Minor league numbers have value. Minor league numbers inform us about a player’s progress throughout his career there, and NHL debuts are almost always predictable. We have limited AHL totals, but as was the case with Philip Broberg a year ago, if a player is ready he will dominate a damn good league. How are things going for the five best (my ranking) Condors so far this season?
The Athletic article is all about Ty Emberson’s utility and value. Article is here.
MATTHEW SAVOIE
I’ve been tracking Savoie closely this season, because Rudie Can’t Fail. The Oilers need a value contract playing a feature role next year (or a little later) and Savoie is the obvious bet. Plenty of worry about Savoie’s offense among Oilers fans, who at the same time trumpet Dylan Holloway’s offensive future. Holloway’s first 22 AHL games at age 20 (7-6-13) are in the range with Savoie, and I expect the young man will score more often in the season’s second half.
I like these splits because much of the offense came via even-strength play, and his even-strength goal share is better than the total when he is off the ice. The Condors are 35-47 (43 percent) without him. Savoie is playing with talented men, so no doubt is getting zoomed, but the resume so far looks very good from here.
NOAH PHILP
Noah Philp is older than Savoie, plays centre and has experience in the league. He can be credited with playing an effective mentor role while also being charged with higher expectations at this level, at his age (26). It’s my belief he passes the test with flying colors and should be in the NHL now. I suspect he will be there soon. Philp’s AHL offense (25-24-49 in 79 regular season games) projects as more than enough for an NHL job on a depth line. His 61 percent goal share towers over the Condors EV percentage (42 percent) and he has a wide range of skills. Great damn signing.
MATVEY PETROV
What in h-e-double-hockey-sticks is going on here? Matvey Petrov, you magnificent bastard!! The verbal on him from the organization was as sour as rhubarb pie with no sugar. Into that hockey fire, Petrov has delivered 3-3-6 in the last 11 games, with a 7-2 even-strength goal share. Music! He is in the middle of his entry deal, and I’m sorry this spike took place after my top-20 was released, but we are here. Encouraging.
MAX WANNER
The young man posted an exceptional rookie season, but this year he’s just a little above average and there are some concerns about foot speed. I don’t think he’ll have a Phil Kemp career but do believe he could play in fewer NHL games than Vincent Desharnais has played in already. He needs to add speed, everything else is there in my opinion. Don’t worry about the offense, and his goal share is a little better than Bakersfield’s (46) percentage when he is off the ice. I’ll suggest he is running in place as a prospect at this time.
JAYDEN GRUBBE
Jayden Grubbe has struggled, and it’s a worry. His offense was low early but he recovered in the last couple of games, and 20 points is probably his outer marker should be make the NHL. If he can play a physical game, PK, take faceoffs and help a fourth line (kind of like Philp but with less offense and more rumble) I think there’s a possible NHL future. However, he has been on the ice for a pile of GA at even strength this season. It runs counter with last year and it’s a concern. Bakersfield is 37-38 with Grubbe off the ice, so playing time may come less often if the trend continues.
In summary, Savoie is on track and that’s the biggest damn deal. Noah Philp is bidin’ his time until recall and is definitely NHL-ready. Matvey Petrov is delivering a spike midway through his entry deal and that is sweet soul music. Worried about Wanner, quite worried about Grubbe.
Lowdown at noon today, Sports 1440. Bruce McCurdy from the Cult of Hockey at the Edmonton Journal will join us and discuss Edmonton’s last 10 games, Stuart Skinner and others. We’ll chat about the Elks trade yesterday and about the MLB winter meetings/recent trades. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly. We can be heard at sports1440.ca; iHeartRadio; Radioplayer Canada, we tweet out the show after it’s done and you can catch us on Apple and Spotify.
New for The Athletic: Oilers defenceman Ty Emberson is announcing his presence with authority
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6001196/2024/12/18/oilers-ty-emberson-stats/
off topic but wanted quickly to give an update on Theo Rochette as I remember Lowetide suggested the Oilers to draft him with a late round pick
he plays in Switzerland and is really coming on now. here are his numbers (last season and this season) :
2023-24 – 47 games, 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points
2024-25 – 22 games, 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points
of course I understand the Swiss league and the NHL are NOT comparable, but at the same time don’t see the problem to use a late draft pick for such a player (low risk / hight reward)
what do you guys think ?
Great idea, and I think the target is a good one. Stan Bowman has had success signing European free agents in the past, and Rochette’s progress in a good league is impressive. I like it!
First shift of the third, Caggiula wins a board battle and gets it back to Carrick at the point, the rebound off the backboard goes right of the circle, Savoie collects in on his backhand, goes to forehand and snipes one short-side for the 4-1 lead.
Condors with only 10 shots through 2 periods but are up 3-1.
They have hit 5 posts….
Berglund to Perrault on a rush, drops for Carrick who buries his own rebound.
I’m telling you, Jacob Perrault looks like a real good AHL player with some upside. I don’t know what was going on with him in the Montreal org (he was in the ECHL this year) but he has made a big difference to the Condors’ lineup.
Rodrigue stops Lavoie on a penalty shot!
Perrault gets crushed and Philp drops the gloves with the offender – both players threw some bombs, lots of punches – Philp took a few more than he landed for sure.
A few minutes later he left the box to go for some repairs – i think hand (I think he’s fine though).
Stay hot Matvey Petrov – tips home the Corcorran shot from the half boards. 2-0.
A quick strike 3 on 2 – Griffith enters the zone, across the blue to Perrault and Philp driving the net tips in the fantastic shot/pass from Perrault, 1-0.
Summarizing!
A fine night for the quintet in action.
Day-man repelled 34 of 36 shots in a 5-2 win and was named 1st star.
His teammate Clattenburg potted goals 8 and 9 (the latter an EN) along with an assist. He was named 3rd star.
Wakely scored his 14th and picked up an assist. He was named 1st star.
O’Reilly earned his 12th of the year.
Nicholl procured an apple.
Toronto might actually be a problem this season
Seem similar to the Oilers
Alex carrier to the Canadians for Justin Barron seems like a steal
Good trade for Trotz
I assumed he meant the other way. Barron isn’t even an NHL regular.
Probably did, though Barron is a 2020 1st round pick and just turned 23. Been a little inconsistent but he might be following the Broberg path. He has some wheels on him per NHL Edge (from 23/24- sample size pretty small this year in his 17 games). He broke camp as a regular, got injured and lost his job. Montreal can only develop so many young D and they have 3 others younger in their line up (Hutson, Guhle and Struble) plus Mailloux on the farm has played a few, so they need some vets to show them the ropes.
No, Barron is big and she has upside and Carriere is small and older
Habs couldn’t find a spot for Kovacevic and he’s great for the Devils per Daneko
Kova was on my radar for the Oilers
Guess we should let leadfarmer tell us what he was thinking before making any big pronouncements.
Agree on Kovacevic. He had quality numbers over a few years and I was very surprised to see him go to NJ on that deal.
We’ll see about Barron at age 23. Carrier is 28 and pretty sought after last deadline.
Stars O goalie chased. I don’t want to spell it
@frank_seravalli
The Canadian https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/svg/1f1e8-1f1e6.svg dollar dropped below 0.70 USD cents today for the first time since 2002.
Of course, the NHL and NHLPA are watching closely, with billion(s) of hockey-related revenue earned in Canadian funds.
Quick back of napkin math: Each cent down= ~$20 million in HRR lost.
I wonder if any of the teams in Canada do any hedging against their $US expenses, since they know for the players salaries are largely certain (minus any potential escrow). Sadly, from an NHLPA perspective, in the CBA, the Canadian $ revenues that go into the revenue sharing calculation are based on the average annual exchange rate over the league year as quoted by the Bank of Canada (ie unhedged). Of course for the players on Canadian teams, mostly living in and incurring expenses in Canada, are getting a substantial raise in $$ CDN.
I’m pretty sure there is some hedging being done.
However, I’ve seen a few projections today that the Loonie could be headed to the low 60’s by early in the new year.
That would have a massive impact on HRR since so much of the season and playoffs are still to come.
Please leave that stuff elsewhere. Nobody can predict it, or we would all be as rich as LT. It just upsets people
And you don’t link your sources
This has a direct impact on the NHL including the Oilers.
And, yes, professional money traders are very skilled at predicting current fluctuations.
Here is one of many:
https://www.knightsbridgefx.com/loonie-at-covid-lows/
Really, well forwards don’t show that and that is the best guesstimate of all professional traders. It shows the CAD/USD rate 2cents lower 12 months from now.
https://www.fxempire.com/currencies/usd-cad/forward-rates
Thank you for bringing some common sense to this discussion.
While Derek Ryan is possibly if not likely the most probable candidate to come out of tomorrow night’s line up if Arvidsson goes, I wouldn’t be surprised if Perry or Kapanen are sat instead. Sitting Jeff Skinner seems less likely though again I wouldn’t be shocked.
Kapanen has filled the role that Arvidsson was signed to have and done very well. But as Knoblauch balances his line up with what he has right now and based on the opponent, he may consider Ryan’s experience at center more valuable that having all of Skinner Arvidsson, Perry, Podkolzin and Kapanen in the line up, at least absent another right shot centerman in the short term.
It is generally a more complex decision for a coach to make that most people think.
It will be Perry or Jinner. Ryan isn’t playing badly and has a unique trait
Can’t imagine Kapanen being sat tomorrow.
I dunno, sure seems like D Ryan is being faded a bit. His TOI has been under 10 minutes/game seven out of the last ten.
Yes but faceoffs. The 4 th line is faded
Ryan is not killing penalties any more and is really only being used for faceoffs – I don’t think the team can keep a one-side faceoff specialist going forward.
Man, I hope it isn’t Kapanen. He has fit in really well I thought during time with each of our two star centres. Knows where to go, makes plays, And keeps plays alive. I,ve been really impressed. Not every winger has flourished playing with McDavid and Draisaitl, it takes a blend of hockey smarts and skill that not everyone has. Maybe Kapanen will flame out eventually, but until he does, I would leave him where he is
Why in hell would you ever sit Kapanen??
And Ryan has not been good this year.
Condors look to have the same lineup for their game tonight – complete with 2 ECHL call up d-men.
Question is if Lavoie will be in the lineup for Henderson, he’s been healthy scratched this season.
One change – Josh Brown is in.
Just taking a moment whilst I am lost in a supermarket someplace to praise our host for his impeccable taste in music, day after day! Also, looking forward to auditions for Savoie, Philp and Petrov and cheering hard for Wanner.
I hope Kris starts Pickard we don’t need a dazzling performance the way we’ve been scoring lately a average Joe of 900 will suffice. I know Kris will want to give Skinner a chance at redemption but we need these points we definitely don’t want to be a wild card.
I think there is a chance Pickard will start but probably Skinner – if Pickard starts, that’s 2 out of the last 3 for him going in to the break (with the back to backs this weekend).
I know everyone including myself think Pickard is a 25 game little better than average so-so backup but he does deserve more rope. I think the coach and the team owe it to him why not give him the next 2-3 and take it from there.
Full transparency; I’m a hockey pacifist. I wear 93. I wore 83 before that. My kid wears a #2 jersey on his junior team so the apple hasn’t fallen far. We have our types.
But I’m getting a little sick of being the victim. Manning on McDavid. Gio on McDavid. Mikey on Leon. Pietrangelo or Leon. Reaves on Nurse. Hartman on Bouchard. Eichel on Ekholm. Gadjovich on Skinner. Green on Podkolzin. And that’s just odd the top of my head. Contending teams are chipping away at us. Some big and some small. Sure we can talk about the need to respond (Eichel needs to answer) but what about the need to initiate.
When was the last Oiler suspended for an egregious on ice incident? I remember Kane running someone behind the net but I think that went unpunished.
We always turn the other cheek but beyond that we always fight fair. Perhaps that’s a strategy to keep 97/29 safe but it hasn’t really kept us from being targeted.
At some point the reality of things has to be addressed. There is nothing worse than watching Connor try to deal with thuggery like getting swarmed and face washed by Bennett or whatever other maladjusted player, no one coming to help
I asked a player that was on a repeat champion WHL team about the Hall Eberle Nuge days and how that team wouldn’t stand up for each other. He was so disgusted about it he was getting riled up to go. I haven’t spoken to guys that played higher hockey or heard former NHLer’s ever say they think it’s ok to not stand up to shenanigans and hacks
It’s very hard to win a Cup with too much vanilla on the roster. It leaves you open to the abuse, because it works. The Canes can’t win after years of being a reg season top team, soft as butter, the Bolts couldn’t until they got some ruffians and beef, Vegas likes to cheap shot and is big, the Panthers were built to be aggressive jerks as Zito likes. Our own Oilers were vicious when they were repeating. It was Lowe’s nickname
I don’t like players getting hurt, fighting anymore, dirty play. But it’s still a part of the game as the NHL wants it to be, and doing ‘everything’ possible to get Connor some Cups is management’s job. It would be the biggest shame if they can’t cash with this talent and advantage. Their biggest issues are not enough of the right type of D and being too passive as a group
Torres, Marchment, McSorley, etc, former Oilers like that made me cringe a bit back in the day. I think still I would like it better to be dishing than getting dished
I like Knoblauch, but if he is too much of a pacifist for the NHL and that’s why they have regressed to playing like this again, so be it. Hire coach Q, Stan get some agro on the roster. Trade J Skinner for Marchand
What’s the word on this Mason Lohrei kid on Boston. He’s really caught my eye when I’ve watched him play. 6’5” LHD who seems to be a great skater and puck handler at the age of 23. Might have to overpay but could he be a Broberg replacement?
All sorts of talk ramping up regarding the Oilers not being physical enough and, absolutely, I get that. I mean facts are facts and they are dead last in the league in hits.
Of course, that stat only means so much, the Oilers have the pick more than any other team in the league and, while that is a huge factor, last is last. Hits are not a straight indicator of being able to play tough but this team does hit right now and don’t look to hit.
At the same time, we know with certainty that they can win in the regular season with this style.
Can they win in the playoffs like this? I’m not sure we need to answer that questions as there are many players on this roster who have proven to play a much more physical style in the playoffs. We know that Janmark and Henrique play more physical in the playoffs. We have seen Arvidsson lay out Oilers in the playoffs. We know that Hyman plays that game in the playoffs. We’ve seen McDavid be a bully. Add Evander Kane.
A fully healthy forward lineup does not have Ryan in it (and maybe not Skinner).
There will likely be a “physical add” to the bottom six as well.
I am fully aware that this team is not a hitting team right now but I’m not sure there is a major concern come playoffs given what we’ve seen from most of them in the past.
Podz is as physical as Holloway and Arvy won’t be far off Foegele (if at all) albeit lighter.
I believe the physicality being called into question is when for example the goalie is knocked on his ass and there’s no response.
Imo there would be no talk about physicality if such actions were met with a equal or greater response.
It’s not hits as much as attitude. Foegele for example hit a fair bit in the playoffs, but is a fairly timid player. It’s when other teams start pushing the envelope, playing dirtier, start running around to even the playing field, how do players and the team respond? It’s easier to be on offense than defense
Right now they aren’t responding. To me this is the time to set the tone, when games aren’t so critical to win. Let the league know, as Kane said, F around and find out. It’s less appealing to try if you know you are starting something also unpleasant for you, and the Oilers won’t turn the other cheek or fail to stand up for themselves (hat tip Pod) or their team mates or goalie
Tkachuk clipping Stu behind the play should have set them off. Maybe they are being coached to play like this? I think Perry should have gotten far up in Bob’s grill after that, or someone
Sather knew this. Fight cheat and hack as much as the others, or more. The refs won’t call them all, and will try to even penalties out usually, minus the Oiler surcharge
But it has to be natural. Players that like the rough stuff also know how to do it and when because they have had the practice at it. Perry said he can’t play any other way. Nuge would make a terrible hacker
Kapanen is already 5th in hits. I don’t like the fact Connor is 7th. It’s great to have nice well rounded players who just want to play hockey, but a team should only have so many. The NHL is a rough league, and the playoffs are worse
Ryan hits a lot but it doesn’t do much to the other team, and he isn’t dirty. As I see it these are the forwards that don’t engage much in the darker side of the game, in order of TOI so far:
Nuge, Skinner, Hyman, Henri, Brown, Ryan. That’s half the forwards, 4 are bottom 6. Connor and Drai are a little meaner. They can go as far as they want to like that, but it would be big for the team if there was more agro in the group, it’s infectious, like when Kane is playing the team has more jam throughout, play two inches taller
The top 6 needs to be about skill first, and aggressive good top 6 players are pretty rare. Which is likely why the signed Arvi. So the bottom 6 is typically where you see teams build it in
The D group is pretty tame as well, another place where some snarl often is. Nurse and Emberson are doing the heavy lifting with hits, Nurse used to play mean, it seems it’s coming back to a degree. Ekholm is next, but he is such a large guy it’s different. He doesn’t fight much, I bet not many want to try him. When he’s playing well he is very hard to play against, and rubs guys out hard
Bouch was a bit meaner in the playoffs, but that’s not his nature. Kulak is pretty timid in style. Stecher is too small. Emberson is feisty, but a lighter D, and not mean. Over time I think more size and aggressiveness would be a big help, players that like to take it to the bad guys, and take forwards being in their end or near their net as a personal affront
Kane took the will out of L.A and especially Calgary during the playoffs Tkachuk was shitting bricks. The best was probably the winter classic when Kane teased the Calgary bench into hanging their heads in shame. Bowman always had toughness in Chicago that could win against the thugs just as easily as the skill teams. This is not Bowman’s team yet I think we see a active off-season
If Savoie gets called up, where does he play? Our top 6 seems fairly set. When Kane and Arvidsson come back I suspect they fill out the third line. I feel like our 4 line is better used for utility guys like Janmark and Brown. That leaves one spot on the fourth line for Ryan, Perry, Philp and Savoie to fight over. Philp seems the better bet to provide what the coach is looking for from that spot (responsible 2-way play), and Perry has been playing better than I expected… I dunno, barring injury I think Savoie may be hanging in the AHL until next year.
I guess the next question is… if that is the case, is that a bad thing?
I don’t post over at OilersNation. But if Gregor wants help to understand, tell him the Avs get the calls, MacKinnon especially.
https://oilersnation.com/news/help-me-understand-taillights-zach-werenski-the-sabres-cross-checking-and-more
I’m just here for the London Calling references. Greatest album cover of all time? Fight me!
Gang of Four: Entertainment.
Er…you said cover, not album. The album cover of Entertainment sucks. The content is great. London Calling is great too.
I agree. A close second may be AC/DC If You Want Blood You’ve Got It
I tried to post the image but am not smart enough 🙂
After seeing the Sex Pistols cover, for the longest time I thought The Bollocks was just another punk band.
Never mind them… here’s us!
I hope Bowman is calling the Sabres everyday.
The Sabres are not to be outdone by the Oilers Decade of Darkness and are looking to one up them by having Decades of Darkness instead.
The amount of talent drafted and lost/traded away by the Sabres is insane.
Would you do byram + Cozen for Bouchard?
The question is? Would the Buffalo Saber’s do that trade.
sought after RD…. Can’t hurt to ask. Bouchard is the better player right now compare to those two, perhaps we can throw in 2nd or 3rd pick to entice them. Although this will reduce our RD 🤷🏻♂️. Hopefully there’s option in TD
Byram is a left shot.
That’s a no for me dawg.
Byram has less offence, is less physical and plays the left side.
Cozens is interesting. I have not watched him enough.
Trading Bouchard is a non-starter unless the return is an equally high end rightie, like Faber.
One mitigating factor here is that Grubbe has played bottom six center all season long, on a team that does not have depth. Lots of reps with the likes of D’Amato, DeJong, Stefan, Swetlikoff, etc.
Then again, the same applied to Petrov and he’s not getting lit up with goals against out there.
That’s what they expect from Philp at the NHL level. Play physical, PK, take faceoffs and help a fourth line. Instead, he’s playing in the AHL trying to play an offensive role. It runs counter to what they want from Philp in the NHL
Philp is in the AHL playing a 2-way role.
Players that don’t produce at the AHL level don’t play in the NHL.
4th line NHL players are not 4th line AHL players.
Right. Every NHL player is expected to play a two-way role. Has Philp not been producing enough in the AHL to fulfill an NHL role as a fourth line center? You see, I too am a believer that there’s more to being a fourth line center than winning faceoffs. And quite possibly they’re wasting Philps’s time in the AHL.
I am not concerned about his offensive production at the AHL level but would note that his 2-way play has been somewhat inconsistent and Coach Chaulk has referenced the same.
Do I think that he can come up right now and play in Derek Ryan’s current role with, at least the same success if not more? Yes, I do.
I think that will happen at some point but not exactly sure when.
They may keep 13F on the roster when Arvy is activated but likely not for too long as 6D only is likely not going to work for long.
They will need to move a forward off the roster (and another when Kane is activated, subject to injuries at that time) – at this point, its tough to add a forward from the farm and Philp isn’t being harmed at all continuing to play pro games in Bako – they are indeed relying on him in many high leverage situations.
What’s up with Rodrique if he’s playing good ball in the minors he should get a game or two. Does he have the option of leaving next year and if he does I think he’ll try another organization if he doesn’t see a couple of coffee games with the big club.
Rodrigue is starting to get the bulk of the starts now (no longer a 50/50 split) and last night Chaulk talked about him earning that push.
Calvin Pickard has played more this year than last year and is among the best back ups in the league.
Rodrigue will need to wait for an injury.
Rodrigue cannot try another organization until 2026/27 (he’ll be a Group 6 UFA after next season if he doesn’t have 28 NHL games) – he’ll be qualified and he will be in the org next season unless traded.
Admittedly the risk is low, but another organization could offer sheet him this summer at twice his current salary, and the Oilers would be essentially powerless to do anything about it.
The organization would have to have no cap issues, and a severe need in goal…so improbable, but not impossible.
Offer sheeting a player with zero NHL games, that would be something.
Why? Most NHL teams are cap constrained. Offer sheet prospective AHL players at $1.5 million in areas of need. No compensation required. It is just a slighty more aggressive hostile version of targeting Podkolzin types.
LOL maybe some team will offer sheet Noah Philp. I’m on his bandwagon today.
Why would it be something? Well, to my knowledge, its NEVER happened in the history of the league so, well, that would be something, no?
I understand the premise and the the reasons for the premise are true and reasonable but they have been true and reasonable for years and years and years.
If someone wants to offer Rodrigue $1.5MM before he accepts his QO (or a “good soldier bump to $850K by the Oilers), go for it.
The Oilers might even match – the contract would provide built in waiver protection.
I seem to recall you saying the exact same thing about offer sheets for Broberg and Holloway
So you’re saying there’s a chance….
He nailed the Broberg offer sheet which thereby entitles him for 6 feet of rope.
Petrov isn’t slow. What he doesn’t do is skate with urgency. He played forward in junior like a defenceman. Quiet, efficient, positional and purposeful. Question on him always was could he play that thoughtful game in the pros and succeed? He’s a bit reminiscent of Drai in that he looks like he’s floating and then can unleash the horsepower when needed. I’ve been high on this player for a long time because of that big hockey brain, but a lot of Petrov’s future depends on coaching his skillset properly.
Showing up out of shape of course has not helped his cause. good to see him turn it around.
If he can do next summer like Bear did that one year he could actually showcase his talents rather than trying to catch up. Look at guys who hold out – very few hit the ground running. Petrov needs to fully commit to see if he can make it.
From Chaulk on ON:
We know Wanner blocked that shot with the back of his head and got stitches. Sounds like he’ll be out for a bit as he’s still “not right”. Sounds like a concussion.
Petrov indeed came to camp out of shape (which Mike Griffith confirmed earlier in the year). That showed in his play. He had 22 people from North Bay in the stands this weekend – awesome for the kid to score 3.
They are trying to get Savoie to hang on to the puck a bit more.
Stauff brought up Lavoie’s struggles. Chaulk talked about how the other conference is much younger and more chaotic. The Pacific is a battle every night – bigger and more experienced. Talked about how dominant Lavoie was to start last year but agreed with Bob that he “disappeared” and spoke about 23 or so games with no goals at evens. Bob led him there.
Lavoie’s struggles? Suspect you mean Savoie. I don’t see him as struggling at all. This is a 20-year old adjusting to a man’s league while scoring and outscoring. I’d say that’s flourishing.
Nope, they spoke about Raphael Lavoie and his struggles this year (and how he went through a long disappearing act last season with no goals other than PP for like 23 games or so)
He didn’t impress the new boss. Lavoie has the tools but he didn’t want to get dirty. His confidence is now shot and if he doesn’t pull up his boot straps he’s headed to the ECHL then probably to where Shania Twain lives which really isn’t such a bad thing.
Unlike Holland Jackson will try to build our farm system while trying to win Cups. Yes it’s possible to chew gum and walk at the same time. Holland decimated the entire farm club he traded 2nd 3rd rounders like candy as well as any player that had promise from Marino-Jones-Kesserling etc no one was save. It’s going to take years and pain to build our farm system to respectability.
That’s too bad about Wanner. They could really use a bully D man especially home grown. I hope Bowman doesn’t draft players that have skating issues unless they are sure they can coach it up, and the player wants to put in the work
It’s wasting picks if they have permanent heavy boots, we’ve seen it too many times, you have to be fast enough (and turn well enough for D) in todays’ NHL. Besides, the Oilers are meant to be a skating team, just as the Bruins want to check and the Flyers want to be bullies
and Florida are successful Olympic calibre divers.
This year ‘s 2024-25 season should finally see Oilers win the cup.
Press thumbs up if you agree.
Thumbs down otherwise.
Merry Christmas to all Lowetide readers.
And a Happy New Year in 2025 ahead.
Same to you, hunter.
Cheers!
Looking ahead to the Bruins I have this as a win. Bruins have the most PP opportunities in the league this year at 116 to go along with the 2nd highest # of penalties (111). Oilers are 30th in PP opportunities with 79 while only giving up 75 PK opportunities.
Bruins: 12.9% PP / 77.5% PK / 4 SHG against / 2 SHG for / 98.4 PDO / -18 GD
Oilers: 22.8% PP / 73.3% PK / 2 SHG against / 2 SHG for / 99.6 PDO / +12 GD
Oilers should be able to dominate this game at 5v5 and on special teams (assuming Kelly Sutherland is not in the house).
Oilers 5-2 with Janmark shorty and 2 PP goals
At the risk of a tongue lashing from our resident prospect expert, I’d like to see Savoie and/or Philp called up at the next opportunity. Injury or otherwise. The Oilers are in a somewhat comfortable spot in the standings now. No reason to not give these two young men a chance. A prospect can’t pop if never given the chance.
We know Caggiula isn’t part of the future and although a game rooster, is not a difference maker. These kids are and could be and have earned a shot
Agree on Philp, and suspect Savoie will be a recall option before 50 AHL games, but I’d wait a little bit (mid-Jan) on the winger. Other than that, I think you are on solid ground.
LT thanks for the prospect update. I wrongly had the impression that Philip was only treading water in the minors. Jan recall, hope it happens. One thing is clear though is that the prospect cupboard is shockingly bare!
Philp’s skill set could certainly be used toot sweet. If Savoie was 6’3 & 200 lbs. & snarly they could probably use him too.
Philip getting his feet back under him after a year out was the goal, and he seems to have passed that part with flying colours. I’m all for him getting the next call up if there’s an injury. I’d love to see him get a run of games at 4C. Ryan can even play wing for some of that stint if we’re wanting to keep his brain/faceoff skills in the lineup.
I’d like to see Savoie getting a test drive if Arvidsson gets injured again (still hopeful Arvidsson can work out for the rest of the year though. Fingers and toes crossed for good health).
I’m very glad for Philp and hope he comes up and helps the big club
I am tempering my hopes for him though and this season. He has the tools, we will see if he has the desire. It’s a tough gig being a pro athlete, most very good athletes aren’t cut out for it mentally. There aren’t a lot of jobs to be had compared to the number of very talented players applying
I heard Chaulk’s interview yesterday. He said that Philp is adjusting still to the grind of a lot of games of pro hockey etc. Whatever that means. If he doesn’t settle in more I’m not sure we’ll see him much this season or at all
Des had issues at one point he has talked about, Lavoie is having them. NP took a year off from the game being on the cusp of making it. The athletic part is the easier part for athletes that can get to that level. Hopefully Larsson is getting more well rounded supports in place quickly for the prospects
Maybe he lacks motivation at the AHL level. But he needs to up his play at the AHL level for his chance in the NHL. He might be disappointed that he’s still in the AHL.
His ticket to the NHL is at 4c and they have him playing an offensive role in the top six.
He must be thinking WTF am I doing here.
He wouldn’t be the first Oiler prospect to feel that way.
He’s got the tool kit, we’ll see if he has the mental side needed to get to the NHL and stay. Most don’t, which is why the odds drop so fast of making it outside of 1st rounders
Philip needs to earn a call up the old fashioned way he needs to earn it unlike the Holland regime that was right to the cap with a short end line-up. If Philip and even Savoie were fighting through and getting better results in the physical A.H.L they would be with the big club.Both players statistically have been a disappointment.
So, disagreeing with your position, and providing reasons based on watching the prospect plays in the AHL is providing a “tongue lashing” – I would think a bit of mature discourse would be welcomed over “I’m right and you need to agree with me”….
The Oilers will likely be looking to move a forward off the roster when Arvy is activated (it MAY not be right away given only 6D and they can carry 13F but I would expect they will want 7D at some point shortly), and then another when Kane is activated (subject to team health).
I am all for replacing Ryan with Philp but, to start, is likely replacing Ryan with Arvidsson (on the roster) let along moving another roster player out for Philp (and a total of 3 out for Philp and Savoie).
I don’t think Savoie is close to a call up – he’s barely 20 and there is tons of time.
Stankoven was basically doubling Savoie’s production (context required) and played 47 AHL games that season prior to call-up – as an example.
Ha! I took the risk!
Any substantive response or just passive aggressive remarks and defensive responses?
I don’t need to discuss with you as your condescending attitude isn’t conducive to a reasonable discussion
So, no, got it!