This is the NHL equivalency for 2016-17 prospect defensemen in the Oilers system. Almost a decade ago, the list spit out what are now hilarious numbers. The top two names have played significant NHL games. Ethan Bear (275) and Caleb Jones (248) have delivered successful NHL careers and are considered quality picks where they were taken.
Among the group of players who did not deliver strong NHLE’s that season, we see all manner of success. John Marino (363 NHL games) emerged as the most successful in the group, William Lagesson (107) had some looks and Markus Niemelainen (43) had some cups of coffee.
The last man on the list, Vincent Desharnais, has played 165 NHL games and is a wild success considering he was chosen in the seventh round of the 2016 draft.
All of this to say NHL equivalencies are a slippery slope for any skater, but absolutely half of the story (or less) for defensemen. Marino got power-play time later on and emerged as a substantial player. NHL coaches found that Desharnais’ wingspan (combined with improved footwork) made him impossible to get past because the owned the range of 1.75 NHL defenders. If you were going to fly by Deslauriers, you needed to pack a lunch because it would take you all day.
So, with the signing of Alec Regula announced, here are the NHLE’s of all Condors defensemen this year, with those who might appear next season in the AHL.
- Atro Leppänen 39
- Cam Dineen 29
- Connor Carrick 26
- Damien Carfagna 20
- Alec Regula 19
- Ronnie Attard 11
- Beau Akey 10
- Phil Kemp 9
- Connor Corcoran 9
This is a different era of Oilers hockey, and there’s no guarantee any of these men (who are mostly older than the group above) will land NHL careers of 100+ games. I do think that Leppänen is going to be a legit threat to someone for a roster spot this fall. Edmonton’s current NHL defenders can move the puck effectively and that seems to be a priority. I also think Cam Dineen has NHL potential, partly due to his puck moving but also his wheels. On the other end of the scale, I always believed Phil Kemp had enough talent to play as a 6-7 NHL defenseman, maybe he’ll get that chances in another NHL city.
I wrote about the NHL defense in the LAK series and what may come at The Athletic today, hope you get a chance to read it. It is here.
Is Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch any closer to fixing the defence?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6325483/2025/05/03/edmonton-oilers-nhl-playoffs-defence-knoblauch/
I though Paul Coffey was in charge of the defense.
Who is in charge of Coffey?
The Colombians?
His wife.
I think most fans/observers would like to see:
Kulak Bouch
Walman Kling
Nurse Stetcher.
But I don’t think the coaches view this as an option.
I think the most likely scenario is:
Walman Bouchard
Nurse Kulak
and then Kulak, Nurse, Walman rotating through with Kling and Emberson.
I really liked Stecher’s play down the stretch but not chance I take Emberson out of the lineup – while the PK hasn’t been great, he’s an important member of it. They’ve already faded Walman
I would play Stretcher over Emberson.
Rotating defensemen round & round it goes, where it stops nobody knows.
Tuesday it is then
Leafs, Oilers given starting dates for second round of NHL playoffs
The much maligned in these parts Cody Ceci played 23:45 including the last 2:15 as the Stars were clinging to a 3-2 lead. His main job was to limit MacKinnon to outside shots from the right side of the ice, a job he accomplished very effectively.
I wanted Colorado to win as I think the Stars could be really dangerous if they get back Heiskenen and Robertson and can get them
back up to speed.
The series can move fast, we saw how long it took the oilers to shake the rust after dealing with their own injury issues.
All big boy teams left in the west aside from the Oilers (who are no slouches but not a punishing team). Vegas, St Louis/Winnipeg and Dallas.
i think the Oilers are as big as we need them to be.
Busy day, just scrolling through the comment section to catch up on the hullabaloo. I see HH has gone into full clown mode. Apparently the flames are up and coming and the oilers are soon to flame out. I have some friends who are flames fans and I actually feel sorry for them as they are anchored with the worst contract in the entire league for another 5 years.
I love the relationship Brady has with Ottawa fans. He might be the most beloved player by a fan base.
More beloved then McDavid or Draisaitl?
Blasphemy
Lol. When you have less you value it more?
Outside of the Oilersphere, the Oilers are a two man team.
All their young talent is in Cancun, by the time August comes around.. the average age of the team is going to be 60.
Our Coach is one small step away from selling Car insurance in Fargo, our GM and management live in Bermuda drinking fruity based drinks.
The defense is something you find down at the outdoor arena at 730pm on a Wednesday.
They’re playing a 72 yr old man who’s been riding buses in the AHL since Rush release Closer to the Heart in 1977.
Ain’t no guy with two last names more loved then a fellow leading the religion that is McJesus, or his running mate from Asgard.
Looks like Tuesday/Thursday for games 1 and 2 – 730 mountain.
This should mean Saturday night in Edmonton.
Yes. 30 min more sleep!
Good riddance Av’s next up the Jets. Who would of thought when Sakic traded Rantanen to the East it would immediately bite him in the ass.
For all the talk of teams being able and willing to throw $6.5 million at middle six players due to the skyrocketing cap, it’s a wonder Colorado was unwilling to sign Mikko, even after he said he was willing to take a discount.
Colorado’s decision to trade Mikko comes back to haunt them bad.
3rd period hat trick and an assist from Rantanen to knock out the Avalanche. Gary’s script writers are getting too cute now.
Blackwood and Avs blow a third period lead and are out in the first round.
Does this mean the revenge tour is cancelled?
Two Ted Lindsay candidates, and the man for whom Norris will be renamed are out?! Shame.
HH is down to 8 dogs in the fight.
Too bad Bowman didn’t trade for Blackwood. Really missed out there.
What a 3rd period collapse.
Wonder how HH feels about that rantanen trade
Powerplays given in the 3rd period of a tie playoff game? Is this permitted?
They were pretty blatant.
Otter gives up a bad goal
2-0 Avs
Despite all of the hype for Emberson after the trade and during the start of the season, it seems pretty evident that Desharnais would be an upgrade as a #6 penalty killer on this team. I wish he was still an Oiler. Some thought Emberson to be an upgrade 5v5 on Desharnais, but it’s not working out that way yet. Still time for things to change, but I think we could have used the big guy on the back end. If it would have cost Klingberg, I don’t think it would have been worth keeping him.
You have computer skills but what I remember is that Des, and Ceci, were unplayable 5v5 in the real season
Des was getting called by refs bcs can’t skate (see 2nd and 3rd opinions) and Ceci just plays too slowly. He managed a great pass to Janitor but got crushed the rest so that doesn’t matter
Guys were picking on Des on zone entries. Would just skate around him.
I’m not sure why my computer skills are relevant here.
The discussion is about the #6 D position—specifically, a defender whose primary role is penalty killing. Right now, that’s Emberson’s role, as his 5v5 play has been underwhelming. He’s logging limited 5v5 minutes—just 5 to 10 per game (8:30 on average)—and his shot and expected goals shares at 5v5 in the playoffs haven’t been promising either, sitting at 45% xGF. Physically, he was also outmatched by the LA Kings.
So far, Emberson hasn’t lived up to the promise his San Jose numbers suggested. Seravalli even labeled him as a potential “surprise player of the year,” largely based on Stauffer’s hype in October. Ostensibly, Emberson was an analytics-driven pick (Parkatti??), but the results haven’t materialized yet.
In 2024 in Edmonton, Desharnais was deployed in third- and second-pairing roles but struggled in the second-pairing spot. In the 2024 playoffs, Desharnais’ mobility was clearly hampered by a nasty clip from Trevor Moore—an incident that warranted a suspension. That injury, coupled with the challenges of playing on the second pairing, ultimately led to him being scratched in the Stanley Cup Finals.
If we’re talking about a shutdown PK defenseman in a #6 role with limited 5v5 TOI, Desharnais is currently the better choice than Emberson. He significantly outperforms Emberson in shot suppression—the analytics make that abundantly clear.
At that #6 spot, if penalty killing is the primary responsibility, Desharnais would be the better option today.
Hopefully, this changes as Emberson continues to develop—he’s still a young player.
I am not sure I knew Des was dealing with an injury!
I got a feeling that the Oilers unfortunately were the lesson a lot of GMs needed and lot more young players are gonna get paid instead of risking a offer sheet
Yep…with so much cap space floating around, it’s open season.
Lock in your own young players before spending money on outside players. Leafs should have taught everyone that but not everyone learned their lesson. It’s one thing if you don’t have money, but it’s another thing when you spend money for an outsider that they feel should go to them.
Off-season trade concept.
Evander Kane for Simon Nemec.
The Devils are overloaded at right D. And they need an alpha protector for their small forwards in a division with the DC Giants.
Bowman will sign Frederic for 3-4 years and will maximize Kane’s value in a trade out East. Kane is showing several G.M’s who are salivating that he’s been reborn and still has 3-4 years left in the tank as a power forward.
Trade Kane and you are looking for a player just like him 5 minutes after the deal is done. You absolutely keep him and add Frederic to beef up the lineup.Get good players, keep good players.
Not for me. A light offensive D getting crushed over at Puck IQ. The Oilers need better defensive play from most of their D not more offense, and I am in the camp of at least league average size especially at D. It’s no accident our best D when healthy is huge, can skate and pass
EK for Broberg.
I’ll see myself out.
After last game, coach said Ekholm was doubtful to play in round 2. Today he said he will not play in round 2 – end stop.
He did say, in a one on one with Stauff, yesterday that, they are very optimistic he could be available if they continue to advance.
$6.5MM X $7MM for Matt Coronato.
I’m all for it!
May want to edit the term on this post OP. 😂
Canada goes for gold at the World U-18 Championship today as they battle Sweden.
A lot of the players at the tourney will be off the board by the Oilers’ first selection in June (#83, it looks like) but a few should land where the Oilers pick.
Game will be on TSN at 6 p.m. Indus time.
Its tough for me to see Phil Kemp signing back in this org – he’s a Group 6 UFA due to not enough NHL games and this organization seemed to simply forget about him (i.e. give up on any chance he could play in this league). I presume he moves on.
The right side depth is:
Bouchard
Emberson
Brown
Regula
Attard
Akey
The conversation will start about Klingberg. I’m holding off to see him in more than 5 games before offering any sort of contract with term or real AAV. He was FANTASTIC (with reference to expectations) in the 1st round- he made a real impact on the team.
Lets not forget, the Kings were very passive in the series, I’m curious to see how he handles an aggressive Vegas forecheck.
If he comes out of this series similar to how he came out of the 1st, then we have something to talk about, in my opinion. I’d be very weary of term and have no real idea what type of AAV he’d be looking for. I’ve got to think a one-year, $1.75MM deal may be something he’s willing to take – a full season to prove he is really “back” and healthy. I think he might jump at term though.
It’s hard to gauge Klingberg’s skating although it appears better. However with the size of the Knits forwards we will see how it really is. If he isn’t mobile enough he’ll have trouble I think
Not sure that it matters, but according to Puckpedia, Attard is a Group 6 FA as well.
Do you know if Regula was defence partners with Bouchard in London? What’s your take on him is he a good puck mover-physical-boxes out net front presence? if the stars align could he actually be a option as a defence partner with Bouchard?
YES
For at least a portion of Bouchard’s (and his own) Draft Season, Regula’s first in London.
https://wingsnation.com/news/top-25-red-wings-prospects-of-2019-19-kasper-kotkansalo
I believe Stecher is signed for next year too.
Still a hole at 2RHD, same as it ever was, but one of the 4 lefties will fill that spot.
Defense looks pretty set already to me, with or without Klingberg, but after the first round there’s definitely an argument for a contract offer.
Right, I knew Stech was signed for next year but I forgot about him – he’ll definitley be on the team – hopefully in the same role as this season – 7D but can slide in for half the games and give some solid minutes, even up the lineup a bit.
While Klingberg played way better than expected I still would not feel comfortable making any kind of commitment to him.
If he only has one Stanley cup playoff run left in him that’s bonus. He no doubt wants to extend his career. Edmonton may not be able to afford him next season depending on his results during this playoff season.
He’s made a lot of money already, the Oilers have retained players at a discount because of the group and opportunity
True enough, but if he’s lights out during the playoffs he might want a raise and I’m positive Bowman is aware of the possibility, especially after signing Regula to a new deal and bringing Leppanen on board.
He has but rumors that he turned down a 7x 7 contract from Stars years ago because he felt he should get more before his career turned south.
Here is a link to discussion regarding Klingberg’s offer.
https://puckprose.com/2023/09/28/dallas-stars-lucked-not-re-signing-john-klinberg/#:~:text=In%20the%20wake%20of%20the,went%20on%20to%20change%20agents.%22
I provided that same opinion but, well, there is more hockey to be played.
Sure but even if he plays at the current level I would be ok with saying thank you for coming and saying we both got what we wanted out of the deal but not need to extend it. If he wants to sign short term for cheap find. But anything over 2 years would be a no go for me.
As I said:
Yes his big payday window is most likely closed unless he does just want money and doesn’t care about winning. Rosie might give him a whack having so few good D and no offense
I think we are trending towards a Tuesday start and I’m all for it. Both Vegas and Edmonton will have the same break and I still think the Oilers can get healthier (Drai, Hyman) and a solid break for Pickard should help.
Does our series actually start tomorrow?
NO
Thanks I didn’t think it would start while the St.Louis game 7 is tomorrow. It’s coming up on gambling apps with the Oilers series starting tomorrow which is strange.
Definitely not starting tomorrow for various reasons including a boxing event at T-Mobil.
Well done on the title choice LT – very funny and appropriate.
I didn’t even notice. Well played.
Great work by Bowman on Regula. Got a free asset that he was able to stash with no cap implications and didn’t need to re-waive him.
Now he’s signed for cheap for two years.
From all I’ve read and heard, he has a real chance. Very comfortable on his off side with NHL skills.
I think he’s healthy and will have a full summer to properly hockey train. Excited to see him in camp.
This is the second time Bowman has acquired Regula so he must think he’s very good
Being a right shot and a lot bigger than Emberson as I’ve said I think he’s a great fit for Kulak. If he’s healthy I can see him displacing somebody as 7 D. Staples wrote a bit about him, I think it’s promising
https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/edmonton-oilers-alec-regula-welcome-back-mystery-defenceman
This is the summer to trade Kulak with only one year left on his contract. He will have value in the off-season. We have Walman/Ek/Nurse down the left side so Kulak is a very high quality luxury that we should use to fill other holes. He’s a quality guy and local but business is business.
Ek / Bouch
Nurse / xxx
Walman / xxx
Lots of options for 3RD including Emberson, Regula, Stetcher. The 2RD slot is one that needs to be filled and Kulak+ might do it.
Depth scoring
One of the interesting dimensions of rd 1 were the offensive contributions of Oiler forwards beyond Nuge, Hyman, Drai, and McJesus … who were all themselves major contributors.
All of Podkolzin, Brown, Perry, Janmark, Frederick, and Kane were at .5 ppg or better, while Henrique and Arvidsson both played very well and scored big goals.
Can the Oilers continue to get timely offense from all 4 lines?
The lineup is set, and it will only improve as the playoffs move along. Their depth is also in place. This team is firing on all cylinder even without Ekholm. But as good as Pickard has been, the goaltending still makes me nervous.
So hard to say with this team, at least game to game. I think the key though as it was last time we played them is limiting mistakes, the goal where they drew Nurse to the blue line comes to mind. I watched the game 6 highlights again, ughh, and the coverage was loose on most of their goals
They play a different system now, but I think we still see that they still let players have a lot of space and leave guys wide open. The Knits will make them pay for that more than the Kings did. If the Oilers can be mostly responsible, stay on the right side of the puck (especially with Eichel), back track ALL OF THE TIME, I think they have an advantage with quickness
The Knits are a big group, but that also means if you can play fast and take the game away from just mucking, they are vulnerable to it. Get into their end before they all lie one on top of the other in front of Hill. Move the puck low high and cross seam and shoot upstairs. Essentially how the Blues are playing the Jets, which is the way to score on any team
If Edmonton can replicate what they did in game 5 to LA at home against the VGK all series long, they’re moving on to the conference final.
If they do that they will crush all comers. I have been wondering if age is a part of why they don’t seem to follow a dominant game where everyone is skating well with another very often. It’s when they are on pucks quickly the other guys can’t get into the game
It should be their identity – Smother Brothers
I think its urgency game 5 was a near must win and L.A was unprepared how aggressive on the forecheck the Oilers were.
If they can replicate their game 5 performance nightly, they will win the Stanley Cup.
One game at a time.
In Pickard we trust.
It is going to be very interesting to see what defense pairs start the series against Vegas. Although Nurse gets a little too amped up and tries to do more than his job which results in the other team scoring from his recently vacated position… he may be the best option for top pairing minutes.
Walman must have had some horseshoes up his backside last series because it is a miracle there weren’t more goals scored on his watch. One shift with Bouch comes to memory but there were more. He is not the answer to move up but he’s doing quite well with Klingberg. I think they will need to play Emberson a little more as well. Im not sure why he isn’t being given a little more rope. He hasn’t done anything to earn zero ice time excepting pk. They are going to need 6 d and 4 lines to beat Vegas.
Not good timing yet to chat about next year but Bowman is stockpiling NHL quality d.. there will be some hard decisions coming when playoffs end, hopefully after a Stanley cup has been earned.
Kulak & Bouchard have had good results and IMO Walman & Klingberg are developing tremendous chemistry. That leaves Nurse & Emberson as a shutdown pair. It allows Nurse to simplify his game, which also keeps him grounded and playing his best. If they decide to bring Stecher back into the mix, he and Nurse have also had good results. Of course, it is all subject to in game adjustments which they seem to be used to, for they truly are a fine mix.
Bowman is quietly sculpting his team around the core. What I was most impressed with in Chicago was how fast they moved the puck. Josh Brown definitely doesn’t have a Bowman look as Chicago had some tough hombre but they could skate and had skill. Of all the teams since the Oilers of the mid eighties the Hawks impressed me the most they could win any way against all styles of play. If it wasn’t for the Hawks having to move players for salary cap reasons they win 5 Cups under Bowman. He had a wonderful draft and development team in Chicago.
That brings to mind Byfuglien menacing the Canucks as a forward. They were helpless
Byfuglien prefers fishing to playing hockey
Could Josh Brown menace as a forward? I dunno?
Yes but he has nowhere near Byf’s skill
I, like most, was unimpressed with the Bowman hire. Mostly because the Oilers don’t seem to follow due process in any hiring. Not sure why they always think they are the smartest ‘man’ in the room in every decision.
All that said, Bowman’s moves have been solid to excellent so far. He is finding value in all the nooks and crannies. From Podkolzin and Emberson trades to Klingberg to deadline trades and waiver pickups I don’t see one terrible move, after letting Broberg and Holloway go, which I don’t blame him for.
I had to look where Jones and Bear played this year. Bear 0 NHL games for Capitals, and Jones 6 for LA. I was a little surprised, thought Jones was still in Chicago’s system. Never say never, but it would seem the tweener ship has docked at an AHL port and perhaps even started taking on water.
Bear went into the substance program 2024. I wonder if it was related to his shoulder surgery. Given his AHL offense he might resurface
It’s amazing Bear is only 27 this is the beginning of peak years for many D. Smaller D definitely arrive sooner as they are what they are it’s whether their body can hold up with the punishment inflicted on them. Bear had a couple of fine seasons it’s too bad the injury bug got him. There’s still room in the NHL as a depth D if he can get healthy.
Small and not fast enough for a small D
Speaking of ex-Oiler D I can’t believe Oesterle is in only 32 and still in the league. He’s on the smaller side as well teams always need a proven D as insurance for injuries and players like him hang around the league for years.
Especially for D. Stecher is a gamer and smart player, but in not being a dynamic skater he gets exposed and has to be physical which he can’t usually win
For me any undersized player needs plus boots and plus skill or what’s the point? Typical sized players can bring more aspects of the game
Just for edification, its the “Players Assistance Program” and substance abuse is not necessarily involved (although I think generally the case).
Yes I know, was too lazy to type it out 🙂