Powderfinger

This is the 1979 Edmonton Oilers entry draft list. Every player here had some offensive ability, and the first three were impact players in junior, tier 2 junior and college, respectively. The two best times to judge non-elite talent in terms of math are draft year (hopefully the player is in his first year of eligibility), and age 20 in the AHL.

Look back at any season, if you see a 20-year old thriving in the AHL, that’s a good future. Best way to judge elite talent? There’s no need. Not one Oilers scout needed to see Connor McDavid. I’m sure they all did, though. Once in a lifetime viewing for a scout.

BAKERSFIELD CONDORS FORWARDS

There is just one forward in Bakersfield age 20: William Nicholl. I like his future, but he is a depth player in 2026-27. He has speed and two-way ability, if he makes the NHL it’ll be closer to the end of his entry deal.

This is a pedestrian group of forwards, and no one is really pulling out to pass the rest of the group. Josh Samanski was much better one year ago, but then again he had Ike Howard on his wing and skill is king. Quinn Hutson is also performing at a level where recall is unlikely. Viljami Marjala is a center, so that has extra value but I still don’t see him in Edmonton this winter.

Eduards Tralmaks finally got a push up the depth chart this week and scored twice. Hopefully he has a strong story to tell by year’s end. Jf I had to pick a top recall option, it would be Aku Raty. I don’t believe he is unique, and don’t believe he’s an upgrade, but he is playing well when in the lineup.

BAKERSFIELD CONDORS DEFENSEMEN

This list contains more encouraging talent. Damien Carfagna is the top defensive prospect in the system (I have him third overall, behind Ike Howard and Samuel Jonsson) and he has been money since arriving in Bakersfield. Carfagna is 23, one year older than Czech Tomas Cibulka, who might be close to Carfagna’s equal. He sure looks composed and owns a wide range of skills. Both are great skaters. It’s good to see Atro Leppanen back and playing, hopefully we see Carfagna return soon.

When the rumours hit about Samuel Jonsson going back to Sweden for this season, it made zero sense to me. He has been quality for two seasons in a row, and early days 2026-27 is delivering impressive performances with the Condors. Genuinely pleased with his progress as a prospect, hope the Oilers value him.

PLAYERS AT 20 WHO LOOKED LINE WINNERS BUT FELL SHORT

The Oilers have auditioned many players age 20 over the years. It’s interesting to look at the successes, and frustrating to see the failures (so were high picks). Here’s a list of Oilers prospects who played well in the minors at age 20 but fell short of 100 NHL games:

Mike Toal 79-80: A center who scored a point-per-game
Ken Berry 80-81: Small skill winger scored 7 goals in 9 games
John Miner 85-86: Puck moving defender scored 43 points.
Dan Currie 88-89: 29 goals from the wing.
Kim Issel 88-89: 34 goals, same year as Currie.
Jason Bonsignore 96-97: 54 points in 78 games from big center
Jani Rita 01-02: 25 goals, looked like a first-shot scorer for syre
Doug Lynch 04-05: Big defenseman with complete range of skills
Teemu Hartikainen 10-11: 17 goals and size on the wing
Tyler Benson 2018-19: 66 points in 68 games

Some good prospects there, some slow boots and some injury problems, too. Some bias in management and some lucrative offers in European league. It’s all good, but some of those names should have cashed.

On the Lowdown today, Steve Lansky will be our feature guest. We will talk Grey Cup, what used to be on HNIC Toronto broadcasts Saturday night, and we’ll talk NL weekend and McDavid’s record breaking season. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube.