The Bakersfield Condors are going to be more interesting this coming season. There are a pile of guys who are going to play AHL hockey for the first time that are worth keeping track of this winter.
The names I am most intrigued by? Ike Howard if he lands there, plus Atro Leppanen, Roby Jarventie, Beau Akey, Samuel Jonsson, Quinn Hutson, Viljami Marjala and one AHL contract (Matt Copponi).
What you hope for is someone who pops unexpectedly. Often in the AHL, it’s a player who does not have a high draft pedigree. Consider the all-time top 10 performances by Oilers skaters. There are high picks (Evan Bouchard) but the top player was never drafted. That’s the kind of good fortune the Condors (and the Oilers) need.
My article at The Athletic today lists my prediction for the Oilers opening night roster. There are six new names from last year.
No. 1 LD Charlie Huddy, 80-81 Witchita Wind (47, 8-36-44). Coached by Ace Bailey, the Wind would go all the way to the CHL finals in 1981 spring, with Huddy playing a huge part in their success. Although never drafted, it’s somewhat misleading to say Huddy was an unknown quality. The 1979 draft (for which he was eligible) was the first draft without the WHA, and because of it teams drastically cut back on the number of rounds and players selected. In 1978, the NHL draft lasted 234 selections, but a year later it was just 126 deep. Huddy probably benefited from not being selected, as a signing bonus for a free agent would have dwarfed the return for a 6th round selection that season. Huddy used his minor league time as a springboard to NHL success, and he played over 1,000 NHL games.
No. 2 LC Todd Marchant, 94-95 Cape Breton Oilers (38, 22-25-47). Marchant was an exciting player due to his tremendous speed, and in the AHL he scored a bunch of goals in forcing an NHL recall. Technically not a full season but absolutely worthy of this list.
No. 3 LW Dan Currie, 90-91 Cape Breton Oilers (71, 47-45-92). Currie was a pure scorer at the AHL level, scoring 29, 36, 47, 50 and 57 goals for the Oilers farm teams 1988-93. All we ever heard about him was he was in need of prodding and he didn’t do much in three auditions but it would have been a good idea to give him 40 games in a row with a good center. Currie was a big part of the Cape Breton team that won the Calder Cup as AHL champion in 92-93.
No. 4 G Devan Dubnyk, 09-10 Springfield Falcons (33, 3.02, .915). In the final year of his entry contract, Dubnyk blossomed and won the long battle with Jeff Deslauriers for the title of Edmonton’s goalie of the future.
No. 5 LC Ralph Intranuovo, 94-95 Cape Breton Oilers (70, 46-47-93). An undersized skill forward, Intranuovo was a top flight player in the AHL. I think he probably gets more of an NHL chance a decade or two later. His speed and passing ability were truly outstanding, if the NHL had decided to expand in about 1997 I think he gets a shot.
No. 6 RD Evan Bouchard 19-20 Bakersfield Condors (54, 7-29-36). He adjusted well in his first pro season defensively, and overcome the lack of dynamic teammates offensively. An underrated debut.
No. 7 RW Daniel Cleary, 99-00 Hamilton Bulldogs (58, 22-52-74). Cleary had terrific skill and a rugged edge to him and he could skate well. He was drafted No. 13 overall by Chicago but took a little time to find his way. Walt Kyle and Morey Gare were the coaches when he turned it around in Hamilton, MacT when Cleary arrived in Edmonton. He had a few tough moments but also delivered a fine career.
No. 8 LW Tyler Benson, 18-19 Bakersfield Condors (68, 15-51-66). Benson was a fantastic passer, and found chemistry with Cooper Marody as an AHL rookie. His best pro season was his rookie campaign with the Condors. Edmonton worried over his health and did not recall him (or develop Cooper Marody) in a time when the minor league system may have delivered more if handled differently.
No. 9 RW Steven Rice, Cape Breton Oilers, 91-92 Cape Breton Oilers (45, 32-20-52). He was drafted by the New York Rangers in the first round in 1989, and traded to Edmonton just before the 1991 season (Messier deal). He tore up the AHL as a rookie pro, and scored 34 the following season for Cape Breton (AHL champions). Rice was a rugged throwback winger who could score, and finally established himself with Edmonton (63 games 17-15-32) in 1993-94. Sather dealt him for Bryan Marchment in August of that season.
No. 10 LC Rob Schremp, 07-08 Springfield Falcons (78, 23-53-76). A strong rookie season by Schremp in 2006-07 was exceeded by a close to point-per-game effort in year two. He had a knee injury late in the year that would impact his third year pro. He never had the kind of NHL impact the junior and minor league numbers implied, and there were skating issues, but the man had skill.
On the Lowdown today, it’s the Tuesday roundtable, noon to 2pm on Sports 1440. I’ll be joined by Declan Krueger, Donovan Paulson and Josh Fenwick for two hours of young people with brilliant minds wearing down an old man trying to catch the No. 43 bus.
I’ll take the combined goals of Howard-Savoie-Podkolzin-Tomasek for 4 million against any other combination for that price in the league. Bowman may have a statue next to Sather if Howard-Savoie-Pod all pop the next 5 years and we win a few Cups before Leon and Connor move too upper management.
Gerry Johannaon tells Stauff how much Brett Kulak and his family love being in Edmonton and mentions how much Kulak has blossomed as an Oiler.
Is this the kiss of death for him and he’s traded?
Bowman on with Stauff today doesn’t think there are issues with Hyman being ready to start the season. At least as of right now. There was a recent doctors appt and update and things are healing.
Hard to predict when he’ll be cleared for game play whether it’s before camp or later on in camp.
Everything is positive and everything is healing well and no chance to original timeline (which I don’t think they officially put out but there was birthing to suggest he’d miss the stat of the season back in June).
Well that’s a good sign we sure missed Hyman in the final.
Things are so slow this summer. I hope the Hurricanes offersheet Mason McTavish.
Every summer
What are realistic projections on term and cap hit for Ekholm-Pod-Walman??? Will Picjard ever receive any love especially at his age?
I think there will be some sticker shock on Walman as I think it will be in the $7MM range for term.
Personally, I am hoping for 3-4 years given he’s 29 already and this kicks in a year from now. Anything under $7MM is a bargain (unless its like 7-8 years and then it needs to be under $7MM as that includes major regression year).
I would be VERY happy with a $6.75MM X 4 deal.
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If they can get Podz for term around $2MM, I’d sign him for as long as possible but don’t think he’d want to go too long as he’d be giving away his upside.
I think we know his floor (a good 2-way bottom six winger than can PK and play up the lineup). I think there is some continued offensive development in there as well – he just had 10 points in 22 playoff games mostly in the bottom six (didn’t play a ton with Drai).
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I am VERY hesitant on Ekholm.
He’s already 35 and will be 36 for any extension.
I think we were seeing a tiny bit of regression this season before his injury and I think there will be some more as he continues to age.
We also don’t know how he comes back from this groin injury – would anyone be surprised if he was never 100% or if this became a continuing issue at that age?
For me, a substantial cut from his current AAV (and his salary this season is higher at $6.5MM).
The Oilers take all the risk on a re-sign this off-season with Ek.
I would go year to year with Ekholm, like Perry. It’s not worth the risk, especially after last season. Far from where he was at previously. He can get a contract if Stan doesn’t offer him one
I don’t disagree but I think, if the org is re-signing Ekholm a year ahead, its likely not a one-year deal – i’m nervous about that one.
Me too. Don’t do it if he wants money. He is set for life already
I’m totally out to lunch on the market until it Recalibrates itself (new favourite word) Walman reminds me of Weeger would 6.25 million for 5 years get it done. As for Pod 2.3 x 3 yrears is fair. Ekholm I would pump and dump unless he’s back to his former self.
Weegar signed 3 years ago – he’d probably be $9MM on a new contract.
Does he garner a salary higher than Weeger I think it’s a good time to be a player. The more I think about Howard-Savoie-Pod for dirt cheap the next 3 years the more I like finding a actual goalie that can steal games instead of delusional hoping-wishing for average play at best.
I’ve been of the opinion, since early July signings, that Walman will come in around $7MM and anything under (unless its 6+ years) is a discount.
If its over 6+ years, it better be closer to $6MM, for me.
I think it is better to compare salaries as a percentage of Cap at the start of the deal to get closer to an apples to apples comparison on any of these players vs thier contemporaries… I think all this trying to compare dollar to dollar just muddifies the thinking…
Seravelli says he was told the famous ex-flyer goalie is a non starter for the Oilers and that, for now, he’s a non-starter for everyone as he’s ineligible.
Not 100% but, for me, I took that as a non-starter for the Oilers even once reinstated.
Why can’t the name of the famous flyer goalie be posted? I feel like I’m out of the loop on an inside joke.
LT sets the filters.
Just call him BJ
Even though the pendulum is shifting we’re still under the 1984 contract.
I wonder where and with who he’s practicing with? It’s only a matter of time before he’s reinstated. I say after a couple of weeks when the masses attention strays to the next scandal gossip story. He’s probably going to need a couple of months in the AHL to get his game back.
Be patient Reja 2 more weeks and the dominoes will start falling.
I never understood the Dan Currie hype.
Even from his era – Shaun Van Allen tore the cover off the ball. And Greg Hawgood. And then the best of all, Mr 140 points in 87 games himself, Bill McDougall.
From what I hear, those young fellows aren’t wearing you down. They’re keeping you sharp, and struggling to keep up with your wit & wisdom. What you guys do, 12-2pm MTN, is such a hoot. You’ve even got me listening to CFL nonsense!
Talked to a former Bolt. He mentioned that Howard wore a white suit to the NHL draft. Is that true?
True.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/isaac-howard-outfit-drip-2022-nhl-draft-lightning/nbncodtq73ql1keni5j1htbs
This kid has moxie and a outgoing personality his comment at being the best looking chap at the draft was hilarious caught the interviewer off guard. It’s nice to hear someone with a funny personality instead of a doe in the headlights standard answering of work hard in the Summer get pucks in deep blah blah blah you always hear.
OriginalPouzar out posting the rest of the blog at a 3:1 rate.
It must be nearly August in Oil country.
OP doesn’t know what Corsi means, but he believes in post volume. It breaks down defensive structures….
For those who missed it, this was a joke. It’s a reference to Todd Mclellan’s quote about shot volume.
Dismiss the Corkski and Fenskis at your peril!
Thoroughly Mediocre Poster!
…er…
Thoroughly Ordinary Poster!
T.O.P.
”Zack Hyman, that’s the guy we are going to be watching a lot in the fall. Big loss in the Stanley Cup Final” – Stauffer
What does that mean?
Could mean that he’s going to be unstoppable or it could mean his wrist injury may be career threatening. Personally, I hope his wrist is better than ever.
However, I still think we’ll all be watching Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl even more.
I myself figure that’s why they went so hard on Howard was because of the Hyman injury timeline. I have no idea what that is and thats’s why I asked several times because Zach is so important to our club. I would definitely take a wrist injury over a knee injury as non career ending but there’s not many if any limp wristed power forwards playing in the N.H.L.
The big info from last night was Stauff saying he thinks all of McDavid, Ekholm, Walman, Podz and Knob get extensions this off season.
He also said he thinks it starts in the next few weeks – after Leon’s wedding it will pick up.
He also said “Kulak will have a decision to make”. Will need to decide if he’s going to market. Stauff is taking a drive with Jerry J (Kulak’s agent) on Wed and says he’ll know more after.
I like Kulak and he moves around the line up. However, he spends a significant amount of time on the third pair. He needs to get paid like a player who spends a significant amount of time on the third pair otherwise it doesn’t make sense to sign him.
Kulak always steps it up in the playoffs. He’s a gamer. I want him around.
Depending on how Ekholm bounces back, Kulak could see some real time with Bouchard. Bouchard floats all boats (similar to McDavid) but the Kulak/Bouchard numbers can’t be ignored:
153 minutes
8-2 goals
73% expected goals
I think Stuart will use his analytics team (and they have more information than this type of stuff) than Coffey did with respect to deploymnet.
I thought Ekholm easily had a few years left with a friendly home town discount in store. What do you think a 2 year contract would look like? I was definitely on board with that. He looked good on his initial return until the adrenaline wore off and was torched in the final. I’m chalking this up to his injury if he has in fact lost more than half a step could the play be pump and dump especially with the emergence of Walman.
If Ek’s groin isn’t chronic I’d sign him for 3 pair and injury cover. Use Walman at LD and develop or find a RD that is better than who’s currently available. Kulak has been a good soldier, but he had issues last playoffs and fades on and off to me
Does anyone know if its chronic (or will be) though?
3 years are his 36, 37 and 38 year old seasons and I think he was starting to regress even before the groin issue this past season.
I wouldn’t go over $3.5MM and I don’t know if Ekholm will take that sort of cut.
I’d give him 2 years at 4.5M (5M year 1, 4M year 2). I’d even do a third at 1M.
I could see a 2-year contract coming in at $6MM per and I would not be happy with that signed this off-season – too much risk at this point.
Will also really be interested in Day and Samuel J. and who gets more AHL time and how they develop.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Samuel J made Stewart S expendable before they need to renew his contract and if Pickard’s Days were numbered.
It would be, not sure its overly reasonable given that’s a fairly imminent decision.
First thing, for me, is for Samuel J. to win the 2nd AHL job, then stay in the AHL without needing ECHL time and then maybe earning 50% of the stars.
I look for Samuel J. and Nathanial D. to push each other.
Really look forward to Regula and Leppanen with big Bako minutes.
Jarventie up front – come on young man, be and stay healthy.
Interested in seeing Samanski and his development.
I hope Hutson proves me wrong as, for now, I see a tweener.
Dubnyk “won the long battle with Jeff Deslauriers for the title of Edmonton’s goalie of the future.” Except he couldn’t win the battle vs MacT or the fans. Surely it was the goalie and not the porous defence that was the problem.
Speaking of running people out of town…
OP is a bit like Bouchard. He contributes lots, but because he does more, people see more mistakes. However, he is a net positive, and we would be worse off if he was gone.
MacT made several mistakes as general manager. One of them was “if you have to ask the question” about Devan Dubnyk. That young man did not deserve the comment from his general manager. MacT is possibly the smartest coach/executive to be in the employ of the Oilers (I’ll list Sather and Muckler as smarter coaches, Slats as a smarter GM) but he did not have a chance to grow into the role. I think he would have been a good GM, given the rope to do it.
Way worse was having a #1RD in hand (Petry) and not signing him long-term and then trading him for a second round pick.
Mishandling of Petry, contracts to Ference/Nikitin (I did like Fayne). MacT was a poor evaluator of defensive talent.
I could never understand the fan-base issue on Petry – in some ways, the Bouchard vitriol (and it is definitely out there – take a look at OilersNation) is similar.
Eakins hire did him in. If MacT wouldn’t have rushed the process and let it play out for a few years I do think he would of built a winner. It’s difficult in Edmonton which was so starved for a instant winner. Mac T made some nice draft picks. I do think he’s given other G.M’s around the league a longer leash on rebuilds as Edmonton is the perfect example of rushing a rebuild.
MacT’s growing pains were… painful. Setting the franchise back.
Didn’t earn more rope to manage the early McDavid years.
Oilers pivoting to Chia was somehow worse however.
My memory is fading, but I feel like there is some revisionsist history with respect to both Dubnyk and Petrie. Dubnyk was horrible at the end and even bounced quickly through Nashville and Arizona before he landed on hia feetnin Minnesota. As for Petrie, good defenceman but he seemed to tail off in his last year and signed for $5 million with the Habs. There was talk (rumour) that he wanted to go to a US based team and I think if we would have kept him and immediately signed him at that time to a $5 million contract there would have been outrage.
I think one can chaulk up another spike through the heart in Bakersfield. Strange that the OIlers do not think that a competent AHL head coach matters.
They should have re-hired Woodie.
Woody had his chance he started out excellent involving the whole roster then he thought he would reinvent the wheel playing half a roster. When the Stanley Cup favourites started 2-9-1 employing the gimmicky 11-7 the writing was on the wall. I don’t think you’ll see Woody get another NHL gig he’ll probably end up coaching against Eakins.
Eakins is coaching in Germany (he was on with Stauff last week and it was a great piece).
Woody is was just hired in the NHL by a very respect long time head coach.
Assistant coach is long ways from head coach unless the head coach gets fired mid-season most times the next coach is groomed as a AHL coach or a hot shot ex coach recently fired. I believe Woody blew his opportunity and won’t see a NHL gig again.
Did you think the same about Glen Gulutzan 6 weeks ago?
I have yet to hear a valid reason for your vitriol on Chaulk except for lack of experience.
I’m not sure his handling of Matt Savoie could have been any more perfect.
On a scale from 1 to 10 what would you rate Chaulk performance? You can’t blame the man for injuries. Who and what if any could he have done better for the organization in the long run?