Based on all known indicators, Philip Broberg should play a feature role for Sweden at the World Junior Championships. Tre Kronor had to leave some quality back at the ICEHOTEL but this tournament is normally a pleasure cruise for Sweden. Broberg should be dominant and for Oilers fans this next 10 days may give us a good idea about the possible range of deployment for Broberg when he is a mature player. Does he get power-play time? What does he do with it? Right side? PK? 20+ minutes? It’s go time.
THE ATHLETIC!
I’m proud to be writing for The Athletic, and pleased to be part of a great team with Daniel Nugent-Bowman and Jonathan Willis. Here is our recent work.
- New Lowetide: Why fans should expect an Oilers playoff berth in Canadian division
- Jonathan Willis: Dave Tippett has more options now thanks to versatile Oilers forwards
- Lowetide: 7 big questions facing the Oilers heading into next season
- Lowetide: Danger, heartbreak ahead for Oilers, Ethan Bear in contract situation
- Lowetide: Tyler Tullio is the latest Oilers draft pick to make an impression
- Lowetide: What if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins doesn’t sign with the Oilers?
- Jonathan Willis: Left-side logjam will force the Oilers to make a choice, and perhaps a sacrifice
- Lowetide: Ken Holland’s 2020 Oilers offseason report card
- Lowetide: Theodor Lennstrom is the Oilers’ latest European bet on defence
- Lowetide: Why Anton Forsberg could win the Oilers’ backup job in 2020-21
- Lowetide: The 2020-21 Oilers finally deploying elite talent in the right places
- Jonathan Willis: Team Draft vs. Team Trade: Which collection of all-time Oilers is better?
- Lowetide: Seattle Kraken expansion mock draft 5.0: Who could the Oilers lose?
- Lowetide: Why McDavid and Nuge together could be key to Oilers’ playoff success
- Lowetide: Projected training camp roster for the 2020-21 Oilers.
- Jonathan Willis: Will the Oilers repeat their power play magic in 2021?
- Lowetide: How many ‘peak seasons’ can Oilers fans expect from Connor McDavid?
- Lowetide: Oilers Top 20 prospects, post-draft edition.
BROBERG DRAFT PLUS TWO
Broberg is playing a feature role for Skelleftea in the SHL this season, and has struggled in recent weeks. I think he’ll likely play a game or two for the Oilers in 2020-21, after his SHL season is over. Edmonton might want to give him a look. I expect he will attend Oilers training camp in the fall.
It’s also possible we see him play the 2021-22 season in Sweden, allowing Broberg to dominate the league.
It might be an idea to give you the season splits on this player, to see how his year has progressed.
On October 31, he was tied for No. 15 among SHL blue in scoring (12 games, 1-4-5). He was averaging 19:44 per game and had an even strength on ice goal differential of 7-9, which ranked No. 3 among Skelleftea blue. Broberg was No. 5 in even strength ice time (14:53, two seconds behind the man in fourth) and had posted four power-play points in 31 minutes (7.55 per 60).
In the two months since then, he has played 11 games and scored a goal and 2 assists. His numbers for the year (23 games, 2-6-8) rank him No. 24 overall in league scoring by defensemen. He now averages 19:03 per game (still a substantial number) and has an even strength on ice goal differential of 12-21 (5-12 since October 31). His even strength ice time has increased to 15:19 (he is now up to No. 3 on the team). Broberg has five power-play points in 52:31 (5.71 per 60).
The SHL is a tougher level than the World Juniors. Broberg may not dominate but he should be successful.
HOLLOWAY DRAFT PLUS ONE
Holloway impressed in a couple of NCAA games for Wisconsin (scoring twice) and then found his way to Team Canada’s camp for the World Juniors. He won a job as a regular on the team. It does matter. He is draft plus one and playing in the tournament.
I’ve mentioned this before but playing in the tournament draft +1 is a big deal. No. 1 overall picks usually play in the tournament leading up to the draft, but playing at Christmas after a June selection is a fairly good predictor of an NHL future if you’re a first-round pick. Here, let’s do the 2010’s (first rounders in italics).
2011 WJ’s (completed January 2011): Martin Marincin (Slovakia); Curtis Hamilton (Canada).
2012 WJ’s (completed January 2012): Oscar Klefbom (Sweden); Martin Gernat, (Slovakia); David Musil (Czech).
2013 WJ’s (completed January 2013): Nail Yakupov, Daniil Zharkov (Russia).
2014 WJ’s (completed January 2014): Anton Slepyshev, Bogdan Yakimov (Russia).
2015 WJ’s (completed January 2015): William Lagesson (Sweden).
2016 WJ’s (completed January 2016):
2017 WJ’s (completed January 2017): Aapeli Rasanen (Finland)
2018 WJ’s (completed January 2018): Kailer Yamamoto (USA); Ostap Safin (Czech); Dmitri Samorukov (Russia).
2019 WJ’s (completed January 2019): Evan Bouchard (Canada)
2020 WJ’s (completed January 2020): Philip Broberg (Sweden); Raphael Lavoie (Canada); Matej Blumel (Czech).
2021 WJ’s (completed January 2021): Dylan Holloway (Canada).
First rounders from Klefbom to Bouchard have at least appeared in the NHL and I do think Broberg and Holloway are on track. I also believe Lavoie has a good chance. Samorukov wasn’t a first-round pick but his performance in the KHL this season suggests he might be able to compete for an NHL job this fall.
I think Koekkoek is cover for Jones. The coaching staff isn’t as convinced he killed it in his cameo last season as a 2nd pairing dman when Klefbom and Russell were out. Their action to scratch him as soon as Klefbom returned speaks louder than words. Does a coaching staff really only play a dman less than 15 mins in each of the last two games of the play-in if they think he can handle 2nd pairing minutes? Koekkoek is not competing against Russell for 3LD (Russell probably starts year as 2LD), or Lagesson for 4LD. He’s competition to make sure Jones is ready to make his way into the lineup.
I know everyone here hates Russell, and loves Jones, but the coaching staff showed what they think already, and that’s what matters. If they felt that Jones killed it like some here do, their reactions after would have been much different than what they were.
I think you’re correct to an extent, though I do believe Holland and Tippett hope/expect Jones to play 2nd pair this year. The certain separation and placement of Jones/Russell by most (me included) is probably overstated though.
Zegras doing his best to keep the discussion going about who the Oilers should have taken in the 2019 draft by matching Broberg’s ‘player of the game’ for Sweden by taking the same honour for the U.S. over Austria.
Hard to tell anything in such lop sided games, of course, just as it was difficult to assess Holloway’s offensive abilities in front of the net since it is hard to battle for rebounds when the first shot kept going in. 😉
The LAK prospects scored 7 points in the game.
Holloway is an afterthought.
What’s that got to do with anything? Stop trying to stir up shit responding to my posts. I’m too old for junior high.
So are you, for that matter.
Who do you get to man your bridge when you’re down the old Interweb cafe?
Saturday night comments brought to you by Shelter Point.
I hope Dustin Wolf gets lit up tonight but, given they are playing Austria…..
I’m looking forward to seeing how Marco Rossi performs on a terrible team. How did that guy drop to 9th in the draft? Steal for the Wild.
How did that work out for you?
Have to say I have tremendous respect for these German kids.
Terribly undermanned and out classed with Zamboni drivers in net but they keep playing their bags off.
Agreed.
And I feel compelled to acknowledge that the CAN players aren’t over celebrating goals. Since the second period. That also displays high character.
Yep.
Agreed.
This German goalie can’t stop a thing.
Holloway in prime position to bang in any rebounds on that rush.
Goalie has to stop something for rebounds to be a thing though.
*ba-dum-tss
Lots of quality on the Canadian side but it’s difficult to get a good read on how good they really are when the opposition goaltending is that awful.
Mercer – maybe should have been McDavid’s future winger?
Stutzle – Ottawa got a good one, perhaps better than Byfield who still looks invisible
Drysdale – better than Jake Sanderson
Tomasino – very skilled
Byram – overrated
Pretty bold analysis after 2/3 of one game.
Is Holloway also a bust?
Good thing I’m not an NHL scout, eh? Holloway is not dynamic offensively if that’s what you are asking. Good speed and strong on the boards.
Are you upset because Byram isn’t as good as you think he is? You have talked him up like he’s going to be another Cale Makar; I don’t think he is.
Ray Ferraro has been raving about Byram’s play in the offensive zone…what the hell does he know about hockey?
He has looked okay in the offensive zone against a gassed German team with a tier 2 goalie. Made a nice no look pass on the last Krebs goal. It’s his defensive zone play that stands out in the wrong way. Kind of important for a defenseman.
You’re focusing on two small events…he will be just fine.
You assume that this is the only time I’ve seen him play.
Broberg was named player of the game for SWE and only played a regular shift in 2/3 periods.
He looked fabulous.
Drysdale seems criminally underrated. I was pumping his tires a year before his draft and nobody seemed to believe in him to the extent I do.
Well, he was drafted 6th overall…is that criminally underrated?
Not per se.
I had him 4th, no later than 5th depending on DET. He would have been ideally suited (on paper) to line up beside Chabot for the next decade. OTT will live to regret choosing Jake Sanderson instead.
Way too early to make that call..these are just kids.
I am confident in my opinion, while keeping mindful of prospects & straight lines.
When would you posit is an appropriate time frame to make that call?
Well, you’re probably aware of my assertion that elite D show up early.
I would expect they will emerge in the 21/22 season but opportunity is always a factor (see Shea Theodore for reference).
However, both Ottawa and Anaheim should offer opportunity early on so their rookie seasons should tell some of the tale.
I am. In fact, I’ve supplied a list of elite 1D who don’t fit the mold you’ve asserted as fact so often. A good number of the D on the lists I’ve posted are Norris winners, some multiple times.
Having said that, I agree that once the season gets underway both players will begin to author their tales. I’ll take Drysdale by a country mile.
Your list goes back to before when the game changed.
It’s a thing.
Perhaps. Although my lists contained only active players.
But you didn’t announce that caveat until at least two lists were offered.
Context is important.
His theory of d-men showing themselves early only applies without caveat for Oilers d-man. If there is a d-man of another org, in particular a rival org, that hasn’t arrived early, there will be some sort of caveat excuse (see Valimaki, Rafferty, Juolevi, etc.).
Agreed, they should have picked Drysdale.
Of course, the one time a German goalie makes a big save, its on a great rush and set-up by Holloway.
Canada finding out what its like to play against the German Mike Smith goalie tandem…… I’m sure we’ll see some belly flopping shortly!
Byrum continues to struggle with his decision making. Germanys two best chances came off his turnovers. Both times he had simple quick plays available to him, and yet both times he overhandles it.
And tipped the Peterka goal past Levi – who went 212th in a 217 player draft this year. Nice pick by Florida from early viewing.
Not blaming him on that one. Just bad luck. He just made a nice play breaking up a 2 on 1 also.
He got beat wide a lot in the Russia game too
Holloway created a nice chance by charging in tight, tried to go short side but was denied.
4 ugly goals in this game so far – all 3 of Canada’s goals are on the tender……
Looks like the German goalies are graduates of the Mike Smith school of goaltending
I think the Oilers won two PK faceoffs last season – Holloway has won two in the first 9 minutes (both clean).
New for The Athletic: Oilers sign Slater Koekkoek who could be more than a depth signing. Also, take advantage of a Boxing Day subscription offer by clicking the link.
https://theathletic.com/2285185/2020/12/26/oilers-sign-slater-koekkoek/
Really nice article LT. I think you’ve got Koekkoek and his potential role surrounded.
Definitely worth the read for anyone who hasn’t already!
Those Swedes are doing a great job developing a 2 way monster for us. We should keep him there one more year
A lot of interesting scenarios for Holland and Tippett on LD over the next little while. I think Samorukov is very, very close from all reports. How many dmen can you break in at the same time?
Maximum is seven but you need a couple of vezina quality goalies.?
defmn
I don’t anticipate that Broberg will be on the roster October 2021 – he will almost certainly need some more time (lets not forget he’s struggling on the 2nd pairing in Skelefftea).
I do think that Samorukov is a potential NHL roster option though.
Sammy is closer in my mind – older and playing better in a tougher league.
Well, he has been struggling quite a bit on the second pairing in the SHL recently. I agree that they should continue handling Broberg for the rest of the season (as they will) but, come 2021/22, I think its time for Woody and Manson to get their hands on him and for Broberg to start to learn the North American pro game.
From the quotes that Matty had from him last week, it almost sounded like he was a bit disappointed that he will be going back as he thinks he can make the team. I think him coming over for good next season, and being a recall option for motivation, will be great.
Broberg recognized as best player of the game for SWE.
Not half bad for a guy who didn’t see much (if any) ice after about halfway through the third period.
Ya, he only played about 3 minutes in the third – when it was gravy point time.
Broberg’s drive and wraparound shot named the shift of the game by TSN.
Corey Pronman
Philip Broberg (EDM) through 2 periods has 3 points and leading Sweden with 14:34 of ice time.
And getting a lot of love from the play by play, colour guy and Oiler fan boy Button. 😉
As much as the three assists (so far) are nice – Broberg really is dominating defensively in this game – breaking up rushes at will.
Of course, Brogerg tends to dominate against teenagers (as we saw at the Hilinka, etc.).
Broberg looking good. Two assists but that may get changed to three.
He’s very smart and poised.
His shot makes me think of Nurse.
I don’t see an elite offensive mind, despite the 3 assists.
What I see is a potential horse who can play 25 to 30 minutes a night. Without breaking a sweat. Maybe Victor Hedman lite, or something like that.
That pretty much lines up with the scouting report of him.
If he had hands and was a righty we would be the envy of the league for the next 11 years.
If only we had a RHD that was elite in the offensive zone to pair him with. 😉
Maybe we do Broberg could do the leg work and Bouchard could ring a ding the points. Attach of the killer Bees
Their skills seem to complement each other.
The assist was awarded on the third goal and now he’s added his third assist of the game (although I missed the play…..)
No – he’s not NHL ready.
Broberg shot goes off the boards and it’s recovered then in the net. Another apple for the SWE captain.
Brogerg may get a second assist on the shorty (off the plus faceoff play) to go with his PP assist.
The’ve listed it as unassisted for now – guess when it went “under” the Czech stick they negated posession.
Looked like it should have been a primary assist to me. No matter, he got one on the 4-1 goal now
Broberg took a point shot which was blocked then got his rebound and kept the play alive with a pass across the line to his d-partner, leading to a second assist on a PP goal for Sweden.
SWE up 2-1
Brogerg on PP2, not PP1.
Belated Merry Christmas All! Koekkoek an interesting pickup, my Dad will get a kick out of a Dutch guy on the team.
A solid period at both ends for Broberg. What was expect. Still, good to see.
That was a nice plus play off the faceoff by Broberg – takes the puck at the right point, drives towards the net, forced around the net, tight turn and is able to get a medium danger wrap chance.
Of note, Broberg is playing RD today and he has done so quite a bit in Skelleftea.
I will continue to temper any expectations about being able to do so at the NHL level where the game is that much faster and decisions need to be made that much quicker.
Of further note, Samorukov has been playing the right side in the KHL – I believe he is on record saying he prefers the left side but will do whatever the coaches ask of him.
Was some nice patience and edge work on display.
Kovalchuk signs in the KHL. 2 year deal.
Broberg not on the ice for PK1 and the Swedes get scored on.
Mysak with the PP goal from the bottom of the right circle, even after double clutching the slot pass.
SWE replies quickly, nifty deflection in close off a Soderstrom slap pass.
Blumel continues to score goals for Pardubice:
https://twitter.com/CZprospects/status/1342882917891137536
Consider him established as a “real prospect.
He’s looking real confident out there, definitely a good arrow.
If he’s not careful, he’s going to end up in Bakersfield next year…. with an NHL ELC and $92.5K signing bonus in hand.
I expect Broberg to star at the World Juniors, 100%. I don’t expect large box car production, that’s not his game but I expect him to lead Team Sweden’s defence in overall ice time including at 5 on 5 and on the PK.
He very well may play games in the NHL come the spring but I’m not sure its wise to expect that or to even hope for that. I mean, he’s have a great development season (a spike of 5 min/game is massive) but, as we know, he’s had an up and down season and had real struggles as a 2nd pairing d-man in the SHL. Real struggle as a 2nd pairing d-man in the SHL does not equate to NHL ready in my mind.
At this point, my hope is for Broberg to come over in the spring and, sure, maybe he plays an NHL game, but be assigned to Bakersfield for some real North American development – some at bats on the North American ice with the North American style.
100% he will be at camp in September but I don’t expect him on the October NHL roster and I’m ready for him to start the 2021/22 season on the Condors and perhaps earn an in-season call-up.
Yes, there is the potential for him to play in Skelleftea once gain for 2021/22 but I’d like him to come over for good – develop in the AHL if it is indeed needed.
So far Broberg is demonstrating the Tippet skill; promptly retrieving the pick in his own zone and moving it out. Calming and reassuring.
I think i was in the minority of devote Oiler fans about not being overly enthused about the prospect of a Koekkoek (or Hutton) signing. Its not that I didn’t understand the premise but its that I think that Lagesson is ready and deserves the opportunity and he is solid depth at 4LD.
With that said, I must acknowledge that Koekkoek is indeed an established NHL 3LD who is now really battling with Russell for 3LD (or even Lagesson for 4LD) and reduces the risk of injury cover (Lagesson not being proven at the NHL level) and mitigates a bit against Jones not covering the bet we’ve laid for him.
I get it and I’m enthused the team is better now than it was when I went to bed – I’m just a little bummed for Lagesson (although I do imagine he’ll pass through waivers).
The worst thing about the Koekkoek signing will be Gene Principe’s puns.
Disagree. But you’re entitled to your opinion.
Even a broken Koekkoek clock is right twice a day.
And, so it begins 🙂
I enjoy Gene it’s that other knob Remenda that should be sent packing with no return address.
Remenda is better when he’s breaking down video between periods instead of failing at colour commentary.
He’s actually not bad on the in between analysis but ‘m sick of listening to Oilers haters Cassie,Burke, Hrudey and Red Buttons. We have arguably the 2 best players on the planet and I feel we deserve announcers that lobby for penalty minutes like most home team announcers do.
In a compressed 56 game schedule, there is not enough time to survive rookie mistakes if the team wants to be in playoff contention. Bear and Jones are still very green d-men, they cant risk throwing any more inexperienced guys into the fire at the same time, it is a recipe for chaos in the defensive end of the ice.
I get that and I don’t disagree but its not like Lagesson was slatted for the opening night lineup and this pushes him to the press box.
He was already slatted as an injury replacement (and competing with Lennstrom for that spot) and he’s the perfect type of player for the 4LD start – prospect but not green, looking like NHL ready but still needs to prove it with the opportunity.
As I said, I get it, and I’m not upset by it, its a positive move, well, except for Lagesson.
I seem to recall someone saying that the Oilers incessant signing of mid to lower level D prospects could be bad news for many of those players.
Nurse
Jones
Russell
Koekoek
Lagesson
Lennstrom
Broberg
Samorukov
Neimelainen
That’s 10 if Klefbom ever comes back.
I would think Lagesson isn’t too happy today.
Soderberg to Chicago for $1M. I was hoping the Oilers would take a shot.
Brassard is still out there…
We have Turris who is younger and better.
We need a 4C not 3C.
I’m quite content with Haas and Khaira competing for the 4C/5C spot.
I mean, there are only so many depth players that can be accumulated, right? I know there is, effectively, no cap implication (in, fact, a Khaira replacement on the roster would actually help the cap a tiny bit and a Haas replacement would add less than $100K) but Holland just re-signed Haas and, really, should give him a real opportunity – in my mind.
How many minutes is a 4C going to get following Connor Leon and Turris. Khaira and Hass will be just fine with the role Tippett will have them in.
Yup. 4C is one of the spots I see as ‘unsure’ along with 1RW, 1BG, and 2LD. Not unhappy with the off season but I do see those 4 spots as the least certain on the team.
Signed right after the Dach injury.
Of course. Makes sense.
The unsigned RFAs.
https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/12/24/mathew-barzal-new-york-islanders-pierre-luc-dubois-columbus-blue-jackets-tampa-bay-lightning-salary-cap-top-list-of-remaining-unsigned-restricted-nhl-free-agents/amp/
I know people have been talking about the need for another depth signing but I’m honestly a bit surprised. I was hoping for Lagesson to get more games this year but looks like he’ll have competition. Of course, it makes perfect sense to load up on NHL depth with a season like this one, but now we got 9 healthy guys who I think are too good for the AHL plus a wild card in Lennstrom.
Will be interesting to see how this all shakes out. I guess someone can be flipped for picks near the deadline if they’re unneeded.
It’s just Darryl’s money. 😉
Well, Lagesson’s 2-year deal includes the first year being a 2-way contract so he’ll save $600K (pro rated) on Willie while Lagesson is off the NHL roster
Could be useful in acquiring a backup.
Doesn’t have any effect on any other signing – just Darryl’s cheque book.
EDIT: Ah, I see. You mean in trade later in the season. Turkey brain this morning. 😉
If they want to try and add someone in addition to Forsberg (or even Smith), I would think there will be plenty of options available on waivers. Adin Hill could be waved by Arizona. Aaron Dell could be waived by Toronto.
Unless these teams are going to carry 3 goalies on their active roster.
Of course, if the Oilers make the claim, they would need to keep the goalie in the roster.
Like the Koekkoek signing.
Personally I have a lot easier time seeing him play ahead of Russell than Lagesson playing over Russell. We’ll see.
Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) Tweeted:
Slater Koekkoek
1 year/ 850k AAV
https://twitter.com/Bob_Stauffer/status/1342878065525854209?s=20
WheatNOil (@WheatNOil) Tweeted:
Via @IneffectiveMath, Slater Koekkoek played 3rd pairing minutes for Chicago last year (as he’s mostly done for his career). Last year the team did well in shots and goals with him on the ice. He started a lot in the D-zone & took a lot of penalties. https://t.co/o7QRHA4znl
https://twitter.com/WheatNOil/status/1342875934488064000?s=20
Sounds like Koekkoek is a lefthanded Benning. Good move to add this depth. Defense definitely is a question mark for the Oilers this year but then isnt it always. At least this year I think our forward group is much improved compared to the beginning of last season. Top six wingers are better with more options and bottom six is better especially with the Turris add.
Broberg might miss tonight’s game with an undisclosed minor injury. Sounds like it’s 50/50 he plays so shouldn’t be anything that keeps him out for more than a day or two.
//:0 Beryozkin 2 goals today
KHL?
Good depth signing
Will definitely need a minimum of 4 defensive pairings with substituting d pairs in and out due to the amount of games
and has an even strength on ice goal differential of 12-21 (5-12 since October 31).
is this worrisome? What is the Team like that he plays on
That stat hit me like a dump truck as well. Ouch.
Oilers sign Slater Koekkoek, one year deal.
That’s nice, but is Ethan in town today? That will be the real news.
Music! Of available options Oilers had been linked to (Hamonic, Bowey, Hutton included) Koekkoek was far and away my top choice.
I noticed he hasn’t played a full 82 game season and has split time between the parent team and the farm. In Chicago, he was never sent to the farm was he the 7th Dman with them? Also in juniors, he never seems to play a full season.
Well Merry Christmas LT… we all know you wanted him…
https://theathletic.com/2235513/2020/12/05/oilers-training-camp-ptos/
The double-consonant trend continues unabated!
Reminds me of all those years I wanted a dirtbike for Christmas, and invariably always ended up with socks instead.
I wanted Chara for an addition to the d-corps, but we got Koekkoek. Not what I’d hoped for but I’ll cheer for the young man while he’s with us.
Yes, Chara would have been a more material addition – the man played almost 50% of his TOI vs. elites last year and had a 60% GF in those minutes – unreal.
Of course, there was all but no realistic chance that Chara was coming to NorthWest Canada for a retirement season (at least in my mind).
By the way, if you don’t subscribe to The Athletic, there’s a special Boxing Day deal. Click on the link above (the one with McDavid and Matthews photo) and follow the instructions.
Good morning and belated merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all had a good one, I sure did. With the season looking like a go, and bearing in mind that the oil have never missed the playoffs while my wife is expecting, i am predicting a division win because guess the hell what… number three is on the way!
Congratulations!!
Thank you very much Lowetide! I’m not sure how long we can keep doing this though, soon the oilers are going to have to start doing it on their own!
Been looking forward to today. Two games of interest for Oiler fans starting at noon. Broberg wearing jersey #5 Holloway #10