At the time, the topic of conversation surrounded Evan Bouchard’s immediate future. Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli was asked about Bouchard making the big club that fall.
When he didn’t immediately dismiss it out of hand, the story of a teenage defenseman possibly having an immediate impact had legs. The Oilers, at the time, were not a serious organization, given as they were to unforced errors.
These years later, Sam O’Reilly, Edmonton’s first-round draft pick one year ago, is exactly where he should be at his age: Playing in the Memorial Cup Final today for his London Knights. O’Reilly has been a productive player this week, helping his team with a couple of big goals and four points.
O’reilly is one of the OHL’s best defensive forwards, with a strong offensive resume too. He’s good on faceoffs, penalty kill, and has the reputation for adapting quickly. He was a defenseman in the GTHL four years ago.
Mike Morreale of NHL.com wrote before the 2024 draft “Former London players like Robert Thomas (St. Louis Blues), Bo Horvat (New York Islanders) and Luke Evangelista (Nashville Predators) figured out quickly what Dale wanted defensively and were each rewarded for it. O’Reilly’s on that similar path.”
I think the 2018 draft will be remembered as the last great one by the organization during the McDavid era. Bouchard is by any measure one of the top defensemen in the league today. Ryan McLeod is a solid NHL center with a long career ahead of him. Mike Kesselring is a bona fide NHL blue procured from the back of the draft.
The Oilers retained only Bouchard, but that’s a big home run. The team also cashed McLeod for top prospect Matt Savoie and we’ll see about his future. Olivier Rodrigue has played in the league and may have a career.
I will have some draft coverage for you this month but it won’t be the expansive coverage you’ve seen in the past. I hope you understand. It is June! Enjoy the day and the Memorial Cup.
New for The Athletic: The importance of Oilers’ playoff healthy scratches, now and in the future
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6394610/2025/06/01/oilers-nhl-playoffs-rookies-scratches/
Summarizing!
The Knights claimed their 3rd Memorial Cup in team history with a 4-1 win.
Per ace reporter Todd Macallan’s report below, O’Reilly collected an apple. He also went 15-for-28 (53.6%) on draws. Nicholl, though soupless, went 8-for-12 (66.7%) on the dot.
O’Reilly finished with 2 + 3 in five MC matches, while Nicholl was held off the scoresheet.
Will have a look ahead on the morrow, but prospecting takes a break until September.
The Victoria Royals being gutted by the NCAA.
After losing two stars to UND yesterday, San Jose Sharks 2024 draft pick, Nate Misskey has committed to UMass-Lowell for next season.
The 6’4” 212 Misskey was the Royals second leading scoring D last season.
Might be tough selling tickets in Victoria next season.
Some added perspective.
https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/junior-hockey/victoria-royals-lose-two-top-players-to-ncaas-north-dakota-whats-next-for-whl
Very nice primary assist for O’Reilly off a turnover that he slid out front for Cowan for the 2-0 lead early in the 2nd.
Identical description for the Knights 4th goal, but called back after O’Reilly bumped the tendy who lost his stick before he dished out to Cowan again.
How soon before Sam is our 3rd line Centre winning every faceoff. He kinda reminds me of that Horcoff fella that played for us a few years ago.
I’d imagine earliest realistic eta is season after next once Rico rides off into the sunset. Suspect he will get a longer look in camp than he even got this year tho.
I actually quite like the Horc comp, haven’t seen that one before.
I imagine it might be a year further out than next.
Maybe he jumps right to the NHL but, at this early stage, I would suspect some AHL time and he’s back in junior next season (well, I guess, unless he jumps to the NCAA but I suspect London).
I could be mistaken, but where he has signed his ELC, the NCAA is no longer an option correct?
Yup. A pro contract–like the one he signed in October–voids any NCAA eligibility.
Yes, I forgot, brain-fart on my part.
Thank you – and sorry.
Inserting Ekholm into game 5 on the road with a 3-1 cushion was the perfect move. He looks fresh as a daisy l feel much better on the PK with his big body clearing traffic. It’s a toss up but if I had to choose between a fresh rested Ekholm and Sir Hyman I would have to pick Ekholm. Defence wins championships and we are running on all cylinders going into the final.
For the same reason I use Kane’s salary to re-up Kane next season (if it comes to that). Much as I like Kane, and as irreplaceable as he may be. A shining blue line floats all boats.
Huh?
Im guessing he meant Bouchard, or maybe Klingberg?
Brownie with a very jovial media today – says he feels great and is good to go.
Mentioned that when he jumped out of the cabinet to do to starting lines for game 6, he was in there for about 20 minutes – wild. He was good, had a cushion and his phone though.
..These dark quiet room concussion protocols are getting out of hand.
Listened to coach, sounds like Brown should be in for game 1.
I think its clear Skinner is coming out – when asked about J. Skinner today, coach, while very complimentary, gave the whole, to paraphrase “we’ll probably need him again, don’t know if it’ll be game 1 or later in the series, but….”
McDavid skated for 10 minutes at practice, talked to the trainers and left the ice – rest of the team practiced for 30 minutes……
Brown was on the ice – extra jersey but, Tony B. tweeted that Brown says he’ll be ready for game 1.
Knob says no issues and he’ll be ready for game 1.
Doesn’t he moonlight as a Chef?
I’m guessing most guys are a little banged up by now. “Maintenance.”
I would suggest that coming off 2 full days off, with two full team practices scheduled before the start of the SCF, McDavid skating for 10 minutes, talking to the trainers and then leaving while the rest of the team skates for another 20 was not maintenance.
I would suggest that neither of us has much of a clue, but speculation is fun.
None of us know for sure but we can go with patterns and past history and I would suggest that there is rarely a plan for a player to start practice, talk to a trainer and leave 10 minutes in while the rest of the team continues.
I’m confident that he is, and will be, just fine, but also confident that something happened.
Yeah, I’d guess sore back or muscle strain, or just an injury that’s still stiff and sore. Hopefully he’s a full participant tomorrow.
Early in a series with Florida, you *have* to set a physical tone. That’s not the time for Jeff Skinner. As much as I think Skinner’s been hard done by in these playoffs, I can honestly see starting a Max Jones over a Jeff Skinner in G1 against Florida.
Holy Moly – I see a zero percent chance that Max Jones plays in game 1 unless there are multiple forwards that can’t play.
Do you know what? I’m thinking Oilers have the top two centers in the world and should easily handle Florida’s top two centers going head-to-head. Another battle royal I’d love to see is Tkachuk against Podkolzin. Just sic Podz on Tkachuk & Kane on Marchand, it should be very entertaining LOL. There’s also Perry & Frederic to add to the disruption. I really like the matchup in the forward groups. And I truly believe Oilers have a superior blueline. Goaltending might be an issue. But if Skinner gets chased, not that Skinner will get chased, there’s Pickard. This is how I’d line things up.
Nuge-McDavid-Brown
Kapanen-Leon-Podz
Kane-Henrique-Arvidsson
Frederic-Janmark-Perry
Kulak-Bouchard
Nurse-Walman
Ekholm-Klingberg
Skins & Picks
I know Walman & Klingberg have been amazing, but for this SCF against Florida it could be beneficial splitting them up. Ekholm & Klingberg have a history playing together for Sweden, while I believe Walman is more comfortable as a RHD than Kulak. Kulak & Bouchard have had great results. Good thing they’ve got J Skinner, T Stecher, M Jones, T Emberson, N Philp, M Savoie, J Hamblin & everyone else because they’re going to need everybody to bring the cup back to Canada, not just Alberta. Go Oilers!!
I’d consider another game for J Skinner over Freddy at this point. Haven’t seen Freddy impact many plays. I appreciate what his reputation is, and would love a healthy version in this series, but he isn’t getting to plays quickly enough – hits, forecheck, shooting lanes etc
Agreed. Go with the guy on a pt/gm run and see what he can deliver. If J.Skinner does not deliver then Freddie game 2.
They’re playing the Florida Panthers in the Stanley cup final. Both players will be impactful. IMO, they start Trent Frederic.
Remember, this is how I would line it up.
Barkov is a top 5 player in the world. Arguably #3.
Behind who?
I will give Barkov top 20 status. Not many are going to argue Barkov in the top 3 let alone top 10.
Being a top 10 centre is much more than point production.
Barkov is the best defensive C in the league following in the footsteps of Patrice Bergeron.
Without a doubt a great player. Just not a top 10 player in the nhl
Currently 5th in NHL playoff scoring and hands down the best defensive centre in the league.
Seems to be pretty good.
McDavid, Draisatl, McKinnon, Makar, Mathews, Kucherov, Crosby, Eichel, Kaprizov, Rantenen, Hughes, Pastarnek, etc
It’s so nice to have a G.M that values prospects. I’m super exited for O’Reilly-Nicholl-Clattenburg-Samanski-Hudson. I could never figure out how the Hawks kept drafting player after player that were useful NHLers. The only thing that stopped the Hawks was sucess they couldn’t afford to pay the supporting cast after winning so many times.
I know it’s your passion, LT, but it’s really gratifying NOT to be fussing about the upcoming draft at this time of year!
or if you prefer, to be ‘off the clock’?
Goil
Morning. Long time reader, seldom writer. Was just wondering who the Panthers black aces are. And if Puljujarvi is one of them. Not trolling or anything like that. Just an honest question.
Welcome. 5 names during the series against Carolina: Jacob Megna, Nico Sturm, Mackie Samoskevich, Uvis Balinskis, Jesper Boqvist.
https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20242025/RO030315.HTM
Nico related to Marco?
Nein, mein Herr.
Not exactly a murderer’s row, is it?
Boqvist scored a big goal for them (J Skinner-like) filling in one game for Reinhart.
Bothe teams have bench strength
Jesse is currently in a run to the Calder Cup!
Chiarelli deserves blame for a lot of things, but his drafting was a revelation after the DoD.
Oilers hats everywhere in Victoria lately. Nice to see. The fam and I are headed to E-chuck for game 5. Not going to spend $2k on tix but maybe a few hundred on tears of joy or sadness at a downtown watering hole.
I failed to realize that the series could be over by then too. And I can make an argument for either team sweeping. FLA could be just in a different league. Their top 3 lines are frightening. Their entire d-corps is frightening. They could knock the head off half our team and get no penalty.
On the other hand, the good guys remind me of the 2016 Penguins where the evolution of modern attacking could not be contained. If the Oilers keep moving that puck quickly, guys like Justin Schultz and Brian Dumoulin can look like solid NHL dmen. McD could also just go on God-mode. Because, tbh, I think there’s another gear for him and Leon.
Game 1 will answer a lot of questions but history always has me erring to the side of “defence wins championships”.
Thought I’d put it out to the group: where is a good spot for a watch party? Is there an LT watch party (official or unofficial)?
You may very well be in Edmonton for the cup deciding game and the partying in the streets. That’s my hope anyway. Oilers in FIVE.
I’m from vancouver and drove to Edmonton and went to the watch party it was an amazing experience and free to get in with thousands of others watching them win 8-1 in that atmosphere was amazing
There are a lot of good spots in Ice District.
One of my favourites, game night or not, is Campio Brewing. Free parking (just register when you get inside), awesome patio (fills up fast), top shelf beer, great pizza/food, family friendly, walking distance to the arena.
As mentioned, can’t go wrong with the watch party.
Kane was on the Roenick/Peel podcast yesterday. Not one I generally listen to but Kaner is such a good speaker and he really did a great job over the 30 minute spot.
Really complimentary to so many of his teammates – even guys like Podz and Klingberg.
Did mention straight up that Hyman went for wrist surgery.
Talked about the bond he and has family have with the city.
No Rolls Royce for the games in Florida as, after they lost game 1 in Dallas (although he isn’t certain that given Brown a ride wasn’t the reason for the loss), he went back to the team bus for 2 wins – so team bus on the road for now. Confirmed it will be a Lamborghini for game 1.
Very impressive.
Holy hell that draft is massive: Bouchard, McLeod and Kesselring with Rodrigue still an outside chance of making it.
O’Reily and Nicholl at 5pm on TSN today!
O’Reily & Nichol will be massive as well.
Clattenburg is going to make the show.
Sure, why not?
Clattenburg is a mirror image of long time Oiler Kelly Buchberger. Same dimensions both Captains of their Junior teams. Kelly went 180th Clattenburg 160th both men could skate and are a modest threat to score. This talent will get Clattenburg to the show for multiple seasons..
I’ve made the same comparison in the past.
I’m sure you have.
Maybe – I hope so. He’s likely years away and more likely to miss than make it but one step at a time – solid final year of junior and he got a couple of shifts of pro before getting hurt for the rest of the year.
I don’t think will have to wait too long before we see Clattenburg. Bowman doesn’t let his his prospects die on a vine like Holland did Lavoie etc) Bowman always gave games at a young age to Burush-Bickell-Kruger-Bollig-Brouwer all big wingers that could skate and served a purpose.
As much as I wanted Lavoie to succed he never ran with any of the opportunities he received.
Be nice to see him turn it around next season in Henderson, but at this point, he’s Schremp 2.0.
Its not about Clattenburg not getting an opportunity but its about him developing in to an NHL level player and its unlikely to be an expedited process, if one that ever completes.
The dead era of prospects is over I just gave you example ofplayers that had NHL careers starting at a young age with the Hawks. Holland would rather grab a journeyman 30 year-old (Erne-Gagner-Caggiula then give a young kid a chance where as Bowman has all these young darts and hopefully a few will stick. Holland came close with his methods now let’s see how Bowman transition of our D and stockpiling of depth up front works.
I’m simply talking about Clattenburg and a reasonable path and timeline of development.
With only 3 draft picks this season I wonder how many selections the Oilers will end up making.
I’ve convinced myself that they will end up with 5 when the smoke clears. As unlikely as it is, it would be amazing (in my mind, at least) if someway, somehow, Will Horcoff was one of the selections.
Had the Oilers retained the STL 2nd instead of shipping it down to Boston, they’d have a chance at Son of Horc. I doubt he lasts till the Oilers pick at #83 though.
Seeing as how the Oilers like their overagers, might they take a swing at local boy Bryce Pickford? Playing for the Hat, a 6′, 190 lb. RHD who’s scoring goals in these playoffs like he’s Evan Bouchard or something. Perhaps an insurance policy in case Beau gets Akey again.
Son of a Horc.
Yup, young William is likely gone mid-2nd.
Pickford’s from around my old stompin’ grounds and is one of the 20 players I have surrounded for the Oilers first selection, if they don’t trade up….
I think the team will try and move one under contract forward out – likely Arvidsson – will try and get a pick back in that trade.
Prospectfinale!
Indeed, another prospecting season concludes with the aforementioned Memorial Cup final what pits O’Reilly, Nicholl & Co. vs. the McKenna Hat Tigers. Best believe the Knights want to close the deal this year, especially following last year’s heartbreak in the final when they surrendered the winning goal in the final minute of regulation.
Game will be shown on TSN and Victory+. Puck drops @ 5 p.m. Watino time.
What time??
5 p.m. Watino time. You might not know where that is though.
It’s the same as Beaverlodge time.
Hope this helps.
So helpful. Thanks.