There have been times in Oilers history when there was so much talent genuine NHL players were stuck for years in the minor leagues. Now is not one of those times. The Oilers are pushing for Stanley, so stocking the prospect cupboards will have to wait until the good times are over. It’s like that Warren Zevon song “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” and I expect this summer might be a quiet time for the Oilers scouting staff.
THE ATHLETIC!
- Lowetide: What to expect from the Oilers’ 2023 NHL Draft after trading first-round pick
- DNB: Blunders hurt Oilers in loss to Maple Leafs
- Lowetide: Making the call on the Edmonton Oilers’ 2023 RFAs
- DNB: The Oilers and Stuart Skinner can use their comeback over the Bruins as a springboard
- DNB: For new Oilers Mattias Ekholm and Nick Bjugstad, family matters most after a trade
- Lowetide: How unique is Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins career season?
- DNB: Connor McDavid’s importance to the Oilers keeps showing no bounds
- Lowetide: Oilers finally commit to Evan Bouchard. How much will it cost?
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers prospect Tyler Tullio is outplaying the high picks
- DNB: Why more vintage Kailer Yamamoto outings could solve Oilers’ right wing woes
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers spring signing season preview
- DNB: Why Mattias Ekholm is a big addition for an Oilers team that needs to win now
- Lowetide: Oilers’ mediocre February shows importance of protecting the puck
- DNB: Inside Brad Holland’s scouting process
- Lowetide: Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie turns a corner, now NHL-ready
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
THE 54 BEST PLAYERS
- (1) RC Connor Bedard, Regina Pats (WHL). NHLE 61. McDavid? 68. Not many better though.
- (2) LC Adam Fantilli, Michigan (Big-10). He’s 6.03, 192 and a complete player.
- (3) LC Leo Carlsson, Orebro (SHL). Mature center with terrific skills and good size (6.03, 195).
- (5) RW Colby Barlow, Owen Sound Attack (OHL). 6.01, 195. Speed, great shot, throwback type.
- (8) RW Eduard Sale, Brno (Czechia). Eye-popping stats in junior give his resume a Miro Satan feel.
- (4) LW Zachary Benson, Winnipeg Ice (WHL). 5.10, 160, possesses great hands and is highly creative.
- (9) RC Will Smith, US Natl Development Team (USHL). Terrific skills, great passer.
- (6) LC Riley Heidt, Prince George Cougars (WHL). Strong skater, a little undersized, productive.
- (7) RW Matvey Michkov, St. Petersburg (KHL). Undersized skill winger, best shooter in the draft.
- (10) LC Oliver Moore, US Natl Development Team (USHL). Burner, skilled, fine passer.
- (20) LW Quentin Musty, Subdury Wolves (OHL). PF with great numbers, playmaker, plus speed.
- (19) LW Andrew Cristall, Kelowna Rockets (WHL). 5’10, brilliant offense, skating a concern.
- (11) RD Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Skelleftea AIK (SHL). Speed and has skill, playing in the SHL age 17.
- (12) RC Braydon Yager, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL). Great skater, dangerous pivot who can score.
- (15) LD Mikhail Gulyayev, Omsk (KHL). Dynamic, undersized, two-way ability.
- (16) RC Calum Ritchie, Oshawa Generals (OHL). Good skater with size and skill.
- (17) RD Lukas Dragicevic, Tri-Cities Americans (WHL). Big, mobile, skilled.
- (14) RW Matthew Wood, UConn (H-East). Big winger with skill, he’s a February 2005
- (13) RW Ethan Gauthier, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL). Skilled, not as dynamic others in the top 20.
- (18) RW Ryan Leonard, US Natl Development Team (USHL). Good skater, great shot, agitator.
- (21) LC Dalibor Dvorsky, AIK (Allsvenskan). Impressive playmaker.
- (22) RC Nate Danielson, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL). He can skate, has good size and real skill.
- (23) RW Gabriel Perreault, US Natl Development Team (USHL). Smart offensive player, undersized.
- (25) RW Koehn Ziemmer, Prince George Cougars (WHL). Power forward with great numbers
- LW Daniil But, Lokomotiv (MHL). 6-5, 203 and he’s skilled. Climbing.
- (24) RW Otto Stenberg, Frolunda (Swe Jrs). Owns a complete skill set.
- (30) RW Mathieu Cataford, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). Substantial offense.
- LC Samuel Honzek, Vancouver Giants (WHL). Big, talented winger.
- (26) LD Theo Lindstein, Brynas (SHL). Dynamic puck mover in junior.
- LW Roman Kantserov, Magnitogorsk (MHL). Small, extremely skilled winger.
- RC Charlie Stramel, Wisconsin (Big-10). He’s 6-3 and can skate. Physical.
- RD Oliver Bonk, London Knights (OHL). Smart two-way D who counts defending as a strength.
- (27) RW Kasper Halttunen, Helsinki (Liiga). He has skill, size and projects as a power forward.
- LD Etienne Morin, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL). Smart puck mover, solid outscoring.
- (28) LD Caden Price, Kelowna Rockets (WHL). Two-way D, average in size.
- (29) RD David Reinbacher, Kloten (Swiss). He has size and defensive strengths.
- LC Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers (OHL). Pure scorer, he’s also a fine skater.
- RD Tom Wallinder, Rogle (J20 Swe). Smart, mobile defender, fine passer.
- (31) RD Cam Allen, Kitchener Rangers (OHL). He’s a RH defenseman who can move the puck well
- (32) RD Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener Rangers (OHL). Modern player-type, has size.
- RW Jesse Kiiskinen, Pelicans (Liiga). Under the radar talent goal scorer, outscorer.
- RW Jayden Perron, Chicago Steel (USHL). Small and extremely talented offensive player.
- G Michael Hrabal, Omaha Lancers (USHL). He’s 6.06, could go in the first round.
- LW Danny Nelson, US Natl Development Team (USHL). PF with plus shot.
- LD Dmitri Simashev, Yaroslavl (MHL). Mobille defenseman, shutdown ability.
- LD Tanner Molendyk, Saskatoon Blades (WHL). Solid two-way D, mobile.
- RW Bradley Nadeau, Penticton Vees (BCHL). Undersized and skilled. Bet the Oilers like him.
- LC Kalan Lind, Red Deer Rebels (WHL). Speed is his calling card.
- RW Jason Shaugabay, Warroad HS (USHS). Undersized and highly skilled.
- RC Gracyn Sawchin, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL). Solid offensive prospect, good speed.
- RW Gavin Brindley, Michigcan (NCAA). Great skater, skilled, he’s 19 in October.
- RD Beau Akey, Barrie Colts (OHL). Two-way D with plus speed.
- RW Coulson Pitre, Flint Firebirds (OHL). PF prospect, impressive offense, good skater.
- RD Maxim Strbak, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL). Mobile two-way D with size.
The Oilers won’t pick until No. 51 or so, but the list right now is 54 deep by my estimation. The European spring tournaments will add a few players and there’s some players who I would rank higher but need to find out more about things (mostly skating). I’m a little surprised at the drop off around No. 50, but still believe the Oilers will trade that second for two thirds when the time comes.
NHLE’S AT 30.0
Raphael Lavoie is running an NHLE of 31.2 currently. It’s a big deal because, for some reason, players who can hit 30 on that scale often graduate to the NHL. There are exceptiions, Tyler Benson had injury issues so the team kept him on the farm as a rookie, then he didn’t grab a job when opportunity finally arrived. Still, this group of forwards since 2016-17 who hit 30 enjoyed made the NHL for at least a little while.
- LW Anton Slepyshev 2016-17 (44.3) [102 NHL games]
- LC Jujhar Khaira 2016-17 (30.0) [322 NHL games]
- RW Jesse Puljujarvi 2016-17 (28.6) (*18*) [319 NHL games]
- RW Ty Rattie 2017-18 (32.3) [99 NHL games]
- RC Cooper Marody 2018-19 (44.0) [7 NHL games]
- LW Tyler Benson 2018-19 (38.7) [38 NHL games]
- LW Joe Gambardella 2018-19 (38.3) [15 NHL games]
- RW Patrick Russell 2018-19 (31.3) [59 NHL games]
- RC Josh Currie 2018-19 (30.8) [22 NHL games]
- LW Tyler Benson 2019-20 (30.5)
- LW Tyler Benson 2020-21 (39.9)
- LC Ryan McLeod 2020-21 (39.9) [135 NHL games]
- RC Cooper Marody 2020-21 (36.8)
- RC Cooper Marody 2021-22 (42.2)
- W Raphael Lavoe 2022-23 (31.2)
My own belief is that Lavoie will eclipse most if not all men on this list in career games (it might be difficult to catch Puljujarvi). Lavoie has an extreme strength (his shot) and it has high value. He also appears to have turned a corner ala Stuart Skinner in 2020-21 and we’re seeing a more complete version of Lavoie this season. He moves his feet now, he bullies now, he has a shooter’s confidence now. It’s there. I don’t know where he’ll play next year, but I am convinced he will play in the NHL.
A quick note about Benson and Marody, clearly outliers here. I kind of get Benson, he isn’t a burner, plays a position where competition is strong, and doesn’t have a great shot. Marody? I’ll never, ever understand. He does have a real strength (passing, vision) plus he’s right-handed too. Never understand.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
We hit the ground running for the week at 10 this morning and don’t stop until 2! We’ll chat about the Oilers loss to Toronto, the World Baseball Classic and Canada’s first game, NFL trades and more. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide twitter. Talk soon!
New for The Athletic: Are the Oilers carrying too much youth to win the Stanley Cup?
https://theathletic.com/4299790/2023/03/13/oilers-skinner-mcleod-desharnais-rookies/
Not having read yet, I will assume the answer is Hellz naw!
Now that Nickelback is in the hall of fame…can we all stop pretending not to love their music?!!
Dallas takes a 4-2 lead over the Kraken in to the 2nd intermission.
Good, I guess, if one wants to play the LAK in the first round of the playoffs again.
The playoff seeding is starting to take shape.
Barring a complete implosion, we’re not going to catch Vegas given that they now have an 8 point lead.
Even with the Kings, trying to close 5 points in 15 games is very difficult in Bettman’s NHL.
Most likely, we’re fighting with the Kraken for 3rd in the Pacific or with the Jets and Colorado over the last two wildcard spots.
My preference would be 3rd in the Pacific (though second would be ideal if not likely.)
I really don’t like the idea of a first round matchup with Dallas on the road then the winner of the Colorado / Wild series.
Injury strikes the Avalanche again tonight.…they won an 8-4 laugher over Montreal.
Artturi Lehkkonen with 2G 1A but then suffered a broken finger and is on his way back to Denver for surgery,
It just never stops.
Oh, the humamity!
We have two games left against the kings, so 2nd is still a possibility.
Ottawa
Dallas
Seattle
SJ
Arizona
Vegas
Arizona
Vegas
LA
Anaheim
LA
Anaheim
SJ
Colorado
SJ
It’s there on a platter, if they want it bad enough. 7 out of 15 ‘challenging’ games
I actually don’t care who they are playing, at this point they should have the mindset that they can beat any team if they play the right way. Or it won’t happen, they have to believe in themselves, think they are the best
The Oilers have the ‘easiest’ schedule as well
Onions.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CptG0McA_7j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again
Congratulations Hair,
My first & only up vote for you
Updated boxcars for Oiler skaters under Woodcroft (current Oilers only). This is both regular season and playoffs.
Forwards (GP G-A-TP +/- PIM)
McDavid- 121 86-137-223 +48 54
Draisaitl – 118 72-105-177 +14 46
Hyman — 121 54-62-116 +14 61
Nuge —— 110 41-70-111 +3 57
Kane ——- 82 43-30-73 +19 138
Yamamoto- 95 22-27-49 +5 54
McLeod — 109 18-20-38 -3 30
Ryan —— 115 19-16-35 +10 38
Foegele — 104 18-13-31 +2 38
Janmark —- 51 6-13-19 +2 20
Kostin ——- 42 10-8-18 +12 55
Shore ——- 62 4-10-14 +5 8
Holloway —- 52 3-6-9 +1 27
Bjugstad —— 4 1-1-2 +1 0
Defensemen
Nurse —— 117 14-42-56 +42 114
Bouchard — 121 10-45-55 +1 38
Ceci ——— 121 6-31-37 +27 42
Kulak ——– 101 4-27-31 +21 59
Broberg ——- 52 1-8-9 +6 4
Desharnais — 22 0-4-4 +8 23
Ekholm ——— 6 1-2-3 +7 0
Nemalainen — 36 0-1-1 0 6
The same number per 82 GP, cause why not:
Forwards G-A-TP +/-
McDavid — 58-93-151 +33
Draisaitl — 50-73-123 +10
Nuge —— 31-52-83 +2
—
Hyman —- 37-40-77 +9
Kane —— 43-30-73 +19
Yamamoto 19-23-42 +4
—
Bjugstad — 21-21-42 +21 (4GP!!)
Kostin —— 20-15-35 +23
Janmark — 10-21-31 +3
—
McLeod — 14-15-29 -2
Ryan — — 14-11-25 +7
Foegele — 14-10-24 +2
—
Shore ——- 6-13-19 +7
Holloway — 5-9-14 +2
Defensemen
Nurse —— 10-29-39 +29
Ceci ——— 4-21-25 +18
—
Ekholm —– 14-27-41 +97 (6GP!!)
Bouchard — 7-30-37 +1
—
Kulak ——–- 3-22-25 +17
Desharnais – 2-13-15 +30 (22GP)
—
Broberg —— 1-14-15 +9
Nemalainen – 0–2–2 +0
Friedman today on Tim & Friends was asked about ncaa free agents of interest and mentioned that guy that signed with the Nooks, Devon Levi, and then Skyler Son of Rod.
Paraphrasing, he asked Holland about Brind’amour and “Kenny wouldn’t say much. They’re deciding what to do and other teams are interested and circling.” Pretty heartening news that others are interested in our old draft and follow 6th rounder!
I’d be fairly surprised of Skyler got himself an NHL ELC – I’m thinking he’ll sign an AHL contract.
Yeah my thought as well before I heard Friedman, was very surprised his name even came up. He spoke about the cache of his last name and how he’s wired like his dad. Made me wonder if Carolina may throw an elc at him haha.
Stauff really pushing Chaulk to call Lavoie NHL ready but Chaulk wouldn’t.
When asked about an injury fill, he kind of agreed he could play a game. When asked about a call-up for the playoffs – Chaulk talked about it being a big task and he should be ready for a big playoff run and a big off-season and get ready to compete at camp.
——————————–
Bourgault – upper body injury – full practice today – should be ready for Wed
Tulio – lower body injury – will be out a few weeks
Savoie – illness.
Lavoie is NHL ready.
He could be. His play for a long stretch has certainly earned a chance.
Unless there is an LTIR type injury, it seems that chance won’t present itself until next season
As expected, Aidan McDonough signs in Vancouver and will burn off the first year of his ELC with the Canucks.
https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2023/03/canucks-sign-aidan-mcdonough.html
Finally, I can get off the edge of my seat!
you hid your anxiety well! 😉
A rundown of NCAA free agents who could sign in the coming days.
https://www.flohockey.tv/articles/10707606-top-college-free-agents-eligible-to-sign-with-nhl-teams-in-2023
We are very excited for him to spend 2 years in the Ahl and then get waved
Projects as a middle 6 winger in the NHL.
Was among the top goal scorers in the NCAA for the past 2 seasons.
No guarantees of course but smart teams are increasingly tapping into the college hockey system for more highly developed players.
I’m assuming you left out ‘undrafted’ in your response for plausible deniability.
Tampa averages less than 1 college player per year for the last 5 years. all but 1 were drafted by the team. Odeen Tufto, he of 0 NHL games and no longer under contract with them is the exception.
Increasingly indeed.
Tampa currently has 9 NCAA players in their system.
I would imagine they would not be a top destination for undrafted college free agents since most of those players and their agents look for a clear path to playing time to burn off the first year of their ELCs and Tampa’s roster does not lend itself well to that.
Colorado did manage to snag last year’s top NCAA prospect Ben Myers and he has a few games played in the NHL.
Any forward worth a damn is long gone by junior year
Yup – he turns 24 in November.
Carter Savoie just turned 21 this calendar year and, in college last year (ages 19-20), he outscored what this B prospect did this season in the NCAA.
Goaltender Devon Levi who was McDonough’s teammate at Northeastern is also expected to sign this week with Buffalo.
Looks like a fantastic prospect.
https://www.flohockey.tv/articles/10746461-why-devon-levi-should-go-down-as-one-of-college-hockeys-greatest-goalies
FTFY.
He was drafted by the Canucks.
Yes he was…7th round.
But since he spent all 4 years in college, he could have elected to become a UFA in the summer.
I would hope that Broberg is in but no mention of the D:
—————-
Ryan Rishaug
@TSNRyanRishaug
Skinner in starters net.
Kostin with Bjugstad and Janmark
McLeod between Shore and Ryan.
Still early to say anything definitive, but some potential changes coming
———————-
Has there been word on Desharnais’ status after Tavares’ attempt at amateur surgery?
So is the $5k fine Tavares received for the incident an acknowledgement that the on-ice officials should have called something more severe than a 2 minute minor or did the officials make the correct call since there was no obvious compound fracture and he wasn’t bleeding…
I have to say it was funny to see Tavares in the penalty box avoiding eye contact with Vinny while Vinny was sharing his thoughts on the matter.
They shouldn’t be sitting Foegele. And they won’t sit Kane, McDavid, Draisaitl, Nuge or Hyman. Something is going on.
some context on ART ROSS wins after age 26:
GRETZKY – 3
LEMIEUX – 3
HOWE – 3
ESPO – 4
so given good health, it’s reasonable to think Connor can win 2 – 4 more Art Ross Trophies. This season will be #5.
So he should get anywhere from 6 – 10. If he hits 7 or more he will be the 2nd player in the last 80 years to do so. That’s pretty good 🙂
McDavid finishing spot in the Scoring Race since his rookie year:
2017 – 1
2018 -1
2019 – 2
2020 – 2
2021 – 1
2022 – 1
2023 – 1
Fun fact in the two decades between 1981 and 2001, there were only three different winners of the Art Ross. Gretzky, Lemiuex and Jagr. Nobody else won it. We talk all the time about how hockey players can’t dominate a single game the way basketball players can but over a season and over time… The NBA doesn’t see that sort of singular scoring dominance the way hockey can.
It annoys me to the extreme that he got capped out at 97 in 19/20. I think he had a shot at the most consecutive 100 point seasons if that one didn’t end early.
Le sigh, now we’re on to the other battles – most Art Rosses, 3rd fastest to 1,000 points and of course the countdown to all Oiler scoring records falling.
interesting for sure. Because McDavid skates so well he should be able to play til 43 – 46 years old if he wants …. He will need tremendous luck on the Health side of things, but he should be able to eclipse 2,000 points. Possibly 2,500.
Anyway, he is Unreal and a pleasure to watch night in and night out.
Oliver Bonk is a name that catches my eye. (If the need is C or RD, Ontario should always be your first stop.)
In case you were wondering, he is indeed the Son of Radek.
If you weren’t wondering, then keep on keepin’ on.
Oliver on Radek: “He was a defensive forward so he’s able to explain a lot to me about defense, a lot about stick positioning. And he knows what sucks for forwards so he taught me a lot about what to do to piss people off.”
Apparently the son is considered the best defensive player in the draft. He seems to be breaking out offensively too, so maybe he won’t be available on Day 2. Here’s hoping.
What is consensus on Bedard?
McDavid good?
Draisaitl
Mathews
Jack Hughes
Jonny hockey?
I see him as excellent but size may limit him. Not in an NHL career but in becoming best of the best.
I’m curious about his size as well. Didn’t hold back Marty St.Louis, but my limited viewing of him is that his game relies on elite shooting and lateral movement more so than speed. I’m not sure how he’ll deal with the Hedmans and Josis of the NHL.
Marty to me isn’t a great comp for small guys because he is a freak physically
Some Pro lifters would envy his NHL physique. Few hockey players are that built especially legs
I see Patrick Kane but as a goal scorer first.
Pat Lafontaine with a better shot.
IMO, nobody is going to be McDavid good for years to come. What Connor has accomplished to date, puts him in the TOP 3 All Time for me.
He is about to win his 5th ART ROSS. only Gretzky, Lemieux and Howe have more than 5.
Given good health, it’s reasonable to assume McDavid can win 1 – 3 more Art Ross’s. That would leave only Gretzky ahead of him.
Bedard will probably be an excellent NHL player, but I don’t think anybody will achieve McDavid Levels for a long, long time.
Maybe the comparable is Mitch Marner. Who is just as good as Mathews without the recognition. Maybe a cross, like Mitch Marners body with Mathews head and mustache?
In terms of “good-ness”, my impression is that he’s probably in the Matthews/Mackinnon/Draisaitl tier, maybe a notch above. Fighting for second best in any given year and eking out a Hart or two over his career and will probably win a handful of Rockets. Will probably assume the role of the best once McDavid hits his mid thirties and Bedard is in his prime.
Thats high praise for sure
I had an earlier comment posted that seems to have gotten lost to the interwebs. Please excuse me if it shows up and this gets posted twice.
Having watched Bedard in the WHL for the last couple of years, I think he’s going to be an successful NHL player. But he’s not going to be challenging McDavid any time soon.
I feel that his skating speed is going to be an issue as he enters the NHL. His top speed currently appears to be WHL average, so he’s not a player that will be able to challenge defensemen wide or drive players back, a la McDavid, at the next level. Even in the WHL he can be neutralized 5 on 5 by good skating opposition who refuse to get mesmerized by the puck; he just doesn’t have a gear to pull away from tight checking teams who can skate. He accelerates quickly, and has moves in tight that will allow him to get around players. The lack of top speed, however, allows quicker opposition to recover. He’s most likely not going to be the one carrying the puck through the neutral zone in the NHL.
Bedard’s most dangerous from the top of the circles in. He has strong edges and the quickness to get open to release his snap shot; this is by far the best weapon in his arsenal. He’s deadly on the power play, as he has the intelligence to find the soft areas of the PK formation and get open. The shot takes no time to release and is often in the net before the goalie can track the puck. He can also accelerate quickly, and has moves in tight that will allow him to get around players in small areas. This ability also translates to 5 on 5; if Regina gets any extended zone time he finds areas where his teammates can get him the puck for a one-timer or in-tight scoring chance. He’s benefitted from playing with Washington draft choice Alexander Suzdalev, who can win battles in the offensive zone and get the puck to him in good areas.
Despite his relative lack of size, he’s a willing combatant along the boards and can get greasy. His stature often means he doesn’t win those confrontations, especially against larger opponents. He’s going to be one of those players in the NHL who will need to play on a line with good forecheckers that can retrieve the puck and set him up for high danger chances
To me a better Eberle
50) RC Gracyn Sawchin, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL). Solid offensive prospect, good speed.
…
Couple things come to mind, LT.
First of all, I’m very pleased to see you rank him so high (I was thinking third round due to size and being on a stacked team), he’s a prospect I’ve been following for some time. One thing of note is he’s a P/GM player who’s not afraid to mix things up either, as his 68 PIMs in 58 games this year would suggest. Would be thrilled to see him drafted by EDM, especially if he were to fall like another local a la Carter Savoie.
Next, whereabouts is that drop off? 51? or 50? Asking because I’m wondering which tier you rank him in relative to his peers. If he’s in that second tier it’s possible he’s still available with one of those hypothetically acquired thirds.
The players listed here are the top of the group, I couldn’t comfortably add anyone AFTER the list you see. Ordinarily, I publish a top-64 and it was my intention to do it again. I’m just not sure where the next group starts, so will give it time. Oilers would be fortunate to get your guy.
Thanks for clarifying, that makes sense.
Thankfully there are some good targets we know will fall in such a deep draft. Should ease the pain of no first round pick, provided the drafting is astute.
Cooper Marody’s post game sit down interview on TV was very informative. The interviewer (who I have forgotten) asked Cooper or inferred that one of his weaknesses was his skating and asked if he would be working in this weakness.
Cooper replied “it has never held me back before”
Context is important. First was the interviewer asked the question as if this skating issue was common knowledge. The look on Coopers face and his reaction was complete surprise. It’s as if he was not aware of this perceived shortcoming at all and had absolutely no response prepared. If he was prepared he could easily have offered up a quick “yeah, im working with….” But instead gave up an impulse defensive answer.
My take – he was not aware of any deficiencies in skating and its as if it was hardly spoken about or identified as area of improvement. Curious.
Also, because of his other talents which make a good story, I heard as much about his singing and guitar playing than his hockey playing.
Finally, he has the worst luck. Gets a call up to the NHL and the coach forgets his name so gets zero ice time.
Next coach prefers Patrick Russel ??
GM prefers Gaetan Haas ??
Markus Granlun
Thomas Jurco
Next coach tries out Tyler Benson for considerable games and considerable goose-egg offence.
He was traded but didn’t have to sign in Edmonton, he did so because of roster opportunity. Right handed puck distributer, responsible defensively he was generally a plus player, and his NHLE (44,37,42) way above expectations.
I got a chance to see Benson and form an opinion, but I never really got a chance to form an opinion on Marody.
Lost in the shuffle should be his next song.
That statement was made the same offseason that he spent commuting to Nashville to really work on his country music writing and recording.
It’s gotta be Connor Bedard, no?
Michkov’s shot is something else.
We might not get to see it in the NHL for a while as I understand it he won’t be available until his mid 20s and then whatever complications the war brings.
I know he’s outscoring Ovechkin’s draft year, but all I’ve ever heard about Bedard is his shot is next level.
That will be interesting to track over the years.
I think he’ll be 22 when he can come across. Does he last until day 2? I’d trade up to draft him early in the 2nd round for sure.
Unless Arizona wins the draft lottery, I bet Michkov doesn’t make it past the Coyotes. It’s not like they’re in a big hurry to improve…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him slide, but I can’t imagine he’d slide past the 10s. Honestly, if he slid into the double digits I’d be surprised.
I see this Oiler team in a good place. They are still figuring out who slots were. They have 15 games to sort that out and I’m sure they will. In the meantime, every game is a must win, no if ands or buts. IMO I’d like to see them go back to the 11 & 7 alignment ASAP.
If there truly is this talent level of 54 then a substantial drop off, why trade your second rounder for 2 thirds? A bird in the hand…
More bullets in the chamber means you’re more likely to hit a target. Depends who’s shooting though.
To me it doesn’t make sense unless you are staying in the same range
So many looks at it say the drop off is really steep the further away from the top you are
They also show nobody has found the secret sauce. It’s luck. I’d try the opposite, try to dump lower picks and trade up
I feel for Benson. I do wish him all the best but think as an Oiler he is done. Was hoping he would get picked up on waivers this year to restart his career.
Would really have liked to see Lavoie up for a cup of Java a few weeks back before the deadline when Yammy was out and Jesse was in limbo land.
Our RW really is an issue in that top 6. I love Yammy’s heart but the kid is just too small. I would hope Lavoie is pegged in for the Big Clubs R side next fall. I have a feeling Yammy may be dealt at the draft this year, especially if they have Lavoie pegged for that RW 2nd line slot.
Would love to get RW Garnett Hathaway for our bottom 6.
How much bigger is Derek Ryan over Yamo?
2 inches, 30ish lbs. Ryan does not play that crash game that Yammy does. Nowhere near it.
Ryan is 36 plays garbage minutes makes almost 3 times less money yet as more Goals than Yamamoto. You can’t teach hands Yamo who does seem to have good eye hand coordination on tipping pucks. Never the less by Yamo missing wide open nets that Leon has spoonfed him on is costing us real points in the standings.
Ryan takes a beating. Often on the end of punishing checks. His smarts keep him employed.
Yamo has smarts and quickness, but right now he suffers from what has ailed numerous Oilers in recent past. And that is, there is nobody above him to play higher in the line up and allow him to thrive in a lower role. Find that all purpose first line right winger and Yamo will also get better.
They are both smart players. But I would have to say, Ryan is much wiser, simply for his style of play. Ryan is listed at 5’10 & 185 LBS. Yamamoto a generous 5’8 & 153 LBS.
The right wing depth chart is so limited I’m not sure moving Yams out is the play. He scores more than any other option currently.
I’m also completely adamant he is not too small. He’s had no concussions despite reporting, and his injuries are limited to this year. He played 81 last year and was 0.5 ppg. He’s just off that pace this year in spite of the injury luck. Perfectly acceptable NHL production that shouldn’t be expected to be replicated from Lavoie.
I think both are on the roster next year with Lavoie potentially being a great value deal on the bottom 2 lines.
It’s not just about what Yamo brings, but more about what he brings at that price point ($3.1/year). He has to be more effective than he is for that type of cap space.
If he stays, Lavoie almost HAS to make the roster as a cheap contract to balance it out. Together they average 6’0″ 180 pound RW at $2 mill/year (x 2)!!!
3.1M for 0.5 PPG is absolutely fair value. Haha together they are Borgault!
Lavoie will be waiver eligible for next season and we should definitely expect him to put himself in conversation at camp.
With that said, I disagree that he should be pencilled in to a roster spot at all let alone a 2nd line spot.
This team is at the stage where Holland has to go through his summer procurement and ensure he comes out with a roster filled that does not include raw rookies with zero NHL games played.
Absolutely, Lavoie should have the opportunity to earn a roster spot, to win a competition, in camp, but he should have be “take someone’s job” – similar to Holloway this past October.
We can’t be relying on unproven raw rookies to step in and excel in key positions.
They should certainly be looking for inexpensive options for the bottom six. For that is where Holloway & Lavoie would be slotted.
Yes, they should be looking for inexpensive options for the bottom six but they need to be proven cheap options.
The MO of the decade of darkness was going in to the season counting on an unproven rookie prospect to be ready and impactful – it almost always failed.
I think we are past that hope, right?
One 3M down 2 to go unless Foegele shows up this Playoff.
He had to go regardless. He is what he is. Too up and down for his job at his money
If he pulls a John Druce in the Playoffs he instantly becomes a Working Class Hero.
If there’s 1 thing Trader Pete was good at it was mining talent from college hockey. Not all worked out but that was a solid source of free (and traded, eg. Marody) talent for the franchise. Marino didn’t sign specifically because Chiarelli had been booted and that was the connection iirc.
Could use some of that connection now without any of the other stuff he brought (or didn’t) to the table. Still miserable that we payed a 2nd rounder for that guy.
LT: any conclusions on whether the Holland/Wright era has been more of a draft for need or best player available kind of regime? I could see a lot of defencemen drafted this year based on the current prospect pool.
Wright seems to like athletes. Big, strong, fast, physical specimens. I STILL don’t know if Holloway will score but he’s going to play for a long time.
Interesting, and probably means it was a very tough decision to let Schaeffer go.
Not entirely sure it was a tough decision. Schaeffer was big and strong but I don’t think he was fast or particularly high skilled. I think it was a good bet at that point in the draft, and a nice story as a local boy. Worth the shot and to watch in his plus one year. He has had a very good year, but not exceptional. For once, I applaud the Oil for maybe cutting bait earlier rather than later, when the player still has some potential upside to sell to get something of greater need for right now (Ekholm!!!!)
Cooper Marody is perfect for the European leagues. Good player, great person, and he can sling his guitar as he plies his trade from country to country. Worse ways to spend your twenties…
Sorry, didn’t mean to hijack todays topic, just wanted to let folks know about a Brownlee article over at OilersNation, just off the top of my head, where he talks about Ales Hemsky and links to an article Ales wrote.
It’s magnificent.
I believe discussed a bit a few days ago.
I’m going to presume that Holland will end up trading the team’s 2nd rounder to get multiple picks as he’s done a few times in the past.
He may try and recoup some picks in a Kulak trade (or a Yamamoto trade) this off-season – he will need to move some cap out in order to re-sign the important RFAs and keep the band together. Kulak seems highly logical given Nurse/Ekholm/Broberg to patrol the healthy left side next season.
kulak and yamo for cheaper options seems like the play i think most people are identifying
There’s no way Broberg plays the right side?
I wouldn’t say there is “no way” but its a lot to ask a kid still breaking in to the league.
Kulak also can play on the right side. He might be the ideal 7th defenseman. Broberg also, I’d really like to see him back on the ice, the only solution is 11/7. I certainly have time for Kulak. But as far as Yamamoto, he was a Ciarelli pick, and his days have to be numbered.
He can play the right side but so could K. Russell and A. Sekera and, well, any d-man can play the other side. Its the exception when a d-man doesn’t look effectiveness on their off-side.
I have alot of time for Kulak as well but $2.75MM is alot for a 7D and this team currently has $8.5MM of cap space with 15 player committed for next season (not including Bouchard and McLeod) – and the space will further decrease by at least $450K as Bouch will hit 25 assists and trending towards top 4 TOI.
To me on a contender you have to hold a significant role to carry much cap
Ryan and so far Bjug are what you want down the roster. Smart consistent and cap friendly
Don’t forget Foegele, at least in terms of clearing cap. Kulak kind of does make the most sense of them all though.
He does. I’m not sure I agree with your inclusion of Foegele though.
It doesn’t get much ink, but Foegele is outperforming many more expensive players at 5v5 this year.
Among 13 Oilers forwards with at least 400 minutes (and 383 forwards league-wide at the same threshold) , Foegele ranks
4th with 1.01 G/60 (71st)
7th with 1.81 P/60 (150th)
4th with 8.95 shots/60 (63rd)
2nd with 1.20 xG/60 (7th)
2nd with 6.13 iHDCF/60 (10th)
1st with 4.02 takeaways/60 (2nd)
5th with 8.34 Hits/60 (88th)
And that’s with minimal TOI with McDavid and Draisaitl. He’s proving to be well worth his salary, but fans don’t seem to be noticing.
Thanks for that. He’s having a good year. Results like that are why the Oilers traded for him in the first place.
Looks like at least one Oiler making $3Mish will need to go to clear cap. I’d like to keep them all if that were possible.
Yes, sure, Foegele is in there, right with Yamamoto – of course. that’s a 3LW and a 2RW that needs to be replaced. Tough to find “upgrades” for cheaper than they come.
I’ve got Holloway replacing Janmark and Philp replacing Ryan and Lavoie replacing Bjugstad…….. that latter two are pushing it as well.
Unless there are more expensive outside upgrades probably only one of the $3M players needs to go to clear enough cap space for a 23-man roster.
I’ve thought of Holloway as the Foegele replacement, FWIW. And I thought there was mention of Ryan returning at a reduced number too?
Anyway, I don’t think more than 1 of Kulak/Forgele/Yamamoto need to go unless there are legitimate upgrades being made.