At the 2021 draft the Edmonton Oilers held pick No. 20 overall. Instead of choosing top goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt, general manager Ken Holland dealt down for an additional selection. At No. 22, the new spot in the first round for Edmonton, scouting director Tyler Wright and his staff chose QMJHL forward Xavier Bourgault. One year later, Bourgault is finishing up his finest junior season and his QMJHL career. Will Edmonton choose from the league again this summer?
THE ATHLETIC
- Lowetide: Recent rash of injuries to Oilers prospects a familiar story
- Lowetide: Ryan McLeod’s comparables are encouraging for young Oilers centre
- DNB & Lowetide: Why the Jesse Puljujarvi criticism in Edmonton misses the mark
- Lowetide: Evan Bouchard’s deployment is working, despite play in Wild loss
- Lowetide: Evander Kane’s scoring prowess and what he brings the Oilers
- DNB: Connor McDavid’s Hart case
- DNB: Dylan Holloway call-up? Jay Woodcroft extension? Zack Kassian trade? Oilers mailbag
- Lowetide: Stock up or down for every prospect in the Oilers system
- Lowetide: Making the final call on the Oilers 2017 draft
- Lowetide: Early look at Oilers free-agent targets for 2022 offseason
- DNB: Should Oilers budget for Evander Kane beyond this season?
- Lowetide: 7 Condors who could impact Oilers’ fortunes in the playoffs
- DNB: How Jesse Puljujarvi, as a player and person, became perfect fit for Oilers
- Lowetide: Revisiting the Oilers’ choice of Evan Bouchard in the 2018 draft
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2021
QMJHL 2022 DRAFT
My list isn’t going to resemble any you’ve read, mostly because my top pick isn’t rated in the top 50 anywhere (actually Dobber has him No. 39 and The Puck Authority ranks him No. 48). Jordan Dumais is No. 21 on my list right now, and if anything he’ll move up on the final ranking. He’s an April 2004, a slick passer, has great speed and is likely to be available in the second round.
Nathan Gaucher moves past Tristan Luneau on the list, partly due to some fine work by Adam Sherren. He has provided me with some fascinating goal differentials for the QMJHL, and helped me understand the gap in quality of Q teams. It remains an extremely difficult league to suss out because of the enormous range in opponents, but I’m confident Gaucher is a better pick. Not much doubt about Luneau, he’ll be the first QMJHL off the board this season. I like another small forward, Justin Cote, quite a bit based on team and talent. Jakub Hujer is another player who should bring value. Sherren uncovered some interesting overagers too, we’ll track back when we look at that group. One player Sherren identified as ‘on the rise’ is Noah Warren.
LOWETIDE 2021 QMJHL LIST
LC Zachary Bolduc, Rimouski Oceanic. A fairly complete talent, his offense is the main calling card.LW Zachary L’Heureux, Halifax Mooseheads Plays like PF, is a streaky scorer, I like his numbers.RC Xavier Bourgault, Shawinigan Cataractes There’s just too much offense to ignore.RW Olivier Nadeau, Shawinigan Cataractes More bull than beauty, he is effective.LW Joshua Roy, Sherbrooke Phoenix. Ridiculous skill, I’d have him high but pts-game a little shy.LD Evan Nause, Quebec Remparts Two-way defender is 6.02, 186 and spiking offensively.RC Riley Kidney, Acadie-Bathurst Titan. Another skill pivot, a good skater.RC Justin Robidas, Val d’Or Foreurs. He’s Yvan Cournoyer small, an absolute bullet on skates.- LC Lorenzo Canonica, Shawinigan Cataractes. Another skill center, one of the best skaters in the QMJHL
LC Zach Dean, Gatineau Olympiques. He is going in the first round, numbers have him as a second-round pick.LC Cole Huckins, Acadie-Bathurst Titan. He has size, can skate and posted 32 pts in 33 games. May 2003.LW James Malatesta, Quebec Remparts. Speedy winger is small (5.09) but plays a rugged style.LW Viljami Marjala, Quebec Remparts. C-LW is highly skilled and a creative playmaker.- LC Theo Rochette, Quebec Remparts. Undersized two-way center, intriguing offense.
LD Cameron Whynot, Halifax Mooseheads. Two-way blue, fine skater.LD William Trudeau, Charlottetown Islanders. Puck mover with calm feet. Raw.RW Robert Orr, Halifax Moosheads. Two-way winger with a great shoot.
There are two overagers who didn’t get picked last season, both of them worth selecting. They join the two WHL overagers (Eric Alarie, Owen Pederson) from the WHL list (here). I’ll do an overager-hinterlands list at the end of the project. I’m doing it this way because we’re late to start and there are very few off days.
ANDREI KUZMENKO
Another credible Russian report has the Oilers connected to Andrei Kuzmenko from the KHL. His agent is also the agent for Evander Kane and Matvei Petrov, so this might be a case of the Oilers having the inside track with the agent. He is 26, Corey Pronman likes him quite a bit, we’ll see. He is a LW, shoots right. I can see him on any of the top three lines, on either side, this fall. Pronman says middle six due to speed, I think that’s a reasonable starting point.
OILERS ON SATURDAY
I’m still thinking about that Oilers game on Saturday, a complete effort worthy of placing in the upper echelons of strong defensive games played by the entire roster. Now, the Grant Fuhr shutout (Kevin McClelland goal) remains the pinnacle, and I always thought Game 6 against the San Jose Sharks in 2006 was a gem. Saturday afternoon was a game worth remembering, and if the Oilers can repeat the precision and attention to defensive detail, this could be a very good spring.
CHL LEADING SCORERS
We’re almost through the regular season, and there have been some outstanding numbers posted by Edmonton prospects across the CHL this season. Here they are, sorted by points-per-game:
- Xavier Bourgault (QMJHL) 39 games, 32-30-62 (1.59)
- Matvei Petrov (OHL) 63 games, 40-50-90 (1.43)
- Tyler Tullio (OHL) 65 games, 42-44-86 (1.32)
- Jake Chiasson (WHL) 20 games, 6-12-18 (0.90)
- Maximus Wanner (WHL) 55 games, 6-17-23 (0.42)
I think Bourgault is the best overall player, but the player with the most impressive outer marker is probably Petrov. He is five months younger, and this was his debut season in the OHL. Bourgault is completing his fourth year in the QMJHL. If any of these players lands in the top six as an offensive driver, my bet is on Petrov.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
At 10 this morning, we hit the ground running, TSN 1260. It’s the seven-year anniversary of the McDavid lottery win by Edmonton, where were you and what we you doing? We’ll share memories this morning. Jason Gregor will pop in at 11, and we’ll have plenty of Jays and Raptors talk. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
Vegas chances of making the playoffs are going to plummet to about 18.5% tomorrow. Dire.
Anyone have a good place for head-to-head records? All the places I’m finding seem to want to tell me about current betting match-ups.
The Dys should end up about a percent back of that. Still not great. The two Central teams & LAK really have hold of the playoff puck right now. All they need to do is keep possession.
Probability suggests that ONE of LA, Dallas, or Nashville will falter down the stretch.
using the 538 individual chances of 93, 93 and 74, the the trifecta on all 3 making it is around 64%
WG doesn’t want to add VCR to his list so I have no idea what their remaining schedule looks like.
They should pass VEG by Points% in about 5 minutes though, so I guess their % chance of making the playoffs won’t be worse.
H2H is a bit annoying, but NST can do it.
Teams -> season stats from the pulldown
Click ‘more filters’ and then you can pick ‘vs’ specific opponents
(or you can look at all teams records/stats vs. the Oilers for instance)
VCR has the following games remaining:
vs OTT
at MIN
at CGY
vs SEA
vs LAK
at EDM
Not a cakewalk at all.
VCR has a record of 6-3-5 vs the teams above this season (6-2-3 if you don’t include the Oilers who they’re 0-1-2 against).
https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/VAN/2022_headtohead.html
538 has Dys 19% Dead Cap Space 21% LA LA Land 74% Central WC duo both at 93%.
Between weaponized cap space and strength of schedule, the Pacific Division is drunk!
When the rubber hits the road, it’s going to get a DUI…
Lehner looking like he bet on the knights to not make the playoffs
Weaponized cap space on the golf course soon. Smrt
If the President’s Trophy winner got to choose their first-round opponent, they would in all likelihood choose to play the Los Angeles Kings.
The Golden Knights healthy lineup isn’t looking so fascinating after all.
Tense finish but the Hamburglar steals the game with 42 saves. NJ beats Vegas 3-2.
2.41 to go in Vegas and the previously (almost) unheard of Andrew Hammond – season stats P3 SV% 82.2 – posting 37/38 SV% 97.4. Good man.
And down to 95.3%. Tense.
Geez, Lehner is not helping the Knights – at all. Both third period goals for the Devils were awful.
I’ve never seen a goaltender Lehner that was so out to lunch as the 3rd goal by Jersey.
Not even Leaky Mikko? Really?
and Tommy Salo is officially forgotten
2-1 Devils – fairly early in the 3rd.
Make that 3-1 Devils
Boquist walks Pieterangelo on a 1 on 3 and Lehner doesn’t even move on the shot….
Ugly play by Petro and Lehner. Lehner looked like he blacked out for two seconds. How did he lose track of that puck so badly?
Is there an outside chance the Canucks can finish 3rd in the Pacific?
Since this is a math blog, the answer is yes.
Probability is another thing. But give credit where it’s due, Boudreau has them playing very well.
I’ve got to argue with the statement “this is a math blog” it’s a hundred things before it is a math blog
They could be 4pts back of LA after tonight, with a game in hand… so potentially? Would make for a fun game between the two on the 28th.
See HH’s comments yesterday.
Are they back to being HH noteworthy? I thought they were free bingo spots on Vegas knights schedule with zero facts brought up regardingtheir record under Boudreau, when it didn’t appear playoffs realistically a consideration.
after tonights VGK implosion, yep. 4 points in 5-6 games with on head to head with LAK.
I really like the Oilers vs Canucks, BTW. Vcr will try to go skill-on-skill. Demko’s OK but the Oil just have too many ways to score now – pretty, ugly and pretty ugly.
Getting there.
Looks like they’ll effectively pass Vegas tonight (up 5-2, under 10 to go). That would put them 1 point back with 1 game at hand, ahead by PTS%.
4 back of LA with a game in hand (as noted).
6 back of both DAL and NSH with even games remaining.
Here is a fantastic thing – Oilers make the WCF or better, and Ken Holland becomes a byword for NHL genius management.
It could happen.
My wish for this PO season is phlegms to play Vegas and swiped in 4 games. markstrom gets hanked in both games in Calgary. The Oilers get at least to the conference finals
Vegas are a pathetic excuse of a playoff team.
NJ are beating them after 1 entire period and Vegas don’t seem to even be engaged.
Vegas could score 8 goals after this and next game the stress returns, reminds me of once when I owed the bank a lot of money. Two grand a month interest.
Losing 0-1 to a NJ team running hischier mercer boqvist mcleod down the middle too. And that’s not even the good mcleod. Cmon Eichel, can’t you feast of those match ups?
With moments left in period 1 – Vegas look terrible LMAO
Sutter running out Markstrom again – game after game after game.
Despite very much inferior competition tonight….
Odd.
He’s second to Sarros in percent of team starts, over 80% – I don’t get it at this points – they have nothing to play for except, I guess, home ice against the Wild or Blues in the WCF (and perhaps SCF) – doesn’t seem worth playing him so much.
They do have a B2B (tomorrow in Nashville) so could be that they want to grab the “sure points” and play tomorrow w/house money.
Hynes has overplayed Saros who is showing signs of fatigue as well. Not reasonable to ask goalies to play 60+ games and be sharp and this is a long season (first 82 game season since 2018-19.
Markstrom reached his career high in GP tonight. And he didn’t have to play in the playoffs the other 2 times he played 60 in the regular season.
5 minutes into the game, NJ have a steve austin Oilers vibe, but Vegas look as stressed as I ever saw a professional sports team.
13 27 to play in the first lmao
2.6 beers in.
SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They look to be stepping it up.
Happy my concerns about Savoie were completely for nought.
Now if only we could find a way to get his brother….. This is my Pettersson dream all over again. And Rossi. Who do the Oilers think they are being too good take my draft favourite?
And Kaliyev but I subscribe to the rumour he was older than stated. That or LA duped everyone in which case hat tip.
Oilers have McDavid.
Everything is going to be alright!
Am enjoying other teams playing, now that everyones fave team looks set to play well. That is the idea.
Vegas am about to enjoy playing a Jersey team the bookies think will be patsies – maybe – but Nashville won and the Golden Knights are farther away in their minds.
I’m drinking fine lager BUDVAR from Prague for a sports injury – best thing ever sports injuries no biteback for any amount of excess lol
Watched the Avs they are a fine team but Oilers who of course are beatable have McDavid, and the German. I grew up in an Alberta town that featured a lot of Germans, who I like. Mad hot sisters, and all that.
Budvar is a truly delicious brew.
It never lets you down.
When in Prague… Staropramen
Let’s hope that the New Jersey Dellows can do us a solid!
Well holy shit. They did (and I guess Vegas has imploded, basically).
What a debacle for Vegas, from Pacific Division shoe-ins and Cup contender to probably missing the playoffs.
Andrei Kuzmenko shoots right plays left he reminds one of Alexander Shepelev. The latter never found a regular roster spot with skilled players in his Oilers’ career. That’s a historical blind spot for the organization. The war may become an existential risk. The KHL may be in financial jeopardy. That could free up more players. On the other hand, Russians may not be able to get work visas in Canada and the US. It is prudent to be aware to make intelligent decisions.
Slepyshev?
How can one make informed decisions when the outcomes range from more available to not available at all?
Bring back Sleppy for the playoffs throw him on Leon’s line to do the heavy lifting.
The only one doing the heavy lifting would be Leon, having to cover for Sleppy’s poor positional play. There is a reason he’s in the KHL … he’s not fast enough, hard enough or positionally sound enough be a top 6 forward in the NHL.
On this holy day in 2015 I wandered, uninformed, into my local small village building supply store to nudge myself further over budget in the completion stage of our new home. I was greeted by the only other (known) oiler fan in the region, a young, former WHL guy who had grown prematurely old during the near decade of darkness, who now toiled behind the counter and in the lumber yard. Jo rushed to the door, blubbering loudly of THE MIRACLE1 We proceeded to giggle and screech like drunken school children, offending the resident Boorish Leaf Fans (BFL’s) in our presence, including the humourless store owner. Joy and hope! April 18, 2015. The first day of the eternal spring.
I have a little business and work way too much
I came home on a sunny afternoon and hadn’t remembered the draft, turned on TSN not on draft purpose and saw the final 5 or so picks turn up
My wife and 4 weren’t home to witness me literally jumping up and down and wooting like I hadn’t in years
An awesome day!
Kumenko and Savoie could be legit goal scorers. At this point I don’t see that attribute in Holloway, Puljajarvi, Yamamoto or McLeod’s game.
I see Holloway as having the best chance of the others mentioned, if he regains full health
He likes his top cheddar snipes.
Thing is, unless you develop your forwards into great scorers and are willing to trade them for full pop, it isn’t a bad thing to have some become skilled possession type players – really helpful and valuable and cost effective lacking some offense.
You have to go find them if you don’t have them, and that is often expensive in free agency. For me JP and Holloway types, big fast two way players with skill enough to pop 20 -30, are the backbone of champions
Much better than hoping your lesser types of lower pedigree (which means lesser skill very often) can score when they get a chance.
Guys that can get and keep the puck and get it to the dynamic duo and the shooters like Savioe and Petrov
I sure hope they get Pelletier down to see Savoie asap. And the strength coach. And Petrov if he comes. Get those NHL level skill sets developing.
Really interesting media avail today with Woody.
Some good intel on how he deploys the 11/7 (Gregor asked a bunch of questions on it).
Asked if Archie was going to get in the lineup any time soon – Woody talked about 3 good NHL forwards that didn’t play last game but he’s not committing to anything specific going forward – essentially the “one day at a time” mantra.
I reviewed the ‘mean as hell’ posts regarding Russian signing (Kuzmenko) and found nothing untoward.
Thank you LT.
I’m probably blowing your ‘mean as hell’ reputation, though. 🙂
I’m not really “mean as hell”! I just play that on TV!
Oh man I’m an idiot. I’ve read that as Meana Shell since Day 1.
That’s funny!
Classic Knightt Own.
Back in the day there was an international tourney, maybe Canada Cup. The tourney had a sponsor that year and all other equipment was banned. Players revolted. Decision was made that players could use their regular gear but any brand had to be covered. Messier wore a Winn-Well helmet and when he skated out the Winn-Well was covered with tape and on the tape he had written in sharpie “MEAN AS HELL”, that is where I got it from!
Guilty lol but now Ive been blessed with sight.
Me too, had just logged in to write that and saw your post
Me too!
Wow, how about that Tarasenko? Beat out Smith for player of the week with his 11 points in 4 games. He is having perhaps the best overall season of his career, after many were writing him off after his shoulder issues and the season he had last year. He wanted out of St. Louis and they left him unprotected for the Kraken draft who probably regret passing on him now! The Blues couldn’t find any trade takers at the right price so he stayed. I wonder what the Blues were willing to trade for last season. Water under the bridge now, but could have been a steal.
There are so many misses the Kraken had, just shows you it’s a crapshoot, do not care how much analytics you have. Oh, and cap space to weaponize!
@TSNRyanRishaug
Woodcroft says Kane is on personal leave today and tomorrow. Didn’t specify further.
@JasonGregor
I’m told Kane is in New York for meeting. And it is in regards to San Jose termination of his contract. #Oilers
Yup, just saw that. Woody also said Kane will be in the lineup on Wed.
Also “maintenance day” for Yamamoto which, I think, is good news although I’m also not positive this is word-smithing to see how the foot is over the next few days and if he’ll be able to go on Wed.
EDIT: Check that, Woody said he expects Kailer to practice tomorrow.
So if the NHL rules that SJS owe Kane on his contract, that could make it a lot cheaper to sign him.
Wouldn’t that be nice just like players that are bought out they seem to sign deal contracts with their new team.
This is a good point.
I have little doubt that some sort of settlement will be issued.
The precedent is the Mike Richards contract termination and Richards got $10.5MM, which was half of what was left on the contract and its to be paid over a LONG period of time, like 15 years or so.
The Kings still have a termination penalty against the cap for a few more years.
With that said, even if Kane is going to get paid in a settlement, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to take less the market value on his contract – it might but we don’t know.
It will be truly interesting to watch Petrov’s progression over the next little while.
Is this huge OHL season from a 6th round pick real or do we have a Krill Maksimov? Maksimov was actually a more balanced shooter as well as he was a very good 2-way player and PK guy in the OHL. On the other hand, lets not forget, Petrov was the #1 pick in the import draft and the only reason he wasn’t in the OHL in his draft year was due to Covid. There is a good chance he was a MUCH higher pick if not for Covid.
We don’t even know if he’ll play in the OHL or the AHL next year – its not often that an NHL organization has a choice between placement in those two leagues for a 19-year old.
I can see pros and cons both ways. The AHL will be a VERY tough league for a 19-year old – only the top European drafted prospects tend to not drown as a 19-year old in the league.
I generally think that the jump from the NCAA or CHL to the AHL is MASSIVE – its not just about the jump in the skill level of the players and the size and strength of the players but learning the pro game, learning to play hockey as a “job”, learning to live on one’s own, how to train and eat, etc., etc.
One of the reasons I wanted Savoie to turn pro is to get used to the massive change in life that is pro hockey (and, for NCAA prospects, the schedule).
On one hand, I’d like Petrov to take the jump, however, it may be too much for a 19-year old.
At the end of the day, I have no idea what we have in Petrov –
I think another year in the OHL would serve Petrov well. Both his regular linemates (Russell and Coe) are going to be gone so he’ll be leaned on heavily for offense. It’ll be a great opportunity for growth in his game- especially given how he depth chart in Bako might limit his opportunities.
I tend to agree with you.
I really want to get him started on “learning the pro game” but that league is very hard for a 19-year old. He may drown.
I agree, and have made the point previous, it will be interesting to see how he does with Coe graduated (similar to seeing how Bourgault has done in games with and without Mavrik Bourque).
I am firmly in the camp of having Petrov turning pro. CHL coaches are highly motivated to win at all costs. A CHL coach might look at a slightly banged up Petrov and play him lots of minutes, because the 13 -15 forward option is such a drop off.
His current club might be lousy next year, he could be traded, it is better to control all these variables. Petrov as a third line center playing 11 minutes a night in the AHL and practicing 4 days a week as lots of advantages in my mind.
Last year it appeared Holloway played through a wrist injury which benefited the Badgers but may have delayed his professional development as one example.
Petrov is 2+ years away from impacting the Oilers. Getting him pro coaching, athletic trainers and a pro on the team that mentors him in Bakersfield is the best option for his development.
I don’t disagree necessarily (and do agree about certain advantages of pro hockey). At the same time, as we know, the AHL is a tough league and not many 19 year olds are able to keep their head above water.
We know that rushing a player to the NHL can harm/slow development and I would think that rushing a 19 year old to the AHL could do similar.
I’m not saying that would be the case with Petrov but I see risk.
Trust me, as a guy that watches alot of the Condors, I definitely want to see him on the team but am 50/50 on the “best approach”
P.S. as an aside, Petrov is a true winger, don’t think he’d be playing center in the AHL.
Never fear, the Ken Holland development model is here…
I read OPs post and thought the same actually.
I think it’s a good thing. If there’s any doubt he’s ready for a full season in the AHL, they should send him back to junior for his age 19 season (like every drafted Canadian would be).
LT has written about how AHL rookies often get little TOI or opportunity, that’s not the best thing for their development as players.
YES!!!!!
Bakersfield Condors
@Condors
·
5m
The Condors have signed National Champ Carter Savoie to an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. He’ll join the team on Thursday.
I presume his ELC for 2022/23 will come in due course as I’m fairly certain this voids his college eligibility – playing for a pro team voids college eligibility (shit, signing with a CHL team, an amateur team, voids college eligibility).
I assume that also, just wasn’t sure if ATO was any different than a PTO re: college eligibility.
Fanti, Philp, etc. are also on ATO’s – its because they haven’t turned pro yet and their pro contracts kick in next season. Will be same for Savoie.
The NCAA rules are very strict – very clear that playing in a pro games voids eligibility – shit, even “signing” with a CHL team when drafted voids NCAA eligibility (and that’s not even a real pro league but the NCAA considers it one).
Yet the NCAA now allows college athletes to get paid for their name, image, and likeness. Crazy that still have these archaic rules regarding eligibility.
It all comes down to the green and what they can make off certain individuals.
Exciting! Condors could use the help.
Welcome Savoie Fair to Tales of the North.
Yes.
Jason Gregor
@JasonGregor
·
35m
Kane not on ice. Shore in his spot, which tells me likely maintenance day as Oilers don’t play until Wednesday.
Some children of coaches and players are watching from bench. A few are in hockey gear and will have some fun with their father after practice.
Smith starts Wed.
————–
I’m not concerned about Kane not being at practice – he’s had at least one other maintenance day recently.
Gregor also tweeting out that Yamamoto is not on the ice – not surprising given the Bouchard shot he took – I am a bit concerned that, after taking that skate off, it may be a bit before he can “get it back on”.
It’s the seven-year anniversary of the McDavid lottery win by Edmonton, where were you and what we you doing?
As I think I’ve mentioned here before, I was in Niagara Falls, New York, with my then-girlfriend for an invitation-only board game convention, and breaking up with the aforesaid then-girlfriend of ten plus years (it was mutual, which I know is a thing that the person who got dumped says, but honest-to-God this one actually was). It was…a mixed weekend.
I remember thinking that it was nice to see the Oilers inspire hatred again; nothing against pity and contempt, but they’d gotten a bit old by then.
That means you got to see the American side of Niagara Falls.
You show at the most random times…And drop a Jiri Dopita reference in for good measure (which I believe we once discussed either in person or at length on HF, but it’s foggy).
Hope all is well.
For the record re: McDavid – I was having an afternoon nap and woke up to a text message barrage. Totally non-exceptional but I do remember my exact location.
I was at home with my soon-to-be wife when Bill Daly cracked a smirk and said, “We have a winner!” I think I let out a barbaric yawp, then proceeded to post its written equivalent on here.
It’s really a shame that blog post is lost in the ether now…I enjoyed going back to that day’s post on occasion, just to revisit the moment this blog lost its mind with joy.
Hey, it’s Steve-Smith-if-that-is-your-real-name! Good to see you!
Fuhr shutout was unbelievable at the time. Roloson shutout was meant to be. The Scrivens 59 save shutout was just bat shit crazy.
On Scrivens, I love it when records are held by somebody you wouldn’t expect, like Sam Gagner somehow holding the record for most points in a game by an Oiler (well, shared with some other guy).
Relatedly, I hadn’t realized that McDavid is actually second all-time in points per game by Oilers. When you consider how many of the dynasty players were traded away in their primes (i.e. before their points per game started to decline), and compare the goalies and defencemen that McDavid’s playing against to those playing in the eighties, that’s an extraordinary accomplishment.
(Leon Draisaitl is ninth–well, tenth actually, but I’m excluding Stuart Kulak and his four points in three games. The balance of the top ten are the ones you’d expect, plus Jim Harrison and Jimmy Carson. And Vinny Damphousse, but I expected that. But I’d forgotten that, in pure hockey terms, Jimmy Carson was pretty successful as an Oiler.)
Carson scores 49 goals and a 100 points in his inaugural year with the Oilers. Gets traded 4 games into year 2 which was the best trade in Oilers history. Carson and McClelland who was a lefty and beat the shit out of a lot of folks because of it for Graves, Kilma, Murphy and Sharples.
I’ve mentioned this before, but Bourgault’s goal scoring is better than any other 1st round pick from his draft, based on NHLe. I’m not sure his “play driving” will hold him back, not when he can score like that.
Dawson Mercer is an excellent comp, as he was drafted the previous year at a similar position (#18, 2020) out of the same league.
Mercer: 6’0, 180 lbs, RHS
Bourgault: 6’0, 172 lbs, RHS
Draft year NHLe
DM: 13-20-33
XB: 16-16-32
Draft+1:
DM: 19-17-36
XB: 19-18-37
Draft+2:
DM: 16-25-41 in 75 NHL games with NJ
Mercer is 75, 13-18-31 at 5v5 playing in NJ’s top-6 as a 20-year-old with zero AHL experience. Bourgault has a much harder path to an NHL job, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he spent very little time in Bakersfield next season.
He’s not Wallstedt, but he’s a real top-6 prospect.
Further, this player excelled in some pre season games.
( yes, tiny sample and just pre season)
What was most apparent was very acute high hockey IQ.
That is a tough skill to teach.
Dan Millstein’s response to Stauffer’s tweet on Kuzmenko was certainly interesting and heartening and definitely makes one think the Oilers are in pole position to sign this guy in the spring.
Also gives one a light into how respected Holland is with agents (at least some of them) and perhaps a discount on a Kane re-sign is possible.
Seems like an interesting player
Who is out if they get him? Rutherford says he can guarantee a roster spot so I imagine that’s the kicker for Andrei
I still think it’s vanishingly unlikely that all of Kane, Puljujarvi, and Yamamoto will be back next season. Even if they somehow all are, adding Hymen and Foegele to that list still leaves one spot in the top nine (assuming a completely healthy roster). If that puts the onus on Holloway or whomever to outplay Foegele to break into the top nine, so much the better. But, as I say, I expect that the open spot will be the one currently occupied by Evander Kane.
If his offence translates better than Jiri Dopita’s did, there’ll be space on the roster for him.
Best player not in the NHL!!
That’s a low bar “Steve Smith”, a low bar.
My job is to convince courts that my clients might not be guilty; I like my bars at a consistent height.
I don’t think its that unlikely…….. Millstein clearly loves Holland. Millstein is Evander Kane’s agent.
There are plenty of ways to cap structure this spring to bring all three top 6 free agent wingers back.
Harsh…but fair.
NHL_SID’s look at Kane wasn’t encouraging in his overall quality of play.
Still he makes the forward group different in a way only someone that can play with Connor can do because he’s on the ice when players get ‘ideas’.
Perhaps his deal with the Sharks leads to something affordable for the Oilers because it must be a riot to play with Connor if you can stick there.
There are some cap luxuries that would be better dispensed for my take. I hope it’s not Bovini even as difficult as they can be. Get good things done.
I know some of the numbers/metrics don’t shine Kane in a great light (and I read the ON article a few days ago and see the likes of Hupka and King post “information” daily on twitter to spin their narrative).
At the same time, not to chant “intangibles” but I do think this is the type of player when he adds something to his line and the team that isn’t really measurable.
His style of playing gets under the opponents skins and causes the to change their game (sometimes).
His physicality is in the “guts of the game”, during board battles and in front of the net (as opposed to a guy like Kass who, when he’s not on his game, gets his hits on d-men after the puck and play is gone – generally).
His “scrum play” is tops on the team.
His style of aggression makes a difference and should make a difference through a long playoff series – in particular on this tea.
His positives on the line are that he scores goals (he isn’t a sniper but he helps) and I do think there’s some intimidation. He takes too many penalties and he isn’t good at recognizing danger. Kane is a better passer than one would think and he’ll win battles. I think McDavid likes playing with him. Puljujarvi is the responsible winger. I think Edmonton CAN sign him and will TRY to sign him, and I think they may be lucky to miss out if the contract is insane, but the player we are watching has helped Edmonton this season. jmo.
Oh, of course, his main attribute is that he scores goals. I didn’t speak to that in my post as I was focussing on the more “immeasurable” aspects of his game.
I will note that, not just goal scoring, but sometimes how he scores goals – those net front tips seems to be the “type of goals” that are often needed in the playoffs – not to mention SH and PP snipes.
Given this is for next season, tough to opine on “who is out” as, of course, lots of potential roster manifestations given the cap situation, Kane being a UFA and Jesse/Yamamoto being RFAs (plus McLeod).
For those who don’t know what Milstein tweeted:
Dan Milstein-Hockey
@HockeyAgent1
Kenny Holland knows very well how to draft gems, develop and manage star players. His word on many levels means something which is a rarity in 2022. Process of interviewing teams for Andrei Kuzmenko would start in May. No rush and don’t expect imminent decision
Makes sense that there is no rush or anything imminent – he couldn’t play in the NHL this season anyways (without clearing waivers and maybe not at all since its past the trade deadline) and he can’t even sign until his KHL contract expires at end of April.
Every time I hear Lowetide’s Golden Ticket Story, I think of Eric Burdon. 😉 (and vise versa)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W77Kwh6f0TE
Hunter1909’s Playoff Death March for 2022…
1 – Predict how many playoff wins Oilers get
2 – Predict how many goals McDavid gets
3 – Predict how many goals Draisaitl gets
eg: Wins 11; McD 7; Leon 9
Its easy!
note: Make sure to keep the McDavid/Draisaitl(tie break) predictions separate
Wins 7, McDavid 5, drai 7
Wins 10; McD 9; Leon 12
As much as I like Holloway and Bourgeault I was really hoping for Lundell and Sillinger
Same for Lundell…it was the same in the 2017 draft as well.
We came so close to having C – Robert Thomas fall to us then as well.
Clearly the Oilers traded down to pick Bourgault at 22 because Eberle and because Yamamoto. 🙂
We OWN 22.
…and the immortal Marc-Antoine Pouliot. Traded down 5 spots that time. At least Oilers got Jean-François Jacques as a bonus.
Pat Quinn’s 1st line winger…
Is there an ETA on Holloway and Broberg rejoining the Condor. Has it been hinted what the injuries are? Holloway’s wrist???
Knee/thigh for Holloway, hopeful to return this weekend I believe. Broberg seems even closer based on reports. Anyone (OP) can correct me if i’m mistaken.
Nothing to add except what we know – Broberg is getting close but Holloway’s knee/thigh is apparently healing slower then anticipated (which isn’t really a great sign given his history…..).
LT updates here, as of yesterday, if you have access).
https://theathletic.com/3253696/2022/04/17/lowetide-recent-rash-of-injuries-to-oilers-prospects-a-familiar-story/
Forget Wallstedt…… I can’t believe that phenom “Pick Forfeited” didn’t go in the top 10.
He was still the surprise pick of the draft
Where was I?
Well one minute I was sitting in my Lazy Boy recliner watching the draft and then The Golden Ticket appeared and I “levitated” out of my seat while simultaneously dialing the phone to get though to the Oilers Ticket Office.
A draft article in mid-April? Music!
Yes these are dark days under the bridges of Victoria island indeed
Finals game 6 2006.
There wasn’t one second of play where they were even considering losing that hockey game.
One for the ages.
Savoured every moment. The ‘canes were going thru the motions though, biding time for game 7. Sigh.
We don’t talk about that supposed “game 7” around here.
I barely made it back from Raleigh for 6 thanks to the fine clowns at Air Canada *spits*, but definitely an adrenaline-filled 24 hours.
I was at that game – that was the 4-0 game and it was absolute domination from start to finish.
NEW for The Athletic: The Edmonton Oilers are the longest-running mystery in hockey. On the seventh anniversary of the McDavid lottery win, is Ken Holland’s unusual approach to team building close to success for the Oilers?
https://theathletic.com/3254994/2022/04/18/lowetide-is-ken-hollands-unusual-approach-to-team-building-close-to-success-for-oilers/
Damn, I wrote an entire page but recognize the damage it would do around here. I respect LT too much. I just believe we should not be doing business with any Russian just now. Sorry. Please delete if inappropriate.
This would be a tough one to navigate as a sports team. How do you act within your values and recognize injustice while also recognizing that most Russian citizens have nothing to do with the horrific invasion?
Check the polling numbers, you might be surprised.
Great. Come for the hockey. Stay for the ill-informed politics.
Sadly, the report button has disappeared.
I doubt I am ill-informed on the situation.
Playing Devils Advocate here, but how do you know you can trust those poll numbers? I’m not sure I’d trust any information coming out of Russia these days.
Why don’t you just delete a terrible take that clearly violates LT’s politics rule.
I thought Canada and Canadians decided that we were wrong when we interned Japanese Canadians during WWII, and Ukrainian Canadians during WWI.
People who believe in human rights do not believe in collective guilt.
I presume that Ken Holland has, or will, or is, performing the requisite due diligence on the potential free agent signing which likely includes some additional parameters given nationality.
It has nothing to do with collective guilt, for crying out loud. There are sanctions about doing business with Russia.
I believe those sanctions apply only to state-sponsored companies, oligarchs, and government officials. There are no sanctions against most Russian civilians, including the aforementioned player.
https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2022/03/nhl-suspends-agreement-with-khl.html#:~:text=Previously%20the%20two%20leagues%20did,will%20now%20be%20cut%20off.
NHL Suspends Agreement With KHL
MARCH 8, 2022 AT 9:06 AM CDT | BY GAVIN LEE
After the NHL cut business relations with Russia recently, they’ve taken things even further in a memo sent to teams yesterday. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff was first to report that the league has cut ties with the KHL following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, telling teams to cease contact and suspending the memorandum of understanding between the two leagues.
Bill Daly told clubs in the memo that they will now “have only limited contractual information regarding players who are currently or last played in the KHL.” Teams will now have to go through the Central Registry to request contract information on a player’s contractual status and produce “independent written evidence” that shows a player is entirely free of KHL obligations, before signing them for the 2022-23 season.
Previously the two leagues did not operate under a transfer agreement but had an MOU indicating that they would respect contract terms. According to Seravalli, the NHL has told the KHL that it will continue to respect existing and future contracts, though communication will now be cut off.
This will certainly complicate not only free agency but the upcoming draft, which was already a point of discussion given the possibility that young Russian athletes would be denied work visas to enter Canada and the United States.
The Seravalli article is here.
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/seravalli-nhl-officially-severs-ties-communication-with-russias-khl/
There is nothing in this article about sanctions against individual players. There is also nothing about NHL teams being prohibited from signing Russian nationals.
So teams are not allowed to communicate with them and they may not get work visa’s….. and what about when they try to get a visa to play in the US. It’s another potential Archie situation. I guess we can just ignore the risk and if it blows up spend a year arguing that Holland should have done his homework.
They are cutting off communication with the KHL itself, the league, but are not cutting off communication with Russian players including those playing in the KHL and the article expressly spoke to signing players formerly playing in the KHL and nothing really seems to be changing on that front except its going to be a bit tougher for the NHL team to prove that there is no existing contract with the KHL.
Through its actions and statements, the NHL is implicitly permitting the continuation of signing KHL free agents.
Presuming proper due diligence is done on the player himself, I don’t have an issue with the Oilers looking at signing a Russian.
They just signed Petrov, formerly of a KHL affiliated league. Is there a difference because Petrov moved to Canada 6 months prior?
I would believe he has some kind of visa to be in Canada. A work visa is another matter and in the US it is a big deal. Getting a US visa at the best of times is challenging, over the next couple of years, it could be very difficult. Just getting a visitors visa can be a grind. A couple of years ago (2019), my company had business to do in Russia. They sent me because when I got to the Russian consulate they told me they had big problems with US citizens visiting but as I was a Canadian, it was easier. I still have that visa in my passport and every time I enter the US they pull me aside and ask what I was doing in Russia. It is even more sensitive now.
Well, yes, a potential visa issue could arise but that is totally seperate from your original point re: shouldn’t be doing business with Russia and Russian, right?
In normal times, an NHL contract is basically enough to get visas for the US and Canada and I recall from looking at this a few years ago (nothing to do with Russia, of course), there are special visas for professional athletes with contracts.
Rick Westhead actually had a piece on this recently as current Russian’s in the NHL have concern about the potential of visas being revoked, etc. As of now, nothing has changed in Canada or the US re: russian nationals applying for visas, etc.
Of course, this is certainly something that may pop up but a different issue that the original post spoke to.
Not sure I agree, I said I would not be doing business with Russians. Do I need to call Scott Hyman to sort this out!
In any event, visas revoked. If that’s not a red flag I do not know what is.
Not sure we need Scott given the following quote:
“I just believe we should not be doing business with any Russian just now.”
In any event, no visas for NHL hockey players have been revoked – just concern expressed that it could happen.
In any event, if they do sign this player, as is permitted by the NHL, and then government(s) refuse(s) to issue a visa, I would think the contract could be voided ab initio – no harm done, no risk.
So as counsel, you see no risk in doing business with any Russian just now. I suggest you speak with US counsel and ask them if they do. Trust me, down here there is a hatred of Russia right now. Fox not withstanding, this has actually been the only topic to bring lawmakers together. I can guaranty you my company would not accept a single dollar from a Russian investor right now. Ukrainian refugees can barely get into the country, how do you think USCIS will look at a work visa application from a Russian. Give your head a shake my friend. Times have changed.
I didn’t say there is no risk in doing business with any Russians.
I said there is no risk in the Oilers signing a player out of the KHL.
If he ends up not getting a work visa, as I said, I presume the contract can be voided ab intio – where is the risk to the Oilers?
I wonder if Malkin, Burakovsky, Radulov don’t get re-signed – I mean their current visas expire on June 30…….
Malkin is a US citizen, don’t know about the others. They could have green cards by now.
Fair point on Malkin, I did not know that.
I don’t know what your point re: green cards is.
I don’t think its common at all, for foreign professional hockey players to get “green cards” to play in the NHL – there are visas that catered to professional athletes – these are what players get and are common place. They run with the length of the contract – hence, every Russian free agent will have their visas expire soon. Should NHL teams not sign incumbent NHL players? Seems no different that Kuzmenko.
Its seems you’ve moved goal posts a few times here – starting with a point that no business should be conducted with Russia or Russians to some sort of digging in against the Oilers signing a Russian due to immigration concerns.
This seems like a win the internet type conversation and, at this point, I do advise that you retain Scott.
You literally brought up polling numbers implying that all Russians support the war.
Never said anything like that. I would go reread if I were you.
Riffing on Maudite, HH and Knighttown to put all this info in one post about the teams in the chase.
Games over fake Bettman .500:
EDM +18 (6 GR)
DAL +16 (7 GR)
NSH +15 (6 GR)
LAK +13 (5 GR)
VGK +11 (6 GR)
Last 10 games:
EDM 8-21-1 (Won last two games)
DAL 6-2-2 (Won last game at home vs SJS)
NSH 5-4-1 (Lost last game at home vs STL)
LAK 4-5-1 (Won last game at home vs CBJ)
VGK 7-2-1 (Lost last game in EDM)
Games remaining vs Playoff Teams:
NSH 3
VGK 3
EDM 3
DAL 2
LAK 0
Home/Road splits remaining:
DAL 4 Home 3 Road
EDM 4 Home 2 Road
NSH 3 Home 3 Road
VGK 3 Home 3 Road
LAK 2 Home 3 Road
Relevant games today:
NJD at VGK
DAL at VAN
LAK’s remaining games:
At home: CHI, ANA
On road: ANA (1 hour drive to get there from home- yes its one hour because they know to drive there at ~1-2pm and not rush hour. 🙂 ), SEA, VAN
The SEA and VAN games are back to back to end the season after a 3 day break.
VGK’s remaining games:
At home – NJD, WSH, SJS
On Road – DAL, CHI, STL.
The CHI games is 2nd of back to back, 3rd in 4 nights in 3 different cities. Not as easy as you assume just seeing “CHI”
Woodguy, I’ve done that drive at the same time, on the same day, with similar wind conditions and near identical traffic flow, and it was a 1 hour and 15 minute drive AT LEAST!
Vegas is very clearly looking at LAs schedule and going oh shit.
Many years ago, I broadcast for an entire week at Disneyland. It was top 40 era, folks, things were different. Anyway, the nights were fab because Disneyland is absolutely the best at making you feel special. I went to a Anaheim Angels game, and then asked if we could go see the Dodgers. I was told it was easier to go see the Padres in San Diego from Disneyland. Crazy!
My one and only MLB game was in the Bay Area.
Pitching duel, Sitting 20 ft from 1st base.
Tim Lincecum vs Randy Johnson. 🙂
A bird exploded!… no…just kidding. it wasn’t that game.
#HippieMulletvsRedneckMullet
Saw Sandy Koufax duel Juan Marichal in a 1-0 game at Dodger Stadium.
Man, those guys selling hotdogs in the stands were incredible…pinpoint accuracy.
Wow what a great memory, my Friend has been to quite a few games at Dodger Stadium and says the T.V broadcast doesn’t do the Stadium any justice.
My one and only was cancelled because the Seattle Kingdome started raining tiles:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/772185-on-this-day-in-sports-history-the-kingdome-has-lost-its-crown
Seen Billy Martin and the Reggie Jackson Yankees at the Kingdom in the seventies.
The Kings practise facility is actually in El Segundo south of Los Angeles.
It’s a straight shot down the 105 freeway from there to Anaheim.
Since the Kings will be on a bus, they can travel in the HOV lane.
Average driving time is 30 minutes.
Why?
Why were you broadcasting from Disneyland?
Yes. Entire week on Main Street USA
Love that story.
Completely agree on Disneyland/world as well….
I lived in Anaheim in the early 70’s and my friends and Inwould drive up to Chavez ravine and watch the dodgers about once a month seat just behind third base dugout were 7 dollars. It’s took us under an hour for the drive one way. From my place it was 15 minutes to see the Angels when it was Tannana and Nolan Ryan and pray for rain!
That would have been an awesome week. I, too went to an Angels game many years ago. Saw my beloved Yankees hit a bunch of home runs. This was long enough ago that they let you move seats, Instead of my nosebleed seat, got to sit right behind home plate.My goodness, I am old, it is over 40 years since Reggie Jackson played for the Yankees.
The Angels and Yankees used to play a double header every June and between the games they had a hot pants competition. Beer was sold half price for the second game. One of our wives would rescue the drunk husbands and assured we all got home safe. Good times and still have some of the pictures.
“Last 10 games:
EDM 8-21-1 (Won last two games)”
Oilers not only manage to play 30 games in a 10 game span but also manage to lose 21 of them… because Oilers 😛 #FireWoodcroft
Goddamn it!
That mistake was pointed out yesterday and I forgot to fix it and I can’t edit anymore.
Standard.
EDM 8-21-1 (Won last two games) 30 games played in 10.
The Oilers have been busy!
The games were on Thursday and OP assured us they played Friday so we missed those games. Good thing as the Oil did not do well!
Luckily we’re still at 94 points!
Yeah, but our points percentage must have been crushed!
Ha!
At least he had the right time.