Xavier Bourgault photo by Bruce McCurdyThe Penticton Young Stars tournament complete, it’s on to main camp. Today I’d like to talk about impressions. We can argue the quality of play from each of the top prospects in the tournament, as long as we can agree that everyone being healthy is the best possible result. Question: What were we saying last year about these prospects?
THE ATHLETIC!
- Lowetide: The Oilers’ best prospect is Xavier Bourgault. Will he play in the NHL this year?
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers prospects preseason stock watch
- Lowetide: Previewing the Edmonton Oilers’ roster ahead of 2023 training camp
- Lowetide: How will Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft deploy rookie Raphael Lavoie?
- Lowetide: Why Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins remains key to Stanley Cup pursuit
- Lowetide: 5 Oilers assets that could get moved early or late in 2023-24
- Lowetide: How the Edmonton Oilers can boost their AHL prospect wingers
- Lowetide: Why Oilers still need to find inexpensive, effective depth players
- Lowetide: What to expect from Oilers rookies, led by Raphael Lavoie
- Lowetide: Evander Kane, Connor Brown and the Oilers’ aging skill wingers
- Lowetide: Making the early call on the Edmonton Oilers’ 2019 NHL Draft haul
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers 2023-24 complete reasonable expectations
- Lowetide: What should Oilers fans expect from new scouting director Richard Pracey?
- Lowetide: How will Tyler Wright’s time with the Oilers be remembered?
- 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: 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: Edmonton Oilers top 20 prospects, summer 2023
ONE YEAR AGO IMPRESSIONS
- Philip Broberg had a strong moment against Walker Duehr on a dangerous looking rush, Edmonton’s blue marked him all the way in speed and physicality. Good moment, great wheels, determination. Otherwise, played a quiet game defensively, with a hit or two that got noticed. We haven’t seen his offensive flair in this tournament, important not to overreact over two outings. I think he’ll be in the opening night lineup. He is now 6.03, 222.
- Olivier Rodrigue made a big save early in the game after some confounding work by Edmonton’s junior D. Also made a strong save off Jeremie Poirier. The young goalie was brilliant on a Calgary power play later in the first. He played well through the heart of the game but wasn’t tested much (similar to Fanti’s Friday game). There was a mixup behind Rodrigue’s net in the third period but the goaler froze the puck before disaster struck. He made another great save (Boucher) later in the final frame. He stopped 17 of 18, .944 and I considered him as a possible star but decided he wasn’t busy enough. Great game for a prospect who maybe we’d forgotten, hopefully this leads to a strong season for him.
- Mike Kesselring was effective defensively and very physical. He had several run-ins with Duehr in the first, and had a very long shift at the end of the first period when the Flames began to take over the physical side of the game. He impressed. Fought Klapka in the third, it was over early. I think he’s turned a corner and might push for NHL time this season, the speed and power is more compelling now, but this is a rookie tournament and you’ll need to see it through the preseason and into the AHL campiagn.
- Phil Kemp had a solid chance on a one-timer early in the second period. He was physical at times, specifically later in the game against Ciona. I think his game makes it difficult to judge because he’s a shutdown type and any offense is shocking. He didn’t shine like Kesselring in this tournament, we can say that much.
- Max Wanner made a nice move on an early power play for a good look. He iced the puck in a tough spot late in the first period. He handled the sorties well, doesn’t seem to be out of his element at all. Holland mentioned him as an impressive prospect at this camp. In watching this tournament, he’s the one junior defensemen who can wheel with the more mature players.
- Dylan Holloway scored a memorable goal in the third period, from range, against a quality goalie (Wolf). You can’t script a better moment for the young forward. He had a great look early, using his terrific speed to place Calgary’s defense in immediate chase mode. He found iron on that sequence. Had a shorthanded breakaway later in the first, the puck wouldn’t settle down. Physical presence. Hard work along the wall got Holloway an assist on the second Oilers goal. Holloway would add an EN goal for a two-goal game. Ken Holland had much to say about many things with Thomas Drance on Saturday, it is here.
- James Hamblin had a second period breakaway on the PK but didn’t do much with it. He did cash later in the period on a fabulous pass from Bourgault. Hamblin’s shot was quality. He’s too good by plenty for this tournament.
- Xavier Bourgault drew a first-period penalty, something he also accomplished in the first game against Winnipeg. His astute pass to Hamblin was key to Edmonton’s second goal. He’s an aggressive forechecker and turns over pucks consistently. I have liked his game through two contests and am of the belief that he could see NHL games this season. My story at The Athletic today discusses his chances.
- Noah Philp had good speed off the rush and beat Dustin Wolf clean early in the game. He had another chance in the third that showed promise. Again solid in the dot, heady player (they used to use that word instead of smart) good passes. I’m looking forward to watching him in Bakersfield this season, it’s the most important one of his career.
- Matvey Petrov was more noticeable in this game, good passes and decisions with the puck. Took a hit from behind in the second period, took a moment to get up. He took a shot from long range late, I think he was frustrated by not creating more during these games. That’s a good sign. I hope they play him Monday.
- Tyler Tullio was scheduled to play but didn’t dress.
- Dino Kambeitz drew a second period penalty. He also had a couple of good looks. I like his determination.
- Carter Savoie looked injured early.
- Reid Schaefer got some PK time, €√¥£€^$ informed us he plays 4×5 in Seattle in the comments section last night. He had a dandy look on the PP in the second period but didn’t get the shot he wanted off against Wolf in the Calgary net. Showed he’ll stand up to the tougher Flames. Like Petrov, I think it’s clear this is not Schaefer’s time, but hold the hell on until next year.
- Jake Chiasson won some battles, made some passes and showed some offensive flair. He seems to be a little forgotten in what is a very deep group of forwards, maybe it’s me. A great chance (or two) in the third period coming out of the corner. Made a brilliant pass to Philp late but the shooter fanned on the opportunity.
- Stars: Holloway, Bourgault, Hamblin.
IMPRESSIONS NOW
I think much of what was disappointing in the Vancouver game can be laid at the feet of the defensemen. Lack of experience, the one puck mover (Beau Akey) was out of his comfort zone and the resulting chaos led to defeat. I was impressed with the prospects, and think each of them did something to shine.
Xavier Bourgault’s passing was exceptional, and his determination to retrieve pucks a big plus. He looks faster to me than a year ago, but we’ll have to see what he does in main camp. I have an article up again today (as was the case one year ago) projecting him to play NHL games this season. The two downbeats: He needs several chances to cash, and he doesn’t touch the puck as often as (say) Dylan Holloway and Kailer Yamamoto at this level.
Carter Savoie impressed with his shot, passing, transporting and backchecking, but being healthy is the top takeaway from his camp. He is a talented player.
Matvey Petrov had two strong games and then a lesser one, and we’ll see about main camp. I suspect he’ll see a few early games and then head to Bakersfield. He has a range of skills, but his passing and shot are sublime. If the coaching staff holds him off the No. 1 PP there should be an investigation.
Beau Akey was a revelation in the first two games of the tournament and then tried to do too much in the third game. I think he’s a first-round talent and suspect we’ll be talking about him (in a good way) winterlong.
Jayden Grubbe is a bigger man so you can easily look past the fact he’ll be a rookie pro this coming season. His boots and offense will be key to any success he has, I think Chris VandeVelde is a reasonable visual comparable. I like him.
Carl Berglund had a great camp. Disregard. He’s like Hamblin a year ago. If he does good things in main camp, then you can get excited about this player. The Oilers should sign Jake Sloan and Brady Stonehouse.
Tyler Tullio and Jake Chiasson were also in photo.
Stars: Akey, Petrov, Bourgault, Savoie
WAIVERS
Ken Holland keeps mentioning the team will check the waiver wire but I can’t see anything good dropping all the way to where Edmonton selections. I think a trade similar to Samorukov-Kostin more likely.
Today on Sports 1440, we get down to the serious business of Oilers training camp noon to 2pm. Daniel Nugent-Bowman is back!! He’ll be filing stories all winter long and we’ll find out about his summer and what he’s looking for in camp. He’ll join us at 12:20. We’re working on more guests, might stop at Jays and possibly an Oilers prospect guest. You can leave comments here, @Lowetide on twitter or text us 1.833.401.1440 directly. See you on the radio!
As we head into another year, Vancouver’s chances at the playoffs are thin – not saying it won’t happen, but likely won’t. To say the team is a few years away from contending is a stretch, they aren’t building anything there. Love to rag on Leafs mediocrity, and yes Vancouver came close thrice, but no cups since 1970 is just as sad, realistically.
I find it hard to imagine liking the Canucks. I have a lot of family on the coast so I can see it with my own eyes, but I still can’t empathize. What is it about this team. Wildly inconsistent logo and colour combinations over the years drive home a lack of vision or pride in their own history. Is it that? Perhaps it’s the fans, and their penchant for shameful self-immolations? Could be. Or, maybe, its a franchise that actually chose to immortalize an act of quitting, casting Roger Neilson’s white flag in bronze and yet nobody seems to question what, exactly, this is communicating. Why intentionally weave victimhood into the team’s DNA? It’s all rather pathetic. At least with Calgary, I can respect the opponent.
I hope they miss the playoffs. I’m not sure they deserve better.
Nice roast!
Peter Chiarelli is like a vampire.
https://oilersnation.com/news/former-oilers-general-manager-peter-chiarelli-is-reportedly-joining-the-ottawa-senators
The old boy network is a thing.
Chaulk was in with Gregor today: gave a really good breakdown of Lavoie, Bourgault, Savoie, Tulio, Petrov and Noel H.
Definitely with the 12 min listen.
He wasn’t a fit anyways (its got to be Lavoie or, sigh, Sutter):
Jim Matheson
@jimmathesonnhl
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9m
Sam Gagner who had surgery on both hips will only practise in camp and won’t play games. In a PT0 He will be evaluated in a month and might go to Bakersfield
Jim Matheson
Connor Brown will play exhib games but not back to back
Nothing wrong with this. An ACL injury is a mental recovery in addition to physical. Need to learn to trust it again. Don’t push it in meaningless games. Early part of the schedule has a lot of time between games. He’ll get a good mix of game/practice to get up to speed.
Actually quite happy with the schedulers this season. Seems like the Demonic tests going back to 18/19 have allowed for one favorable layout this year. Every week with back to back days off is nice. Roadtrips for the most part have them heading the proper directions between games, without huge double backs. First 15 games aren’t exactly a Murderer’s Row, quite the opportunity for this Strong Start they’ve been talking about.
Strong bonds between lady friends should can’t be discounted.
First Oilers preseason game less than a week away! This time of year is awesome. Can’t wait to see how guys like Holloway, Broberg, Bourgault, and even Akey look against men.
Question for the group, what’s holding Beau Akey back? Or what caused a fast defensively sound player that thinks the game well to fall to the late second round?
He was blocked by an elite prospect that plays the same position.
Be careful saying that, there’s someone here that might see that and go off about how he’s going to be better than Bouchard this year.
Likely not this season…but very soon.
His OHL numbers were off the charts.
Shouldn’t be hard – it was stated that Bouchard “is not an NHL d-man” last season.
Well we know opposite hairball is a thing.
Confirmed that Ray Ferraro will be doing colour commentary on many Canucks regional games.
Poor guy. Imagine having to watch that travesty on ice for 40+ games per year.
Imagine having to hear “shooting mentality” 10 times a game for a whole season.
Yeah. The Canucks are going to be also rans once again. Damn shame.
Oh well…at least their regional broadcasts will be the best in the country.
Ferraro is fantastic and hearing Debrusk say shooting mentality is nauseating. None of this changes the fact that the Canucks will again be in no man’s land.
Not sure about that.
Last season, their PK was historically bad and they’ve added 5 players with advanced PK skills.
They’ve totally revamped their D with the addition of Hronek, Soucy, Cole and Irwin.
They were in the top half of the league in GF last season as well as having the 11th ranked PP.
If they can get their PK near league average and get a full season of great goaltending from Demko, they will be a much tougher out.
We’ll see.
Lots of ifs.
Unbridled optimism for every team except for one as usual. 😉
Optimism very bridled but not as dismissive as you.
This is good news – more Ray Ferraro on Canadian airwaves. Hopefully we’ll eventually see him back on National telecasts come playoff time.
Bourgault is the kind of winger who plays well with super centers like McDavid and Draisaitl.
He sticks to his position, works the boards, he is dependable and predictable. Centers that create and are purposely unpredictable can find guys like Bougault because they learn exactly where he will be. It is unfortunate he is not a sniper.
If Borgault gets NHL games I think he will be able to contribute. Try him with McDavid and Kane.
On the other hand, playing a guy just breaking into the league with McDavid just sets him up to get over paid on his second contract. Like what transpired with Yamamoto and Jesse. I prefer to see guys have to work their way up from the bottom six. You get a couple more years of contract value that way.
Tik Tok.
Sharkanado awaits.
Its a fun tournament, but some are trying their hardest while others are just getting warmed up.
AHL veterans in rookie camp games are similar to NHL veterans for first couple of exhibition games.
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
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5m
Canucks are sending a 3rd round pick along with Tanner Pearson to Habs in exchange for Casey DeSmith.
The pick is to account for the difference in salary between DeSmith and Pearson.
CapFriendly
@CapFriendly
Montreal is currently showing as $6,177,916 above the ceiling based on a roster of 23.
This will change significantly before the start of the season given that we show the Habs with 9D (which won’t be the case) and 4 players on IR.
Carey Price’s contract is also LTI eligible.
I follow the Habs a fair bit and I think they’re in a pretty good position. They won’t be a playoff team this year, but if healthy, they could push into the range Detroit was in last year. That would set them up nicely to be in range of a wildcard next year.
Yeah…they’re certainly heading in the right direction and have 22 picks in the next two drafts.
They should be competitive when the Price contract expires.
I watched a lot of Petrov via stream last year and the last 25 games/playoffs year before. Every coach is different so who knows but his last coach deployed him at the point on the powerplay. He was effective from that spot. Considering Petrov’s general style of play, I wonder if this is actually Petrov’s own preferred deployment? Would be a question worth asking him in an interview.
Wanner is likely to get powerplay time almost for certain, but how many offensive options does Chaulk have at D for his two units? Now, likely Petrov’s going to have to prove his game chops for at least a month like any other AHL rookie not coming in as a high 1st round pick.
Petrov… Such a great Russian hockey name. Like being named Howe or Hull over here. Really looking forward to see how this pick turns out because it has had steal written all over it for two years (no jinxies). Very defensively conscious/aware and also willing to drive the net. Reminds me of a Janmark without the stone hands, or a Ryan with more size, better boots. Matvey’s a bit weird. He kind of plays wing like a Center… or a point guard at times. He passes so well I kind of wonder why he was never tried at C. Really mature game for his age at the Junior level.
Things to work on:
Needs to get involved in the play more and earlier. More assertive. Waiting for the puck carrier to give one an opening won’t be as effective at higher levels.More physicality too. He doesn’t shy from it and doesn’t mind post-whistle scrums… that is, he’s no shrinking violet, but he needs to be more involved in the corners and along the boards on a shift-in-shift-out basis. A la Ryan and Janmark. And like all Junior players, he needs to learn to consistently stop on the puck and on the post.
I’d kill to see a Petrov–Holloway–Lavoie line in camp. Doubtful it happens due to the rookiness involved but I think that’s a pretty nice blend of player types and abilities.
Great news on Akey. Watched him play the Winter Games and he had a wow factor to his play at that peer group.
I’m not so sure about Wanner on the PP – I would think that Gleason is PP1 to start the season and I woudln’t be surprised of a Noel H. is in the mix
Sorry, I typed Gleason but mean Cam Dineen.
Dineen’s a leftie. Not battling Wanner and it’s also unlikely that if Petrov gets a shot on the PP point that it will be on the left side. I don’t think either of the rookies would get the point on a diamond set-up. Would have to be a traditional formation and likely PP2 before seeing any PP1.
I though (recalling highlights) that Petrov did play left point in North Bay.
Oh he did, almost all the time, and of course no diamond, but I can’t see him being put on his off side at higher levels. Or maybe it’s better to say that would indicate a new level of trust and adventure by the Holland era, lol.
Yeah that makes sense, though I guess it would also be a surprise to see him put onto the right point if that’s not where he’s had experience/success in junior. Very interesting player wherever he lines up.
I thought Bourgault was quite good in the tournament – as you said, he didn’t cash but he was around scoring chances.
At the same time, for me, the hope was that Bourgault would stand out as a top performer and separate and I’m not sure he did that (even though he was one of the better forwards yesterday, from what I say).
Look forward to seeing him at main camp and in a game or two or even three.
I also thought that Savoie was noticeable “in the guts of the game”, battling along the boards and being tenacious on the forecheck, turning pucks over – he took a ton of punishment – got up but I worry if that continues consistently.
If he can stay healthy, he’s going to score 20 in the AHL this season.
I do suspect that he won’t start near PP1 but Chaulk has shown the commitment to move the young pros up the lineup if/when “earned”.
I wonder if 3 games in 4 nights against some bigger/stronger/older players had an effect on the teenager?
Carl Berglund had a great camp. Disregard. He’s like Hamblin a year ago. If he does good things in main camp, then you can get excited about this player. The Oilers should sign Jake Sloan and Brady Stonehouse.
He was very good in this tournament which definitely caught my eye as he was so ineffective in anything but defensive positioning in his AHL games last year. A good arrow but we’ll see how much it means as the Condors start playing.
I haven’t watched a lot of Bourgault, but from what I read I’m getting a “Derek Ryan but bigger” vibe. Is that a fair assessment?
think a young Patrice Bergeron
That sounds better!
Interesting comparison. Can you expand on what you see that makes you say that.
Thanks.
Wishful thinking.
Bourgault turns 21 next month.
At that age Bergeron was scoring 31 goals and 73 points in the NHL.
Bourgault is so good without the puck…positioning, shutting down lanes, stealing pucks, but even better with the puck…Too often people on this and other sites judge performance solely on points…he will get his share, but, his value will be on all the little things that win hockey games.
Thanks, and for what it is worth I agree with the positioning, passing & defensive play. We’ll know this season if the shot follows him from junior to the pros.
LT has mentioned Bourgault’s goal share consistently through the off-season – it does stand out for a 20 year old rookie pro.
He was also given PK duties early in the year (and continued helping on the PK through the season).
I would agree with you, point totals are only a part of the evaluation of this player.
Right-shot Gaetan Duschene might be Bourgault’s floot.
The Canucks had 2 d-men wwho played NHL games last season.The Oilers had 1 who played any pro games at all, & those in the ECHL.
Yes and I do think it impacted the prospect forwards performance. It was nice to see all of the notable kids do something of note, iirc that’s a little bit rare.
The Canucks have made a concerted effort to sign undrafted NCAA free agents to bolster their depleted prospect pool and early returns look somewhat promising.
Along with Akito Hirose and Cole McWard, Max Sasson also appeared in the tournament.
In addition, Arshdeep Bains who was undrafted despite winning the WHL scoring title was a standout.
Mitch Holmberg won a WHL scoring title too. Arshdeep won it as a 20/21 year old overager.
The Nucks defence was strong in this tourney, maybe someone makes it out of the pile and reaches Brogan’s lofty status.
Akito Hirose has already passed him and may start the season as 3LD although he has significant competition.
Bains had a decent 21 year old year in the AHL scoring 13 goals and 38 points. Holmberg played ONE game in the AHL.
Vancouver is awash in wingers so he may not get much opportunity.
They are doing what they can to try to prop up a terrible prospect pool for a team that is stuck in perpetual rebuild.
Just to be clear, these are 22-24 year olds who were just soundly outplayed by the Oilers 18 year old 2nd rounder that you’re touting?
Do you know who had the most points in the tournament?
I know Drance and Dayal, who cover the Canucks aside from Penticton, called Akey “easily the most impressive defender in the tournament”.
He was very good but Hirose was the highest scoring player in the tournament.
While Akey certainly has more development runway, he likely won’t help much before the Oilers age out.
I believe the article might have been published before the last game, but FWIW, some of The Athletic crew (non-Oilers teams) watching the tournament said Akey was “easily” the standout defenceman of the entire tournament.
Mentions in two articles. Looks like both were published after the games ended.
https://theathletic.com/4875053/2023/09/18/canucks-flames-oilers-jets/
https://theathletic.com/4869485/2023/09/19/nhl-rookie-tournament-prospects-standouts/
Speaking of Akey… I hope someone talks to him about those Kevlar forearm protectors that Kane has as Beau looks to be using the world’s shortest gloves to enable all that dangling.