The Bakersfield Condors played it as loose as Crazy Horse at the Fillmore in 1971, but just like Neil Young’s rock and roll band 50 years ago, the results brought a smile to all who observed a wild and wacky win for the home team. If entertainment is your bag, the Condors 6-5 Hail Mary victory over the Abbotsford Canucks surely qualifies. What’s more, all of the young dudes had a part in the victory.
THE ATHLETIC!
- Lowetide: Stuart Skinner, Ryan McLeod and the Oilers’ development system
- Lowetide: Oilers close NHL standings gap during a brilliant December run
- Lowetide: Oilers goalie prospect Olivier Rodrigue reaches new performance level
- DNB: Connor McDavid marks 600th NHL game by coming to the rescue in pivotal Oilers win
- Lowetide: Evander Kane’s concerning season and what it means to the Oilers.
- Lowetide: How the Edmonton Oilers are undergoing a changing of the guard on defence
- Lowetide: How the Oilers measure up to ‘reasonable expectations’ after 31 games
- Lowetide: Ranking the Edmonton Oilers’ top 6 trade assets
- Lowetide: Did the Oilers solve Leon Draisaitl’s winger issues in New Jersey?
- Lowetide: What can Dylan Holloway bring the Oilers when he returns?
- DNB: Evan Bouchard is unlocking his potential on the Edmonton Oilers blue line
- Lowetide: Do the Edmonton Oilers have enough actual NHL players?
- Lowetide: Winning or development? Assessing Oilers’ AHL team and what it means for the future
- DNB: Add a middle-6 forward or 2 to the long list of Oilers needs
- DNB: Why Paul Coffey’s surprise Edmonton Oilers coaching opportunity is paying off
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers top 20 prospects ranking, winter 2023
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
I watched last night’s game for the purpose of finding the young player on the roster who did something that contributed to a victory. As it turned out, every damn one of them did something worth mentioning. What a night!
- Olivier Rodrigue allowed five goals, just 23 saves on 28 shots. He also made some amazing saves in regulation and then won in the shootout. It wasn’t his best game, but the coverage was loose and several wobbly bits from the defense (Max Wanner made a miscue, Ben Gleason was 1-4 even strength goals and wasn’t sharp defensively). Rodrigue owns a .924 SP on the season, good for No. 2 in the AHL. A splendid season for the young netminder.
- Philip Broberg picked up an assist, skated miles and defended well for Bakersfield. The apple was a lovely pass to Lane Pederson for his first goal. I don’t know if Broberg will be part of the trade deadline activity, but some NHL team is going to be deploying a talented Swedish blue opening night 2024-25. Broberg is too good for the AHL, with respect to the fine players in the league. He is 12-7 even-strength goals (63 percent).
- Max Wanner made a miscue on a Canucks goal, but also delivered steady overall play and is a brute physically at age 20. I love the fact management keeps running him out there. For the season at even strength, he owns an 17-22 goal share (44 percent) playing (mostly) with Cam Dineen and now Alex Peters. For a flat-out rookie out of junior, he’s doing very well. I’ll be interested to see what his mid-season/end of season splits look like in April.
- Xavier Bourgault scored a goal in the shootout, drew a penalty, and had a couple of good looks. I suspect the organization has soured on him based on deployment (put him with Lane Pederson, he’s better defensively than Seth Griffith and very skilled). I believe he’ll have an NHL career. He does need to gain some strength.
- Jayden Grubbe has been coming on and his 5 rookie goals ranks him No. 38 among all AHL rookies this season. He is tied for fourth among Condors forwards in goals. Grubbe was injured in this game, but plays a style that will endear him to management. I will suggest he’s on an NHL trajectory, probably a year away from his big-league debut.
- Matvey Petrov scored a goal by being net front and showed some nice awareness on the Greg McKegg goal by giving the goalie something to consider as a strong passing option. Petrov is a smart player, I think he’s a candidate to spike in the second half. Eric Rodgers’ TOI estimates have him playing less than 11 minutes a night. If he sees more of a feature role, this could be a second-half story.
- Tyler Tullio did some good things on the night and has been solid offensively (2-4-6 in 12 games) but to my eye his ice time was reduced after the Grubbe injury. It was a curious choice. He is a productive player. Not sure the organization sees him as a significant prospect, but he is unique (along with Bourgault) due to his two-way ability.
- Carter Savoie picked up an assist and is noticeable every game now. He plays with an edge, and I wince every time there’s contact. He needs to stay healthy. When he does, good things (2-5-7 in his last 10 games) happen. He has just 15 shots in those 10 games, you’d like to see that number double.
- Raphael Lavoie was absolutely on fire last night. He had two assists, made a key play on the first Pederson goal (kicked it out deftly to Caggiula) and would have had the third assist if they awarded one. Lavoie also scored a legit goal that was disallowed.
The 2014-15 Oklahoma City Barons would send Tyler Pitlick (414 NHL games), Jordan Oesterle (361), Jujhar Khaira (337), Brad Hunt (288), Martin Marincin (227), Brandon Davidson (180), Iiro Pakarinen (134) and Laurent Brossoit (126) to the show.
The lesson from that team, and all AHL teams, is that speed and a range of skills (two-way ability) tend to be key indicators for future NHL success.
What does that mean for last night’s group? I think it means that men like Olivier Rodrigue, Philip Broberg, Xavier Bourgault and Tyler Tullio have a good chance of making it to the NHL and staying.
I think names like Carter Savoie, Matvey Petrov and Raphael Lavoie will need to prove themselves over and over, and then get a little lucky, because their pure skill wasn’t enough to get an NHL look early. All three men performed well last night.
Max Wanner and Jayden Grubbe are rookies, and still developing. I think they represent the kinds of players Edmonton is looking for in the Holland administration. Big, strong, rugged. I think Xavier Bourgault was drafted into an organization that values other things. I don’t know what that means for his future. I am not a person who believes that coaching staffs actively fade prospects, that would make zero sense. I do believe the things management would like to see from Bourgault may not be in his range of skills. Bourgault can be tougher on the puck, but Jayden Grubbe is going to win the battles when he’s 22.
If we apply that kind of logic to the group above, then I believe the list of most likely prospects to emerge as future Oilers are: Rodrigue, Broberg, Wanner, Lavoie, Grubbe. I’d love to know your opinion in the comments section.
At noon today, Sports 1440, we deliver two hours of steady talking. We’ll chat with Bagged Milk from Oilers Nation, take your texts and I would like to discuss the Oilers trade options in goal. Starter? Someone with some upside? Run with 60 degrees Calvin? We’ll chat about it. You can reach me at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section or on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly.
Fairly dreamy out of town scoreboard!
Everything coming up Milhouse!
Bob Stauffer
@Bob_Stauffer
·
44m
The @Condors Head Coach Colin Chaulk said tonight on @OilersNow that Dylan Holloway will center a line with Raphael Lavoie on LW and Lane Pederson on RW when Bakersfield faces San Diego tomorrow night
Showcase? I’d prefer Pederson on a line with a prospect, possibly Savoie or Petrov who both have some momentum at this time.
Holloway getting a massive push isn’t the worst idea in the world. If he fills the net in the AHL before recall, that might help his confidence in the NHL.
Showcase for Oiler 3C?
1C in Bakersfield would seem a good place to get Holloway reps in the middle, and as you mention it could also help his confidence.
Lavoie-Holloway-Pederson would also have Holloway playing with arguably the top 2 forward call-up options in Bakersfield. So putting that line together could further be a forward thinking decision to increase familiarity among the guys most likely to play games for the Oilers in 2024.
I am not convinced Holloway will bring enough offense for 3C. I hope he does.
Fair enough. I was just speaking to the possible reason for Holloway playing 1C in Bakersfield (preparation for playing C with the Oilers vs. showcase for a trade).
To your concern, it’s true Holloway hasn’t been able to score in the NHL to this point. The scoring gap between he and McLeod through their draft +4 seasons doesn’t seem overly noteworthy to me though.
NHLe for each by season relative to draft (both were late Sept. birthdays):
D+1
McLeod OHL 26
Holloway Big10 42
D+2
McLeod AHL 16
Holloway AHL 27
D+3
McLeod AHL 40
McLeod NHL 8
Holloway AHL 33
Holloway NHL 14
D+4
McLeod NHL 24
Holloway NHL 6 (ie – 1 point in 14 games to start this season)
D+5
McLeod NHL 33
Holloway ?
D+6
McLeod NHL 35
Holloway ?
Whether Holloway ends up being a 3C or not, I think it’s a good thing the organization is trying him at center to see if he can address a need.
How exciting has this team got?
They are seeing the same opportunities we do and trying it? Even if it doesn’t work
It’s almost hard to believe
You know how we say any team should just fire their scouts and use Bob’s list, well now the Oilers have figured out to just slide by here and use all our work!
Holland’s MO has always been to let young d-men overripen in the minors before moving them up. This is the case with Broberg and I think the team still probably sees him as a potential 3-4 d-man. Its better for his development to play 20 plus a night in the minors than to have him watch games or play 5 to 7 minutes a night with the Oilers.
What about playing 12-14 minutes at 5 on 5 per night in the NHL at 3LD with some depth PK time?
We would have to trade Kulak to make that work. If the return for Kulak is a win for the Oilers then maybe do that. If not, Broberg is a great number 7 to step in if (and when) there is an injury.
It’s been an anomaly to have your best six defensemen stay healthy through nearly half a season. It wasn’t long ago that guys like Ryan Murray, Slater Koekkoek, and Brandon Manning (spits) were getting regular shifts as the Oilers were using 9 or 10 different blueliners in a season
Overripen. Talk to your doctor today.
Vegas claims Bjornfot.
Very nice low risk possible high upside move that simultaneously messes with a divisional rival.
I would have liked to see the Oilers put a claim in.
The Oilers can’t find minutes for Broberg and I wouldn’t want to claim a tweener to play over him, right?
Smart teams find ways to increase their talent pool.
Broberg is better than Bjornfot. Has been at every level. Bjornfot would have to be on the roster. So the OIlers would be forced to pressbox him.
Vegas has D injuries. So they can use him as a #6 or #7. They get a free trial.
Damn healthy Oilers!
Just think if Elkholm misses game’s who plays his spot? Broberg! Foegle gets injures whos their? Lavoie! Patience is a virtue and you never know these guys might replace players as early as next year
Kulak would play in EKholm’s spot, presumably – and Broberg will fill in.
I agree that depth is important but this scenario is applicable to all 32 teams, right?
I seem to remember Broberg-Bouchard having some pretty decent numbers when paired together last year.
If those are better than what we see with Kulak-Bouchard I’d be more than happy to see Bro paired with him and Nurse-Ceci ran as the top pair.
Perhaps and, while, yes, I agree that Broberg/Bouchard were great together last season, lets not forget is was legit 3rd pairing deployment – that pairing played 14% of the time together vs. elites.
Combine that with the current coaching staff massively relying on their top two pairs at 5 on 5 (big gap to 3rd pair minutes and quality of minutes, I think its a stretch to think that the coaches will give Broberg like 35% TOI vs. elites.
A month ago I wanted to the Oilers to “do something” Take action, show us some change.
However I did not want a foolish, reactionary trade. So, I’m quite happy with results recently.
They showed restraint on a trade.
They played Pickard. They bumped Ollie over Campbell. They continue to scout goalies. Gathering intel is a form of action.
They got Broberg back playing big minutes, not sitting.
They got Lavoie another look, some incentive, and looks like they are trying to get him coached up.
The vets they brought into the Condors have helped bring prospects along, I suspect we’ll see better TOI for prospects in second half. This has happened in the past under Gretzky.
They solved Draisaitl winger problems for the moment.
I thought they would take advantage of some team out there and get a big bottom six player. As well as they have done, we are generally playing at least two non playoff players in the bottom six. I’d rather boost this position when an opportunity presents, rather than waiting till the trade deadline when competition for these players increases. I’m thinking a Patrick Maroon type, but again, maybe opportunity presents a speedster. I hope they still are out there looking. (Under 1m)
Nice thoughts, although I found ‘take advantage’ funny, I don’t think it’s Holland taking any advantages
Would we have been better off if we had traded like the rumour had it My Cousin Vinny for edgy Sam Lafferty. Broberg would be recieving valuable minutes with the possible upside heading into the Playoffs.
They made a blockbuster trade. “The Coach” This trade reminds me of the Mike Sullivan one in 2015 by the Penquins organization. This trade (remains to be seen) may have saved the organization success for the next 10 years.
I like how the most OBC player imaginable has taken over the defence and has been improving it to the point where instead of a 350 orange block chevy it’s halfway to a Rolls Royce.
We were 2-9-1 the day Jackson had seen enough the team was in shambles yet the majority of the peanut gallery were in disbelief on the firing of Woody and hiring of McDavids old Coach Kris. Once they heard Coffeys name they blew a gasket the venom directed towards this legend and future legend McDavid even made phony haters like H.H. blush.
The Oilers were pulling out of the tailspin under Woodcroft. I believe the captain said it recently.
Yup. I have no doubt KK is a decent coach. The narrative that KK is miracle worker is a bit much for me.
Woody had the Oilers humming in a similar fashion the last two seasons. The early season strugglers were largely player execution/commitment related. When the Oilers were tearing it up last year Woody had Drai and McD on separate lines too.
Okay then what about the defence?
Before Coffey and KK Nurse was a whipping boy everywhere in Oil land. Suddenly Nurse is a good solid defenceman.
Nurse stopped trying to play like Paul Coffey and is now concentrating on a defence first style that suits him 100%.
Woodcroft did nothing to help Nurse, who routinely tried to force offence when it clearly doesn’t suit him. Nurse seemed shell shocked after signing that crazy contract, whereas now Nurse is calm and collected on the ice.
Nurse will score anyway, so long as he concentrates on his new Paul Coffey suggested job – that is, playing defence first.
He’s being a gentleman and a true captain. I’m just a old Oiler diehard fan that can see through it and knows that the crest comes first over Gretzky, Messier, McTavish and yes even over a 2 year coach. It took Woody a training camp and 12 games to finally loose his team with a system that wasn’t working from minute one. The firing was justified if folks want to pretend that we would have the same record as now with a confused deer lost in the headlights team that’s their prerogative as a Oiler faithful.
Zero doubt the defensive structure change had an impact. I think it would be completely unfair not to mention the injuries to McDavid, Ekholm and McLeod, the goaltending wobble, and the wayward defensive change as major items. The idea that Woodcroft can’t coach is, in my opinion, framing the issue.
No one is suggesting Woodcroft can’t coach.
He just can’t coach the Oilers.
Coaches come and go no one shed a tear when players coach Tippett lost his job. Woodys sucess was largely due to the unsustainable best PP in the history of the game. Every team has injuries Woody choice to double shift injured players instead of trusting the team unit to step-up, this lead to his downfall. 5 on 5 wins Cups through a 82 game schedule plus playoffs it takes 4 lines not a gimmicky 11-7 nightly deployment while double shifting your 2 best players into the ground. A hot PP and PK might win a couple of series but it’s not sustainable through 4 series. I have nothing against Woody and especially a favourite of mine Mr. Dave Manson but he would be the first to tell you that results are all that matter for a Stanley Cup contending team.
They were but this coaching group has added more than they had as I see it
There are very good players on the team, they wouldn’t be that bad all season. But as good?
In this case I don’t believe the hype. Arguably he has nothing to gain and everything to lose by telling the raw truth.
HH sure has been quiet around here lately.
Coffey is turning out to be a Hollywood epic level coaching improvement. Like Shoeless Joe turning up to save some struggling baseball team. Or Vince, running the ball from end to end in the big game.
If you think you heard wailing, whining and sniffling when he was named temporary D Coach wait till him and Jackson double team the GM role.
thought I was watching a young Ralph Maroon out there.
Players like Broberg and Lavoie don’t “want out” per se, they want to make the team. Preferably the team that drafted them, supported them, and they have a relationship with. Players are loyal.
Of course the AHL is a rough league, and careers can be destroyed before signing a life changing contract, so it’s a risk waiting and waiting.
I think not being recognized as perhaps Bourgault situation, is different than being recognized but blocked. (Broberg)All good teams have players ahead of rookies. And one day these rookies will be veterans and not want to be pushed aside themselves because a rookie is “unhappy”
Its just the way.
I think the Oilers have been showing better signs of logic lately. It would be utter foolishness to lose lose a critical number 7 defensman in Broberg. They will avoid this unless absolutely no choice.
Broberg is right where he should be, best player on the ice. If no injuries occur, he needs to come up to big club for 10 games before playoffs. Godot makes a point, they must have at least a 7 d man ready.
Drafted players are loyal, mostly. Maybe not US and Soviets
Their first move is like their first breakup. Wheelin and dealin after that
I’d hire Seth Appert to coach Bakersfield next year
Rochester Americans coach
Buffalo owners aren’t as generous as DKatz
Can you point to player development that’s occurred to successful players under his watch? What separates him from, say, Todd Nelson?
Sure:
Jiri Kulich succeeding in his 18 and 19 year old seasons (leading the team as a 19 year old)
Isak Rosen in his 20
6th round pick Lukas Rousek lead the team in scoring as a 23 yo
2nd round pick JJ Peterka led the team in scoring in his first year in the AHL as a 19 yo and now doing very well in Buffalo at 21
Jack Quinn did very well in the A at 19. Had a bad injury this year
Mattias Samuelsson
That’s in about 2 1/2 years at the job.
Before that he was Head Coach of the USNDP
Had guys like Matty Beniers, Brock Faber, Jake Sanderson, Joel Farabee, Mattias Samuelsson, K’andre Miller, Jack Hughes
He knows how to develop talent. Seems to understand his role.
Todd Nelson is great but let’s compare him with what we have now, Chaulk
Appreciate the breakdown. That’s an excellent resume. And being able to connect with the youthful talent of the day is crucial. Would be a quality hire for bench boss in BAK for next season.
On the other hand, as Godot alluded to below, any comparison between Chaulk and Nelson stops at having coached the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers.
Nelson has won at every level he’s been a head coach at, and made the SCF when he was an assistant running the defence for DAL (spits). Nelson delivered talent aplenty to the NHL, and not always the famous prospects. I believe just yesterday LT included the long list of grads from OKC in his blog post. I’m sure you’re more than familiar with his history.
Chaulk’s qualifications are that he played with Woodcroft back in the day.
He’s not in the same conversation as Nelson.
I like Nelson, would love a return to the fold
The Oilers have Broberg in the perfect position for the organization. INURIES happen to everyone, but especially d-men during the season and the during the long grind of the playoffs. What a great ‘injury-replacement’ to have available when it is a smooth-skating rangy d-man with lots of upside.
The young man is playing 20+ a night and is, according to some, the best player on the ice when he is in the AHL. It would behoove the organization to get Broberg as much PK time as possible during his time in the AHL.
There is always talk of upgrading positions at the deadline for a contender like the Oilers. However, this is essentially the same team that was very close to making the finals last year. I am hoping that Jackson/Holland DO NOT spend significant assets unless it is an Ekholm-type trade (great player on a good contract for a couple of first rounders) – but do not include Broberg he will be needed!
I think this comment encompasses my feelings quite well.
Moneyball was on tv last night (broadcast channel, so many commercials it almost made it unwatchable), it’s like Oilers management do the exact opposite of what they should be doing given the team, and the cap. If we can all see it, why are they so blind?
How good looking is Broberg’s girlfriend?
They’ll need Bro next year for cap reasons.
Broberg should be in Edmonton playing, with the OIlers rotating 5 defensemen through 4 spots. With only Nurse and Bouchard not being load managed. Ekholm and Ceci could use some load management.
The OIlers will regret not having seven D ready in the playoffs.
They should of been rotating Bouchard a few years ago with Bear. Load management on Bear might of saved his career in Edmonton.
The top 5D last year (including Ek/Barrie as a combo) missed a grand total of 2 games last season and, this year, so far, the top 6 D have missed a grant total of 1 game.
This has been a remarkable run of health that has played a part in cratering Broberg’s development (org is partially at fault for not find him more games in a 6D set up).
Colin Chaulk strikes me as a guy with his sights squarely focused on making the next step to the NHL, based on his deployment strategy. Can’t say I blame him, but maybe he should take a look at how Woodcroft focused on development development development. He was a long shot to be an NHL coach and made it because he focused on the task at hand, first and foremost.
Genuinely believe they are trying to shelter the kids as best they can. Deploying Griffith on the top line despite getting caved is my example.
It reeks of Holland dogma. Overripen. I don’t think he cares much for LT’s rules of AHL age related progression. 2nd half splits will tell the story, Lavoie popped off last year, maybe X does this or next.
His resume is “friend of Jay Woodcroft”. Thoroughly undistinguished coaching career. Probably one of the thinnest resumes for an AHL job.
I would suggest that Woody absolutely relied on his vets every bit as much as Chaulk does – their deployment decisions with the forwards in the AHL are shockingly similar.
Off the point of the article, but what the fudge is going on with our schedule? I feel like we’re never playing games.
Back to the Condors:
Just wait till the rubber hits the road.
Brandt Clarke has been brought up.
Arshdeep Bains scored last night.
Strength of schedule doesn’t matter until I say it does.
We need the ‘reverse curse’ through the 8 remaining B2b’s and hectic grind through spring.
This is my summoning song.
Thought Lavoie had his best game the other night on callup.
Agreed, he looked good for sure. I’m hoping he has a bit of a Skinner thing going on. Remember when he played the game against Ottawa a few years back, looked a tad shaky, then went back to the AHL and really ramped up the play? It looked like a penny drop moment of knowing what he had to do to succeed at the NHL level. Maybe Lavoie can replicate that (fingers crossed).
Bourgault was “my guy” at the draft. I saw him as a top-six, Nuge-lite, playmaking winger. Based on public info, it seems like the org no longer sees what made them spend a 1st.
I would have been upset to see him go last year, but unless something changes quick, I don’t see the Oilers giving him the shot he requires. If he gets us a valuable piece, I think we have to consider it before his AHL time starts furrowing eyebrows around the league (if it hasn’t already).
Timing couldn’t be better. With guys banged up, and a new coach, now is the perfect time to have space in the schedule for practice, and to heal some bumps and bruises before a big push to the second season.
It’s more a selfish thing of wanting to see at least a game every two days.
Liked your Athletic piece. Definitely do not need to trade off the farm, because they will need reinforcements next season.
My Jackson 5 would be Broberg, Lavoie, Rodrigue, Bourgault, Grubbe
It’s easy as ABC… 123
I just hope we’re not singing ‘I Want You Back’ after the deadline.
Bottom 6 I’d like to see when healthy
Kane. Holloway. Gagner
Janmark. Ryan. Brown
Ryan line tougher matchups. Holloway line could outscore (and not defend much but outscore).
Best Condor on the ice. Absolutely zero reason to trade this player who is at $867K on the cap now and could be at $833K next season (his qualifying offer). He’s shown he can play 3LD in the NHL and, at an apx $1.9MM cap savings to Kulak, and drop off between the two (which may not be large and may not last long) is worth the cap space. The Oilers need to keep this player and his cost-controlled nature.
He has been a depth player all year long that isn’t involved much in offnesive chances, however, I have been impressed with his “overall game” for a 20 year old offensive minded rookie pro. I have seen him good on the boards and willing to go to the hard areas and grind a bit. Agree, hopeful we will see an offensive spike in the 2nd half.
He was benched in the third period.
Even Chaulk mentioned before the game that his biggest issue is staying healthy. He takes a beating. 6 points in his last 8 games.
Re: Tullio. I think the coach checked down after the Grubbe injury. I don’t recall when it was, but Tullio wasn’t about. Your verbal might lead one to think Tullio made an error/didn’t recognize danger on a play. Did you see this? Curious to know why you said benching as opposed to tightening up the lines due to Grubbe’s injury. I didn’t see an error, but perhaps he was being punished.
Re: Broberg. I think the Oilers would like to keep him, but the 2024 first and Broberg are two strong assets and there’s going to be changes of address at the deadline. I hope he stays.
Broberg is a keeper. If the Oilers need to move a player at the deadline, it should be Kulak. Broberg is already at least as good as Kulak and has a much higher upside, as well as many more active years ahead of him. It is hard to acquire young defenseman who are ready to pop in the NHL, and impossible to get them after they have emerged into view on other teams. You do not spend all of your time developing Broberg and Lavoie, and then trading them for an aging veteran or two. The window is now, but Broberg is ready to be a factor on the Oilers in the NHL now. Using him also assists with cap management going forward. Keep him because he is good and getting better (and because he helps you to sign other players when the time comes). Trade older players who are about to begin, or who have begun, their downward trajectories.
I agree that it would be a mistake trading Broberg (unless the market value is higher than what I think it likely is). For me, he’s all put proven the ability to be an every day 3LD with real upside and the only reason he isn’t playing nightly (and maybe popping) is that he’s blocked by an established vet and the “starting 6” have missed one game due to injury.
I’m going to stop short of saying that he’s “better than Kulak now” – that may be a bit aggressive but I don’t think any gap between them is very large and that gap likely disappears after Broberg gets consistent nightly minutes.
The organization clearly values the “established vet” and Kulak’s experience and the fact he’s improved his play in the playoffs both seasons as an Oiler is meaningful.
At the same time, the apx $1.9MM cap difference (now and at least next season) is important and the clear upside of Broberg is important.
Mike Griffith
@MikeGriffith54
·
12h
For my followers north of the border. Tullio was benched in the third.
——————–
On Broberg, I don’t think his acquisition value is as high as his value to the Oilers over the next few seasons.
Much of that is that I don’t think he has a ton of value on the market – some, of course, but I think he has less than “1st round equivalent” value. Could be wrong.
So he was benched, but we don’t know why. My working theory is they didn’t have four lines, so faded him. Benching would imply punishment. I guess we’ll find out.
Sure, fair – I guess the point was that coach determined he wasn’t part of his top 9 forwards he wanted to use as part of an effort to come back – for whatever reason.
Thinking of Petrov as an offensive-minded player is the wrong way to think of Petrov. He was his junior coach’s swiss army knife.
Then why did they draft Bourgault if his range of skills aren’t what they are looking for???
Fantastic question. They did not inherit this player from Chia…they drafted him in the first round.
Is this a prime reason why Tyler Wright is already unemployed even before the full regime change (ie. new GM) has occurred?
I think the Oilers thought he would be more substantial offensively. All the scouting reports, and the math, suggested it.
Just like Mercer over Holloway! Sometimes it works – other times it may take awhile or doesn’t work out at all.
Give em 5 years, unless they’re not a PPG in their draft +3 then they’re not in the organizational plans.
Skill forwards need to show early unlike grinder types .
The 2021 Draft was more of a crapshoot than usual because Covid disruption meant that there was much less data about prospects to draw on than in a normal year. Bourgault was an absolutely defensible pick at the time based on the information available, but you have to wonder if some of the issues we’re seeing in the AHL would have emerged if he’d played a full season in his draft year.
Unfortunately the five players picked immediately after him are all tracking as more substantial prospects than Bourgault and one already is a top six NHL forward. If you look at those players’ draft year numbers though, Bourgault is the guy you’d feel most confident projecting as having enought offence to make the NHL.
It’s merely a theory, LT’s theory, which does not mean it is true. Unless I’ve missed it, there’s been nothing in Gretzky’s verbal that indicates it is the case. Which doesn’t mean LT is wrong either, we just don’t know. Fortunately on a January 4th, it isn’t a concern either way. Bourgault is in the org and writing his story.
They thought he could also play goal.
Broberg is getting the Valimaki treatment unlike the zero return for Juuso Broberg will fetch a veteran C or be part of a package for top 4 RD.
He wants out. Pretty sure Holland is looking to move him in a deal or package, but knowing Holland he won’t just give him away . He will want what he feels is right in the return. I like Broberg and think he didn’t get a good shot here. I think he will be a good NHL D man somewhere . No clue who the Oil are targeting for a backup 1B guy, but you would think if it is a rebuilding team they would be happy to get Broberg in the deal. I think someone ( Friedman?) mentioned Holland wasn’t happy with anything available right now ( probably asking prices too high) So not sure when a trade will come about for Broberg
Both Broberg and Lavoie want out ASAP. Both know there window is closing fast on a prosperous career. I myself would give both a fair opportunity first and try to pump and dump but this isn’t Hollands MO when dealing with younger under control players.
Ya I think Lavoie’s camp was probably hoping he would get claimed when the Oil waived him.
Holland (thankfully) aint in charge, and he’s given lots away
I’m not so sure he wants out so much as he wants the opportunity to play in the NHL as he thinks he’s ready and he’s earned it.
To the extent there is an injury and he gets his shot or a LD (Kulak) is moved and he gets his shot, I think he would have zero issues staying in the org.
I don’t think he gets moved as that doesn’t help cap space wise and I don’t think the market value equals his value to the org.
Thank you for this LT. Great Timing.
Going to see BAKO @ San Diego on Saturday.
They are playing back to back and both away. Should be a good one.
Having Holloway in the lineup for conditioning is bonus.
As per DNB on twitter/X this morning, Holloway will play centre during his Bako stint. Music!
A line of Brown-Holloway-Kane could result in a Yahtzee for us.
The “Large and Discharged” Line
The “Out-Hit, Out-Chance, Out-Patient” Line
The “Break But Don’t Bend” Line
The “Hurts So Good” Line
With how well Mcleod, Leo, and Foegele have played, giving the coach options on 3c is a wonderful thing.
A Mottley crew.