The Edmonton Oilers claimed Brandon Davidson on waivers from the NY Islanders on December 3, 2017. He’s an example of a player who can deliver effective play while also being vulnerable to the waiver wire. Will there be any this fall?
THE ATHLETIC!
- Lowetide: Is trading Philip Broberg in the Oilers’ future?
- Lowetide: Unpacking Oilers’ decision to hire Rick Pracey, part ways with Tyler Wright
- Lowetide: 9 bold Edmonton Oilers predictions for 2023-24
- Lowetide: The NHL offseason’s 5 most risky moves and what they mean for 2023-24
- Lowetide: USHL has produced some of NHL’s top talent. Is it hockey’s best junior league?
- Lowetide: The Edmonton Oilers and their dilemma at centre
- Lowetide: NHL teams that are best positioned to take advantage of the 2024 free-agent watershed
- Lowetide: New Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson promises innovation. What will it look like?
- Lowetide: For Oilers in 2023-24, a more aggressive in-season approach is likely
- Lowetide: Why skating ability has such an impact on NHL Draft scouting and success
- Lowetide: What Oilers’ Jeff Jackson hire could mean for front-office’s future
- Lowetide: Oilers sign forward Ryan McLeod to 2-year extension: What it means for Edmonton
- Lowetide: Connor McDavid, the Art Ross and challenging Wayne Gretzky’s record
- Lowetide: How Oilers’ pro scouting upgrade helped elevate team in 2022-23
- Lowetide: Projecting Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard’s points for 2023-24
- Lowetide: Oilers’ graduate a strong group of prospects to pro this fall
- Lowetide: How Oilers’ veteran roster, cap issues could impact Raphael Lavoie
- Lowetide: What the Oilers are getting in 2023 NHL Draft pick Beau Akey
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers top 20 prospects, summer 2023
- DNB: 10 questions with director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright
WAIVER ELIGIBLE
Ken Holland is probably looking for centers on the waiver wire and honestly there doesn’t appear to be much heading there this fall. The big waiver news is likely to be a waiver loss.
Raphael Lavoie could get sent out and I do believe there’s a chance he would be claimed. I also suspect that a strong performance in preseason lands him on the Oilers roster or packaged in a trade to a team that can keep him on the NHL roster.
Jansen Harkins of the Winnipeg Jets might be the best waiver option for Edmonton. He is a LH center with a career 53.9 faceoff percentage in 154 games. He is averaging just 7-7-14 boxcars per 82 games in the NHL. His five-on-five pts-60 (1.07) is shy and his five-on-five goal differential is 41-49, 46 pct. Last season he was 1.28, goal share of 62.5 and an expected goal share of 62. Special teams work minimal. I don’t see any other centers worth noting at this time.
Brett Leason of the Anaheim Ducks was claimed on waivers October 10 from the Washington Capitals. He didn’t score five-on-five (.93 pts-60 in almost 600 minutes) so is a candidate for waivers. He isn’t a candidate for the Oilers.
Kole Lind of the Seattle Kraken is a 30-goal scorer in the AHL, and he might find a home with another team this fall. Edmonton’s RW depth chart is solid with the addition of Connor Brown, as Zach Hyman, Warren Foegele and Derek Ryan also project there.
I like the idea of picking up Harkins on waivers, and have wondered (but not written about) adding Sean Monahan via trade before the season begins. If Montreal retained, the Oilers could slide him in easily. I mean if you’re going to lose Lavoie, and Monahan is out there, maybe it’s something that can be done now. Just a thought. He spent too much time versus elites last year (as a percentage) but that wouldn’t be an issue in Edmonton. Puck IQ remains the best site for fancies on the Al Gore:
New for The Athletic: Tyler Wright’s four years in Edmonton as scouting director saw his staff use only five of 12 draft picks in the first three rounds. How will history judge his record?
https://theathletic.com/4807618/2023/08/27/edmonton-oilers-tyler-wright/
Lavoie makes it or he doesn’t. He’s an inconsistent 4th line winger with zero NHL games on his resume (on merit) and our future doesn’t depend on him at all.
One way forward is to package Kulak for a RD if Broberg looks good. But who is available – no one substantial as far as I can see. Sure Pesce is good but he will be short-term and cost a fortune. I could see Dumba coming in mid-year to provide more depth and Dumba-Kulak is an awfully good 3rd pair. Let’s see what the kids do pre-Christmas and go from there.
Interested to see if Sutter has anything left in the tank. He checks a lot of boxes if he does.
1) Yup, Lavoie is likely to be given every opportunity to win that 12F spot. Right now his competition is a 34 year old without a contract that hasn’t played hockey in 2 years due to health reasons and was hanging on by a thread prior thereto and a 26 year old offensive journey man winger (who has played C) with 11 NHL points
2) Stylistically, Sutter is perfect – good size, top PK guy, great right shot faceoff guy that plays center. Of course, given he was barely hanging on to a career when he last played like 3 years ago, and is now 34, the chances he can play in the league seem low, at least to me.
Doesn’t affect your conclusion much, but I’m pretty sure Pederson is a legitimate/natural C. He played center (based on faceoffs) in all 3 of his NHL stops except for Vancouver, which I assume is where your info is coming from. Presumably he’s been a full time C in his AHL stops as well.
Lavoie has an advantage over the others in size and age/potential. His competition play the position where there’s an open lineup spot and have more experience.
Have you got some way of putting a fourth line together that excites you because I am having trouble finding a way to think it has cup contending potential.
With the current players? No, not unless 2015 Brandon Sutter shows up at camp.
Holland will very likely need to add a quality 4C at some point before the trade deadline (I think the wingers are OK).
You think a 37 year old Ryan is up to the task next May?
No guarantees, but he played himself onto the 3rd line each of the last 2 playoffs. There’s also a bit more cover on the wing with Lavoie and some young guys pushing.
Janmark, Holloway, Lavoie or Janmark, Nugent-Hopkins, Lavoie or Lavoie, Holloway, Ryan
Oiler fans used to be excited about 4th line kid lines in the past…i.e. circa 1990.
Lavoie establishing himself has more potential than any million dollar retread.
They were unwilling to test drive Lavoie in February and March last year. And now people are suggesting they should not test drive him in October and November.
Being tight to the cap, the only real way for the Oilers real potential to improve is from young players getting better.
You have said on many occasions trading camp and preseason doesn’t matter. Either Lavoie is in their plans are he isn’t. Holland didn’t bring him up for any games then brought him in at the very end as a black ace. Also the organization never talks about him positively. As they say around these parts do the math.
No, I haven’t said that it doesn’t matter. I have said that a young skilled player doing great in the exhibition season does not mean they are NHL ready and/or able to impact that game during the regular season.
Of course, exhibition season is important for such young players as success can provide them the opportunity to play regular season NHL games.
If Lavoie has a poor or average camp, he’s likely on waivers (or traded). If he has a camp similar to Holloway from last season, he’ll be on the opening night roster. Of course, having a great exhibition season doesn’t mean squat as far as regular season results, but it can create the opportunity.
Holland already said the team is set. Lavoie is more than likely playing for a waiver wire pick-up I expect Lavoie to pound on a couple of opponents this preseason this will get him noticed by the fellow G.M brethren.
No, Holland set the goaltending and 7D are set.
He never said the forwards are set but I think its fairly obvious that 11 forwards are set and there is a clear open spot, the 12F.
Lavoie has a clear path to the NHL – win that 12th forward spot.
I’m not sure about pounding in opposition, not with his firsts at least – one pro fight. He may lean on some guys but he is certainly not a guy that throws big body checks with any sort of regularity.
Needs to be noticed by other teams fights always make Sportscenter.
Joonas Donskoi retires after multiple concussions.
https://theathletic.com/4811297/2023/08/27/joonas-donskoi-retirement/?source=user_shared_article
Little of topic, but…
Elks win tonight puts us only 1 game behind Stamps. Surely (LOL) we’re into the playoffs 🤞
GO ELKIES GO 🏈
Pretty good chance Hamilton is the crossover team in the WC,
About 10 days ago, the Elks had something like +42000 odds to win the Grey Cup. I’m guessing its a bit less than that now.
@walsha
The NHL is going into its 3rd year of its 7 year media rights deal with ESPN. Since that time, ESPN’s subscriber base has fallen from 80 million to 45 million. Disney (parent company of ESPN) is now actively searching for a “strategic partner” for the network.
What I would do for an ESPN+ subscription. 🙂
Why?
One thing I am curious about is what pressure there is to win every night. The reason I am thinking about this is for the effect that has on younger players. If the goal is to win every game possible then avoiding rookie mistakes is a must. If there is wiggle room then there is time to see about Broberg, Holloway and Lavoie playing higher in the line up. So how important is the regular season as making the playoffs should not be difficult but winning the Pacific will be.
The team needs to get off to a strong start and, importantly, avoid the yearly December dive.
They won’t blow the division or conference away but they just need to be consistently at the top from start to finish so that it doesn’t seem like every one of the last 40 games is a “must win”
that would be nice!
Not sure the waiver wire will help us. We pick 27th so odds are if a player can’t get a spot in one of the other teams before us they will not help us much.
So. Connor Brown has a baby and names it Nolan. Nolan! When there are names like Leonard, Leonides, Leonel, Leonardo, Leoncio etc to chose from. Clearly not a fit on this team. Just because your name happens to be Connor it doesn’t mean you can run around picking whatever name you like for your child.
I think your Drai sense of humour was lost on a few folks….
First and foremost, I expect Raphael Lavoie to make the team on merit. There is a forward spot available, there is cap space for him and, well, its time.
Lavoie could get claimed on waivers but he also could slide right on through. More famous names than Raphael Lavoie slide through waivers every October. Lets not forget, if exposed, he is now a 23 year old, former 2nd round pick, with zero NHL games that have a good but not great AHL season that has been cut by an NHL team with a forward spot available, yet again.
I’m not saying he would clear, I’m saying he could clear.
——————–
As far as trading with the Habs, I’ve posted a bit about the possibility of a Lavoie for Evans trade. The Habs would need to retain and the Oilers probably would need to add a second piece (a C-piece).
With that said, the Habs have already used up two salary retention spots and I’m not sure they want to lock in their last spot – they probably want to save that for the deadline, right?
——————-
At the end of the day, just make the damn team Ralph – have a great camp and make the team – then we’ll see how it goes through October and hopefully you stick.
When there’s no atta-boy verbal for Lavoie coming from the Oiler talking heads it seems like the deck is rigged against him. Either Lavoie or his agent pissed in somebodies cornflakes.
Don’t see why anyone would think he’s pissed anyone off – he simply never warranted consideration for an NHL roster spot until February/March last season when the NHL team was rolling, trying to win the division/conference and not in the spot to be calling up rookie prospects with zero NHL games because they have their first consistent 30 games stretch as a pro.
We disagree. Lavoie should have been recalled for a look see last year. Facilitating internal competition is essential to maximizing results. It would have also been good for Lavoie’s development, so he could see how close or far he was.
Tikkanen’s first NHL game was in the NHL playoffs. Montreal had two pretty good goaltenders, but they gave Ken Dryden a chance, and he won a Stanley Cup in the season before he won the Calder Trophy.
On a completely different topic Allan – here is 3 books I think should be written: O’Shea and the Blue Bombers (they remind me of the Eskimos Decade of Excellence); #2 Glen Suitor – The best sports commentator (and it is not even close); #3 Earl and Son (the story of Earl and John Morris).
I have an unedited manuscript for a YA novel about a teen who dies in an accident but his soul is transposed into the body of his dog. He goes on to thwart an international smuggling ring.
The screenplay has Morgan Freeman doing the voice over for the dog..?
Sales would have to be pretty big time. Mr. Freeman doesn’t come cheap.
My only fear of adding a veteran C is that Woodcroft will do the same thing he did last year with Bjugstad in the playoffs and play him too much vs Tough Comp instead of McLeod.
I understand. Still, in terms of roster construction, Holland’s job is to maximize each position and 4C will be important as injuries etc hit.
I agree with that. My fear is still the coach not trusting McLeod enough when “insert vet here with worse results vs Elites” is on the roster too.
McLeod had a top 30 in the NHL results vs Elite Forwards last year in terms of rel DFF%. He’s the goods.
I’m not suggesting that he’s a top 30 tough minute C in the NHL, but that his results are excellent and that the coaching staff should trust him more than his 20% vs Elites that he had last year.
Cut back on 29’s TOI vs Elites (when possible) and ramp up McLeod.
Reciepe for more goals for (Drai vs easier) and less goals against (McLeod vs tougher comp)
It’s a great point. Woodcroft is smart, hopefully he figures it out. McLeod is young, he could regress. I think the Oilers, if they’re serious, need to optimize the roster from Game 1. Woodcroft needs to get results, and part of that is using what’s available to his greatest advantage. A 4C with some oomph has to happen, now or at the deadline imo, if this train is bound for glory. Keeping Lane Pederson because the coach might face McLeod otherwise might cost this team when an injury hits postseason.
Optimize the roster for what will have the highest potential upside in April.
i.e. play Broberg with Nurse, play Holloway top nine, and give Lavoie his shot.
Holloway, Broberg, and Lavoie will be bargain contracts for awhile yet. Delaying integrating them to see what they can do limits the upside potential of the OIlers.
One can always falback on veterans later.
Lavoie might have been able to help last year once he got rolling. Yet he never got a look in the NHL.
Funny thing is Woodcroft trusted the kids out of the box when he got here Valentine’s Day 2022. Needs to get back to where he once belonged.
Woody has had a taste of the good life chances are that we have a new G.M next year which usually means new Coach. Woody is going to run a Veteran team and maximize them as much as possible starting in game one. If folks don’t think Woody isn’t looking over his shoulder they’re not paying attention.
Could be cup or bust for Woodcroft.
The clock is only a few minutes from midnight.
I believe the Oilers have the 2nd best record in the NHL since he got the job and the Oilers have played 5 playoffs series that last two season – no team has played more.
We don’t know where we will be in a year but it seems highly unlikely the new GM will be replacing the coach unless the season goes off the rails.
But they haven’t won the Cup and everyone says that’s the goal or bust
And the coaching staff made some highly questionable deployments in getting bounced again
He’s a good coach, treats players well as far as we know. But he went to exactly what other good coaches did and didn’t get there. He’s also the same coach as the previous 2
He also benefited from his core being more experienced and mature. A deeper team. He is definitely on the hot seat and if he plays it safe instead of forging his own path I think that would be a mistake. All who get to what this team should given the talent, have done that in context of their times
Oooooh isn’t that scary, kids?! Does anybody remember the San Jose sharks regular season record running for 16-17 years in a row beginning in the late 90’s where they had a legit shot of winning the Cup. How about what round they made to in each year. You know what nobody gives a shit about losers it’s all about the Cup. I also beg to differ a new G.M usually means Coaching replacement amoung other personal Changes just ask Tyler Wright.
The final should be the absolute minimum expectation but there are some very good teams standing in the way.
Dallas looks very imposing.
Get back jojo
I agree with Woodguy that Woody underutilized McLeod last season and has penchant to default to veterans.
I am going to presume that Woody will be live to, and acknowledge, that McLeod and McLeod/Foegele has shown an ability to handle higher leverage deployment.
Woody talks about getting better as a coach and gathering information and learning, etc., etc. so here is hoping this isn’t a blind spot going forward.
——————————
Agree with Godot that Broberg, unless he has a terrible camp or early season, should see some top 4 minutes – I would think it makes the most sense to pair him with Ekholm (and Bouchard with Nurse).
Holloway has the 3LW position right there for him. Woody started last season with Holloway in the top 6 (for a shift) and gave him 4-5 opportunities up the lineup so I have no doubt he won’t hesitate to play Holloway with McLeod/Foegele.
Little doubt Lavoie will get his shot during the exhibition season – Holland said he’d play 5-6 games. Its up to Lavoie to take advantage of that opportunity and win that 12F spot.
All coaches run veterans. What made Woodcroft’s decision unusual is that McLeod’s performance was superior. Oilers were winning portions of that series and bled out with a veteran with a young player available for the role. Woodcroft’s reputation, and certainly his first season, involved playing kids. We’ll see. I suspect he’ll acknowledge his role in the series loss. Coaches who gain five years experience hang around, coaches who gain one year’s experience five times do not hang around.
Yep. Draisaitl should be used the way Vegas used Eichel. Find a mismatch. Exploit it.
This is probably my fault. During the regular season I posted a number of times about wanting to see Bjugstad in the top six.
Also, I am hoping Woody’s playoff deployment will be modified this season. Hard to dial back Drai’s minutes after he dismantled LA. It was the right thing to do but very hard for the coach in the circumstances.
Dammit Steve!
Not again!!
Is it possible McLeod’s shining results were due to his ‘3rd pairing D’ type deployment? His FO/60 vs. elites was 12th/13 Oiler forwards who played >50 min, for instance.
I like McLeod and agree he should get more difficult chores this year. But I also find it hard to take the coach to task for trying Bjugstad in a tough minutes role and then checking down to Draisaitl instead of McLeod when that didn’t work.