I’m very much looking forward to Evan Bouchard’s first full season in the NHL. From cherry passes to skill centers that are so fine the big worry is surprise, to majestic floating smiley pucks available for deflecting by Edmonton’s wingers, Bouchard is a volume offensive opportunity generator. Bouchard thinks the offensive game so well, and the Oilers have so many fine-to-elite pieces already, this is going to be a blast.
The best thing of all? Bouchard is a lock for the team. Not all of the youngsters you’re expecting to see opening night will be in the lineup, or even on the roster, and it’s possible some of them don’t see Edmonton at all in 2021-22.
Bouchard? He’s a made man. Starting in October.
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’s the latest!
- New Lowetide: How much playing time will Evan Bouchard get with the Oilers this coming season?
- Lowetide: What are reasonable expectations for the 2021-22 Oilers?
- Lowetide: What are the Oilers’ ‘perfect lines’ for next season?
- Lowetide: The Oilers and value contracts. Three now, two later
- Jonathan Willis: A resurgent Zack Kassian could be an important part of the Oilers’ scoring
- Lowetide: Oilers sign Darnell Nurse to a massive 8-year contract extension
- Lowetide: How many goals will Jesse Puljujarvi score for the Oilers next season?
- Lowetide: 8 unsigned free agents who could help the Oilers
- DNB: Rating the Oilers’ offseason
- Lowetide: What are Oilers’ ideal defence pairings for 2021-22?
- Lowetide: The future may come early for three Oilers prospect defencemen
- DNB: What I’m hearing about the Oilers offseason, 4.0
- Jonathan Willis: Oilers 2021-22 depth chart
- Lowetide: Warren Foegele acquisition possible key to improving the Oilers third line
- DNB: Ethan Bear on being traded, his time with the Oilers
- DNB: Ethan Bear out, Cody Ceci in, Tyson Barrie stays
- DNB: ‘Ultimate competitor’ Zach Hyman signs with Oilers
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, summer 2021
- DNB: Oilers draft day notebook
- Jonathan Willis: Zach Hyman, by the numbers
- Lowetide: 5 players outside the NHL who could help the Oilers
- Lowetide: Why Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard is poised to exceed expectations
There are 17 names here, barring injury I expect each of them will be dressed for opening night 2021-22. I’m not sure the lines will be as we’ve discussed over the summer, but the pairings seem baked in—at least for now. I think it’s important to acknowledge that we’re so far into the offseason there’s not much chance of a huge change. Phil Kessel isn’t coming to Edmonton, Anton Khudobin will remain deep in the heart of Texas and Zdeno Chara hasn’t returned my calls.
This is it. If we can agree that the top two lines, top two pairings, starting goalie and No. 3 center are the heart of the order, then these Edmonton Oilers are complete. Are they better? I think they are if you believe forwards drive the results, and smart people tell me that’s the case. Me? I’m fascinated by the bet on defense. Management and coaching decided last year’s six were not enough, and made significant changes to the second and third pairings. Did Ken Holland check up, check down, or check out? We’ll find out.
There are six spots open for the ‘uncertain’ group, but in reality we can name our guesses from this list and sans injury hit top dead center. Yamamoto’s contract could take some time but one suspects it will get done. So, the final six are Yamamoto, McLeod, Shore, Benson, Perlini and Koekkoek. There’s a chance Edmonton goes with 8D, meaning Lagesson makes it over one of Benson or Perlini.
The two interesting names who could impact things are Kyle Turris, who is apparently lifting cars over his head on Jasper Avenue is preparation for training camp, and Samorukov. If Turris shows up healthy and moving the puck well, as center or right-winger, it could change the dynamic on the No. 3 line. Samorukov could force his way into an opening night assignment, but it would take outstanding performances in preseason and an injury to one of Russell, Koekkoek or Lagesson. Those KHL even strength goal differential numbers, if they reflect real progress, will make Samorukov extremely noticeable in this group.
Holloway was the toughest choice, but I think distant bell is the best description. That isn’t a knock, but based on the depth chart and Holland’s slow-playing prospects, this is the spot for him. If he makes the roster, it will be a monster story and this slotting reflects the difficult journey he will have this fall. If he makes it, he’ll have earned it.
Lavoie, Safin and Maksimov are extremely unlikely to make the opening night roster, yet each will write their own story in Bakersfield. The next gen wingers (Holloway, Lavoie, Savoie) pecking order is not yet established and there’s some room for Safin and Maksimov to slide in to the conversation. Their Bakersfield numbers will tell us how they’re doing, it’s a big year for both men.
Finally, the names in red caps are the invites listed on Edmonton’s site so far. I imagine there will be some additional names, but as of this instant the number of players listed here is 52.
WHEELER
Scott Wheeler has his NHL Top 50 prospects list up this morning, there are a couple of Oilers ranked. I have a piece coming later today at The Athletic on one of them.
What a wild experience.
I might come back to read this post’s comments in the future.
I am so reliant
General consensus is that Jesse Puljujarvi doesn’t really know his own strength – he runs opponents over and man-handles them seemingly by accident. Many opine that he could be a dominant/physical force if he could learn/develop some aggression in his game.
Recent post by Jesse on his instagram shows some sort of boxing/martial arts type training – he’s got power behind those punches too.
The beast is going to be unleashed.
Yes, I know, I’m stretching here but its mid-August….
There hasn’t been much talk about Thor this summer, I think he will take major steps forward this year…he will be a beast!
Out of curiosity I had a look at the story he posted. What struck me, and it wasn’t the torque behind his punches, was how skinny his legs are. For a big man who can skate so well, I’m genuinely surprised at how his legs look much more like a marathon runner than a sprinter.
Okay. I’m glad to see the comments about website hosting causing troubles. I was seriously concerned about you Lowetide. I was going to send a professional to look through every farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse, and doghouse!
Still smiling from yesterdays blog where LT writes – Kyle Turris, who is apparently lifting cars over his head on Jasper Avenue in preparation for training camp.- pure gold!!
LT busted the Ol’ Al Gore!
How ironic.
“You have reached the end of the inter-webs;
Please turn off your device and back away slowly”
I just want to comment on something mentioned earlier in the comments. I agree with OP about Benson playing with higher ceiling players(MacdavidDraisaitl).I actually think he would be an excellent complimentary to them because of his elite hockey sense. Everyone is focusing on his skating as hinderace,I don’t see it that way. He doesn’t have to be the primary puck carrier,he just has to move the puck quickly which he does in spades. But again as OPsaid I don’t think he will get a truly fair shot. Reminds of the Oilers 20 years ago,call up an offensive player and put him with fourth line plugs and expect him to produce offence. So Oilers!!!!!
I think foot speed for a player is more of a concern on the defensive side of the puck than on offence. Not saying that excludes Benson from a top six role because every player has strengths and weaknesses but you have to find linemates who complement each other.
Does Benson – Draisaitl – Foegele work, for example, since Foegele is apparently good defensively?
Hyman – McDavid – Yamamoto
Benson – Draisaitl – Foegele
Holloway – Nuge – Puljujarvi
McLeod – Ryan – Kassian
This is really pushing it for opening night but it would be interesting to see it in TC. Personally I would love to see if Puljujarvi is ready to drive his own line. Wouldn’t that be a game changer for the team.
Just finished with Go Daddy, they don’t have a fix. My issue is in saving posts and downloading graphs from my computer. I can’t download graphs unless they’re already in the blog inventory. When I hit save, it tries to save and then says “unable to save. You are probably offline” but I’m not offline. Very strange. Ever see that?
LT, I have a few websites that I use GoDaddy and I am in a constant state of pulling out my hair with errors. I would recommend moving the site to another host such as SiteGround. If it is possible to move your site, the transition is virtually seamless and SiteGround has been stellar. (siteground.com)
I agree, GoDaddy is the worst. It is fine if you have a plain vanilla site but anything above basic does not work well.
For site ground’s managed WordPress hosting, the top tier plan says ~100,000 visits per month. That ain’t going to cut it.
WordPress recommends Blue Host but I have no experience with them.
Were going to have to limit OP and DSF to 50 posts a day then
A number of potential solutions are listed here. However, most of them would have been long-standing issues unless something changed in your configuration very recently.
I’ll also third the recommendation to move on from GoDaddy. There are literally thousands of hosts out there that specialize in WP hosting, many of which are fantastic.
I know nothing about the technical aspects of whatever the problem is but I would put out there that if there is a superior solution that involves additional costs I am happy to contribute to covering those costs and I am pretty sure there are others here who feel the same way. Just let us know.
And please don’t let this interfere with your holiday. We will all survive somehow. 😉
Heck of an idea! My son and I would be willing to make such a donation as well, this site is a welcome refuge. Be more than willing to put up some money.
Technical problems be damned and sent to Calgary! Hope you can still find time to enjoy your holidays LT, the platoon will still be here.
I think I speak for the readership at large in saying that if this comes down to a money issue, say the word and we would be happy to donate to a pledge drive. I’ve gotten years of enjoyment out of your site for free and don’t mind paying the piper.
LT
I greatly admire your work ethic when it comes to this site, the thoughtful analysis of the Oilers as an organization and a team, and community you’ve cultivated as a whole.
You and your work are impressive and deserve thanks and accolades.
The fact that this is the first real interruption in daily posts by you in… god I don’t know how long… says more than my words can.
You have become an institution.
Bless you. Curse you. Thank you.
I hope that you’re enjoying your vacation, and that if you have to choose between the site and your time away, you choose the time away. We will be okay without you for a few days. =)
Attempting to publish, on phone with Go Daddy.
You leave us with those raw rookies on the radio, and now this!
Just Kidding. 🙂 You’re on vacation! Go have an ice cream!
.
.
.
And take your beautiful wife out for lunch. God knows she deserves it! 🙂
Looking at the Oilers cap situation and how much they could spend on another addition, if they so wished. Here’s an ArmchairGM roster that’s essentially the worst case scenario in terms of the Oilers cap.
https://www.capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/2729169
Worst case being:
Yamamoto signed at $2M (my personal guess is he signs for $1.75M, but lots think it will be lower)
Turris on the roster over one of Benson/Perlini ($375k difference)
Koskinen on the roster over Stalock ($340k difference)
With those worst cases, once Klefbom is on LTIR the Oilers have about $450k in cap space.
So any addition at this point could be paid the salary of whoever they’re replacing on the roster + $450k. So just barely $1.5M if they’re replacing Turris, but more likely topping out closer to $1M.
The swing between the worst and best case scenario is pretty large though (taking Yamamoto’s ‘best’ case as Puljujarvi’s $1.175M deal). In fact, the best case is an extra $1.54M, meaning the Oilers could theoretically sign a player for $2.7M (the extra $1.54M, the $450k already available in the worst case, plus the salary of whoever is replaced on the roster, assuming that player makes $750k).
Reality is probably somewhere in the middle of being able to sign a player for $1M vs $2.7M. Holland isn’t going to decide the goalie battle by signing someone to a deal that necessitates Koskinen being waived and assigned. It’s probably pretty fair to assume Turris is waived though, especially if an added player is another forward. Likewise Yamamoto at something under $2M is very reasonable.
So assuming Turris not on the team and Yamamoto at $1.75M leaves the Oilers with $1.078M actual cap space. That cap, plus the salary of whoever is bumped off the roster (again, probably one of Benson/Perlini), could be put towards another addition. That totals a bit more than $1.8M. Hence me saying the other day the Oilers could still pay at FA $1.5Mish at this point in the summer.
In terms of who might conceivably be worth a deal at this stage… Well the team looks pretty complete. The main spot I see where an addition could help is at C (goal aside, obviously, since there’s no solution in net for $1.5M).
If a guy like Zajac, Brassard, Cizikas, possibly even E. Staal or Bozak is willing… There’s also guys like Palmieri, Parise, and of course Big Z out there as well. If one of those guys decides they want to play with Connor and Leon, well the Oilers definitely can give them more than a league min deal.
Anyway, most likely there’s no more notable additions to the 21-22 Oilers, but you never know.
They could also decide to run with a 22 man roster but that also seems unlikely. I think they are done at least until TC.
Yes, 22 men is also an option.
In terms of adds, I think Holland will keep his eyes and ears open. There are players out there that would improve next seasons team. If one of those players decide they’re willing to play in Edmonton for $1.5M or less, well I think Holland will listen (or more accurately, he’ll keep checking on whether their price has dropped into that range).
I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see another player added before TC (though I’d stop well short of expecting it). It’s also possible Holland is comfortable with Ryan/McLeod/Shore/Turris (Nuge) and has decided to let McLeod grow in the role. We’ll see.
I think that Turris could very well be on the roster – far from a given, any maybe less likely that likely, but I see him battling with the likes of Shore/Perlini/Benson/Marody for two roster spots (out of 23).
One thing to keep in mind is day to day management of the cap – that is making roster adjustments for shorter term injuries, etc.
Lets not forget, if a player is put on regular IR (i.e, not out for min 3 weeks/10G for LTIR), while that opens up a roster spot on the 23 for a call-up, it doesn’t relieve the team of cap hit and any called up player needs to be fit in to the remaining cap space.
If the Oilers are running $600K from the cap with a 23 man roster and Nuge tweaks his wrist and will miss 2 weeks, they can’t call someone up to replace him on the roster for those games as there isn’t enough cap space.
My understanding is that if Klefbom is on the day 1 roster, and then put on LTIR. The Oilers Cap is their actual cap space used when Klefbom is put on LTIR, NOT $81.5 million.
One loses any difference between your actual cap and $81.5 million, which is why one wants to get as close to $81.5 million as possible with Klefbom on the roster.
I am not a capologist. I could be wrong. I am willing to be corrected.
If the Oilers get cap compliant, with Klef on the active roster, on day 1 of the season and then place Klef on LTIR, the amount of LTIR Reserves (i.e. the amount they can go over the cap) is $4.1M less the cap space they had when they placed him on LTIR.
So, if the Oilers had $200K of cap space on day 1 (by decreasing roster size to 20, likely) and then placed Klef on LTIR, they would have $3.9M of LTIR reserves and they could have a daily hit of $85.3M.
Well men, I tried. I can write the article, but it won’t save. I have it written, and will attempt to post it tomorrow morning at 8:30. Go Daddy said it could take a day or two, so at least the site is back.
Hope you are enjoying your vacation – if it can’t post, it can’t post – we’ll deal. As you say, at least the site is up.
If Zara doesn’t sign with the Oilers tonight/tomorrow, we can talk about which GM has more of an issue:
Treliving with Tkachuk due a QO of $9M next offseason (one-year from UFA)
OR
Benning with Boeser due a QO of $7.5M next offseason (one-year from UFA)
Who is Zara?
Ha – Chara!
Some holiday!
Absence does indeed makes the heart grow fonder
I remember when my Daddy said he would be back in a day or two..
It is like if B$tcoin stopped mining blocks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Dg-g7t2l4
When was the last time LT didn’t post a daily article?
God is anyone else feeling itchy?!
Brian Swane at The Hockey Writers with a solid tidbit:
“For his NHL debut, on March 26, 2018, at PNC Arena against the Ottawa Senators, Foegele was slotted on a line centered by Ryan. The winger opened the scoring at 18:52 of the first period, notching the first goal of his career with the primary assist going to Ryan. Then in the second period, Foegele and Ryan then each drew an assist on Carolina’s game-winning goal by Valentin Zykov.”
https://thehockeywriters.com/oilers-offseason-moves-reunite-former-teammates/
Look at the clear chemistry between Ryan an Foegele – imagine their stardoms if they played more than two game on the same ice?
Clearly Holland should be looking to bring back former Oiler Valentin Zykov as well
It gets better, in their second of two games together, Foegele against scored from Ryan.
Lets do this thing!
Ryan and Foegele career numbers together:
18 min
57% CF
3GF/0GA
72% eGF
55% defensive zone faceoffs
I don’t think Ryan has that much left in the tank and if Foegele is playing on the 4th line the pitchforks are gonna come out
I was clearly just joking around with those posts but I do see them playing together.
Ryan can still skate and play his game, from what I’ve seen/read/heard.
100% he is best suited to be 4C but, for now, he’s 3C going in to camp in my opinion until McLeod shows some progression – maybe that happens right away but, as at May, McLeod was a 4th liner (Ryan as well but I think he’s ahead to start).
Of course, Nuge or Holloway at 3C could change things but I don’t see either of those to start the season.
Will you guys let LT enjoy his vacation!!
😉
Likely sitting in a camping box in Maidstone.
The spice must flow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_fzSc_i0Tc
It’s 6 PM. I am beginning to doubt the sun is going to come up in the morning. Us Aspies are creatures of habit. We become dysfunctional when there is a disturbance in the heartbeat of the force.
First came the plague, followed by pestilence, famine, and war but still we persevered until confronted by the horror of no morning blog.
It is the end of times as foretold so many centuries ago. 😉
The league approves ads on the jersey.
https://www.sportico.com/business/sponsorship/2021/nhl-jersey-ads-approved-1234637203/
It’s the money, honey.
Almost always is.
Not sure if anybody else is having this issue but am having the ‘Database Error’ message since this morning if I try to get to LT’s Aug 17th post. Looks like this issue come up again, LT.
The site has been inaccessible since mid-evening yesterday – just starting to kind of work a bit this morning. I don’t think today’s post is up because of it.
Lt mentioned something about going on vacation. I’m not sure if that’s why there’s no post today or if he is, in fact, on vacation.
I haven’t been able to access the site either.
I don’t have any ability to contact Godaddy to fix hosting issues.
It’s the wild west then? 😉
Duplicate.
LT is on his twitter feed right now watching the Red Sox -Yankees game.
Yes, he is on vacation this week but he always provides a post daily, even on vacation, and did yesterday.
I’m quite certain that no post today is due to the site issues over the last 16 hours (give or take) – they seem to be over now though.
I’m not even seeing an August 17 post anywhere
Of note, Leon Draisaitl has arrived safe and sound in Edmonton.
Love that he comes back from Europe so early.
I find it so interesting that people get defensive about Wheeler or Pronmans prospect rankings. You must recognize that we as die hard Oiler fans are the ones with biases, right? Personally, I welcome content from a non-biased subject matter expert as I can learn about new (to me) players like Nils Lundquist a RHD drafted a dozen spots below Bouchard who Wheeler likes very much.
I can see having an opinion of “I don’t follow prospects” or “I don’t think prospect evaluation is worth doing because it’s a crap shoot” but that’s kind of a big part of this place isn’t it?
But if you do follow prospects why not welcome the fresh set of eyes?
Unbelievable to me that so many posters who consider themselves knowledgeable about hockey denigrate the very people who have made it their life’s work to assess prospects and are considered proficient enough that major sports outlets have hired them to do just that.
And, as we know, many of the best of them have been hired by NHL teams to provide player evaluation.
As a poster here said earlier, our host provides exceptional analysis of Oiler prospects but I’m pretty sure he does not hold himself out as an expert voice on the the progress of other team’s picks and prospects and very often turns to the very individuals who often appear on his radio show to provide insight.
And yet many posters here are always ready to jump down the throats of people like Wheeler and Pronman for their perceived lack of knowledge and biases.
Perplexing.
The perplexing thing is that this is your takeaway from today’s thread.
It’s laughable.
I will have to appeal to authority on this and ignore you.
Yes it’s truly unbelievable that a troll can’t even acknowledge that Holloway was ranked above Podkolzin
Perplexing one might say
The difference between 33 and 39 is hardly massive and both players are ranked in the same tier.
One of these players has never played professionally while the other has 2 pro seasons to his credit and led his team in scoring in the playoffs in the second best league in the world.
I imagine Holloway has a higher upside but that is unproven until he actually does it while Podkholzin should be able to help immediately.
Your pearl clutching about an Oiler prospect pretty much proves the point that Knightown as making.
Of course, Podkholzin was drafted a year before Holloway so he has two post draft seasons. In his draft plus 1 season, he also played in the Russian junior league and 16 games in their 2nd tier pro league (with middling results) and his time in the KHL was disappointing.
Of course Holloway killed his draft plus 1 year – immeasurably more than Podkholzin, even taking in to account the NCAA vs. MHL/VHL/KHL.
Podkholzin’s draft plus 2 was also disappointing (including his World Juniors which, at least, wasn’t awful, but he should have been among the very best in the tourney) until a heater in the playoffs.
Well Tale of two prospects heading the opposite way with Podkolzin plummeting out of top 10.
Also I say this because we all know if podkolzin was above Holloway you would make sure to point it out you stupid troll
Some say Podzlikin is the next Chara.
That, of course, would be me so allow me to try and be clearer. If there was a Vancouver ‘Lowetide’ I would be very interested in his opinion concerning the Vancouver pipeline of prospects.
Similarly for any of the other 30 franchises.
I have less use for league wide lists because I think as the net widens the analysis gets shallower. Too much info to assess and analyze in any real depth. Its why teams assign scouts to particular areas. They need depth of information rather than breadth of information.
I don’t think Pronman & Wheeler are throwing darts at a dartboard. I just think that along with the objectivity that comes from a league wide perspective a lot of particular information gets lost or ignored in as much as a players success has to do with the role he will be assigned by his team playing an important part and other intangibles that escape broad brush analysis.
Add in that this past season was very difficult to scout the real reason that results in these kinds of stories has more to do with “its time to do this kind of story because there aren’t a lot of real stories this time of year and we need to fill the content bin with something so here is your assignment” than breaking news or real depth of analysis.
Don’t forget I worked in newsrooms too. I know how these kinds of stories get generated. That is why I call them summer filler.
In my opinion Wheeler didn’t generate this list because he had some new insight he wanted to share. He wrote it because an editor asked him to come up with a column ranking prospects.
Summer filler.
Nothing wrong with that. Most jobs are filled with all sorts of make work projects. I just don’t take them very seriously.
I don’t have a problem where the Oilers prospects were ranked. I think it’s very fair
Some of the other teams prospects were ranked pretty low though. Like Seider Lundell Sanderson ,Drysdale
Drysdale was in the NHL at 18 as a defenseman
Lundell has serious Rantanen vibes with ppg 2/3 goals per game
Seider looks like a future star
Read and disagree.
If he doesn’t pass LT peer review he can’t get tenure.
Many people spend their lives doing something and are dead wrong or not good at it.
See: Economists for the last 50 years. And so many more experts!
Very brave of you Allen putting Yamamoto on the uncertain list. Judging by the lack of pushback you received on this can we assume the Oilersphere has begun to sour on birdbones?
I have to assume it’s the contract only. There’s zero chance that a signed Yamo is not on the opening day roster.
A few weeks ago when I said there’s better options for the top 6 then Yamo because he just doesn’t score enough. I got jumped on pretty hard that it was because of his size I could give a fiddlers eff about his size. If we’re going to be Stanley Cup contenders you can’t be dragging along players in the top 6
Ideally a 3rd line winger and, you’re right there are better options.
Seattle. Yamo becomes a hero and we get a goalie that doesn’t have the yips on routine saves. No way Smith groin holds up playing 58 games then a run in the playoffs
Yamamoto would be a hero to the Seattle fans even though he can’t produce/score?
We need a Goalie Seattle needs a hometown boy Francis is clever you would have to sell him the Jim Craig was a hero story and it’s all about the moolah.
I’m just not so sure that a player that can’t score acquired for giving up a starting tender would end up being a hero.
Just because I don’t think Yamo should be a top 6 on the Oilers doesn’t mean he can’t be one in Seattle and that includes PP time. He’s just not a good fit considering we finally have other options to go with. You do know that it’s alright if Holland wins a trade
What you’ve been saying is he can’t score and they need to get rid of him before he has zero value. That is quite a far reach from him being a top 6 and PP guy elsewhere.
You got jumped on because you opinion was that he needs to be moved on because he will never score – you give no room for natural development of young players and, in this case, learning to be consistent, etc.
Yamamoto is already a legit high end 3RW – I don’t’ know what you’d want to give up on that player at 22 and with a very cost-controlled contract (which will be the case).
Even if Kailer never develops in to more of a middle six/top 6 tweener – the player he already is has value on the team and, of course, he is 22 and will almost assuredly improve.
What’s Yamo ceiling you tell me is it 20 to 30 goals did he have a sophomore jinx year are did teams figure out how to play him.
Sure, I think Kailer can be a 20G/60P guy in his prime years – he may not get there but I think he could.
Development is not a straight line – he had a regression season offensively from his prior season – snakebite for a bit and I think he was banged up for parts of the year. Players have off-years all the time – even star players have down years – for a 21/22 year old to have a tough year is far from unusual and far from prohibitive of a strong career.
Kailer may never turn out to be a legit top 6 guy – I can’t say for sure but its a definite possibility still. What I am fairly confident in, is that he has a high floor of a very very good/elite 3RW that provides energy, a tenacious forecheck, creates turnovers, draws penalties and can PK – he’s already pretty much there. That’s a valuable player.
If you think the likes of Hyman, Nuge, Puljujarvi, Holloway and then potentially, Lavoie, Savoie, etc. may play in the Oilers’ top six, why can’t Kailer be a 3rd line guy moving forward with some 2nd line upside?
He’s going to be cheap for a while.
That’s depth that wins championships.
The SC champs this year had Goodrow/Gourge/Coleman on their 3rd line – perhaps the SC champs in 2023 has Foegele/McLeod/Yamamoto.
No. I have him on uncertain because Yamamoto doesn’t have a contract. The moment he signs, KY moves to certain.
I’m confident it will get done well in advance of camp, as these types of deal generally do but, of course, I was similarly confident with Bear last off-season.
Being there for camp, from day 1, is very important and, preferably well before to join the “captain skates”, etc.
I am very interested to watch the development of three young players.
Bouchard – last year on the left side – Koekoek and Russell platooned with Jones and Lagesson as Tippet tried to break in a rookie 3LHD it appeared they wanted Jones/Lagesson but they disappointed too often and had to go to other veteran options. Meanwhile on the starboard side Bear was struggling to a below expectation year and he was not platooned with Bouchard.. who is NOW identified as the higher ceiling guy. Why didn’t the coach insert Bouchard as a platoon option more last year? Was the line up that much better with a sub par Bear than growing the future?
Tyler vs Kailer – drafted 10 spots different one year apart, which development process makes the better NHL player? I think Tyler’s route to the NHL is going to catch many faithful off guard, I wonder if Tyler is in the top six and Kailer is a solid third line player. With Foegele listed as a LW/RW it will give the coaches options to mix and match these players.
It’s possible that one of Benson OR Marody could step in as an option on a loaded top-6, pushing Yamamoto onto a 3rd line with Foegele (and possibly McLeod) that would forecheck like a swarm of bees ?
I remain adamant that Benson should get the opportunity and he could be a fit on the left side of McDavid or Drai. Of course, FAR from a sure thing but he has a skill-set that could mesh and, as we’ve seen, straight line “speed” is not a pre-req to succeed with McDavid.
With that said, I’m not positive that Benson will get a real opportunity in camp with legit NHL players, even line rushes with the likes of Nuge and Yamamoto let alone a real chance to win a top 6 spot.
I fear that, like in the past, he’ll be stapled to the likes of Shore, Esposito, Cracknell, etc.
We’ll find out in not too long.
Speaking of Maksimov – I’m exciting to have him back in North American and expect him to have a very strong season in Bakersfield.
I expect him to be 0.75 P/G with PK1 and PP time.
It will be interesting who gets that left half board PP1 spot as between him and Lavoie.
Reja is fuming, FUMING.
With that said, I think this is likely right.
I won’t shut the door completely on him breaking camp with the team but, given the depth chart, that he is teenager until camp, it seems likely that he will be in the AHL.
As we know, big guys that can skate well almost always shine at camp but this does not mean they are NHL ready(see McLeod, see Broberg, see Puljujarvi).
I have no doubt that Holloway will shine at camp and look great and there will be calls for him as 3C and 1LW (similar to McLeod 2 years ago) but, at the same time, he will need to absolutely blow the doors off at camp to stick.
I look forward to seeing him in the AHL, starting his pro career, learning the pro game and excelling.
We will see him in the NHL before too long, I’m confident in that.
If his thumb has healed and he shows well at training camp then yes he should make the team. We need four lines going and someone has to be the hero besides Connor and Leon on any given night. Last year if a team got physical we just took it and had no answer. Hyman Foegele and Hollaway add in a fresh Kassian and a hungry Perlini and our team has a new identity which is don’t poke the bear.
I would respond with my thoughts on development, readiness for the NHL, impact in lineup vs. impact of top development minutes, etc., etc., but I have done so numerous times (including yesterday in fairly lengthy post) but you never engage in a conversation about the substance but just “Holloway should be on the team”.
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprising.
No, I never said he’d be better off in the AHL – I’ve said that is likely the case but have never closed the door on him being on the team out of camp.
You, on the other hand, state that he should be on the team, as fact, and cite his ability to help McDavid/Drai, etc., as fact.
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of themwere D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
You believe Hollaway will be better off with his development playing in the AHL I don’t their are certain players that are ready from the Messier’s to the Larkins and so on. You make it sound like a 14th overall pick has never played in the NHL at 20 check it out you would be surprised how many did jump into the league at 20 and a lot of the were D-men which I found surprisingly
Is Koskinen a certain Oiler? (This has likely been posted, haven’t read the comments yet).
I guess his contract is a pretty certain Oiler, but I wouldn’t be the least bet surprised if Stalock wins the spot in net (and that would save the team a few hundred k in cap to boot).
The other reason to waive Koskinen is that there is virtually no chance of losing him on waivers whereas Stalock would be at risk.
Yup, agreed.
And reading the earlier posts, I agree keeping 3 goalies on the roster makes more sense than just about ever before. Whether or not it happens is another case.
This is absolutely spot on IMO.
Agree the D moves are fascinating. The group will be different, that much is clear. Will they be better? Worse? Only time will tell.
I think this is the case but for one exception – Kris Russell.
While I think it is likely that he is dressed for opening night, if I recall correctly, he was healthy scratched to start last season in favor of both Jones and Koekkoek – there is a no zero chance that he’s in the press box watching Koekkoek as 3LD, no?
I’m also not positive the Mikko is a “certain Oiler” – I mean, what happens if Stalock outplays him during camp? Clearly the organization doesn’t feel a “responsibility” to Mikko as they tried to move him all off-season.
If Stalock plays better should he not make the team and Mikko assigned? Not only does it save a small bit of cap but, as far as structure goes, given Stalock is a plus puck-handler (not as good as Smith but much better than Mikko), one would think it would be an easier transition for the skaters when Stalock is playing (vs. Mikko).
The players need to change their puck recovery and transition games depending on Smith vs. Koskinen and the win column and the shot metrics bear out that the team simply “plays better” in front of Smith. Stalock would help not have to change their structure from night to night.
I would be surprised if Mikko is waived and assigned but I think it should be a real battle as between Mikko and Stalock for 2G.
Besides the Bouchard conspiracy why didn’t they test drive Stalock the last 10 games. I would like to know the percentage of Goaltenders who stayed in the net every minute for a whole series of a losing sweep. They were never going to use Mikko even though there was back to backs involved. Stalock may have been a option if he looked good to end the year and would of gave the Jets a new look for say game 3
My guess is Koekkoek is the opening night 3LD. I do think Russell is a certain Oiler in terms of being on the roster though.
Could very well be, last year opening night on the left side was:
Nurse
Jones
Koekkoek
Russell in the press box.
I’m going to say move Russell to the uncertain Oilers. I’m not convinced that Koekkoek and Samorukov are that far behind him, and if both show well I could see Russell being odd man out and sent down to the Bake.
I do think you’re probably right and he makes it as at least 7th D man, but I don’t feel he’s fully in that “certain” category.
I take it Yamamoto is only an uncertain Oiler as the deal hasn’t been signed yet? He’s the big one from that second list that I would move up and say is certainly in the lineup opening night.
I agree on Russell. I think he is the Perma-7th D, no issue with sitting in the press box. If they need an emergency game-time injury replacement for either the right or left side he can jump in. But if it is for a longer period of time, then one of Samurokov/Lagesson/Broberg gets the call up and Russell stays in the PB.
For all the angst over Koekoek’s second year, that will be his role when Russell’s contract expires next year. One of the aforementioned 3 will be a regular in the top 6
Certain Oilers means on the roster, not in the lineup.
While I don’t disagree at all the Russell’s lineup spot for game 1 is uncertain, I’d be very surprised if he was waived (and assigned – shit, I think he may very well be claimed in waived).
I agree that Koekkoek is right there with him, and maybe even ahead (he was for game 1 last season) but I don’t think Russell gets waived – in particular give, right now, he is probably the first injury cover on the right side.
Bouchard will be fine and has been handled well development-wise. If he’s below the radar on some lists, all the better for him to surprise when opposing coaches match him with the soft parade. He’s also thick and tough, will be able to last deep into the playoffs.
I’m sure Bouchard got dinged by Wheeler as much for usage last season as for anything else.
Exactly. Hard to give a guy a high ranking when he sat on the bench after playing in a league most didnt watch. I think his ranking is very fair
Why would he ranked higher when he didn’t play much last year, there has to be something wrong with him being a high pick with pedigree. I’ve yet to hear a reason why he got the cold shoulder last year. For me I thought it might be a Schultz thing where he’s to laid back or passive but he’s a lot sturdy on his skates and tougher than I first initially thought.
You’ve heard the reasons dozens of time – you refuse to acknowledge them or provide any response as to why they weren’t the reasons.
I’m really pumped up for Bouchard’s first full NHL season… he was my pick on draft day and literally shocked when he fell to us. As LT said “floating smiley pucks”, when Connor gets a glimpse of Peter the Puck floating to him at full speed entering the blue line “majestic” things are going to happen.
I could see Kyle Turris popping 13 goals on this roster.
Of course his GA will be 23.
But it’s ok. We’re going to need the Turris money for our new goalie add at the deadline.
I will say that top 50 list suffers from some serious recency bias. And not talking about the Oilers prospects. Mostly seeing Seider, Drysdale and Lundell that low
Likely based on how long it takes for them to reach the NHL.
I’m sorry but Wheeler may have some fans but he hasn’t watched much Bouchard ever if that’s his take. He’ll never be out late in games? I call Bullshit. He’s clearly much bigger then most seem to give him credit for, he’s not easy to move off of the puck, and when he has the puck he puts it in appropriate places.
Maybe he only becomes a 2nd pairing defender, but I’ve seen in the last 30 years endless amounts of 3rd pairing defenders out in late game situations.
And to say he needs be put in offensive spots to show off his talents, have people not watched Bouchards breakout passes? He will be a 5×5 terror with that skill.
I’m not saying he should be slotted any higher then he is, it’s just not a very good take on a player from one of the most respected evaluators. Evaluations screams of a guy that didn’t actually look to see what type of player Bouchard is and how his game could translate.
I’m pretty sure the Ontario based Wheeler has seen Bouchard play plenty.
He also uses video scouting extensively in his evaluations.
I would wager Wheeler has seen Bouchard play far more often than you have and will take his word on it more than yours.
Well, appealing to authority instead of doing the work yourself is your thing. Even when it repeatedly blows up in your face.
I think it’s more the willy nilly appeals to whichever authority paints the Oilers poorly that’s blown up in said face.
Very true. Wheeler has written extensively (and expertly) about Bouchard’s special skills.
Everyone remember that wheeler is irrefutable when it comes to prospect ratings – when it comes to point some other teams prospect is strawmanned into conversations.
Filed in the “how does this guy not get the irony in his jaded spewing of negative connotation oiler’s vitriol yet”
He honest what’s your take on Bouchard? At this moment is he better than Barrie, Larsson or Bear
He’s most similar to Barrie at the moment…likely has more offense than Larsson or Bear but his defensive game is still a work in progress and from what I’ve read, his skating is not elite as so many top 10 D picks possess.
I see why you appeal to authority so much – this is the most lazy and vague assessment I think I have read about Bouchard yet.
You couldn’t even assess his skating without deferring to nameless authorities.
Bouchard is likely going to be on the PK also. Can’t have Barrie on the PK so the other 2 RD will have to be up to it.
I’d expect whoever is 3LD (Koekkoek, Russell, Lagesson, even Samorukov) to be a primary penalty killer on their offside. Still need to have a 5th guy who can step in, which should be Bouchard’s role, at least to start.
Wheelers rankings are heavily influenced by Lowetide.
Don’t do defensemen any favors. 🙂
The other day I called an article like this summer time filler and I got push back so I won’t call this article summer time filler. 😉
Well, I suppose if you discount the extensive work of one of the most respected prospect evaluators in the game as “filler” then not much will please you.
I put a lot more stock in the evaluation process of local observers such as our host. Not to mention the added difficulties presented by the covid disruption.
But I have to admit that league wide evaluations in a 32 team league thins the broth a bit too much for me to take too seriously.
All you have to do is look at how many drafts would get reset 5 years after they take place to know that while there is a level of predictability within ranges it is hardly an exact science.
Quite aside from the Yakupov’s and Giordano’s there is a lot of shuffling even within the first round once the players have settled into their careers.
There is a reason Bob McKenzie refused to participate in guessing games on TSN panels and I would suggest he was one of the most respected observers in the league.
Wheeler was on the Grergor show today (with Strudy, Gregor is on vacation) – I haven’t listed to it yet, will tomorrow at the gym, but I presume they discuss his rankings of Bouchard (and Holloway).
Respect or Bromance? I haven’t seen you exercise much respect for anyone on this site. Respect is earned and just because you say it’s deserved doesn’t make it so.
The biggest risk to the roster being projected as above.
Delta and Lambda
“Zdeno Chara hasn’t returned my calls.”
Don’t take it personally.
He’s fishing with David Krejci in the Baltic Sea.
.
.
$#@% the Bruins! $#@% those guys!
🙂
Taylor Hall > Phil Esposito
NOT!
🙂
The guy piloting the boat?
.
.
That’s right……. Tuukka Rask.
.
.
(Unsigned Tuukka Rask)
🙂
Dave Tippet (Aug 16, 2021):
Unprompted: “the key guy for us this year is going to be Evan Bouchard, I think he’s going to take another big step…..he’ll come in, we’ll get him settled in but I think you’ll see his game evolve through the year and he’ll start to take a bigger role”.
DFO Rundown
Gregor asked about the PK defence and Tip mentioned that that is an area where Bouchard will need to get up and running with – thinks it’s an area he can perform in.
Also offered up Lagesson as in the conversation with Russell and Koekkoek – he’s not an afterthought it seems.
Keith and Ceci were givens?
I get the feeling Lagesson’s boat has sailed. I can see him grabbed from waivers by someone and going there and performing admirably. I really like the player and want him to succeed in the NHL, and I’ll be sad if he does that with another organization.
My prediction as well. I think we lose him to waivers.
I don’t think he’ll be claimed. We’ll see.
.
Interesting that Wheeler’s Top 50 prospects list drops on the same day.
He has Bouchard ranked 31st overall and 9th among D prospects despite him being older than all of them.
Projects him as a second pairing D….who knew?
Harpers (Pubic) Hair
That’s who.
Podkolzin behind Holloway. (Ducks)
Both in the same tier with little difference between them.
Yet one is ahead of the other somehow
I heard Podkolzin is the next Chara.
I read that early this morning.
Nice read.
I bet you I’ve watched Bouchard play more than Wheeler since he turned pro (i.e. pretty much all his games in Bakersfield).
Not to say I know more than Wheeler, or can analyze better than Wheeler, and I certainly can’t compare Bouchard among many of the other prospects.
What I do know is what I’ve seen as Bouchard and can make my own assessment of how he’ll develop at the NHL level.
————–
Interesting to note where Podkolzin and the pending superstar Rathbone were ranked.
Brogan ‘the future Norris winner’ Rafferty may have been high on the list if he hadn’t aged out. Oh well, HH has Podkolzin to gush over. Ba ha ha!
Just like you incorrectly projected Nurse to top out as a second pairing D? Who knew?
List of Bakersfield Condors alumni who played more than 100 games in Bakersfield and 100 or more games in the NHL
Brad Malone
Ryan Stanton
This is going to be the most exciting Bakersfield team in a long while; Dare I say “ever”!
Give it 3 years. Samorukov / Bouchard = Kronwall / Lidstrom.
No pressure….just be great.
I thought Broberg was the new Lidstrom…
busted….hedging
You mean “Manna* out of Time”
6’3″ 194lbs.
Evan from Heaven!
His nickname should be “Manna”
.
*The substance miraculously supplied as food to the Israelites in the wilderness
Imagine not just one, but four decades of darkness, wandering the desert; You know, like the Canucks.
As always it’s going to be a very interesting training camp . The certain Oilers will be setting the tone , the uncertain Oilers will be pushing the envelop and the distant bells will be incessantly loud . The only thing that’s certain is there will be some surprises . Expect the unexpected .
Really nice article.
The only thing I can think to add is that there is a very long shot that they may choose to keep 3 goalies out of camp based upon a story out of last year how resting the starting goalie on game days helped Smith.
I realize it is written in stone that 3 goalies is nothing but trouble but all the teams made it work last year by having a ‘practice’ goalie who never played games.
I think it is unlikely but given Smith’s age and those groins it is possible that Holland chooses to not risk losing Stalock to waivers at least to start the season and goes with one forward, one dman and a goalie in the press box.
But, yeah, this TC represents a pretty mature & predictable group for opening night.
Teams could only do that because of the “Taxi Squad”, the group of players that stayed up with the team for emergencies (COVID) and did not count towards the salary cap. I don’t think they will still have that option in the new season, and no way they use a position and cap space on a third goalie.
There is nothing wasteful in terms of cap space keeping Stalock on the roster so I am not sure what your point is. Currently teams keep two forwards and a dman as extras. There is nothing to keep a team from going to one forward and adding a goalie. Traditionally the argument against doing so is that the 3rd goalie was a problem with only two nets for practice time but last season teams found resting their starter worked well.
At Smith’s age it might be prudent to have a 3rd guy around given that Koskinen does not appear to have the ability to hold a starting goalie position.
A long shot? Yes.
No way? I don’t think it is out of the realm of possibility.
Seems prudent for the reasons you outline.
Also allows more playing time for the prospect goaltenders in the AHL.
That too. Not sure how Stalock would feel about not getting any games but he doesn’t have a lot of choice either & I am not 100% certain that he doesn’t beat Koskinen out of the backup spot if he is given a chance to do so.
Prudence is an ‘old guy’ virtue. Holland is an old guy. 😉
Is there a rule that a player who is waived and assigned to the AHL has to actually go there?
Because you could waive stalock and assign him, but he could stay up and practice with the team. Not on the cap, practice time, readily available in case of injury and gives the AHL goalers their playing time.
Might not make stalock super happy but I don’t think he’s on a 2-way contract so he still collects his full salary..
I don’t think a waived player can be on the ice with the team. There is no provision for a taxi squad in the NHL that I am aware of.
A waived player can stay with the team.
A player can clear waivers and not be assigned to the AHL – happens regularly.
That player stays on the 23 man roster though.
If a player is assigned to the AHL, he’s off the 23 man roster and, yes, he not only cannot be on the ice with the NHL team, he physically has to go to the AHL location I believe – or will be suspended, not paid, etc.
I don’t think its out of the realm of possibility but only having 1 extra forward is far from ideal and only having one of Shore/Perlini/Benson/Marody/Turris on the roster is not ideal.
When one of the goalies is 34 year old Stalock who is on his 7th straight season of NHL minimum salary, the guy is probably just happy to be on the big roster flying around in planes, rather than bussing it around meth county California.
Lets not forget that many teams had that 3rd goalie on the taxi squad last year not taking up one of the 23 roster spots (and not counting against the cap, up to $1.075M).
I do think that 3 goalies on the roster is a possibility but it means only one extra forward and only one of Perlini/Benson/Shore/Turris/Marody on the roster.
Both of the ‘Uncertain’ centers left the the coaches and fans wanting more. Turris was just awful and McLeod did not put up enough points.
2021 5v5: Games / TOI / pts per 60 / plus-minus / FF%rel
Turris: 27 / 285.7 / 1.1 / -11 / -8.0
McLeod: 10 / 107.7 / 0.6 / -2 / 1.1
Turris is what he is. Even working out like a demon will probably not help enough to get Turris on the team. Tippet will remember how he got caved and brought his line mates down last year.
McLeod has speed and size, now if he will just use it. It appeared last year that he avoided contact and the ‘tough areas’ of the ice. If he wants to stick in the NHL he must improve his willingness to do whatever it takes to put up some points.
For me, it is McLeod over Turris all day long. Going with the upside on this one.
McLeod not only has to show some offence but also that he can perform consistently which is something rookies often fail at. I agree that Turris stunk out the joint last year but I wouldn’t write him off just yet. That 3C position is still up for grabs imo since neither McLeod nor Ryan is really the perfect fit for different reasons.
Could be the end for Turris but resurection is also possible.
I always feel opening month in the NHL is much easier than the final 2 months. Rookies and newbies get left behind.
Even players like Ty Rattie look good-to-great in the preseason and the first month. The NHL is a man’s league with the best players in the world. I would agree that as the season moves along the chaff is separated from the wheat.
Recall that Rattie originally took the league by storm in the last month or two of the season on McDavid’s wing.
Yeah, you just never know about heaters.
Training camp and early exhibition games mean next to nothing with respect to “NHL Readiness” of prospects.
I know what you are saying but Ty Rattie is a helluva hockey player. Just because he didn’t stick as an NHL regular doesn’t change that for me. I know you weren’t taking a shot at him but…
NEW for The Athletic: How much playing time will Evan Bouchard get with the Oilers this coming season?
https://theathletic.com/2769498/2021/08/16/lowetide-how-much-playing-time-will-evan-bouchard-get-with-the-oilers-this-coming-season/
Coach T on the DFO Rundown this morning says “alot” – not in those words but he was very clear than Bouch will be very important to the team with a likely expanding role.