Tyler Tullio is doing what Oilers prospects have done in the minors since defenseman Charlie Huddy played his first pro game for the Houston Apollos in the fall of 1979. He is progressing. A year ago, his pts-game (.41) was respectable considering he didn’t get much power-play time.
His goal share a year ago at even strength (35-30, 54 percent) while the Condors were 125-122 (51 percent) with him off the ice.
This season, Tullio is 17-13 (57 percent) at even strength while Bakersfield’s best without the young man are 108-88 (55 percent). Tullio is playing well and has established himself as a regular on a team that has plenty of options at his position.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New DNB: Edmonton Oilers notebook: Adam Henrique’s family adjustment, Connor McDavid’s motivation
- Lowetide: What will Adam Henrique bring to the Oilers down the stretch?
- DNB: Why the Oilers’ old-turned-new second line should be here to stay
- Lowetide: What’s next for Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Holloway?
- DNB: Why the Edmonton Oilers look done adding before NHL trade deadline
- DNB: How Oilers’ trade for Adam Henrique, Sam Carrick improves forward depth
- DNB: Oilers defense secures third-period comeback and OT win vs. Bruins
- DNB: How Calvin Pickard has affirmed his spot on the Oilers
- Lowetide: Is Edmonton Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie a tweener?
- Lowetide: What’s the ideal deployment for Edmonton Oilers’ Evander Kane?
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers enter spring signing season under pressure
- DNB: Goals aren’t coming for Connor McDavid. He’s helping the Oilers more than ever
- Lowetide: Where can the Edmonton Oilers improve their draft strategy in 2024?
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers top 20 prospects ranking, winter 2023
RYAN MCLEOD: THE STANDARD
McLeod’s progress both offensively and as an outscorer in Bakersfield was tremendous. You didn’t know if he would make a difference at both ends of the ice, and offense wasn’t so overwhelming he was a lock for a feature role. In the AHL, his points-per-game were .41, 1.00 and (in 7 games) .71. He spiked during the pandemic season, so it can’t be used as a perfect comp for Tullio.
The best comp is the rookie season. At even strength, McLeod was 34-34 (50 percent), the Condors 85-115 (43 percent) without him. He really did announce his presence with authority as a rookie.
GOALIES!
The Oilers have two goalies on the farm who are thriving. Olivier Rodrigue owns a .918 SP, good for No. 8 among qualified AHL goalies. Jack Campbell is at .915SP, good for No. 12 overall. Ryan Fanti is at .913 in the ECHL.
CULL THE HERD
Oilers have several veterans signed to NHL deals who play for Bakersfield and are UFA this summer. Adam Erne, Sam Gagner, Seth Griffith and Greg McKegg are all in need of a contract. You need centers in the American League, they can help skill wingers along. What do you think of this lineup in the fall?
- Caggiula-Pederson-Bourgault
- Savoie-Hamblin-Tullio
- Petrov-Grubbe-Wright*
- Stonehouse-Berglund-Chiasson
I’d sign Cameron Wright today. I think he’s a quality AHL player and maybe he goes Arcobello and grabs 200 NHL games. I have included veterans Caggiula, Pederson and Hamblin, plus Wright who plays like one and Berglund who is an older prospect. It’s not enough veterans. I don’t think the Oilers can afford another season of not playing these kids. If injuries hit, bring up Ethan de Jong.
Max Wanner, Phil Kemp and Ben Gleason are the only blue under contract. Pile of RFA’s this time, I wrote about it (above) for The Athletic.
BOTTOM LINE
If I had $100 dollars to bet on some of all of Tullio, Bourgault, Petrov, Savoie and Grubbe to make the show, at this point I’d put $50 on Tullio and $50 on Grubbe. Grubbe is 20 and wins battles, goes to the net, contests the anthem. I’m telling you he is going to play in the NHL.
That’s not where the organization should be with this group. It’s baffling what has happened since Jay Woodcroft left Bakersfield. I know a winning environment matters, but I think if we’re going to be true to these kids, they have to play and be part of the success. Otherwise, what the hell are they doing down there?
All of this to say the following: I do believe the Oilers must cull the veterans. I also believe they have to decide on some of these prospect forwards. Some have to go. Grab four and play the hell out of them next year.
Today on the Lowdown (starting at noon) day two of NFL free agency and our weekly visit with Daniel Nugent-Bowman at The Athletic. He’s writing brilliant stuff about the deadline, the road trip and the days to come. 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.
You can feel the push coming.
@BR_OpenIce
Alpharetta Sports and Entertainment Group, led by Anson Carter, announced its formal request for NHL expansion to bring a franchise back to Atlanta
Hartford or bust. Bring back the whale.
For the Oilers to win this season they need a few things to go right (like any team who wins). First they need Skinner to play like a top 10 goalie (he’s playing like it but will he hold up). Next they need Vinny to hold up as 2RD (a bit skeptical on this one but we still have some regular season road left to test drive him). Finally we need the Kane-Henrique-Brown line to play and score like an elite 3rd line. This last one is really important and I’m not surprised that Coach K put these guys together. If they can pull it off then this team stands a real good chance of going all the way. Hope Kane and Henrique understand the importance of this role and willingly take it on.