ll guess he will do both throughout his Oilers career, kind of a hybrid. Red Line says he grinds and wins battles. Let’s revisit in five years.
Holloway had some injury issues (real worries at one point) but his rookie season in the NHL is solid if unspectacular. His 1.34 pts-60 at five-on-five is impressive considering his quality of linemates (Derek Ryan and Ryan McLeod his most common linemates) and he’s over 50 percent in five-on-five shot, goal and expected goal share. Holloway isn’t a lock for an NHL career, but the resume is heading in that direction just 2.5 years after he was drafted.
No. 100 overall: LW Carter Savoie, Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL) NHLE: 22.6. Don’t run with that NHLE for AJHL, besides his boxcars (54 games, 53-46-99) tell us he will have success in college and beyond offensively. His scouting report reminds me of a combination of Mike Comrie (enormous offensive gifts) and Rob Schremp (also gifted offensively, but Red Line called out his lack of effort in a very pointed manner ala Schremp in 2004). One thing he has Comrie and Schremp did not: Speed. Red Line calls it a “game-breaking top-gear” and that’s something that will get him many chances. January 2002, 5.09, 192.
Savoie lasted until No. 100, AND the Oilers took him! I had him late second, and I expect he’d go much higher in a re-draft. He scored in the AJHL, scored in college and has eight goals in 33 AHL games (that’s a 17.5 goal pace over 72 Condors games). His play without the puck needs help based on his even-strength goal differential, but Savoie is an excellent prospect. Second-round value seems fair.
No. 126 overall: RW Tyler Tullio, Oshawa Generals (OHL). NHLE: 28.2 I think there will be a temptation for Oilers fans to downplay this selection. He’s not a big player (5.09, 161) but he’s an April 2002 who scored more than a point per game in the world’s best junior league. I had him ahead of Savoie on my list on merit. He has great edges, makes subtle passes and sees plays developing early. He doesn’t have a great shot but he’s an intelligent skill forward. Red Line compares him in style with Paul Byron, an interesting wrinkle. If you think teams can’t get NHL players at pick No. 126, I’d remind you that Ethan Bear went No. 124 in 2015.
Tullio is tracking better than Savoie, in fact he’s running with Xavier Bourgault in Bakersfield this season. Tullio is a smart player with an without the puck, and his even-strength production is truly solid for a 20-year old in the AHL. His current numbers in the discipline (7-9-16 in 38 games, .42 pts-game) aren’t far off Kailer Yamamoto in 2018-19 (.44 pts-game) and 2019-20 (.43 pts-game). Tullio is versatile and has real skill.
No. 138 overall: LW Maxim Berezkin, Lokomotiv (KHL). NHLE: 15.6. He’s 6.02, 201, shoots right and is an October 2001. He is a plus passer, has a great wrist shot and at least one scouting report I’ve read suggests he displays some elements of a defensive game. Speed is the issue, so I imagine a Russian Teemu Hartikainen in my mind’s eye. Just as Hartikainen was a great bet where he was chosen, so too is Berezkin. I like this pick.
Berezkin might be the best of the depth picks, but there’s a chance we’ll never see him in North America. The fracture between the NHL and Russian hockey is extreme, and it’s possible Berezkin spends his career there. It would be a shame, because this is a power forward who is scoring points in the KHL (4-15-19 in 44 games) at a rate that could easily land him in the NHL down the line. A terrific value pick where they grabbed him.
No. 169 overall: RC Filip Engaras, New Hampshire (Hockey-East). NHLE: 19.3 He’s an interesting prospect but there are plenty of gaps in the scouting report. 6.0, 190, another righty shooter and he’s 21 (May 1999).
The Oilers didn’t sign Engaras when he finished at UNH, but the Bakersfield Condors did get him under contract. He played just 16 games for them before being dealt (in a minor league deal) for forward Garrett Van Wyhe.
No. 200 overall: LW Jeremias Lindewall, MoDo Jrs (Swe). NHLE: 11.8. He’s 6.02, 183 and a January 2002. He has played in four games this season and is 4-4-8, that’s a very nice start.
Lindewall is playing in the Allsvenskan (second Swedish league). His numbers this year (29 games, 2-4-6) are similar to his previous two seasons in the same league. Big winger, has some skill, rugged, good speed. There are some interesting bullet points on the resume.
How long has McDavid been following Chychrun online?
Before or after he started following Matt Dumba on Twitter?
Maybe, probably not though.
there are a bunch of players out there that I’d have time for:
Anthony Duclair. Could they get him for Puljujarvi plus a mid-round pick? That would be pretty lethal up front with Kane, Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Duclair. $3M in, $3M out.
Jake Walman. His underlying numbers have been great. Seider bump? Maybe, but he’s still playing tough minutes with some success. He could move into 2LD and push Kulak down.
Nick Bjugstad. He’s having a great year in what might be his first injury-free season. He’d be a solid 3rd or 4th line C. Would allow Nugent-Hopkins to play wing in the top 6.
Luke Schenn. Is playing well in a tough situation. 2-time Cup winner from Saskatchewan, NHL hits leader. Tough. Will fight. Would be great insurance on the right side.
Matt Dumba. This is a long shot and I doubt they could make it work because a lot of salary would have to move out (or pay extra to have some retained) and one of the right side D would have to go and I’m not sure who it should be.
Duclair? The Cats don’t have cap space to take back JP in trade.
Nick Bjudgstad. sure. that works.
Luke Schenn? The ring, truculence, and the reputation will probably drive the price up to more than he’s worth.
Matt Dumba? I’d pass.
Jake Walman? I don’t even know who that is but PuckIQ sure likes him.
Walman’s 1-year EH rating for this year is 89th percentile. Offense is 86 and defense is 84th.
I sure hope Yzerman doesn’t peruse PuckIQ.
Dff of 56.7% with 39.6% vs elites.
What have you found here?
16:13 at 5v5 (4rth on team)
2nd lowest OTF starts on team at 44.8
Plays low end PP2 minutes and low end PK2 minutes.
0.69 points per hour. (off the glass and out number here though)
Mostly plays with Seider
A million 50 cap hit then UFA. 6’2 215 lbs. left shot.
Holland time to stop playing Solitaire and to ring your old pal Yzerplan.
LT was the first I’ve seen mention Walman as a target, early last week if I recall correctly.
Thanks, I missed that somehow.
https://lowetide.ca/2023/01/30/doing-the-splits-2/
The Athletic.
https://theathletic.com/4061733/2023/01/06/red-wings-jake-walman-blues/
Yup. I didn’t ‘find’ him. Just repeating a good idea.
We get to see him Tuesday
I like Duclair but it would need to be a 3 way trade. Maybe Jesse plus a pick to Arizona. Arizona sends a pick to Florida and they send duclair here.
I know Seravelli floated out the Duclair and JP idea but that doesn’t make any sense to me. The reason the Panthers may trade Duclair is they don’t have room to activate him without moving cap out and, well, adding Puljujarvi doesn’t help them one iota. They could not trade Duclair for Puljujarvi and be cap compliant.
Ahh, yes, good point. I ran with what Seravelli said. That would be nearly impossible to make work.
Summarizing!
A pair of 3-point performances highlighted this day.
Chiasson’s 14th goal of the season stood as the GWG in the Blades’ win. He added two assists and was named 1st star.
Petrov picked up three assists in a laugher. He has jumped into 2nd in OHL points, but now trails first place by six.
Schaefer, Wanner, and the Vermonters were held off the scoresheet, although Määttä did go 10-for-18 (55.6%) on FO’s.
Prospecting takes a break until Tuesday.
Posted below, but wanted to make sure it wasn’t missed.
Gostisbehere had a signing bonus this season that’s already been paid. He only has a base salary of $1m which makes the idea of double retention very affordable. By the deadline, that would cost the third team next to nothing in real dollars lowering his cap to $1.125m. AmIright?
This is all correct. There is probably around $400K left on his salary so retention could leave the Yotes with apx $200K real cash outlay and a 3rd team with apx $100K. Cap hit could be down to $1.125MM.
Of course, acquisition cost plus determination of need/fit/etc.
Thanks for confirming. Speeds hasn’t been in here in years. I don’t imagine $100k in real dollars is worth too much for an NHL team in terms of getting a pick back. A 7th rounder?
No matter what anyone thinks of Gostisbehere, that would be a very nice defensemen at $1.125 m cap hit.
Yes, a 6th or 7th rounder is all that the 3rd team retention would cost.
It may be worth noting that both Kane and Toews contracts are similar, as they have a $2.9M salary this season. At the deadline that’ll be something like $750k owing, so asking a third team to hold 25% of that (~$180k) would only cost a 5th.
Ryan O’Reilly has a base salary of $1M this season, so exactly the same deal as Gostisbehere.
Seattle acquires Jayson Megna from the Sharks.
It’ll be interesting to see how he does away from Karlsson who was his main partner
His wowy’s aren’t good in that regard this year
The latest on Boeser…talks in progress…Chychrun to Boston?…Timo Meier to NJD?
https://twitter.com/thefourthperiod/status/1622373358783406081?s=61&t=neUyvl2eiNfMn3LMDN0ZSA
(Video)
The Fourth Period says a lot of things about a lot of things. I’ll leave this up, but beware.
Might as well be Eklund at Hockeybuzz. 🤣🤣🤣🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Jake Chaisson 1-2-3 on the day
Big game. He got the game winner and Chadwick stood on his head. Made a few 5 bell saves including one in the final seconds. Great game.
Oops I meant the Ice game for the above. Although he got the game winner in Brandon too.
Petrov with 3 apples today. Up to 73 points. 1 back of top spot atm
And then the #1 guy has a 5 point night, leaving Petrov 6 back…
Hockeydb has Tullio at 5’10” and 165
EliteProspects has him at 5’11” and 181
How big is he really lol
AHL and Condors have him 5’11” 180
???
I reckon Hockeydb’s measurements were from his draft year. The AHL ones will be more current.
I only mentioned it because LT has him at 5’9″ and 161. So what is he really
So Lou gave Horvat $8.5M, after refusing to give Gaudreau something below $10.5M?
According to Hockey Reference, Horvat’s career single-season high in adjusted points is lower than Gaudreau’s career single-season low in adjusted points.
I get that Horvat has size, leadership, etc. But I have to wonder if Lou is losing it. Lou has had an incredible career, but with two consecutive non-playoff years, he may see the writing on the wall, and be willing to gamble a little more. (When Chia Pete was in the same situation, he brought us Brandon Manning and Mikko Koskinen’s terrible contract.)
Two very different players.
Horvat is a centre which the Isles desperately needed, who takes and wins a ton of faceoffs.
They’ve been looking for a centre for Barzal and have found one who should benefit a great deal from Barzal’s elite play making.
All about fit.
Indeed, they are very different players. Gaudreau is very much a better point producer than Horvat.
If we go beyond boxcars, the expected goal model has Gaudreau’s career xG+/- at +71. Horvat’s career xG+/- is -36 (including -6 this year).
The Islanders signed Barzal for too much, and now they think they can make Barzal worth the money by signing Horvat for too much money. (Lou’s very strange comments kinda acknowledge that. He sounded like a desperate man without a long-term plan.)
That seems like an Oilers Decade of Darkness strategy. Remember when Zack Kassian was signed for being a great fit on McDavid’s RW?
Lou is 80 years of age.
Long term plans don’t apply.
For once, I agree!
Islanders fans might think that’s the problem.
Dom’s model has Horvat being worth $9.4m while Johnny Hockey’s value is at $8.4m.
Dom’s model isn’t perfect, but it’s the only publicly available dollar valuation that I’m aware of.
Considering that Horvat is 2-years younger, plays centre… One could easily argue that Horvat at $8.5 is better value than Johnny at $10.5
Horvat is a core player
Hockey is a complimentary player
Hockey gets points when in the right conditions, Horvat takes care of important business and has a full game
Horvat is having a sensational season and may end up with 50G and 90P. Of course, he’s historically a 40-60 point player and like Kadri and Huburdeu, who got paid based on an outlier season, Horvat is likely to regress back to near his normal range after this season. Its too bad the Canucks didn’t pay him for an outlier season.
Apple-picking day continues with Petrov’s troika earlier and now one for Chiasson as S’toon draws even in period 3.
EDIT: I blinked and I missed two more points for Chiasson, including him channelling his inner M. Tkachuk on the PP:
https://twitter.com/BladesHockey/status/1622386792929411072?cxt=HHwWgIC-jaiM8IMtAAAA
Woody says that Yamamoto was a full participant in practice – he’s feeling better – looked good today.
Any cap circumvention ideas?
I keep wanting to think of one for Gostisbehere. I mean, after all, he’s got to be here.
His base salary is only $1m after signing bonus, so Arizona should have no problems retaining 50% of his cap. That would be $2.25 m. His low base salary would also make it easy to get a third team involved to retain cap.
If you could get another team involved, you could have him at $1.125 cap hit.
In a perfect world, you would keep him on LTIR until the playoffs, but that won’t likely fly.
IMO having ROR at $1.875M cap hit is more appealing. His playoff record is superb.
I still like sending klef and Smith to cbj with package to get garikov and nyquist with nyquist possibly activated for playoffs
If the Oilers will continue to go in to LTIR reserves and be over the cap (with Nyquist) then sending out Klef ad Smith does’t provide any benefit. In fact, it could potentially reduce cap space depending on how the numbers line and timing.
I think I’ve managed to eradicate the Comrade mate spam, for now at least.
thanks again for your efforts, Ryan
You are a great man!
I don’t know….I really want to click on that rotating tin, open it up, slice off a chunk and throw it into the frying pan. When I grew up that was a treat. And another brand was called Clic, if I recall correctly.
And Prem.
Klik
I miss hers
Might need an easy high paying gig
Dylan Guenther has been assigned to Seattle – does this help or hurt Schaefer….?
It really depends on Schaefer. When Boqvist joined the London Knights I asked Struddy how that would impact Bouchard’s development.
His answer was an enthusiastic endorsement. Playing and practicing with skill is a benefit, as it raises the internal level of competition and creates a better product on the ice during games.
If Schaefer puts in the work he could see an increase in cherry minutes with better linemates.
Yes, that would be the best outcome.
The worse would be, I don’t know, losing PP1 time to him – I doubt it though – I would imagine Schaefer remains a top offensive option for the team.
@CraigSMorgan
Thread (1/2): The Coyotes are sending F Dylan Guenther back to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL.
Friday’s game in Chicago would have been his 39th on the active roster; 1 more game means accruing a year toward UFA status.
See him up close and decide to be at least that good
Aren’t they on opposite wings (Schaefer L, Guenther R)?
Yes, sure, but there are only so many spots on the PP, many wingers play both sides, etc.
I don’t follow the team close enough to know how they will be deployed.
They are getting hella deep at FW
gotta mean less playing time overall
including Schaeffer (and now Guenther) it means there are 8 FW’s averaging a point a game or better.
Davidson
Ciona (Flames spits)
Crnkovic
Sawchyn
Schaeffer
Dach
Guenther
Lambert
going by PP points it doesn’t appear like Schaeffer is on PP1
it looks like PP1 is
Korchinski
Davidson
Ciona
Crnkovic
Sawchyn
could be wrong
I’m really rooting for Gracyn Sawchyn, for a RHC putting up 1 p/gm he’s relatively under the radar.
Lou L. in the media scrum when asked about the Horvat contract: “All I can tell you is that its too long and is for too much money…’.
Ha!
“…And definitely was not discussed prior to the trade.”
If Lou was our GM, we could probably trade for Gostisbehere on LTIR and activate him for the playoffs.
Not if he’s ready to go in early March, as has been generally speculated.
Lou wouldn’t even tell anyone until minutes before the first playoff game.
Well if that’s the case Lou didn’t do his homework… even my limited research told me he wanted something beginning with $8M and that’s why they got nowhere with the extension in Vancouver
Oilers back on the ice today in Edmonton, including the three all-stars.
https://twitter.com/ReidWilkins/status/1622337577037733888
I’m surprised those three travelled all the way back west just to head east to Detroit tomorrow….. seems like they could have (should have) stayed on EST to me.
Actually, now that I think about it, if they didn’t head home for a couple of nights, with the 4-game trip through Sunday, they’d have been gone for a very long time. Makes sense now.
So 7 days until Yamamoto will apparently be activated. Will a shoe drop (trade) before then? What one?
I think it’ll be Puljujarvi (shocking, I know)
It sounded like Kenny had a deal lined up prior to Kane’s return but the Yammo LTIR bought everyone more time
I love the kid but it’s the end of the line for him
We’re close enough to the trade deadline now that all the participants are jockeying for position. getting their ducks in a row, and it’s time now to pull the trigger
Even if it’s a cap dump ie: future considerations, I think having enough cap space to run a 22/23 man roster has real value, and having a little walking around money prior to the deadline should lubricate any transaction(s) Kenny has on his plate
Seems obvious, but Puljujarvi seemed sure to be traded a time or 3 before, so you never know. We will see soon enough.
After Bob’s cryptic remark on Friday, I’d say there’s a good chance it’s Foegele. Pujo makes more sense as apparently they were close to trading him prior to Yams going LTIR, but then I don’t get Bob’s comment.
Could be both.
Would prefer Foegele as that opens up $2.75MM for next season as well.
Exactly – flexibility next summer is key – after the season we can let JP walk, trade him, or resign him for a lower cap hit. I think he’s done but trading Fog makes way more sense now as it opens up space next summer. Trading JP now doesn’t do that. I think that JP, Fog, Yamo (13 goals this year, $8.25 million cap this season) will all be gone by next summer and replaced by lower cap hit guys (Kostin, Holloway, Lavoie – 12 goals this year, probably about $3 million cap next season). We can use the money better elsewhere.
My hope is Foegle is moved for Acciari
Dumping Foegele makes more sense. Puljujarvi is a better player in an area of weakness, and the Foegele has an extra year that the Oilers cannot afford. If Puljujarvi walks in the summer, I’m fine with that. I think Jesse will help more in the playoffs. And maybe he breaks out and the OIlers qualify him.
It’s tough as we have young guys who are expected to step up soon and address the holes we all see (1RD, 2LD, 3C, 2RW). But…….time is a wasting:
Can Bouchard play with Nurse on the top pair next season? If mgmt thinks no then trade Barrie and get someone who can right now.
Can Broburg play on 2nd pair next season? If mgmt thinks no then trade Kulak and get someone who can right now.
Can McLeod or RNH crush 3C in the playoffs? If mgmt thinks no then get someone who can in return for Fog, JP or Yamo +/- a pick.
Can JP, Kostin or Yamo succeed at 2RW in the playoffs? If mgmt thinks no then get someone who can in return for Fog, JP or Yamo +/- a pick.
Those are the questions as I see it and Holland has another few weeks to determine the answers. If you think the young guys are on the cusp of making a real difference – then you play small-ball at the deadline picking up guys like Bjugsted and Stall while moving out one of the contracts that run though next season (Fog, Yamo). If mgmt sees the young guys are further away then you have to make a run at guys like Chychren, Karlssen or Toews.
So I guess we should be cheering for Columbus in the Bedard sweepstakes? Keep him out of the western conference for 10 years…
Yup – there are some that want him in the conference, of even the division (i.e. Canucks) to see him more…… I’m just fine with him out east and the Canucks drafting 14th and the Avs 15th and the flames 16th…..
The Canucks are currently ranked to draft 8th and 13th.
Without Horvat (and perhaps Boeser) they have a decent shot at moving into the top 5 which gives them a much better chance of moving up in the lottery.
They also may trade Luke Schenn and Connor Garland before the deadline enhancing those chances further.
Surely we can agree that neither Schenn nor Garland are going to net the Canucks a lottery pick in this years draft..
No, but the Canucks will certainly be weaker without them.
Fair. The Canucks could improve the lottery chances of their pick with those subtractions. Though the Islanders should also be better based on adding Horvat, so their pice (the current #13) is likely to drop.
I would think the likes of Chicago, Arizona, Columbus, San Jose, Anaheim, etc. will also be weakening their rosters – this isn’t some unique and brilliant idea by Alvin and Rutherford…..
Bedard is going to Chicago. Book it.
TIM: Well, that’s no ordinary rabbit. That’s the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on
ROBIN: You tit! I soiled my armor I was so scared!
TIM: Look, that rabbit’s got a vicious streak a mile wide, it’s a killer!
KNIGHT: Get stuffed!
TIM: It’ll do you a trick, mate!
KNIGHT: Oh, yeah?
ROBIN: You mangy Scot git!
TIM: I’m warning you!
ROBIN: What’s he do, nibble your bum?
TIM: He’s got huge, sharp– he can leap about– look at the bones!
And Saint Attila raised the hand grenade up on high, saying, ‘O Lord, bless this thy hand grenade, that with it thou mayst blow thine enemies to tiny bits, in thy mercy.’ And the Lord did grin. And the people did feast upon the lambs, and sloths, and carp, and anchovies, and orangutans, and breakfast cereals, and fruit bats, and large chulapas….
TSN reporting that the Islanders sign Horvat to an 8 year deal. I haven’t seen the $$ yet, though.
Friedman says $8.5 million cap hit.
Yep…confirmed.
That Hubby contract down in CowTown looking better every single day 😂
Good grief, poor Nuge, Poor, poor (very wealthy) Nuge!
That reminds me. How are Nuge’s horses doing on the west coast?
Cats break the goose egg and score on a 5 on 3. Maatta was on the ice playing bumper, but it didn’t maatta, he did not get an assist. 2-1 now.
Maatta had a couple more good shifts in the 3rd. Stole a puck near the benches on a Friar zone exit and got a good shot off on a partial break. Had a rebound jump his stick on a powerplay that he probably would’ve stuffed in for a goal, but it was not to be.
Munzenberger I did not see well. Only my second viewing of him so I don’t want to make sweeping generalizations but every time I notced him it was for bad things… missed passes, missed assignments, losing battles in his own corner. He has a lot of work to do, if my viewings are typical of his play. Really raw.
Thanks for this, I find first hand viewing accounts to be valuable.
I let a friend and her boyfriend stay here over covid…just realized, reading your hare tale, that me regretfully permitting them to get a dog also ultimately chased my rabbit/rabbits from their spot and I haven’t had them for years now.
Nothing major just funny. Like right, I know that. They had gotten as comfortable as you could expect around me as I definitely talked to them and enjoyed that I could walk right past pretty close and they had come to not panic.
Funny little things.
I would take a pass on drafting any Russians at this time due to the high likely hood of any of these potential players being conscripted to the Russian army only to end up killed in action or possibly losing a limb. If they are willing to take the risk on drafting a Russian take them in the sixth or seventh round.
That seems like a rather extreme outcome.
I would be cautious when it comes to drafting Russian players because it will be very challenging to control their development, as fewer of them will be allowed to leave Russia to go play for major junior teams, or the minors. And there will be more hoops to go through in both Canada and the US for newly drafted kids from Russia to obtain work visas.
That being said, once you get into the 2nd round and beyond, it’s basically a crap shoot anyways. If a Russian kid with first round talent is still sitting there in the 3rd round, then it would be foolish to pass on the kid.
In the old Soviet Union, the top players used to play for the Red Army. I don’t recall any of them getting KIA’d or losing limbs.
I dont recall the USSR being in an active war circa 1960`s through the following 40 odd years
Perhaps, you’ve heard of Chechnya, Georgia, Moldova, Syria, Afghanistan and Armenia.
They never stop.
Had to imagine but you even more clueless about geopolitics. Stick to what you know best – dumb hockey comments.
Being in the army was just a technicality so they could play as amateurs in the Olympics, none of them ever served in a war.
Wow. Things sure change around here. 10 months ago I said the same thing and was crucified for it!
Saturday and Sunday’s games are at 10:30 AM MST
probably not beneficial for the Western team
The team will have been in the Eastern time zone for many days leading up to those games (most of the team reports tomorrow and Connor/Leon/Stu have been on EST for days – a full week for 97/29 given Turks and Caicos is also EST) – should be fully acclimated to the time zone.
Cooper Marody
26-6-9-15 .58ppg with Philly AHL
making $400,000 on a 2 year deal
And 0 NHL games on a tire fire team, which is telling.
12 games till trade deadline. what will we find out between now and then?
One thing I am watching is Evander Kane’s production
hoping obviously he gets back to normal
The game agains the Hawks was heartening. Taking away the quick release shot he scored on, he ripped a couple other pucks towards the net as well.
I premise the McCabe likely still wants to stay in the US and its unlikely he’d waive to come to Edmonton (especially given the term commitment) but, with respect to the Covid-reference – I think the speculation is that the NTC was put in place during Covid and at the time where restrictions and movement restriction was greater in Canada than the US and, given that’s all gone away, perhaps he is more amenable to Canada now – if those were indeed the reason(s) he didn’t want to come to Canada to play.
I read recently that his 7 team NTC included all 7 Canadian teams except Toronto.
Yes, I (we) know that and my post speaks to the potential that the reasons why he had the Canadian teams on that list may not be applicable. Potential and “may”.
Wonder who (if accurate) the 1 non-Canadian team would be. Buffalo?
That was my first guess too.
Have you been to Buffalo? I drove through there once (on the way to somewhere else).
I can’t say there appeared to be much to recommend about the place.
wings
Springfield used to make good music.
Bill was tough.
I haven’t been, though have heard lots of stuff in line with what you’re saying. It’s also the place he spent the first 6 years of his career before signing in Chicago (and the Sabres were a true tire fire through that period).
Buffalo isn’t the same city it was 25 years ago, it has enjoyed a renaissance. I’d go there before Detroit for sure.
Yesterday I posted about Stauffer squashing the Erik Karlsson rumours but didn’t get a chance to respond. For the record he didn’t make any direct confirmations about the player. He was talking to a caller who was trying to push a Karlsson to Edmonton idea. Bob cut him off twice and on the second time the caller asked about the NMC and Bob would not confirm it but gave his classic “read between the lines”. It couldn’t have been any more obvious. I like Karlsson but I think his salary is a bridge too far even without the NMC.
The way I see it, if they’re double clutching on Chychrun because they think they need a different kind of defenseman. Then why would they be interested in Karlsson? When he is the same type of defenseman much older and with a ridiculous contract to deal with.
Karlsson looks pretty happy in SJ now that he doesn’t have to share the primo offensive zone time with Burns. They won’t make the playoffs, but if they land Bedard, then they’ll be right back in the thick of things next season. I would not be surprised if Karlsson’s already decided to wait until this summer to see how things shake out before agreeing to waive his NMC.
Stauffer has shown he doesn’t actually know stuff like this. It’s just making radio. It’s not based on anything real. Zero weight on these sort of assertions.
My brain cannot (or will not) keep Raphael Lavoie and Carter Savoie straight in my head. If both of them make it to the team I think my brain would explode.
Savoie was a player I talked about before the draft. He’s basically my pick 😉 I’m cheering for him.
LT’s article about Lavoie being ready for a call up was great news.
Raphael is tall and lean, shoots Right, wears #50 – QMJHL & AHL
Carter is short and stocky, shoots Left, likes #8 (AJHL & NCAA), but wears 48 in Bakersfield.
Lavoie, pronounced La-vuh-wah (exaggerated), while Savoie is pronounced Sa-voy….you likely already know, but just trying to be helpful. Or maybe if you think of them by their first names, since those are unique names in the org?
Year of the Rabbit!
LT:
do you consider Petrov an A list prospect or a B list?
I think he’s the No. 8 prospect, so I don’t know where that puts him. He has shown more offensive range this season (passing, playmaking) but I would have him a little behind Reid Schaefer as a prospect.
https://theathletic.com/3961378/2022/12/03/edmonton-oilers-prospects-top-20-2022-2/
Berezkin and Yevseyev are two prospects that I’m very intrigued by but its tough to put much emotional stock in to either without any idea if they have any desire to come to North America at any point in time and, if they do, when that could be.
Tulio vs. Savoie – I see more of a consistency in Tulio’s game as he has that Yamamoto-like relentless factor. Lots of skill in Savoie but we only see bits and pieces of it here and there. I presume Savoie will show us more in his second pro season (when Tulio MAY be involved in NHL conversations).
We used to have a rabbit a few years ago. We found him on the lawn one morning, brought him into the backyard, and after nobody claimed him, adopted him as our own. Such an interesting little fella. Early on, when the neighbour would let his dog out, the rabbit (that was his name, btw – we weren’t very creative with it) would run over to the fence and sit there until the dog started barking. After a few minutes, the neighbour would take his dog inside, and he would hop off to go lay in his spot in the backyard or eat. Eventually they became friends and would chase each other from across the fence (or the dog was trying to eat him, I was never quite sure). Good times.
He ran away one day, probably to go make bunnies, and we never saw him again.
Grass, huh? I’m sorry LT, but this rabbit sounds like a bad influence.
One pill makes you nervous . . . And one pill makes you small . . .
Very well put. We all probably have to remind ourselves many times in our lives that it’s part of life to wonder and worry, but most importantly we should enjoy what is right in front us while we have it.Disclaimer- To the best of our ability. However, with observing many many people over time , I have realized that commiserating instead of enjoying the positives seems like it can be a form of comfort and therapy for some people. Here on this blog is where we can read and follow some positive debates, led by a very positive role model and mentor .. which I’m sure was not the original intent…just a wonderful side affect.
Perhaps our host is right on Mercer – I had forgotten that player for some reason.
As cynical as I am – I was pretty happy with the Holloway pick and I am very happy with his first batch of pro games. To be sure, there have been some brutal rookie plays. ( giveaways)
But his speed and size are just too much to ignore. You can feel him gaining confidence.
Yet, if we are honest, we have also seen glimpses of why the numbers suggested he might be a bit shy offensively.
I pictured Dylan as a 3C – just because of his speed and size.
However, as fall back, this kid will make a fine living in the next few years at LW on lines 1 or lines 2
“This year’s lesson: Get over myself. I control nothing, just like that rabbit.”
Wise rabbit 🐇 you got there, LT.
After losing my son last year, I’ve felt the same message.
I think of you and Mrs. Lowetide often.
Hope you’re healing continues, and thanks for providing this light of a blog for us.
Its helped me through many a tough mo in my life.
So sorry to hear this. One of my biggest worries as my kids were growing up. When they were teens I never slept a wink until they got home. When they left for college I kind of got used to things and worried less. I cannot imagine what you went through. My thoughts are with you.
I’ve been doing one-hour sessions by phone with people trained to help those who have lost loved ones. We’ve been discussing things I feel, like my wife didn’t suffer for long and how a person so healthy can go so quickly. It’s really helped me, because there’s a tremendous amount of pain attached, but crying and talking have helped me.
I imagine it’s even more intense with the loss of a child, but do suspect we’ve traveled similar roads in these last months. I’m pleased this blog gave you something, as it has for me.
Be well, and I am sorry for your loss.
Our paths do seem to have traveled similar roads.
I’m glad you are doing the talk work. I found it similarly helpful.
Loss, no matter what age, is a sharp sting, but there are good moments and good people out there.
Wishing you more of those, LT, ❤️🩹
Prospectatious!
Are you ready for some
footballmatinee hockey? There’s plenty of it for the NA prospects, as most of the half-dozen are in afternoon action.Matvey Petrov will try to reach the OHL scoring mountaintop again, having been ousted since his last match. He sits with 70 points, 3rd in league scoring and four from first.
All three Dub prospects play this day. After piling up apples his first several games as a Blade, Jake Chiasson has scored in three of his last four. He gets a crack at his old team this afternoon.
Vermont (Münzenberger, Määttä) @ noon
North Bay (Petrov) @ 2 p.m.
Moose Jaw (Wanner) @ 2 p.m.
Saskatoon (Chiasson) @ 3 p.m.
Seattle (Schaefer) @ 6 p.m.
All times, at all times, are McLaughlin time.
Truly appreciate these updates Tarkus. If for nothing else, to find out what obscure town the times are set at. Spending the first 8-9 years of my adult life travelling in O&G it can be a bit of a trip down memory lane for me. Although sometimes I get caught wondering “where the blazes is ____?”
I too truly appreciate these, Tarkus. I also appreciate OP’s Condors updates, I just don’t say it often as I do not want him to get too full of himself!
Hailing from a small town (now ~300 people) myself, I’ve long had an interest in wee villages, hamlets, ghost towns, etc. Even as a kid, I always felt a surge of excitement whenever my hometown was mentioned in media–even when it wasn’t necessarily in a flattering light.
This interest carried through my radio career, as I would look for any and every excuse to plug a small town on-air. In my present occupation, I continue to see some of these places in person, and it’s always gratifying.
If time and / or finances ever allow, I would actually like to see some of these places in the 780 that I’ve been plugging too…
Tarkus, may we ask the name of the town that you hail from?
Fox Valley, SK.
Two claims to fame:
(a) Exactly one NHL’er has come from there.
(2) The phone numbers there begin with the number of the beast, for it is a human number. Its number is 6 hundred and 66.
My family is from Mossbank and Loon Lake, SK!
Good to know. I’ve driven many km thru Western Canada, but I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of driving thru Fox Creek.
I share your affinity for the various towns, villages and cities of this great land of ours.
Small town kid here too (not near as small as yours, and it sure as hell ain’t a small town now.) I’m long removed from my O&G career and spend my time in the west end of Edmonton working now (couldn’t live out of a suitcase anymore. Props to those who can do it forever.) I get brought back to those earlier years reading your posts. Always puts a smile on my face. Also get a chuckle at some of the obscure ones… who actually knows about Lodgepole unless you’re a patch guy or a deer hunter haha.