Of all the harvest moons I’ve seen, this year’s Oilers draft is the most unusual. The team took its medicine, chose the three picks left over from the trade wars, then made a transaction that would be inexplicable in any other year.
It is nothing like business as usual, and the activity of yesterday will look askew for exactly one forever. I thought all day about it, into the night, and one thing came shining through: Stanley or bust.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers top 20 prospects, summer 2023
- New DNB: Assessing Edmonton Oilers’ remaining roster needs ahead of NHL free agency
- Lowetide: Realistic draft options for an Edmonton Oilers team low on picks
- DNB: What I’m hearing about the Oilers 3.0
- Lowetide: Why Connor Brown is a fit for the Edmonton Oilers in free agency
- DNB: Connor McDavid’s top-5 moments from another awards-laden season
- Lowetide: Oilers’ Jayden Grubbe and his organizational importance
- Lowetide: 4 impact QMJHL centres for Oilers to target late in 2023 NHL Draft
- DNB: 10 questions with director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright
- Lowetide: Why Oilers’ Dylan Holloway is in prime position for a major role
- DNB: Five burning Edmonton Oilers questions ahead of the NHL Draft and free agency
- Lowetide: 5 quality Edmonton Oilers trade targets for low-budget offseason
- Lowetide: The Oilers and Russian draft picks haven’t worked — yet
- DNB: How Emily Cave found that ‘joy and grief can coexist’ in writing her book about Colby
- Lowetide: Ken Holland’s Oilers roster construction missing one final piece
- DNB: What I’m hearing about the Oilers 2.0: Evan Bouchard offer sheet? Klim Kostin to KHL?
- DNB: Oilers GM Ken Holland on salary cap space, Steve Staios, 2023 NHL Draft
- Lowetide: What are Oilers’ best NHL Draft bets for 2023 second-round pick?
- DNB: Oilers’ offseason options: Comparing conservative and aggressive approaches
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers targets early and late in NHL free agency.
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers position-by-position depth chart entering offseason
- Lowetide: Why Edmonton Oilers’ right wing overhaul is about to hit overdrive
- DNB: Why the Oilers are preparing to hold on to Cody Ceci this offseason
- DNB: What I’m hearing about Oilers’ offseason plans: Trade candidates, Erik Karlsson interest, more
- Lowetide: Identifying a 2023 NHL Draft sleeper prospect for the Oilers
- Lowetide: Stock up or down for every Oilers prospect in the system
THE 2023 DRAFT
One year ago, the Oilers used just four selections over the two days, a single one coming in the first 150 picks. This year, it was three selections total, and just one came in the first 180 picks. All of the team’s cannons are pointed in one direction: Stanley. I can’t quarrel with it, that’s the play.
LOWETIDE’S PROJECTED SELECTIONS
- No. 56: LC Riley Heidt, Prince George Cougars (WHL). Strong skater, a little undersized, productive.
- No. 184: RC Jonathan Fauchon, BB Armada (QMJHL). A quality two-way center, late arrival to the list.
- No. 216: LC Markus Vidicek (QMJHL). Smart, skilled, undersized. Second-year eligible.
OILERS PICKS
- No. 56: RD Beau Akey, Barrie Colts (OHL). Red Line: Elite mid-sized defender has loads of puck skill. Transitions from defense to offense in a heartbeat. The defensive side of the ice is where we have questions. Relies on skating ability and positioning to defend, but can be deked because he does a lot of puck watching. Personally, I view this as a home run. I don’t believe he is going to be Evan Bouchard 2.0, but this is a mobile puck mover with all kinds of room to grow. There are metrics that show him to be good defensively, but most of the newer measures don’t have five to 10 years of data in which to measure. One doesn’t want to jump in on new metrics until time has proven them. He’s a fantastic get.
- No. 184: G Nathaniel Day, Flint Firebirds (OHL). Brock Otten: Day is only 6’3, but he actually looks even bigger than that in the crease because of his upright posture. He’s an imposing presence in the crease. Day is really tough to beat in tight. Where Day can struggle is on outside shots because his positioning and angles are inconsistent. I’m not sure the Oilers new goalie scout will look back on this as his finest work, but I didn’t rate Stuart Skinner on my final list in 2017 and he’s a bona fide NHL starter. Goalies are voodoo.
- No. 216: RC Matt Copponi, Merrimack College (Hockey-East). Mark Divver, New England Hockey Journal: Plays with a chip on his shoulder. Big fan of this player. I have to say this is a strong pick in an obscure part of the draft. Tyler Wright’s line in the sand for drafting players is pretty consistent and sifts out most of the danger. This fellow is practically guaranteed to be a useful AHL center at the very least.
LOWETIDE LIST (THE PLAYERS WHO WENT UNDRAFTED)
- 44. RC Jonathan Fauchon, BB Armada (QMJHL). A quality two-way center, late arrival to the list.
- 78. LC Markus Vidicek (QMJHL). Smart, skilled, undersized. Second-year eligible.
- 90. RW Daniil Bourish, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL). Pure skill, great shot. 19.
- 96. LD Arvid Bergstrom, Djurgardens (J20 Swe). Mobile defender, quality in coverage.
- 97. RC Matyas Melovsky, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL). Ridiculous playmaker.
- 100. LD Xavier Daigle, Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL). Steady shutdown blue.
- 101. LW Antonin Verreault, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL). Playmaking winger. Great passer.
- 107. RC Ty Halaburda, Vancouver Giants (WHL). Small, skilled smart.
- 108. LD Michael Hagens, Chicago Steel (USHL). Two-way D trending.
- 112. RW Tanner Adams, Tri-City Storm (USHL). Skill winger, late spike.
- 114. LC Isac Born, Frolunda (SHL). A 2004, he’s a center who played quite a in the SHL.
- 115. LD Isaac Menard, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL). Skilled and effective, he’s 19.
- 116. LW Brady Stonehouse, Ottawa 67’s (OHL). Smaller forechecking demon with skill. 2004.
- 117. LW Arvid Sundin (J20 Swe). Undersized burner spiked in junior age 18.
- 119. RW Matthew Soto, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL). Talented, Aug 2005, small.
- 121. RW Aron Jessli, Pickering Panthers (OJHL). A big, strong winger with an edge.
- 123. LC Justin Cote, Drummondville (QMJHL). Under the radar, but he has skill. July 2004.
- 124. LC Cole Burbidge, St. John’s Sea Dogs (QMJHL). Slick center turned a corner.
There are 18 names from my list that went undrafted. That may seem high, but it’s around this number (19 in 2022) every year. There are some talented players here, wonder if any of them sign with an NHL team.
HARVEST MOON 2023
- No. 56: RD Beau Akey, Barrie Colts (OHL). Beau Akey is the 72nd OHL player chosen by Edmonton, the league has been most kind to the Oilers (Wayne Gretzky, too!). Michael Henrich is the only previous Barrie Colts player drafted by the team, although Andreas Athanasiou and Ryan Hamilton played for Edmonoton. Akey immediately becomes the top defense prospect in the system, and may allow the team to dangle a RH blue (Max Wanner, Phil Kemp) at the deadline. He’s a fine player, I’d go so far as to say this is a first-round talent we’re talking about here.
- No. 184: G Nathaniel Day, Flint Firebirds (OHL). Nathaniel Day is the 73rd OHL player chosen by Edmonton. He is the first Flint Firebirds player drafted by the team. He is a sub .900 SP goaltender, although he did post an .896SP in the playoffs. It’s impossible to call a pick at No. 184 a “reach” selection, but he was No. 12 among NA goalies on Central’s list. There’s a Dylan Wells vibe to this selection.
- No. 216: RC Matt Copponi, Merrimack College (Hockey-East). He is the 13th Hockey-East selection, and the fourth since 2016. Vincent Desharnais (36 NHL games) is the most successful. He is the first Merrimack pick to land on Edmonton’s list. Hockey-East is one of the strongest college divisions (NCHC was ranked No. 1 by Rob Vollman back in 2018, H-E just behind).
THE TRADE
The deal that sent away two NHL wingers for $3.1 million cap is so unusual historically one has a difficult time comprehending. Of course, comparable trades are everywhere, including a more severe payment by the New York Islanders in the deal that offloaded Josh Bailey.
This is straight signing of RFA’s and then adding unrestricted names you see here. We have plenty of time to discuss this, I don’t see Edmonton being active on July 1. Ken Holland did mention signing some free agents for Bakersfield who could be recalls and I’d like to suggest a few.
I don’t believe Holland is going to get overly creative, partly due to the fact you want to see what Holloway, Broberg and Lavoie do with opportunity. There is some risk involved, hell you might see James Hamblin, Brad Malone and Seth Griffith in the NHL during November, but this is the path chosen and short of a Jack Campbell trade (can you IMAGINE the cost of that deal after the trades over the last week) we are here.
BAKERSFIELD CONDORS POSSIBLE ROSTER 2023-24
That isn’t a major group of AHL UFA additions, but I think there are some important pieces added. The key prospects up front next season are Xavier Bourgault and Tyler Tullio (RW), Carter Savoie and Matvey Petrov (LW), Jayden Grubbe (C). I have a veteran mentor for each, as described above. Four young wingers on the top three lines is less than ideal and I do believe we could see a trade before training camp. On defense, I added Madison Bowey to give the group some veteran presence, but with Max Wanner the only rookie to protect, things should be predictable in a good way on defense. The goaltending should be fine, barring injuries.
I received a ton of feedback on this tweet, inspired by a DM from someone asking me if I thought it was a good idea. We’re in the weeks after the Vegas Golden Knights won Stanley with a rugged, skilled team and a goalie shooting lights out, so it’s natural to see the world through that lens. If Kailer Yamamoto came back to the Oilers at $1 million, I’d consider that an astute signing. No idea why someone would feel KY isn’t an NHL player and Edmonton needs inexpensive players at his position. Nothing personal, it’s just business.
I want to get in front of something in case it becomes a talking point in the comments section. For the top 20 prospects each time, I have a ‘projections’ portion at the end. This year, I have 13 (!!!) players on a trajectory to play in the NHL. Not one game or five, but make an NHL roster and contribute. I can see some of you reacting to that number and believe it to be too high. So, here’s my list from 2007 June:
- Andrew Cogliano: 1219 NHL games
- Sam Gagner: 1015 NHL games
- Kyle Brodziak: 917 NHL games
- Jeff Petry: 864 NHL games
- Tom Gilbert: 655 NHL games
- Riley Nash: 627 NHL games
- Devan Dubnyk: 542 NHL games
- Zack Stortini: 257 NHL games
- Denis Grebeshkov: 234 NHL games
- Taylor Chorney: 166 NHL games
- JF Jacques: 166 NHL games
- Theo Peckham: 160 NHL games
- Colin McDonald: 148 NHL games
- Rob Schremp: 114 NHL games
- Mathieu Roy: 66 NHL games
- Jeff Deslauriers: 62 NHL games
- Ryan O’Marra: 33 NHL games
- Bryan Young: 17 NHL games
- Alex Plante: 10 NHL games
- Alexei Mikhnov: 2 NHL games
Most of the men on Edmonton’s top-20 list are going to play 150+ NHL games. Some are going to play over 500 NHL games, and it might be seven (as above) and it might be five or ten. I do believe Ken Holland uses his farm team more than most Oilers general managers but we don’t know about Steve Staios and what he may bring.
WHAT KEN HOLLAND IS CHASING IN FREE AGENCY?
Did you ever pay your way in to the Riv Rock Room with your last dollars and kind of hope for a miracle to occur? You know, someone to buy you drinks and maybe you meet someone you gifted a few brew to? Well, that’s the Oilers in free agency in the next 10 days. If you want to know how to compare this run, let’s go back to Peter Chiarelli’s handiwork in 2017:
- July 1, 2017: Signed R Ty Rattie. One year, $700,000 (same AAV). (All numbers via CapFriendly).
- July 1, 2017: Signed LD Ryan Stanton. Two years, $1.4 million ($700,000 AAV).
- July 1, 2017: Signed R Mitch Callahan. Two years, $1.4 million ($700,000 AAV).
- July 1, 2017: Signed R Brian Ferlin. One year, $700,000 (same AAV).
- July 1, 2017: Signed G Edward Pasquale. One year, $700,000 (same AAV).
- July 1, 2017: Signed LD Keegan Lowe. One year, $650,000 (same AAV).
- July 1, 2017: Signed LC Grayson Downing. One year, $650,000 (same AAV).
- July 3, 2017: Signed LC Brad Malone. Two years, $1.3 million ($650,000 AAV).
- July 7, 2017: Signed L Jussi Jokinen. One year, $1.1 million (same AAV).
- July 10, 2017: Signed LD Yohann Auvitu. One year, $700,000 (same AAV).
Soooooooo, quiet day in Oil Country.
Connor Brown? Maybe another McLeod, or a Bastian/Fischer/Bjugstad?
Brown signing a contract that doesn’t require someone else to be traded would be a huge deal IMO.
This was a 82 20-30-50 forward his 3 seasons in Ottawa. A Brown signing should not be framed as quiet.
Things make sense in the world again.
—————–
Detroit Red Wings@DetroitRedWings
UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed forward Klim Kostin to a two-year contract with an AAV of $2,000,000.
This makes sense. The Oilers could have never made this deal.
I am curious how Kostin fairs in Detroit.
He is 24. Career high of 21 points in part from shooting 19% playing on one of the highest scoring teams in the league.
I am cheering for him but, again, he is very replaceable.
I’m curious too.
I this could go either way. At 24 I still don’t feel like we know what Kostin is.
There’s definite upside for more (in the not easily replaceable category), but can he bring it consistently?
@JonathanWillis
The Oilers have made their bed and have no choice at this point, but the “bridging guys is fine because the cap is going to go up soon” idea floating around is wrong.
Ideally you sign guys long-term *while* the cap is flat so they’re bargains when it goes up, a la New Jersey.
I have no idea who Bandana Idiot is, but his takes are generally spot on yet still quite fair.
https://twitter.com/AdamsOnHockey/status/1674991282194911232
That’s what the Oilers did with their supporting cast of Hyman, Nuge and Kane.
All three guys will out score PLD at 5v5, PP and in total points before L.A. buys him out in five years.
We’ll see what McLeod is. At this point he has 45 points to his name. Need to see a bit more especially given his tendency to avoid taking the puck to the net. He gets that hesitancy out of his game and he’ll have a very productive career.
Bouchard is a core piece and will be paid as such. That’s fine, he’ll probably crack 100 points a few times in his career.
Player’s have agents who are not going to commit there clients while the cap is flat.
It takes two to tango. The New Jersey guys are not taking discounts. They had cap room.
Apparently Spector has tweeted that even though Kostin was not qualified, that Detroit is likely to sign him to a 2 years deal and maybe even before the noon deadline tomorrow.
https://detroithockeynow.com/2023/06/30/red-wings-dont-qualify-kostin-reportedly-close-to-deal-with-recently-acquired-forward/
I’m 99% sure the tweet was from before he wasn’t qualified, and there seems to be zero intel out of Detroit (the article is basically based on the tweet).
When I saw the tweet earlier I assumed the deal would be announced this afternoon, but crickets. And the lack of QO is the really weird part.
Maybe a deal gets announced before the opening of FA, but I’m wondering whether Kostin used what leverage he had (with Edmonton and Detroit) to make himself a UFA
That’s a total guess, and maybe unfair, but no deal plus no QO really is very strange.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Oscar Klefbom on his last day as an Oiler.
Seems like a great dude and he developed in to a solid 2-way d-man – too bad we lost him just as he was starting his prime.
How soon before he announces a comeback?
Disappointed to lose Klim but in a glass half full sense this is an awesome year to be trying to build a good bottom 6 on the cheap. The list of decent unqualified guys is deep. McLeod’s brother would be great and you can bet Ryan is talking to him. He’d be a nice alternative to Bjugstad. Geekie, Sprong and even Klim is back on the market now without the arb threat (but UFA).
That DET deal sure is one heck of a head scratcher – but like the trade for Keith – we need to wait and see what the real deal is/was.
“McLeod’s brother would be great and you can bet Ryan is talking to him.”
I hope he is.
I know there’s a lot of folks still in mourning over the Yamamoto experiment. Anyhow Holland should pick-up Matthew Phillips stick him in Yamo’s spot and watch him score 35 Goals. Unlike Yamamoto this 25 year-old doesn’t have cement hands. This move would be a classic Sather troll on the Flames organization.
lol.
Hahahaha
The same Matthew Phillips that is older than Yamo and has zero NHL points
Yes that’s the guy. Martin St Louie was 25 before he blasted off. Some Hockey players burst out at 25 and others J.P probably Yamamoto bust out.
Matthew Phillips = Martin St Louis
Unfortunately, its not a comparable Reja! Matthew Phillips was actually drafted.
Need to search for another true unicorn.
Kostin= Nichushkin
The more i think of it, Mike McLeod would be a great signing. If you watched NJ in the playoffs Mike McLeod was one of their best performers in the playoffs
He’d be 4C yes..? (with a 4C salary)
I know nothing about him other than he’s Ryan’s brother
Big, fast, hard-hitting RHC, a top FO man, but has Todd Marchant offense. Good vs 4th liners, struggles otherwise.
I spoke of him for 2 years on this blog when he was in Hynes’ doghouse and thought he might be available, plus brother link. MM, RM & Bastian all played together in OHL Mississauga….
Totally agree, he could be a perfect inexpensive 4C, totally independent of the great story of playing with his bro.
Fast RHC who’s good in the dot. Would be a good under the radar add.
Its not really fair to the player (or any of the players from the team), but I’d be hesitant to acquire anyone from the 2018 World Junior team at this point.
The Oilers have had no problem bringing in guys who have made questionable decisions when they were younger and turned them into solid citizens. I for one would be fine if Mike McLeod was signed by the Oilers tomorrow.
Sure but there is a solid chance of real and substantial consequences for some of the players that were on the team coming shortly which may include inability to play in the NHL for a period of time.
Went to look for Wings reaction on the Yamamoto buyout.
Surprised to see that the blog is for subscribers only.
$50 per year fee.
https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/
How would people feel about that here?
Id easily pay that for this community. $100 if it came with an ignore button haha.
Yes.
bargain
extreme bargain, actually.
My Athletic subscription is $76 – US dollars I think – I have several golf subscriptions that exceed $50 by some margin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka_pPf7OqiE
Bargain by The Who
And what’s curious about that site is the author’s post is locked due to the subscription, but the comments are available to read
I think our host would enjoy offering the exact opposite – his post would be open to all, but the comments section is subscriber only
I could be wrong about that, but I don’t think so
Next time your Athletic subscription is up for renewal, let it lapse and take advantage of one of their sales.
I’m now paying $1.99/month.
son of a …..LoL
thanks
Not sure what is up in Motor City, or at the CofH. DS there figures it is a no brainer to bring Yamo back for $1mill. I hope Yamo has more brains than that. He just got a *get out of jail card* to leave an overactive media market and fan base, to play somewhere more anonymously and maybe pay less taxes, also where he may be more appreciated, all possibly in the land of the free. I wish him all the best going forward.
the free
Maybe Yamamoto wants to win the Stanley Cup with the Oilers?
Was just going to say. The list of better places to try to win a Cup isn’t terribly long.
And perhaps he also likes his (former) teammates?
(not that I think him returning is terribly likely)
Poeple sign contracts in Edmonton. Even come over as free agents. (Winning does that) Why would it be a no brainer for yams to not sign a contract?
This presumes to know what Yamo wants and desires though, doesn’t it?
While maybe some fans didn’t/don’t appreciate Yamo, I’m pretty sure his teamates did, and they are the people he is around more than anyone. For all we know, he wants back in that dressing room with his buddies and finishing what they have all been working for.
You could very well be right but it very well could be the opposite as well.
I’m constantly surprised how little credit is given to the interpersonal.
Would brother Michael be a wise Oilers’ target?
https://puckpedia.com/player/michael-mcleod
My eye-test always liked him…
He was good during the playoffs.
I would definitely look at him
RS C who kills penalties and wins FO. Tall and fast and scored in playoffs. I think so
I would say Hell Ya! Perfect opportunity to bring the McLeod bro’s into the fold and win Stanley together.
McLeod and Bastian both were unqualified by NJ. Both had excellent seasons and both had relatively low QO’s. NJ has plenty of cap space, what is the issue here? Could they have been concerned about a potential arbitration award? Seems strange.
There’s 2/3 of an excellent 4th line right there.
I think the arb risk is real for alot of teams. That was the Oilers issue with Kostin and, presumably the Kraken’s issue with Sprong, as examples.
The full list of players who did not receive a QO.
https://puckpedia.com/players?q=YTU4RL#&c=%5B2,3,4,5,7,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36%5D&&sort%5Btable0%5D=23-1
.
Many quality names out there. I would leave some powder dry for later in the summer. When the music stops and a few without a contract becomes desperate, they maybe had on the cheap.
Happy Canada Day from the other side of the dateline, folks!
For all the scorn Ken Holland receives for his cap management he just won a trade where he received future considerations.
And Holland is in a position to sign both players tomorrow if he can make the dollars work…the whole thing is weird
I’m comfortable letting Yamamoto go..I like him, but he was given plenty of rope, and it’s time to move on
Kostin, however, I’d like back, if Kenny can get him at the right number
I think Yzerman was paying back Holland for the Athanasiou trade. It can be useful to have a GM that is respected by other GMs around the league some times.
Methinks Kenny bought that
If Holland signs Kostin and Yamamoto tomorrow the DEA would be raiding Yzerman’s house shortly after.
“He just won a trade where he received future considerations”
LOL! That line made my night!
Post of day award for you sir!
Kostin was NOT qualified.
Weird move by Steve Yzerman if they don’t get him signed.
As of tomorrow, Yezerman is in the exact same place as he was before the trade but with the buyout cap hit this year and next…..
What do you think happened? Is it as simple as kostin asking for way too much moolah and term.
We know the money was the issue with the Oilers but the Wings have the cap room to take the arb risk – I mean, unless they are planning on over-spending big time tomorrow.
I can’t see a possible rational for Yzerman to make the trade – as of now, all he acquired is two seasons of dead cap hit and a smile from Holland.
I used to joke that Holland had some store credits with Yzerman after sending him all of those draft picks. It looks like he cashed them in. 🙂
Stauffer was on the same tack today ie: future considerations/past considerations
Could be, it’s a closed shop, people have long memories
Wooah. Is that 2 more of LAs can’t miss prospects down the drain?
Who would that be?
I assume you’re referring to centre JAD.
Here is LAs centre depth after moving Kupari and not qualifying JAD:
Kopitar
Danaultl
Dubois
Lizotte
Byfield
Turcotte
Helinius
Pinelli
Thomas
Madden
Pretty sure they’ll be just fine.
From Turcotte on down those centres on your list are suspects not can’t miss prospects.
You we’re pumping the tires on JAD and Andersson not too long ago.
Byfield is a winger so far in his NHL career, and will be so again this coming season.
Still hope for Turcotte if he can stay healthy.
Pinelli just scored 90 points in 60 games for the Kitchener Rangers.
Which Andersson are you referring to?
First pairing D Mikey?
Lol at the Kings for trading super pest Lemieux and a 5th for useless goon MacEwen. So glad Lemieux is no longer in our division.
Byfield a center? Bwahaha. Have you not been following?
Byfield has stone hands he’ll be lucky if he hits 20 Goals as a career high.
Oh how quickly you Tye Dellandread lias Anderson
That’s HH for you … always keeps goal posts moving.
When you have 14 centres in the system you have to weed some out.
So, Kostin is officially a ufa after he wasn’t qualified by the deadline today. Imagine the 4d chess Kenny might be playing if Kostin circles back to increase his value again next season haha.
IDK seems like the flight risk to the KHL is legit. Not even sure it’s all about the money, so much as he might want to be closer to his family right now with all that’s going on over there.
I hope he returns one day.
Flight risk to the KHL means nothing vis-a-vis the qualifying offer and retaining rights though.
Wings can take the arb risk that the Oilers couldn’t (I mean, unless they have massive over-pay plans for tomorrow).
Just saw a graphic of all the NHL teams salary cap space. We’re 7th. In dead last with $2.1m? Calgary Flames. They’re truly up the hit Canadian sitcom Schitts Creek
Vegas signs Adin Hill 2X$4.9 million.
Wasn’t it Cristobal Huet that signed that big contract with the Hawks after winning the Cup are maybe it was Antti Niemi. Anyhow I remember a lot of dough going to the Frenchman Huet who ended up washed out of the league not long after signing his paydirt contract.
Hill would have got 2 x $2.45 mln if Brossoit didn’t get injured. 😀
Any interest in Denis Gurianov? Plays RW.
Not qualified by the Habnots, will become UFA.
Discuss.
Don’t know the fancy stats but it looks like he has a hard time staying healthy?
I imagine he heads back to the KHL.
I’ve got to assume that Sprong would be quite a bit too expensive. I presume he wasn’t qualified because of massive arb risk given his point totals.
Noah Gregor interests me from a high level – wish he shot right – no idea if he has been playing the right side at all.
I’m fully aware that I’m likely interested due to the one game against the Oil where he potted two quick ones (I believe one was called back on the off-side) and the name-recognition.
I’d take a flyer on Nolan Patrick on league min
Looks decent on faceoffs, right shot. If not broken might be worth a shot.
I was wondering about Sprong as well. I also guessed that the Kraken didn’t qualify him (<$800k) because of the arb risk. But not qualifying him makes him a UFA. Maybe the Kraken are thinking they can negotiate a deal with him.
They’ve had time to negotiate though. No QO means Spring wants more than Seattle is willing to pay (AND that his likely arbitration award is more than they’re willing to pay).
@pharling
Players of interest not QO and now UFAs
Daniel Sprong
Cal Foote
Rasmussen Asplund
Isaac Ratcliffe
Markus Nurmi
Sam Steel
Mike McLeod
Jesper Boqvist
Nathan Bastian
Nolan Patrick
Tyson Jost
Kale Clague
Morgan Geekie
Lias Andersson
Zack MacEwen
Jaret Anderson-Dolan
Aiden Dudas
I don’t see Klim Kostin on that list
*edit – 5pm ET deadline has passed, there has to be some news coming out of DET shortly
Micheal McLeod would be a nice 4C
Yea but do you want brothers competing against each other for 3C. Might not be healthy for the locker room.
Might help to sign Ryan to a lower contract number if there was a chance to play with his older brother.
Or could have the opposite effect and push both to be better then the other. In a healthy way that is
This honestly isn’t fair to the players but I’d be a bit hesitant to acquire any player for the 2018 Canadian World Junior team at this point….
Seattle declines to qualify Daniel Sprong and Morgan Geekie while Carson Soucy is going to free agency.
— Thanks for all this work leading up to this draft: aka “LTs Real Christmas”
— Is this the least amount of draft picks we’ve ever had? I can’t recall having only 3.
— Buying out Kailer never made any sense to me. What a strange cap world hockey is that players are given away for free and that’s a good move. :
— Hockeys Cap system is dumb for everyone except the owners.
The NHL cap needs to be revised to include something like what the NBA has with its “mid-level exception” for teams that are at the cap. Either that or every team should be given 1 compliance buyout each off season to use at their own discretion.
I’ve advocated for this for years – the financial landscape of the NHL is constipated
You can argue COVID yada yada yada, but the league was blocked up prior to COVID
Yearly compliance buyouts might be a bridge too far, but I’d like to see 1 available during the duration of the CBA (which are usually in the 8 year range)
Regular buyouts would still be available, but if you want to use a ‘get out of jail free card’, you have to pay with a draft pick (a 1st round pick)
That 1st round pick would then go into a lottery, and all the teams that are not using a compliance buyout that summer would be eligible to win that pick
Gary could do the draw right on the stage prior to the start of the draft. Must see TV
Another simpler idea to implement is the percentage of retained salary should be able to vary from year to year, and perhaps raise the total retained to 75%
ie:a trade of a 3 year contract could be structured so the original team could retain 75%, 50% and 0% (or whatever they agree to)
This shouldn’t be hard to implement because the total value of the contract doesn’t change at all…the HRR calculations don’t change 1 dollar
I think Karlsson would have been traded by now if this option was available
Yes, guaranteed contracts are the problem to me. Very many aren’t lived up to. I think it would make average players affordable and be better for the best players and for teams, thus fans. Players get half the money so it’s fair to me
Hockey’s cap system and restrictive contract rules are especially dumb for any owner who gives a damn about winning.
Guys like Connor and Leon should be on lower-cash deals that give a percentage of the franchise that escalates based on championships and other accomplishments.
No I like the cap. It’s frustrating, especially for a team with deep pockets, but it creates equality across the league. Buying a Stanley feels like cheating. For me, a league where potentially all 32 teams could compete rather than like 5 (say in the EPL) is better for the sport.
I would feel very conflicted cheering for my team because some Russian or Saudi oligarch purchased and can spend untold billions of their dirty money to win.
I agree that the cap is generally a good thing for the growth of the NHL. But I would like to see some sort of relief valve to allow teams to have more wiggle room around the cap like the NBA has.
‘relief valve’….LoL….I honestly had not read your comment before posting mine
great minds and all
I’m (reluctantly) OK with a cap, but the NHL has to implement some ‘pressure relief valves’…some form of luxury tax or enhanced buyout procedure or relief from long term injured players – something, anything- the league is constipated
Parity and equality sounds wonderful, but I like watching greatness. I like watching when a team or an individual separates himself from the pack, and that doesn’t necessarily come from just the dollars spent
In a vacuum I take back a discounted Yamo no question. This team is climbing Everest and needs role players who are strong on the puck, can think the game both directions. Can’t say that’s Yams.
I think Yams can help the team in the regular season, in a 3rd or 4th line RW role, where there is not the same expectation that the scores. He’s a crafty forechecker who hustles and has enough skill not to be a complete black hole.
Playoff rosters are usually quite different than early regular season rosters.
Injuries are a thing.
If Yamo comes back for the minimum and accepts a reduced role, then he could be useful still.
I would add he’s a good penalty killer as well.
He would be taking away ice time from players who need it.
That’s the thing. Assuming Oil can even ice a full roster after re-signing Clouder n Bouch.
Some people want Gagner back. Again. My visual memory of Samwise is eyes skyward as he got beat again for a goal, backtracking. Turns out a player 30-40 pounds lighter than smallish NHL players didn’t work, even if the player and team wanted it to
I guess physics is a thing
Got a luxury barn downtown,hot unit ready to rip, warm seats and cold
beer and guess what, folks wanna go to pick yer part for used tires.
Yup, bring back Rattie, Gagner, Petrovic, etc along with Yamo and battle for a playoff spot. See how that goes. No thanks
Haha yup. Oilers can move on from players but the fan base just can’t.
So true … some people are still pining for Taylor Hall.
But some players also prefer to go back to their old organizations – they know the city, their families may be there, they know the coaching staff – and are willing to sign back on a discounted team-friendly contract.
LT has already sniffed out the plan
Ryan and Janmark back for $600ish less than last year. Yup I’ll take that.
Yamo back for $1ish maybe $900k (gulp maybe league min?), why the hell not?
And like that you have something approaching $2.7 million less on the exact same three players from last year.
Now you’re left with somewhere between $7.1 million and $6.8 million to sign Lavoie, Clouder, Brown and Bouch…. Oh that’s doable alright.
For a team who will be running a mix of 11-7 and 12-6 an extra forward or two kicking around is fine. So much competition in them forward ranks.
Now i know I know this is all crazy. I mean what kind of a GM is Holland with these moves?
Right he’s doing the one thing no other Western Conference GM is doing. He’s avoiding self-harm. Wonderful stuff.
A second point I know is heresay is to point out last years regular season. I know I know we all only care about the playoffs and to that I agree but we gotta make the dance first.
So lets say our Big Add in the coming days is Connor Brown. That seems telegraphed so I’ll keep him. And then we get those other fellas in the mix Clouder, Lavoie and of course Bouch
To LTs offseason point the Biggest Move is already made and that’s Ekholm. So we add Ekholm and Brown to a team that managed 50 wins (1st time since 88) and 109 points (4th best in franchise history) last season. That gives us a bit of cover in a spot that clobbered us in November last year with forward corps injuries and we have both Broberg and Vinny who can fill up and down should injuries arrive. So cover and depth at every spot BUT where forwards can move up with the Big Guns if they are rolling. You’ve also managed to cobble a team together who wants to be a team. Guys who chose the Oilers. Me likely.
Now let us just ponder the odds that the Oiler team in the 2nd half of the year is closer to what we’ll have at the start of next year… lets consider that even a slight improvement from last years first half and we’re on pace for a franchise best regular season.
Its interesting that many seem to be sour on the deals and or ability to maneuver. I’m looking up and down that lineup and I see a Prez Trohpy team. Not that I want that curse mind you but I think we’re talking top five quite easily.
Yea yea yea “Cup or Bust” is easy as sin to say but winning it all is hard. This roster would be damn good for the task though.
Make it happen Kenny make it happen.
Al, I was specifically waiting for the Sail On post!!! What the heck?
Kidding…but I will say that they provide sweet, sweet closure. I’ll miss Kailer but he was way too wee, and I loved Kostin…bummer.
If Janmark resigns (he will) I’ll be happy…not sure you get a more dedicated guy in that price range. For all you naysayers…he got dumped in the minors last year, as a veteran, and didn’t bitch. And wants to stay here. That has to count for something, and he’s a fine hockey player too.
Has anyone heard or read that Detroit qualified Kostin yet? There is still 2 more hours till the deadline I think. I would think it is almost certain that they would. Otherwise, Kostin becomes a UFA and all they would have to show for the trade is a cap hit of ~half a million for 2 seasons.
Dreger indicated he thought Detroit considered keeping Kailer but couldn’t make it work. Considering they had $27 million in cap space with him on the roster and no big ticket RFA’s to sign, it makes you wonder what big plans Yzerman has for tomorrow.
Debrincat is supposed to be on their radar. They only have 9 forwards, and 4 defenseman signed to NHL deals, and they need another goalie to platoon with Husso.
They are going to need all the cap space they can get.
Haven’t heard, but you’re correct, the whole transaction makes no sense unless they get (at least) a qualified Kostin out of the deal
You’d think we’ll hear a signed contract announcement before the end of business today
It’ll all make sense when Kailer re-signs with the Oilers for league minimum in less than 24hrs
Confirmed – NOT qualified.
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
·
1m
Canucks say they have not issued qualifying offers to Ethan Bear and Travis Dermott.
Ethan Bear would be fantastic cover for 4RD at league minimum. Although there may be unwillingness to sign with the same core.
Pass – he wasn’t exactly known for his off-season conditioning and he won’t be able to train much after his shoulder surgery, which he is expected to be out for 6 months with.
Ahh yes. I completely forgot about the shoulder surgery. Thanks.
My point still stands though as our RD cover is….Phil Kemp.
And I’m not totally sold that Desharnais wasn’t just on a heater at the end of the year. He seemed to fade quite a bit in the Vegas series.
If I can add him to the 50 man for cheap I do it.
Last season: 24% TOI vs. elites. 43% TOI vs. grits.
Sounds like there is confirmation that Janmark has signed for 1 yr for 1 mil
By my calculations, if we keep Foegele, there is approx $7M to sign Bouchard, McLeod, Bjugstad, and Brown. Is it possible, what’s the distribution. Bouchard is not arbitration eligible, McLeod is.
No to Yamamoto coming back. To get better, you take your weakest spots and try somebody else. Yamamoto had his chance.
James Neal has a better chance of coming back to the Oilers this offseason.
That’s funny. Thanks for the morning giggle.
Nobody more sad than forwards in the West like Adrian Kempe to see Kailer exit from Edmonton.
Traded for nothing to Detroit – now bought out by them, a non-playoff team
Top 6 minutes in the playoffs for Kailer and he was steamrolled by playoff hockey and top 6 opposition.
The dirty secret to this tale?
Kailer was not the worst of our top 6 playoff forwards to get -utterly-steamrolled in the playoffs.
Great kid, don’t get me wrong.
I started last year saying – it was absolutely critical for at least 1 of JP or Kailer to hit .
Now we pray of some way to fill – not 1 – but 2 holes in our top 6 for next playoffs.
Talk D all you want ( and you can certainly make an argument for underperformance for some – don’t misconstrue this)- if a third of your top 6 is getting its soul owned – your D don’t stand a chance.
Why do we have to fill two spots in the top 6 now? Jesse didn’t play top 6 last year.
I believe Kyle Bigos played for Merrimack.
But he was drafted as a Vernon Viper, wasnt he?
You are both correct.
Holy butts, that’s a lot of PIMs for college hockey.
Matt Duchene would be a nice addition. Probably be willing to sign cheap
He definitely wouldn’t help the team tighten up defensively, but I agree that the idea is tempting. However, if it’s a choice between him and Brown, I choose Brown.
Agreed. Not helpful winning puck battles in his own zone. Low attention to detail on the defensive side of the ledger. Hard pass.
His role wouldn’t necessarily be 1st line scoring. He type of player with a high enough hockey IQ to become a more responsible 3rd line player that can move up. With the bet when you have the skill to compete.
He’ll likely sign for cheaper, but probably not as cheap as what the Oilers would need.
The Duchene buyout is somewhat perplexing.
While it provides significant cap relief in the coming season, it hits Nashville with $6.5 million and $5.5 million dead cap hits in the following two seasons.
Along with the $4 million salary retention on Johansen and $2 million for Kyle Turris that’s a whopping amount of dead cap.
Nobidea what they might be thinking.
My guess is that Trotz places an extreme value on having that cap space this year in terms of asset acquisition (draft picks and prospects).
Nashville is in the mushy middle of the NHL. Not bad enough to tank and get the top end players in the draft, and not good enough to make the playoffs. That’s going to take longer than 2-3 seasons to fix without taking a more extreme approach.
What they’re doing is not really out line with how they operated at the trade deadline. Dump their 30+ players with big contracts and collect as many draft picks as possible, with a plan to do quick rebuild and vie for contention again in 3-4 seasons, and hope that Josi, Saros and Forsberg are still able to play at a high level.
This playbook should look familiar – the Kings did the same thing 3-4 years ago when they bought out Phaneuf and Richards.
Makes sense but Josi, Saros and Forsberg will all be at or approaching their mid 30’s by then.
While that has worked out okay with Doughty and Kopitar in LA I’m not sure that’s something they should count on.
Matt would not prosper under Trotz. Way too slack and can’t produce enough to compensate
Good point. Wonder if management doesn’t want him around the kids (bad influence)?
As I mentioned the other day when they moved Johansen. Trotz doesn’t want anybody on the team that doesn’t want to be there or is not giving as much as he thinks they should be or whatever. He is clearing the field.
Frank Seravalli
Barry Trotz has clearly placed an emphasis on one thing as #preds GM: Culture. Matt Duchene had 3 years remaining at $8 million AAV. His buyout calculation, per
@CapFriendly
, is not pretty. For two of those seasons, there is a $5.5 and $6.5 million cap charge.
Makes me wonder what Roman Josi is thinking this morning.
33 years old with 5 years left on his contract.
Saros and Forsburg might also be reassessing their futures.
It is an interesting question but Trotz has made his reputation as a coach with hardworking guys who didn’t necessarily scream top end skill. And he was pretty darned successful with that model. As long as the guy was playing hard and responsibly Trotz found a way to make it work. I think that will be his MO as GM as well.
Yep.
But given the severe cap restraints all these moves are creating (peaking at $12 million) I wonder if it might be best to take this right down to the studs.
Josi, Saros and Forsberg would deliver a huge haul in picks and young players.
I think you will see all of that but probably not this summer. I think every GM in the league learned something watching Edmonton & Buffalo flail around because they burnt down the whole structure.
Calgary says hold my beer
Josi, Saros and Forsberg have huge contracts – I’m not sure that anyone has the capspace to take them on. Maybe at the next trade deadline.
Not a good year to have 8+ million guys to trade (see. Nylander and Debrincat)
By cheap, I’m thinking apx $4MM per…..
I was hoping for 1 Mil. He is already getting paid not to come back
Please don’t bring back Yamamoto…the Oilers can do better. That’s the point of this exercise.
Yamamoto’s offence in the NHL was all empty calories – he played almost his entire time with McDavid or Draisaitl and put up only one 20 goal season.
I agree we can do better (even if its just promoting Holloway or Lavoie to ride shotgun with McDavid or Draisaitl).
Sail on Yamo.
as a 3rd or 4th liner, of 13th forward at 775? I’m ok with that
I’m not. It’s a weak strategic choice.
See the post below on how this money can be used in a different way.
If he’s willing to sign a deal that can be completely buried in the minors, then it may be good to have him back in a depth role. He’ll have to battle Holloway and Lavoie for playing time, and he won’t be playing higher than 3rd line minutes. He’ll be up and down to OKC throughout the season, and would be used in a similar role to the one that Janmark filled last year.
I prefer that Holland sets his sights on better players first, but if Yamo is still there unsigned towards the middle/end of July, then I won’t be upset if they circle back to him with an offer for the minimum on a 1 year deal.
If he’s up and down to OKC then the Oilers are buying him the wrong plane ticket.😉
He’ll probably get apx $1.5MM or $1.75MM on the market.
I could see Seattle being interested at that price if Sprong goes elsewhere.
I definitely got into The Rev a few times without a penny left to pinch. One time it worked out very nicely.
I’m going to guess that Yamo’s value on the open market is closer to the $2MM range than the $1MM range. I could be wrong but that’s my initial thought.
I would think there are no hard feelings and Yamo understands the business nature of the recent dealings and he’d be open to signing back but I don’t think the Oilers can afford what he might get on the market.
With that said, I can’t recall but did the league make a rule change after the Orpik trade, buyout, sign-back?
Are the Oilers permitted to sign Yamo, if that is something they are even contemplating?
The league investigated the Orpik buyout, but nothing came of it (I’m not going to look it up, but iirc there was a 3rd team involved- ie:Orpik had been traded and THEY bought him out)
Michael Stone was bought out by Calgary recently, then re-signed by Calgary, so I think it is allowed, especially considering it’ll be DET buying Yamamoto out
Yamamota trade than buy-out basically comes down to saving a 1/2 million on the cap for 2 years but losing a just turned 24 year-old in Kostin.
They were losing a just turned 24 year old Kostin in any event.
It should be noted, that Yamamoto, who is essentially the same age as Kostin (6-7 months apart) did end up with more 4 more points (and only one less goal) than Kostin this past season (in one more game) and also PKs……
Of note, I really wish they would have been able to keep Kostin but he priced himself out with the arb risk.
Kostin hasn’t signed a deal yet Yzerman has been known not to be intimidated by players asks and wants. This is why I’m predicting Detroit wins a cup in the next 5-7 years. This is Yzerman’s team they will be skilled, fast and tough.
I can’t profess to have a true opinion on the player, heck, I had never heard his name 26 hours ago, but I do like what I’ve read and heard over the last 24 hours, in particular about his elite foot-work in this clip:
https://twitter.com/OilerAlert/status/1674705666479632384
RHD who can skate at an elite level and uses it to both defend and transition the puck. has good puck skills and can get his point shot through with regularity – great pick. We won’t see him in Edmonton for a few years, but he’ll be really fun to follow in Juniors this season. Also fills an organizational need (aside from LA who doesn’t need RHD).
Stevey Y turns thumbs down on the little spud Yammo … “he says no” and that is all I need to know ….. maybe for league minimum they bring him back to play 40 games a year against the least nasty teams …. but I say let that dingy sail on
Janmark re-signs for around $1,000,000
I was hoping for $900K to match the Ryan cap hit but under a million wasn’t really reasonable.
Personally, I was hoping he’d be able to get Bouchard and McLeod done first before signing any UFAs (eternal or internal) except maybe Brown on a value deal.
I guess this is only $225K over league minimum and that roster spot would need to be filled in any event but $225K COULD make a difference.
This made me think of who might be an eternal UFA and my brain came back with Cory Perry.
Perry signed for $4MM (yes FOUR MILLION) with the Hawks.
Brown is over rated
No he isn’t.
Janmark is reliable defensively. Worth 100K to me. One of the few on the Oilers
This is a misuse of that sort of contract.
You want no “$1M players” on your team. I’ll explain.
Players on contracts like this should be either – 1. A young and developing player trending upward or 2. A (likely older) higher-risk player with the upside of a $4M player.
$1M players who are simply that are not good enough to play for a Cup winner.
Why wouldn’t the Oilers wait until tomorrow?
With the number of players being washed out of rosters, there’s a pretty good chance better players will be available.
Sure there’s a chance Janmark signs elsewhere but a very low one.
This is classic Holland, so I’m not surprised. Just disappointing.
I prefer shopping in the Toews, Duchene, etc aisle. And multiple PTOs of course.
Any contract below the amount that can be buried in Bakersfield is really just written in pencil. It doesn’t affect any future moves whatsoever.
While that is true, if Janmark is signed today, it’s a pretty clear that Holland has already made the decision that he is the best player to fill that role.
No it isn’t.
No. It simply signifies that Holland has always valued training camp competition. The Condors are going to need some vets as well – be that Janmark or whoever he beats out for the NHL slot.
When you need to sign somebody bad decisions get made. If you have a reasonable fallback position you can conduct negotiations with less stress.
And, as it turns out, reports of the signing were a little bit premature.
Now that Janmark is settled in Edmonton where he knows the Coach and his roll he’ll put together a 15 Goal season.
Cogliano for Colorado and Maroon for Tampa both were paid in exactly that range when playing for and helping a cup winner. Neither was the high risk older player you described. These are just two easy to find recent examples that would indicate Joe Sakic and Julien Brisebois are not on the same page with you.
Completely agree. There are more than 2 ways to use this contract and to suggest otherwise is limited thinking.
Competent GM’s find value contracts in any way they can to complement the makeup of their roster. Period.
We’re they signed the day before free agency started?
It doesn’t matter.
He’s a useful player that provides a skillset the team needs, he expressed interest in returning, and is expected to sign at a lower cap hit that can be buried in the minors, if needed. It has no bearing on what Holland may do in the future.
You have to realize that GMs are aware of who the UFAs are, and roughly how much they would cost, and roughly who would be willing to sign with their team.
This hasn’t happened yet. This is based off a tweet by an NHL Network guy saying expect Janmark to sign for around $1M.
Misleading headline I see – then the story confirms it’s not done.
So annoying.
And now it has 😀
I would explore signing Matt Duchene 1st. He would be motivated. Higher skill set
With all the buy-outs occurring at the last minute, this is going to be a much more interesting July 1.
Yup. Even for a cap strapped team like Edmonton there could be a twist.
Do we really need more defensively aloof forwards on this team?
https://twitter.com/OilerAlert/status/1674705666479632384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1674705666479632384%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=
Chris Johnston
@reporterchris
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2m
Matt Duchene (NSH), Mike Reilly (BOS), Blake Wheeler (WPG) and Kailer Yamamoto (DET) have been placed on unconditional waivers to be bought out before tonight’s 5 p.m. ET deadline.
So KY will be signed on a bargain contract as a UFA in exchange for Kostin?
Interesting…savvy move if it happens…
If Jesse signs likewise, is anyone here going to be disappointed?
Chris Johnson tweeted yesterday that Puljujarvi had double hip surgery(again) and is out long term
*edit- ‘long term’ was my interpretation, I can’t say for certain when or if he’ll be healthy enough to sign another NHL contract
Wow. The Duchene buyout seems weird. What does Nashville need cap space for? Presumably they are going to be rebuilding this season.
Duchene would be a great top 6 add for the Oil on a cheap ‘playing for the Cup’ contract.
Trotz wants cap space so he can weaponize it later this summer, and into next season, which should be the last one with a flat cap. Cap space has extreme value this year, but only for one more year.
Wow – forget Toews (and for the record he’s one of my favourite all-time players) and go talk to Duchene right now … 1 year x 1 million with bonuses (if needed). Sell him on a chance to win, and then cash in with a big retirement contract next off-season when he hits the market as a UFA.
Is he eligible for a bonus-structured contract?
He’s 32 … so no he is not eligible for bonuses.
He would be a great add.
Curious to see what his eventual contract looks like. He had 80 points two seasons ago.
It won’t be anywhere near $1MM…. or even $2MM or $3MM in my opinion.
Duchene will get a legit $4MM plus contract I anticipate.
We should see several buy-outs today, this could make the next few days very interesting….
From HFB: Akey
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Max Wanner will be a better Jeff Petry IMO and he will probably be seeing NHL games as early as next season. I see him as having the highest probability to make a huge impression in training camp.
I do not trade him this year or next season, why cant we have rookie D who impress immediately like so many other teams?
I am a big fan of his potential (like I was of Michael Kesselring) but NHL games in his rookie pro season?
Sure, never say never, but that’s a big jump from the Western League – he’ll have full opportunity to gain a big role with the Condors – one step at a time for me.
Or, by “next season” do you mean 2024/25? If that’s the case, then, yes, for sure, a definite possibility.
He made a big impression last training camp and I expect him to do so again.
2024/25, but I am sure you agree, as we both watch him in college & AHL, MK never moved the puck as smoothly and quickly as MW.
He is very impressive with the quick short passes, with attacking and snuffing out threats at the blueline and his skating is so smooth in all directions. Where Kesselring was a project, Wanner is a bonafide prospect, he plays exactly how I expected Muzenberger would (but doesn’t 😕).
MITCH BROWN: I have so many, but here’s one: The best defenceman in the draft won’t be David Reinbacher, Dmitri Simashev, or Axel Sandin Pellikka. It will be one of the toolsy/high-skill late-first and beyond players, like Tanner Molendyk or Beau Akey. I’ll say Akey. Less explosive than Molendyk but just as exceptional defending the rush. One of the best 1-on-1 defenders in the CHL – he’s suffocating out there with his mobility, stick work, and timing. And while we don’t see a ton of offence from him, the flashes are exciting: Weak side activation for one-timers, give-and-goes where he draws opponents first, and manipulation from the point. With Brandt Clarke leaving next season, maybe he gets the green light to run wild. With that mobility and those flashes, he could go off.
Mitchell Brown
@MitchLBrown
·
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Beau Akey, a top-three rush defender in the data set by several metrics: Forcing dump-ins, getting clean stops, protecting the inside. Not super active in transition and medium-event offensively, but he racked up the rush chances. Lots of offensive potential.
Scout reports on his skating is a plus