In 2017, the Edmonton Oilers drafted Kailer Yamamoto in the first round. The organization that spent dozens of picks on Coke machines just a decade earlier went and did the thing. These years after the Yamamoto trade, the organization remains devoted to skill, but looks for it in more sizeable packages. Is this the correct course of action?
THE 2024 DRAFT
We haven’t talked about the 2024 Oilers draft much, and since we’re in the “is this rumour real?” area of the season it might be time to ponder the 2024 picks.
Sam O’Reilly was an astute selection. He is a RH center with skill and a 200-foot game. He is a former defenseman who finished third last season in OHL rookie scoring. He did it while playing a utility position and didn’t (according to reports) get much cherry time. Over the years I’ve learned to temper expectations when the hype train pulls out of the station. I don’t think this pick needs it, frankly. A middle six RH center who arrives in Edmonton fall of 2027 should have major appeal. He might get traded on the way, but should keep his value.
Eemil Vinni is a Finnish goaltender, and that nation is a factory for guardiens. He is 6.02, his save percentage was 50 points better than his backup and he’ll be here by the end of the decade if he makes it. Goalies are voodoo, but this is a solid bet.
Connor Clattenburg appears to be a throwback choice from the Coke machine era. He scored 13 goals in 60 games in his 18-year old OHL season. He is 6.04, 195 and a physical player. He’s not quite Cameron Abney, but there are precious few prospects with his profile who make a difference in the NHL.
Albin Sundin is a Swedish defenseman with good size who seems to have spiked a little later in the season and in the playoffs. He is a right shot, drafted at 19, has two-way acumen. I’ll compare him to Filip Berglund but that’s a vague comp and who knows? This organization drafted Erik Gustafsson a decade ago, so maybe there’s something here. Sundin was taken at a point in the draft when expectations should be low.
Dalyn Wakely is a personal favourite of mine from later in the draft. Overage, boots aren’t fab, there’s plenty of reason for this player to be forgotten. What I like is his offense, two-way ability and reported work ethic. For a player to make the NHL from here, Wakely needs to improve in all aspects. Better to bet on a guy who is used to hard work and can make plays with the puck.
William Nicholl didn’t play much in his draft season, the London Knights are so deep they have a taxi squad. He’s an outlier pick who we may never hear from, but the reports I’ve seen from the people I trust suggest intriguing potential.
Bauer Berry appears to be another throwback style selection. A big defender who turns 19 on Halloween night, the verbal on him is encouraging and the style is a fit for the new Oilers (who want to be more difficult to play against). The USHL is a helluva league, Edmonton has unearthed names like Matt Greene, Jeff Petry and Caleb Jones from the league during the first 20 years of this century. I like his profile, there’s a chance he’s a steal.
I think the USHL might be the best junior league, passing the OHL. I’m not sure of that, but did write about it a year ago and it’s close based on results. That’s an encouraging pick (Berry), I have felt in the past Edmonton faded the league. Mistake.
Lowdown at noon today, Sports 1440. We’ll talk about the Elks on a roll, Oilers rumours making their annual August appearance (we know about Leon’s contract and Kane’s belief he will be ready, so what is new? Nothing) and we’ll talk about the Jays needing a lefty bat. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly.
New for The Athletic: Edmonton Oilers complete reasonable expectations for the 2024-25 season
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5694324/2024/08/12/edmonton-oilers-2024-25-season-expectations/
I see you snuck in the ol’ C-L-R on an unsuspecting audience. You sly dog.
Haha! Yes I did!
That is quite the smorgasbord of players you have filling out the forward lines. 🥸
All looks reasonable and even happily optimistic with projected games for the youth in Bakersfield but I am flummoxed by Hamblin’s inclusion.
Why draft skill if you can’t keep it?
Perhaps ole Bob S. was trying to front run these here moves yesterday with his Kane piece?
I hope they re-sign Hollywood and that he trolley tracks Thomas in their next game. Retribution.
I want blood!
Is it just me, or does anyone else think Stan Bowman and Doug Armstrong would make for a pretty fun barn scrap?
good morning St. Louis! Thanks for the double kick to the groin!
They underpaid, it aint gonna work. Bro will stay.
Whether it was the agents or the player’s decision, they made their call. If the Oilers match, both should be trade bait immediately after.
I can’t remember. If the Oilers sign them are they allowed to trade them this season?
Bob Stauffer
@Bob_Stauffer
10h
The Kane injury saga is a curious one.
To my recollection, it all started before the playoffs with Kane getting frustrated over being “healthy scratched.” It’s probably fair to presume he was injured at least as far back as this time.
I think Knoblauch said something about a maintenance day or something. Seravalli chimed in about Kane having worn out his welcome. Kane declared that he was fine.
Then just prior to the playoffs, Kane announced his sports hernia injury about a month or so after the deadline.
Immediately, people were questioning why Holland didn’t have him on LTIR prior to the trade deadline.
During the playoffs, Kane proceeds to miss 5 total games.
Two Mutts recently declares that Kane will be fit to start the season and shortly there after Stauffer provides a correction…
Someone mentioned a deleted tweet from Two Mutts insinuating that Kane was being forced to go on LTIR.
Certainly as an outside observer with no insider info, it seems like there’s a disconnect between Kane and the org and the best route for managing his injury.
I am not sure what leverage Bowman has, but he would be well aware.
Certainly as a GM, you don’t want a player who continues to push through an injury that’s adversely affecting their performance instead of having them rehab it properly.
From Kane’s perspective, he might be thinking that significant time off will have a negative impact on his next NHL contract.
David Staples:
“The Ducks and Kings have interest but he’s not looking to waive his NMC at this time”
Was this a leak from Kane??? Was Kane informally asked to waive to these teams??
Or
2 Mutts heard from someone else that the Ducks and Kings have interest, and Kane reported to them that he’s not looking to waive and he wants to be an Oiler.
Kane has two full seasons left on this contract – even if he were to miss this entire season he would have a full season, healthy and rested, to prove his worth for the next contract.
I think its more about a professional athlete wanting to play the sport.
Kane would be a 35 year old oft injured veteran when seeking another contract.
He would be lucky to get a Corey Perry deal.
Instead of declining, Kane has actually increased his p/gm totals since he left
the Springfield tire fireBUF.So you what you’re saying is, Bowman will be able to sign Kane at a significant market discount to stay in EDM as a swan song, because he wants to play with the best in the world and have his absolute best chance at winning the Cup.
Got it.
That has nothing to do with my post.
Curious how anyone would know that both the Kings AND Ducks have an interest in Kane.
The Kings don’t have the cap space and the Ducks have been selling off aging veterans at every opportunity.
Seems like someone is fabricating evidence.
Real recognize real, know what I mean?
If Kane goes on LTIR they will have to replace his truculence. That forward group needs some grit.
Cal Clutterbuck.
How’s this for the Mandela effort. I was 100 percent sure it was cheap shot Clutterbuck that kneed Taylor Hall coming across the middle of the ice.
You sure about that?
Also, it’s Mandela Effect; not effort.
Kane is well past his prime and so is Clutterbuck.
But Clutterbuck wouldn’t cost $5M/yr.
He may be aged, but Cal Clutterbuck is far from infirm.
Last year wasn’t his best, but he was deployed (roughly) equally against all tiers of competition and had a positive GF% across the board for his efforts.
Considering his age, and current contract status, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sign a PTO or league minimum deal to play for a contender.
That has value. Even beyond Kane returning to the roster in-season, as opposed to the playoffs.
Truculance can also come from the defence. Doesn’t have to be just forwards.
So, Petey/ChiaPet/Pistol Pete and Old Dutch/New Holland had some fun nicknames. Action Jackson is an easy one for our new CEO.
But what are we calling Stanley Bowman?
Or are we waiting for some results to come in before christening him with a nickname?
Stanley AnyoneButHimAsGMPlease,Man
Doesn’t quite roll off the tongue though.
Stan MydadisScotty Bowman
Stan SorryaboutNurse Bowman
Still not rolling off the tongue
Bow man = Archer? Also a ridiculous misogynist cartoon secret agent.
Sergeant Schultz.
Stanley Roper Bowman
I was so depressed after game 7 that I thought it would take me all summer to get over it. When Action Jackson signed a real 3-C gets then gets my type of player in Arvidsson with the kicker being out of the blue he signs Skinner this immediately pulled me back in. Skinner has been healthy for years he’s played a 1000 games but has 0 mileage on tough playoff hockey. I expect Skinner to come out of the blocks and it’s up to coach K.K to maximize his talent. If Skinner scores 35-40 goals he should then recieve a beauty retirement contract. This could pave the way as a safe haven for aging talent to sign 1 year deals to bump up their stats for that final contract.
Like many people, I have wondered why the oilers would hire Bowman given his apparent lack of scruples in the past. Recently I have considered that Jackson may have viewed his willingness to bend the rules as an asset the organization has been lacking. After all, he did not bat an eye explaining to the league that Hossa could not play because of a rash.
With the news that Kane will hit LTIR after surgery that is yet to happen, this sets us up to play the tricks Vegas and Tampa have used so successfully before. Many wondered why we didn’t do it with Kane last year, but Holland does not have a history of such shenanigans. I have hesitated to post such speculation, I just can’t help but think it makes some sense when winning is all that matters.
Smith & Keith contracts are both examples that qualify under your heading of shenanigans imo.
I would add the Brown resigning of only 1 million after receiving over 4 million last year. If Browns 2nd year for a bargain million wasn’t discussed beforehand last fall then you can slap my ass and call me Sally.
There were many reports, from the most reputable insiders in in the industry that Connor Brown had numerous offers in the $3MM to $4MM range, even some with term.
His deal with the Oilers was essentially in line with market just structured so the Oilers could defer the cap hit.
I would suggest his $1M re-sign is due to the fact he had 4 goals and 12 points last season and was healthy scratched for the first round of the playoffs.
30 G.M’s watched Brown have a wonderful playoff after rehabbing his knee on the go for 8 months. This 1 million dollar deal was cooked up the day he put ink on the 3 million dollar signing bonus.
30 GMs watched Brown produce 4 goals and 12 points in a full season and not play in the first round of the playoffs.
He had a lovely last 3 rounds of the playoffs.
If he would have played like he did in the playoffs during the regular season, he would not be signing a 1 X $1MM and he wouldn’t be backing out of any hand-shake deals.
I have little doubt he could have got a bit more in the market but wanted to stick with this team to try and win Stanley and knows he under-performed his 2023/24 compensation but it seems highly unlikely on the facts that this deal was agreed to at the time he signed a market compensation deal last July.
I’ll say it again 30 G.M’s watched a hobbled Brown finally return to form during the Playoffs. Brown is 30 his latest injury could of ended his career he toughed it out put up with the shit and abuse and showed himself and again 30 G.M’s that he was back. Great story Brown is healthy and has no pressure this year. I expect a great under the radar 5 SH Goals.
30 GMs watched Brown produce 4 goals and 12 points in a full season and not play in the first round of the playoffs.
He had a lovely last 3 rounds of the playoffs.
30 GMs have seen players get overpaid based on small sample size playoff performances and have GMs regret it for years.
There is no logical reason that Brown would have agreed last year to take a low contract this year – he got paid in full for last season.
His new contract is based on performance and a low market value and a bit of a discount to stay in Edmonton – not based on a year old agreement – in my opinion.
I like where you’re going with this, but have to say one thing about Hossa Island.
When that happened, it rightly struck me as suspicious so I asked a coworker who is an on-ice official in the WHL. He told me it’s an actual thing and didn’t surprise him one iota.
Let’s hope Bowman is willing/able to be a bit more interpretive with the rules (like father, like son?) and it leads to some favourable outcomes for the home team. I too, was disappointed about the sports hernia Kane was reputed to be dealing with, and Old Dutch not pressing to use LTIR until the playoffs to add more talent at the deadline. That could have basically accounted for the salary of someone like Guentzel.
I am likely overstating the innocence of Holland and the evil of Bowman, but I will be very interested to see how Kane’s injury is handled.
No I caught the gist of your post. I too would like to see some gamesmanship from our GM with the league once more. It’s been far too long since we were in the driver’s seat.
Having the best player in the world means everyone else is trying to level the playing field as best as possible, and that can have a negative impact against our team if not properly checked.
Like, think about the impact of Gretz’s emotional press conference in the 2002 Olympics — changed the tenor of the games thereafter. When was the last time an Oiler coach or GM did that? Feels like ages. I don’t care if it’s public or behind the scenes, as long as it works.
Holland should have been working for the NHLPA
I get taking a player’s thoughts into account, and Kane carried the mail earlier in the season, but he was struggling later and not well enough. Very poor management and it cost the team when it counted most. There was no ethical decision there
I don’t think Kane was forthright with his condition until it was too late. This is more on Kane than it is Holland.
5M per year. Kinda have to suss these things out, no?
Are you trying to frame it that Kane didn’t have surgery last year because of Mr.Holland’s Doctoring skills.
Just pointing out that Holland has never pulled the LTIR until game one of the playoffs trick even though last year would have been a good chance to take advantage of the loop hole.
Fair enough. I believe Mike Babcock worked for Holland for somewhere around 8 years. The one that gets me is what Babcock did to the legend Mike Modano. That is the definition of Nasty.
Modano was a franchise player for the Dallas Stars; fcuk that guy.
Cry about your hero’s legacy somewhere else.
was a shirt flapper and a hair flyer with crosshairs in his eyes. gotta respect.
Full Disclosure: Was still hatey enough to laugh when they dropped his stretcher. Felt bad about it, but laugh I did.
Great skill, wrong jersey. Chiefly responsible for several too many early playoff exits.
Fcuk that guy.
And Zubov, and Hatcher too.
God, I hated those guys. So. Much.
Reply of the year.
A tip o’ the hat to you, sir.
Kane on LTIR is far from ideal but at least there is some clarity (unofficial, but really official) on the situation.
Of course, that clarity is just for the first portion of the season, its fully unknown if this is slated to be a full season or if they will need to have the $5.125MM in room at some point during the season.
Also, this means that Matt Savoie is almost certainly on the roster for the opening of the season. He’s a $950M cap hit but he also has $1MM of potential performance bonuses and the LTIR bonus pool gets set at the time a team enters LTIR. If Savoie is not on the roster when Kane is placed on LTIR and is called up in-season, his cap hit would be almost $2MM.
Savoie will get re-assigned right after but they will need to have him (and Perry) on the roster to account for performance bonuses.
I think that also means that there is all but zero chance they can get under the cap with Kane prior to placing him on LTIR. It would be ideal to get as close as possible to the cap (likely with a 20 player roster) and then place him on LTIR which would open up almost the entire $5.125MM (less any cap space they had at placement) but, with needing Perry and Savoie on the roster, this would be almost impossible – especially considering not wanting to waive certain players that would be required to make it happen.
This does mean they want to get as close to $5.125MM over the cap (but not more) and then place Kane on LTIR – this could open up 2 year deal for both Holloway and Broberg – MAYBE even a 3-way deal in there.
Not accruing cap space will suck come deadline and having to fit in the entire AAV acquired (as opposed to the apx 1/3 of what’s left) at the deadline will suck – if they are still in LTIR.
If they sign the RFAs before LTIR it will be trickier. If not send Stecher and Brown down and Savioe up and it’s about $500K under
Kane should be back around Christmas
They will almost assuredly sign both Holloway and Broberg before they place Kane on LTIR.
Broberg speculated to be this week.
These players, and the org, will want them to be at camp from day 1 – neither would be participating in camp without a contract I’m sure.
Kane should be back around Christmas based on…..?????
I have informed Evander I will be his care taker in this, am awaiting his response, and that of the authorities
Also, the internet. 6-12 weeks to return to play for surgical repair. If it’s not more than the sports hernia
New sheriffs in town, they could just be blowing enough smoke to use LTIR until they sort out the cap
I think they have about had enough with Evander Kane. But…
Well according to Kane he has a Sport Hernia , which he probably needs surgery to repair. And according to the team he has a hip issue he will need surgery to repair. So which surgery does he deal with first? The team wants him to take care of these issues while Kane wants to go to the Captains skate and training camp like he’s ready to go. WTF??? Something is amiss.
I suspect that the team wanted him to have surgery during the regular season but Kane maintained that he is a quick healer and didn’t want surgery. The team cannot force anyone to have surgery.
At the start of the summer break it was mentioned that the team expected him to have surgery and that the most important was his personal health.
He may have decided his self healing would work and that could now be in question.
Conjecture is all we have but that is the fuel of discussion.
When and by whom was that mentioned? Just asking because I don’t recall hearing it.
I think he’s referring to the Jackson end of season avail where he spoke about “a hip”, and needing to consult with Kane’s people and the medical professionals, etc.
Agreed, no mention of the org of expecting surgery.
Yeah, not even close to ‘expecting surgery’ of that’s the source of the statement above.
We don’t know what the injury, or injuries are.
Lets not forget the reference to “sports hernia” was a weird one-off statement from Kane on the eve of the playoffs – not something we heard from the org (where injury update generally come from).
Also, lets not forget that “sports hernia” is a broad term that includes tears and strains in the lower abdomen and groin area – its not specific and, to me, its seems reasonable that trying to play through an injury in that area, and modifying, could lead to areas like the hip being strained.
To me, its likely all connected in one injury that might be affected a few body parts.
Also, as far as the org and Kane having differing views (i.e. Kane plans on coming to the pre-skates and camp, etc.), well, that seems like speculation right now.
Knowing Kane, he won’t be quiet about his feelings if they differ from the org and we’ll know about it from his mouth and keyboard, right?
Hunter was in the running for G.M so he’s obviously connected to Jackson. Did we get Martha Stewart information on O’Reilly who was buried on one of the deepest teams in Junior hockey. Someone identified this player enough to trade next years draft that is suppose to be deeper to get exactly what this organization needs. I’m not waiting 5 years O’Reilly combined with Savoie and Jarventie will be talked about as astute and brilliant moves within that 5 year window.
Martha Stewart info lol
Given there’s been a few Raising Sand post titles over the years LT, I sincerely hope you got a chance to see Robert Plant and Alison Krauss close out the Folk Fest last night. Between the artists, the performance, and the setting, it was truly a magical and memorable night.
The old lion lion can still roar and Alison is a perfect partner at this stage of his musical journey. Edmonton was rocking last night.
Well, there you go.
A tweet by Stauffer:
Hearing there is a very good chance that the @EdmontonOilers Evander Kane won’t be ready for the start of the season…that he may require surgery…and is likely to be on LTIR to start the year
Disappointing news.
6 weeks ago my crystal ball predicted Aug 19 as surgery date. Once they signed Arvidsson-Skinner-Henrique you new Kane was going on LTIR even after he was spotted as a extra on the latest Dancing With the Stars television show screenings.
If the team is pushing for the surgery and Kane is resisting this will undoubtedly come down to the first day of TC when the medical staff will declare him fit or unfit.
My spider senses tell me this a chronic situation unfolding with Kane. For Kane the warrior not being able to play game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final is all I need to base this opinion on.
The accounts were that Kane was ready for game 7 but held out given he hadn’t even practiced and not been on the ice since the prior game he played (game 2, I think).
They don’t want to mess around with Kane. Can’t blame them.
I won’t be able to deep dive in to it until later but one implication is ensuring Savoie is in the roster at the time the LTIR placement is made to set the LTIR bonus pool – so that he’s not a near $2MM cap hit when called up.
Puckpedia has his bonus at $1MM, while CapWages only has a signing bonus of $95k.
Yup – signing bonus counts in the AAV/cap hit to start with but they will need to set the LTIR bonus pool – Savoie will be on the opening roster when they place Kane on LTIR and set the pool – Perry as well.
@2MuttsHockeyPod
The
@EdmontonOilers
could be forcing Evander Kane’s hand here on going for surgery. From all the information we got over the last week he was doing well in his recovery, he’s been able to train & do activities. Kane was planning on being ready for the start of the season. He would take part in the Captain Skates as well in early September. Going under the knife for surgery wasn’t in the cards. As of a few days ago Bob’s information was not available to us as we were told what we reported.
More intrigue as Staples lets it slip out that the rumour from the Mutts came as the result of a conversation they had with Kane.
Intrigue indeed.
My personal guess/opinion is that Kane is a willing partner in whatever is going on, but who the hell knows.
As often, will be interesting to see it all play out.
We need more leaks. 😎
Hehe.
What’s your guess? Seemed above you might be leaning in the exact opposite direction.
I think there is a disconnect between Kane and the team regarding the need for surgery and that the team is going to use his medical before TC to declare him unfit.
What happens then I have no idea.
Yeah, I could certainly get ugly if there is in fact a disconnect.
Sam O’Rielly may be another Zach Hyman – no quit, responsible and RH forward. Same height and Sam will put on weight from his current 186 (Zach is currently listed at 206). Not much scoring in their draft years, although O’Rielly has an NHLe of 22 from last year.
Zach was 23 years old before he got a cup of coffee in the NHL and 24 before he played a full season. This is going to be a great ‘draft and develop’ watch for the next 3 years.
I’m cool with trading to get this pick. I listened to what Pracey said both before and after the draft as it relates to finding under-valued players – under-valued for various reasons, in this case, due to being blocked from certain opportunities due to a deep lineup, etc.
It all makes sense and I’m hopeful for the development of the player and a draft +1 pop with an increased role. He sounds like one of those “good Canadian hockey boys” that will work hard, be coachable, player 2-ways, etc.
At the same time, I often come back to the premise that bottom six NHL players are often higher end scoring junior players.
Players with mediocre production in junior don’t often become impactful NHL players.
Ryan McLeod had 70 points in 68 games in his draft year and Sam O’Riley had 56 points in 68 games in his draft year.
Here is hoping for that pop.
While I agree with the premise, I also think this is where the true art of scouting — projection — comes into play. I’m hoping Pracey is right where he talks about unearthing gems who needed more opportunity.
What stood out to me for McLeod in his draft year were the common reports of him being inconsistent, anti-physical, and being a perimeter player. He dropped in the draft for good reason. What I see out of the O’Reilly pick are projectable skills and character traits that can earn a job.
Maybe we get a Horcoff, maybe we get a Brodziak. Either would be welcome.
I like that they are drafting players that play like they want, instead of hoping players like McLeod change their spots
Skill always has to be their for sure. The Clattenburg pick was a head scratcher, but it was a 5th round pick
I just found Don Cherry’s LT account. We don’t want any players like Jari Kurri, Doug Weight, or Oscar Klefbom who are lazy, uncoachable, one-way players.
Congrats on finding a narrative that was not even close to implied.
I’ll take Daisy Duke in her Jean shorts over anything you can come up with.
That was General Lee unrelated to anything being discussed, whatsoever.
Sometimes — often, even — it can be difficult to follow your Roscoe P. Coltrane of thought when you start whistlin’ Dixie in your posts.
I love Don Cherry!
Your going to trigger the weekend warriors.
With a new CEO and GM, how does that affect the potential of bringing over the Russian kids?
We should find out in May – their KHL contracts are up after this season and, I believe, KHL contracts expire on April 30.
I think there’s “Riesen to Believe” (copyright infringement) that Sam O’Reilly remains in the prospect pool despite a championship calibre team trading picks and prospects away for trade deadline upgrades.
The Oilers scouts and management (including Jackson) obviously saw something at the draft in this player to trade up to grab him. I don’t believe he will be another Reid Schaefer. With that said preparing to sail on from the ’25/26 first round selections should be expected.
I’m hopeful that by ’27 we see the fruits of our labour with these prospects.