There’s a large group of players who are candidates to make the Oilers out of training camp, or see a later recall, that we don’t talk about at all. It’s understandable, because what do we know about Greg McKegg beyond the fact he has played 233 NHL games in nine consecutive seasons? We know he has value because teams keep signing him. What does he do? What about the other McKeggs?
It's September in Oilersnation. With Ken Holland season almost over and Jay Woodcroft season on the horizon, this is a team with enormous firepower. Is it a balanced team? Here's a look. https://t.co/97VHXzk2Xs
Greg McKegg: He is 30, LHC, has a career 49.1 percent faceoff percentage. His shooting percentage is 12.4, that’s really good for a depth player. He’s undersized (6.00, 194), works hard and isn’t obsessed with playing every night (“knows his role”). His 1.78 takeaways per 60 at five-on-five was No. 5 among NYR forwards last season. All of his five-on-five possession numbers, actual and Rel, are poor. He played just over one minute a night on the PK, with a shots-against per 60 of 54.3 (No. 4 among Rangers F) and a goals-against per 60 (5.9) was No. 2 among Rangers forwards. He is not an offensive player.
Brad Malone: He is 33, LHC, and is bigger than McKegg (6.02, 217) while playing a rugged game. Career faceoff percentage is 52.2, he hasn’t been a regular in the NHL since 2015-16. He a lot of hits (24 in 8 games) and he got into two playoff games. Lack of speed has kept him out of the NHL for most of the last six years.
Devin Shore: He is 28, LHC and was traded for Andrew Cogliano and Sonny Milano in separate deals. Scored 5-6-11 in 49 games for the Oilers last season, missing 17 games due to injury. Jay Woodcroft played him in 22 games, 8:22 a night at five-on-five. His possession numbers were all over 50 percent, his expected goals 49.2 percent and goal share 46.7 percent. His PK work was not strong, although he played well in 2020-21 in the discipline. Shore is a “fringe” NHL player who is nearing his 30th birthday, so any year now could be his last. That isn’t a putdown or meant as a slight, that’s what history tells us.
Noah Philp: He is a RH center with size (6.03, 198) and 24 years old. If he can skate at all at the pro level I think he’ll get an NHL look this season (I have him playing games in my RE). Late developing offense in junior (he didn’t move the needle until 19) and a strong showing with the Alberta Golden Bears (20 goals in 36 games over two seasons) has him here. We’ll know far more by October 15 about him, but he is RFA next summer and a bit of a unicorn (RHC) so they’re going to take a long look.
James Hamblin: He is 23, plays center or wing, and is coming off a 21-goal season as a utility forward. It was such a strong season he was awarded with an NHL contract, his first. This is the story of a player who always had talent (23 goals in his draft year with the Medicine Hat Tigers) but his size (5.09, 180) left him on the outside at the draft table. His skating sometimes gets mentioned as a negative, but I think it’s more accurate to say, that while he’s probably an average skater, he can get to places in a quick hurry. In their 2016 Black Book, HockeyProspect.com wrote “fairly good skater with good jump who reacts quickly to the play” and that’s what I saw in Bakersfield. Smart player, good positioning always. I think the Oilers have one here, don’t know what scout identified him but that man deserves a free coffee. I have him playing some for Edmonton this season.
Seth Griffith: He is 29, undersized (5.09, 190) and coming off a dominant season (64, 30-50-80) for the Bakersfield Condors. If you told me that AHL campaign would get him a real audition this year and he would turn that into 200+ additional NHL games over the next three years, I wouldn’t bat an eye. I also wouldn’t be shocked if he has played his final NHL game. I’ve tracked him for a decade (Boston Bruins) and he’s always had offensive talent, I do believe Griffith has improved away from the puck.
Tyler Benson: He is 24, has played in 36 NHL games and the left wing depth chart has improved a great deal since he turned pro. His best chance at an NHL look on a pure skill line was as a rookie in Bakersfield, but there were concerns about injury so he didn’t get a full chance. Last year, he played in 29 games but as a role player, a slot that doesn’t accentuate his skills and he is less than ideal to fill. Benson’s NHL problem is that he doesn’t touch the puck enough. Speed is often blamed, but he’s a smart fellow and I saw Teddy Purcell play in the NHL so hard work, determination and some luck may get Benson another chance. It won’t be this year.
Mike Kesselring: He is 22 and last year was his first complete season with the Bakersfield Condors. Kesselring is a righty defenseman, that’s a unicorn, and his development path (leisurely pace) was predicted on his draft day. He is a rangy fellow (6.05, 215) and although it took him some time to match the aggression of pro players, he is there now. His offense (55, 2-11-13) is developing and his even strength goal share (11-13 as a rookie, 40-30 this year) is progressing nicely. I don’t believe he’ll see the NHL this season, as Vincent Desharnais is in front of him. That said, if he shows progress this year, we could be having a different conversation.
Phil Kemp: He is 23, another RHD and ironically the perfect style fit for a team looking for a shutdown defenseman. He has size (6.03, 211) and surprising offense in a Terry Harper kind of way (55, 3-6-9 last year with the Condors) and has made progress defensively. Kemp’s even strength goal differential in the AHL (7-5 as a rookie, 29-25 this season) doesn’t show the same growth as Kesselring, but Kemp is more of a shutdown type so defending is his game. The GA for the two men (both played 55 games) favours Kemp (25GA) over Kesselring (30GA). I don’t know that we’ll ever see him but he is a player worth tracking.
Ryan Fanti: Perhaps the most interesting player heading to Bakersfield this year among the quiet ones. Fanti had a strong college career, was pursued by many, and arrives with a chance to grab the starting job in Bakersfield. He is 6.02, 190, posted a save percentage of .929 at Minnesota-Duluth and let’s see action!
Olivier Rodrigue: He is 22 and has played just 24 AHL games and has not impressed. I’d like to see him in a regular rotation in the AHL, maybe playing seven of 10 games, but don’t know if we’ll see it. He posted .908 in Austria and .907 in the ECHL after turning pro.
Calvin Pickard: He is 30, has played in 116 NHL games and owns a career .903 save percentage. This is a solid No. 3 goaltender and first recall, and if Stuart Skinner falters chances are Pickard would be the backup in the NHL. He’s not terribly old, might be around for some time in the Edmonton system.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
A busy Friday leading into the long weekend on TSN1260. Steve Lansky will pop in to talk US Open and Canada’s NHL teams (who will win the Stanley next spring/summer?) plus Tyler Yaremchuk will predict training camp signings and cuts with 100 percent accuracy. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
A little late to this, but J.T. Miller’s new contract is a great deal relative to the market (as a non-free agent extending right now, we had his cap hit $2.2M more per year).
Over the last three seasons, Miller has been great offensively, and quite bad everywhere else.
“We’ll slap my ass and call me Sally” After Kassian and Archie departure who could of seen this possible signing happening. Virtanen or another rugged body in and either Foegele Yamamoto or J.P out.
“We’ll slap my ass and call me Sally” After Kassian and Archie departure who could of seen this possible signing happening. Virtanen or another rugged body in and either Foegele Yamamoto or J.P out.
Other than cap compliance matters, do you think any of those trades makes the team better and brings it closer to Stanley?
I’m fine with any PTO, and I can put off-ice issues aside without factual knowledge, but not sure about a contract.
He just turned 25 so this is definite runway to recover but (a) his stats in the KHL last year are “meh” at best and (b) what is the recovery ceiling? I know he could score 20 but are the comparison to Kassian as far as defensive smarts and commitment apt? If he scored 17 goals but is a tire-fire away from the puck, I don’t want that player.
Also, with D. Ryan presume 4RW, this is that empty 3RW slot, right? Its a leap to think this player is top 9 at this point, right?
He can score goals and brings rugged play. He’ll be inexpensive. I don’t know that he’s top nine F but he’s probably on a list, and Gagner was just signed.
He can score goals and brings rugged play. He’ll be inexpensive. I don’t know that he’s top nine F but he’s probably on a list, and Gagner was just signed.
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Sure but, take out the word “inexpensive” and you could replace him with Kassian…..
I would be fine if there wasn’t a reputation for being a poor defensive player making bad decisions on the ice and a lack of commitment in that regard.
For me, I want that player to make the right play on the ice – goals against the bottom six remained a concern last season, right?
There is only a spot for a top 9 RW right now, right? I mean either that or Derek Ryan is in the top 9……
If Kassian were inexpensive he’d still be here though.
And as I just said, what other options are available at this point? I know Rodrigues, that would be great, but he’s likely out of the Oilers price range (max of $1.3-$1.4M if Foegele were traded, by my estimation). Then what? LW Milano? LW/C Rask? Not sure there’s anything else out there.
FWIW, Virtanen has never bled goals against. His worse GA/60 season was his rookie year (2.71), and he’s been 2.62, 2.34, 2.52, 1.55 since then. That’s better than half the Oiler team last season (for real, 2.50 would have ranked him behind only Puljujarvi, Kane, McLeod, McDavid and Nuge in 5v5 GA/60).
If Virtanen is NOT a below average defensive player in a way that Kassian is the, 100%, I’m all for the PTO and see if he can maybe be 3RW and pot 15 goals and not be a net negative.
My hesitation is direct comparisons to Kassian away from the puck that I have read – this team cannot have that lack of commitment to the defensive side of the game and, seemingly, lack of hockey intelligence to play a responsible defensive game.
If he’s not that type of player (and I’m admitting that I really don’t know, just going on what has been written by a couple guys I think are smart analyzers) then I have much more time for it.
Nope, not alot of other free agent options out there but there is the internal option of moving Hyman over as I believe there is LW cover (and a Milano addition in that scenario could work) – again, that’s only if the Jake V. hurts the team even when producing a bit with poor 2-way play – I don’t want a Hoffman.
Yeah I’m not sure exactly what his defensive game looks like either, just showing that his actual on ice results don’t indicate a problem.
Playing Hyman in RW starts to look a lot more sensible when you look at the available options more closely, doesn’t it? :). IMO it could make the most sense even if there isn’t an external add (considering at least 2 of Foegele, Janmark and Holloway are likely to be on the roster, and that one of Nuge/McLeod could also line up there).
Fair enough but I would note that you often pointed out Kassian’s advanced numbers didn’t show a poor defensive game and, over time, I learned to trust my eye test more there.
I don’t know that he’s top nine F but he’s probably on a list, and Gagner was just signed.
This is very well said.
The list of guys remaining who are clearly top 9 is only about 2 or 3 players long at this point, so it’s kind of a moot point. And Virtanan does look like a player with a fighting chance of being able to do it.
His scouting report on elite prospects says excellent skater. He fits a player profile of a dirty hockey player that bothers me personally but his ability and willingness to engage is an ingredient that the team could use more of.
Kane can’t protect everyone from the Virtanin’s of the league. Skating is not his problem it’s his personal life and I’m pretty sure he’s about to do a about-face in that regard.
#96 (his KHL #) is still available (18 of course, is not) and Connor knows him from the WJ team and the hit he took from him in Penticton….so there’s that.
We will await the HH analysis. I expect it will be that it’s a great signing with full value through the entire term and that the no move terms are a minor inconvenience. Much superior to the Nuge and Hyman contracts.
Myers has a $5 million signing bonus due next summer leaving only $1 million in cash left on the final year of his contract so easy to move and no buyout needed.
Ryan Murray is surely a depth player for the Oilers, but a quick look at his numbers.
He’ll turn 29 later this month. He was very much a depth player last year for Colorado. Before that he was around the top 4 his whole career (18-22 minutes per game, 15:00-17:30 at 5v5).
His 5v5 on ice results have been meh (what are you hoping for for $750k, right?). SF% rel and xGF% rel more negative than positive, but not terrible. GF% numbers jump around more in both directions. He scored pretty well at 5v5 for the 3 seasons before this past one (0.90 P/60 or better all 3), but never had much even strength offense before that (probably nothing to see there).
Very limited PP time since 15-16. He’s been a regular penalty killer all down the line though (1:44/game every year until 1:05 last season). He’s had pretty good results there, his SA, GA, xGA rates rel to team have all been more negative (good) than positive.
Definitely not a sexy player, but he’s not such a bad one. He’s probably got his eye on Broberg and Kulak on that relatively inexperienced left side. They should be able to hold him off, but Murray working himself back into an every day role wouldn’t actually be that surprising either.
Murray looks like the kind of depth you’d like your young players to be able to climb over to earn a job. It would be a shame to lose Samorukov, but we will see.
Depth is certainly good. But I do hope they don’t send Samourakov on his murray way.
Well done sir, and I agree.
I do think that Samorukov would likely clear waivers given the names we see clear on the eve of camp every season but, of course, there is risk.
Holland did say earlier in the off-season, he’s building a team to win and expressly mentioned that he’s place players on waivers if there were better options – that could be Samorukov.
More than anything, I hope Samorukov EARNS that roster spot that I think he was ready for a year ago.
We know he’s been working hard – he stayed in Edmonton for the summer to use the facilities and train.
Yeah, though I think Bob’s been saying all summer to expect a depth D-man add.
It’s conceivable that there’s still uncertainty about Koekkoek’s status (even though Holland/Woodcroft – I forget which – said he was expected to play).
You may also have been right that Bouchard and Broberg plus a rookie 7D (I think you said that) is too much youth for Holland’s liking.
Whatever the case, Samorukov’s path to a roster did just get harder.
Not that the door was open (in my opinion), this signing would seem to close the door on that potential option.
I wonder if Slater will report to the Condors…..?
OriginalPouzar
September 2, 2022 3:52 pm
One thing on Holloway and him saying yesterday (he was on O. Now with Stauff) that he thinks the org is deploying him as a winger to start this season – recall that Ryan McLeod played the majority of his rookie AHL season on the wing. McLeod did play full time center in his second AHL season (with Marody shifting to wing on the line).
Now, of course, this is Holloway’s second season pro, not his rookie pro season, but he didn’t have a full season.
Coilers2021
September 2, 2022 3:47 pm
I would have to assume they got Woodcroft and Mason’s input on this one. Otherwise there were a ton of other defensemen of his ilk they could have brought in on a PTO.
The only guy on that list I’d have more interest in would be Subban and he’d require a PTO before a contract due to injury (hip) issues.
I don’t think R. Murray would have lasted to a PTO (probably had a couple options at league min) and, even if he was on a PTO, there is no assurance that he signs his contract with the PTO team – see what’s his face that signed with the flames after coming to Oilers’ camp.
If we’re going for depth, why not have Cowboy there? He’s happy to play depth, and he plays his heart out. He may not have much left in the tank, but does Murray?
Kurri17
September 2, 2022 3:39 pm
Ryan Murray…Finally the Oilers get their man after all these years lol.
Apropos of nothing, I once ran into Nail Yakupov in his final year with the Oilers. It was winter and he was walking by himself downtown. He was super nice and took the time to pose for pictures with us. Told him I hope he stays with the team because we love watching him take one-timers lol. Just wanted to add that he was a very nice kid, and was happy to oblige for some pics. Wish he could have developed under a Woodcroft/Holland combo and not a DoD management team and coaching staff.
He seemed (seems) like a real good kid – always seemed happy and very much willing to engage with the fan-base. Just liked playing hockey (well, hockey his way at least….).
I did (but it presumes a 23 player roster and carrying 8D).
I had been postulating about Kris Russell as 8D and, well, Murray is simply better so, in that regard, I’m quite please but, at the same time, until a trade is consummated to open up cap space, I don’t think my 13F/8D/2G roster plan is realistic.
dessert1111
September 2, 2022 2:40 pm
I wonder if the Murray signing is a signal that Barrie or someone else is about to move?
Either way, I really like the signing. Last year I was in favour of offering him 2.5×2 or something like that, and it doesn’t look like he would’ve covered that bet but this one is zero risk. If the D stays the same I’d be in favor of sending down Broberg and keeping up Samourukov, as it stands right now.
My “hope” is yes as I “hope” the plan heading in to camp is a full 23-man roster and 8D on it and the only way to do that is to move out real cap.
I may be putting way too much in to thinking that Samorukov is in the team’s plans to start the year, mind you.
As far as Barrie being out – I don’t think this move would indicate that at all given leftie/rightie and, well, only 3 legit NHL RD in the org right now.
Victoria Oil
September 2, 2022 2:27 pm
Strudwick is finishing up a great interview with Darius Kaspairitis on TSN. Funny guy.
Lewis Grant
September 2, 2022 2:26 pm
At the 2012 draft, the scouts wanted Reinhart, Tambellini wanted Murray, and Katz wanted Yakupov. In the end, we got them all! How lucky are we?!
I dunno. Yak had something like 9 pts in 10 games playing RW with McDavid….and then the darn linesman pulled him down. When he came back from injury, he never got another chance with McDavid. Sometimes I wonder what could have been.
The scouts wanted Murray or a trade down out of #1 for Reinhart. The scouts didn’t want Reinhart at #1.
OriginalPouzar
September 2, 2022 1:12 pm
Ryan Murray is a fine 7D for $750K but I’d prefer Samorukov in that spot.
I’m going to hope this is for 8D and the plan is for a full 23 man roster which allows for it.
My hope was 23 man roster with Russell signed as 8D (and 13F on the roster) – I’d prefer Russell to Murray, to tell you the truth but Murray is fine in the role.
If this is for the 7D spot with only 7 d-men on the roster then my initial thoughts are I don’t like it.
Yes, this is the only one player transaction that allows it, and it has merit.
Actually, it would be tight, but trading Yamamoto or Puljujarvi (but not Foegele) could also allow a 23-man roster, though the final 3 forwards (plus 1D and the backup goalie) would all need to be paid about $800k.
Ryan Murray is good cover if the rookies don’t show anything in training camp.
A team needs a lot of NHL defencemen as Lowetide always says. Last season the Oilers used 12 different players. 10 guys got a fairly substantial amount of games before Kulak came to town.
The trouble with Samorukov in the starting lineup is that an injury or two puts 3-4 rookies in the starting lineup. That seldom fairs well.
If Samorukov blows the doors off and performs well as a 7D that’s great. If not, I’m glad that the Oilers have brought in at least one back up plan.
I don’t have Samorukov in the starting lineup of 6D, I have him as the 7D.
I don’t disagree with your premise and I’m fine with adding a veteran D to the roster but more in an 8D situation which presumes a normal 23 player roster. I had postulated about Kris Russell as that player so Ryan Murray is just fine but I’m just not sure if they will be able to get to a 23 player roster.
Samorukov likely clears waivers but there is risk
WINWELL
September 2, 2022 12:49 pm
Murray. Hoo-boy.
Durag
September 2, 2022 12:49 pm
Quick! Everyone revise their predictions about the Oilers’ blueline!
Going a little deeper into that draft, the Oilers do still employ 2012 top 15 picks Koekkoek and Ceci, 2nd round pick Devin Shore and 4th round pick Brett Kulak.
Seems helpful Broberg cover. Competition with Koekkoek and the youngins for a 7D spot?
Last edited 2 years ago by geowal
OriginalPouzar
September 2, 2022 12:35 pm
While I don’t foresee him playing NHL games this season (unless things go off the rails injury wise), I do think that Kesselring has top 4 upside. Don’t get me wrong, he may NEVER make it and, if he does, its probably unlikely that he hits that ceiling but I do really like his full skill set.
He is a very good skater for his size. He’s a big man and he’s still filling out. He skates well and he showed massive in-season development. He’s a good puck mover and started to blossom in that area in the 2nd half of the season.
There is potential with this kid – i really thing so.
As far as Kemp goes, I really really really like his style of game and his smarts – he’s a very smart hockey player. The skating is really the main, in fact, the only, concern. He gets beat with speed at the AHL level and I just don’t think he can defend NHL speed at this point. If he can figure out a way to improve that lateral mobility, he’ll have an NHL career. We know he’s working at it but some guys just aren’t good enough skaters, no matter how much they work on it. We’ll probably know more in a year on Kemp.
OriginalPouzar
September 2, 2022 12:31 pm
Great write-up on those guys Al.
Its really really tough for me to predict which of those guys will play NHL games this year and when…… so many ways it could play out.
I mean, I could see Brad Malone as 4C on October 12 but I also could see him being a full time Condor this season. Does McKegg jump him for a depth lineup spot or injury call-up?
One would think that Devin Shore is a lock to play NHL games but, then again, Woody didn’t play him a single second in the playoffs – that means something, doesn’t it? Benson saves $100K over shore on the cap – that might be important.
The Oilers need a top 9 RW spot filled – if Seth Griffith an after-thought or could he earn some reps in the regular season? 80 points in 64 games in the 2nd best league in the world is real but, of course, sometimes that doesn’t translate. He has experience.
I keep thinking that James Hamblin, in many ways a “Yamamoto-light” with his tenacious play sees NHL games but does a “mature” Noah Philp as a right shot center jump him? How can I project Philp with NHL games given the giant wild card he is?
Mayan Oil
September 2, 2022 12:31 pm
Can anyone provide some clarity on something that has been bugging me? Why did Japan play in the quarter finals of the Women’s World Championship? They had the worst record in the entire tournament. It should have been Germany who placed third in Group B, by my lights. What happened there?
They do some different seedings in the pools to keep the round robin games more competitive. Group A are the top 5 teams (based on world rank presumably) and all of these teams make the playoffs, seeded 1 though 5 based on round robin play. Group B are the lowest ranked teams in the tournament. Only the top 3 teams of Group B make the playoffs after round robin play and they are seeded 6 through 8.
I’m not sure if teams 9 and 10 get relegated or not. One or both of them may be relegated and replaced with the winner or winners of another tournament with the next tier of teams.
While there are still lopsided games it prevents the top team from playing the #10 team when there is so much disparity in ability. This is a much different scenario than for example men’s soccer where the top dozen or so teams could play each other and have much more competitive games.
OriginalPouzar
September 2, 2022 12:20 pm
I would have had no problem with Gagner in camp on a PTO or even signed to a one-year $750K contract. There is zero risk with that and that signing would be to compete with Benson, Shore, Malone, etc. for that 12F-14F spot.
The thing is, Derek Ryan is 4RW and that would be the primary position for Ganger I would think (with his ability to slide to various spots for cover, etc.).
What the current roster actually needs (in my opinion) is a top 9 right winger. D. Ryan is 4RW and both Jesse and Kailer can really play anywhere on the top 3 lines but they need one more.
Enter Evan Rodrigues who would be ideal for that add.
I don’t think he comes league min but I also don’t think he comes in at near $2MM where I originally had him. Maybe he’s around $1.5MM.
Of course, there is no current cap room for that $1.5MM UFA signing but, as we know, something has to give on the cap structuring.
If its Foegele out, and, really, that makes sense given the RW vs. LW depth and the ages of Yamo/Jesse vs. Foegele (taking away Barrie which is a more material move), and Rodrigues in – that probably saves $1MM – $1.5MM and balances the lineup, right?
Revolved
September 2, 2022 12:12 pm
Given how (over?)developed the Condors are, I’m hoping to see that club have a lot of success. They are going to lose important players to the oilers, but if any of them are as close to ready for the NHL as they seem, they’re going to have to make the AHL look bad.
Saskie
September 2, 2022 12:12 pm
This is why I enjoy going to preseason games as much as the regular season. I find it’s a lot of fun watching and getting a glims of the new guys and up and possible up and coming guys.
Aren’t you going to wax poetic about what a tremendous signing this is for Winnipeg, a great bet, a wise move, a cunning acquisition? And what a bounce back season they and Sam will have now? Oh wait that would only be true if Gagner has signed in Vancouver is that right? Or Calgary? Or was it Colorado? Oh wait wait, St Louis? No I can get it just give me a second….
Oh well. I guess they’ll have to find someone else 🤷.
YYCOil
September 2, 2022 11:09 am
I see Benson as the new 13/14 forward, the success in the AHL, the contract, relationship with the coach, and he has been reassigned number 16 is the tipping points for this player to stay in Edmonton .
AntsOfTheSky
September 2, 2022 10:38 am
So my good buddy plays in a summer ball hockey league with Bouchards brother. (Bouch apparently offered to play a few games for them but the league didn’t let him. Something about it not being fair to the other teams lol)
Anyways, apparently Bouchard was NOT happy with his playing time and how he was handled the past couple years. Also did not get along with Tippet at all either. So much so that he actually quietly requested a trade at the end of last year. Now apparently he loves working with Woodcroft, so things might be fine now, but it was just something I thought was very interesting and I thought the group here might find interesting too. Sometimes over-rippening can have some unintended negative consequences on young prospects/players.
Feel free to delete this LT if this is against the rules, I only have my buddies word to base this off (I have seen photos of him and the Bouchards together though so I know they are friends.)
He was on a team that went to the conference finals and he had a huge role in the playoffs. Sure he was over ripe but he was ready for the show when he arrived.
A few of us posters (H.H) have been saying it all along you don’t have your number 9 pick sitting in the Hotel room when he should be playing and developing. Dobson is making the big money while Evan is still making close to league minimum. It’s obviously more than money and pride when you have the best pedigree right hand shot and arguably the best right D in your organization not playing in the Playoffs against the Jets. This was a sin and a firing offence on Tippett. I don’t blame him one bit if he asked to be traded.
Everytime I posted about how Bouchard was handled incorrectly immediately a certain Holland fanboy poster would post how he was handled correctly and it’s not the organization fault or Tippett’s fault it just came down to numbers blah blah blah.
Why would a highly drafted pick watch his cohort get more opportunity and the millions that are on the line be content with a team that keeps blocking him from commensurate success?
Given how short careers are, Bouchard has already forgone millions that he will never get back.
You still have posters that don’t want Bouchard to see the PP even the 2nd or out there when the opposition pulls their Goalie even when down by two. They say it’s smart for Barrie to get the gravy so Bouchard next contract is shit compared to Dobson and Ty Smith. This is not fair play and we both know chances are that Bouchard is not going to be so called team friendly on the next contract negotiation.
Quinn Hughes was drafted 3 spots ahead of Bouchard in the 2018 draft. While you can argue about ability, the repercussions of holding Bouchard back are stunning.
Career earnings at the end of the 2022/23 season:
Hughes: $10 milllion (and this is with a backloaded contract)
You suddenly seem very concerned about how much Bouchard was robbed of millions of dollars, after arguing for years that he couldn’t even hold a candle to Quinn Hughes and how Rafferty was even better than Bouchard.
You went from arguing that Bouchard was held out of games because he simply wasn’t good enough to “he was good enough but the Oilers were wrong for not playing him” to “he has comparable ability to Hughes and missed out on millions of dollars”.
way to call him on it, side – such a lame take. Bouch needed to be slowly immersed (With Barrie, Russell and Larsen ahead) and he’ll get his payday, not to mention a way better chance at a day with Stanley than any of his draft peers, save K’Andre Miller.
What a totally unique situation Bouchard is in. A total travesty.
You could apply that comment to most NHL players, past, present and future. The only reason you are talking about it now is because Bouchard is an Oiler.
Again, you were saying for years his value is an AHL player at best.
How you’re talking about missed out money for Bouchard when you said mere months ago, multiple times Bouchard isn’t an NHL defensemen is wild. Absolute garbage human being.
Everytime I posted about how Bouchard was handled incorrectly immediately a certain Holland fanboy poster would post how he was handled correctly and it’s not the organization fault or Tippett’s fault it just came down to numbers blah blah blah.
This is 100% LIES and not what I said.
Stop fabricating my opinions to fit your strawman positions.
The 2020-21 RHD depth chart consisted of “48 points in 56 games” Barrie and Adam Larsson. It will take a lot to claim a rookie Bouchard is a core player ahead of the two. The 56 game season was relative short, and neither of the two missed significant time to free up playing time.
Was Bouchard better than Ethan Bear? Probably, but the dude also had a rather solid 2019-20 season playing with Nurse. That counted for something when it comes to a longer rope in hopes for him to recover form.
The biggest roster problem that season was LHD. With Klefboom on LTIR, they had Nurse on the first pair and your choice of Russel, Koekkoek or Jones on the other pairs. Nome of which was any good on their own, and a disastrous thought expecting them to carry a rookie.
Couple that with the COVID travel restrictions and the league wide taxi squad policy, Bouchard sat around for most of the season instead of playing in AHL or Europe.
All of these of course are Holland roster construction problem, but a freebie Barrie on 1 year showme deal was too much to turn down. He bet on Koekkoek, which had prodigree, and was one of the better Chicago player in 19~20 that knock out the Oilers, bet that didn’t turn out. Would of could of should of…
No I don’t think Bouchard is a core player yet . That could change quickly. Tip didn’t trust him entirely , that’s pretty much why he didn’t play him . Tip was a crusty old coach.
cowboy bill
Reply to Reja
September 2, 2022 6:25 pm
No I don’t think Bouchard is a core player yet . That could change quickly. Tip didn’t trust him entirely , that’s pretty much why he didn’t play him . Tip was a crusty old coach.
Tip/Playfair played Bouchard more, and in higher quality/tougher minute situations, than Woody/Manson did…….
Since the word “Intel” is hip and fashionable lately on this blog I’m going to let you know what my “Intel” agents had to say when Bear was traded. Bear was told that it was nothing personal it’s just that the numbers didn’t work.
Its kind of hard for Tippett to play Bear over Bouchard when Holland has traded Bear. As result Tippett ends up pounding the piss out young Bouchard with playing time.
OK. He played Bouchard (21:41) more than he’d played Bear (17:57) the year before though. Bouchard basically took Barrie’s 5v5 minutes (and spot next to Nurse), and Bear’s PK minutes (next to Nurse).
I suspect the intel from a poster on the internet, who got it from a buddy who plays ball hockey with Bouch’s brother…… may not be able to be taken at 100% legit….. that’s just me though.
It would be normal for Bouchard to be unhappy with how Tippet held him off the roster during the season and playoffs.. it’s probably safe to say that most competitive hockey players hate to sit and watch their team play.. but that said I’m Glad to hear that the rumour is he’s happy now and Edmonton has its right shot offensive defensemen with some height to him, that we have been dreaming about for some time.. let the Bouch Bombs fly !!
Bouchard is a point magnet in the poor man’s Larry Murphy’s way. Bouchard should of been given a opportunity all the way back to the Chicago play-in. Kelfbom was playing with one arm and everyone knew it. Kelfbom was on the PP and the Hawks cheated and gave him the shot which he was unable to use. The special teams cost us that series. How much more would Bouchard be developed if he was inserted going back to the Hawk embarrassment. The following year Bouchard was NHL ready to start the Covid season after playing overseas yet Tippett passed on him and his ability again.
The reality is no one can go back and change it! Couda’s woulda’s and shouda’s are counterproductive. We learn from mistakes and move forward! The team is currently in a very good place talent wise both at the NHL level and with talented young players pushing for spots. Our coaching and management are excellent. In my opinion it is time to quit reliving the past and enjoy the present and our bright future.
This is our window to win Cups participation ribbons don’t mean jackshit. Leon and Mcdavid could disappear just as fast as Gretzky, Messier, Anderson, Kurri, Coffey, Fuhr and Moog. The only difference being is that the boys on the bus not only won 5 Cups but they finally beat the mighty Islanders and regulary beat the Flames to a pulp.
As I recall there were some years before the success that they did not have success while learning to win. I agree the window is now and I intend to enjoy it. Assuming all falls correctly re cap increasing exponentially the team as we know it could easily tie or exceed what the boys on the bus accomplished. I choose to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. I will stay forever a loyal Oier fan!
cowboy bill
September 2, 2022 10:04 am
Good morning guy’s & gal’s . An interesting write up today . The McKegg’s , family of twelve , six of them actually have NHL experience , could be slipped into the line up as required and play their role admirably . The other six most definitely stand a chance for glory as well . This certainly is a position of strength within the Oilers organization .
I’m pretty satisfied with the tweener depth. I haven’t watched him much but to me if Kesserling makes it he might play higher in the order the rest – a bit more of a boom or bust feel.
As for Benson, I don’t really know what to think. He has such a dominant and valuable skill and is working on a multi faceted game that I can still see him anywhere from a top 6 winger to a tweener/Europe league guy. I can’t really remember another guy in the system the past 10-15 years who I felt similarly about. Time isn’t on his side anymore, though.
Oh, I don’t know – McDavid/Benson together: 67% goals and 69% expected goals – sure it was 22 minutes and 2 goals for…. i.e. offence died both directions…. but still!
I’ve always felt there are 60-100 guys playing in the AHL every year who could trade places with 60-100 playing in the NHL and no one would really notice. I don’t know if NHL people would agree, because coaches like specific players for specific roles, but I’ll go to my grave believing Cooper Marody was a better player than several Oilers during his time in Bakersfield.
It comes down to injuries, opportunities luck etc for so many fringe players. If the G.M and his staff that drafted you is replaced (fired) while your developing you may be buried by the organization.
The interchangeablility of the tweeners was why there is a waiver claim process in the first place.
That said, I do believe the current salary cap slow down tweener player movement significantly. Any player making more than 1.1M would have some residue money counting against the cap even if send down. This force teams to be more conservative making claims, and making it more difficult to get rid of incumbent tweenwr and free up a spot for the next up coming tweener.
So Samorukov is leaving in the PKane deal then?
Read my mind. 😉
EvolvingWild
A little late to this, but J.T. Miller’s new contract is a great deal relative to the market (as a non-free agent extending right now, we had his cap hit $2.2M more per year).
Over the last three seasons, Miller has been great offensively, and quite bad everywhere else.
Of course it is.
Say goodbye to Bo Horvat after this season HH.
Why?
Vancouver has $2.4 million in dead cap coming off the books next season…enough to pay him as much as $8 million.
Dom has the JT Miller contract at -19 mil value over the course of the contract
Rick Dhaliwal on Vancouver radio just now…saying 4 teams are in on Jake Virtanen and the Oilers are leading the way.
Dhaliwal is reliable.
Yep.
Very well connected with agents.
“We’ll slap my ass and call me Sally” After Kassian and Archie departure who could of seen this possible signing happening. Virtanen or another rugged body in and either Foegele Yamamoto or J.P out.
Other than cap compliance matters, do you think any of those trades makes the team better and brings it closer to Stanley?
Very much so.
I wonder if this is contract or PTO speculation?
I’m fine with any PTO, and I can put off-ice issues aside without factual knowledge, but not sure about a contract.
He just turned 25 so this is definite runway to recover but (a) his stats in the KHL last year are “meh” at best and (b) what is the recovery ceiling? I know he could score 20 but are the comparison to Kassian as far as defensive smarts and commitment apt? If he scored 17 goals but is a tire-fire away from the puck, I don’t want that player.
Also, with D. Ryan presume 4RW, this is that empty 3RW slot, right? Its a leap to think this player is top 9 at this point, right?
He can score goals and brings rugged play. He’ll be inexpensive. I don’t know that he’s top nine F but he’s probably on a list, and Gagner was just signed.
‘
Sure but, take out the word “inexpensive” and you could replace him with Kassian…..
I would be fine if there wasn’t a reputation for being a poor defensive player making bad decisions on the ice and a lack of commitment in that regard.
For me, I want that player to make the right play on the ice – goals against the bottom six remained a concern last season, right?
There is only a spot for a top 9 RW right now, right? I mean either that or Derek Ryan is in the top 9……
If Kassian were inexpensive he’d still be here though.
And as I just said, what other options are available at this point? I know Rodrigues, that would be great, but he’s likely out of the Oilers price range (max of $1.3-$1.4M if Foegele were traded, by my estimation). Then what? LW Milano? LW/C Rask? Not sure there’s anything else out there.
FWIW, Virtanen has never bled goals against. His worse GA/60 season was his rookie year (2.71), and he’s been 2.62, 2.34, 2.52, 1.55 since then. That’s better than half the Oiler team last season (for real, 2.50 would have ranked him behind only Puljujarvi, Kane, McLeod, McDavid and Nuge in 5v5 GA/60).
If Virtanen is NOT a below average defensive player in a way that Kassian is the, 100%, I’m all for the PTO and see if he can maybe be 3RW and pot 15 goals and not be a net negative.
My hesitation is direct comparisons to Kassian away from the puck that I have read – this team cannot have that lack of commitment to the defensive side of the game and, seemingly, lack of hockey intelligence to play a responsible defensive game.
If he’s not that type of player (and I’m admitting that I really don’t know, just going on what has been written by a couple guys I think are smart analyzers) then I have much more time for it.
Nope, not alot of other free agent options out there but there is the internal option of moving Hyman over as I believe there is LW cover (and a Milano addition in that scenario could work) – again, that’s only if the Jake V. hurts the team even when producing a bit with poor 2-way play – I don’t want a Hoffman.
Yeah I’m not sure exactly what his defensive game looks like either, just showing that his actual on ice results don’t indicate a problem.
Playing Hyman in RW starts to look a lot more sensible when you look at the available options more closely, doesn’t it? :). IMO it could make the most sense even if there isn’t an external add (considering at least 2 of Foegele, Janmark and Holloway are likely to be on the roster, and that one of Nuge/McLeod could also line up there).
Fair enough but I would note that you often pointed out Kassian’s advanced numbers didn’t show a poor defensive game and, over time, I learned to trust my eye test more there.
This is very well said.
The list of guys remaining who are clearly top 9 is only about 2 or 3 players long at this point, so it’s kind of a moot point. And Virtanan does look like a player with a fighting chance of being able to do it.
I’m not sure he has the boots to be anything but a shooter waiting for a set up
His scouting report on elite prospects says excellent skater. He fits a player profile of a dirty hockey player that bothers me personally but his ability and willingness to engage is an ingredient that the team could use more of.
Perhaps the games I saw he was not in hockey playing shape
Actually has great wheels and hits like a truck when he feels like it.
Kane can’t protect everyone from the Virtanin’s of the league. Skating is not his problem it’s his personal life and I’m pretty sure he’s about to do a about-face in that regard.
Virtanen isn’t.
Just when I thought I was out…
https://youtu.be/UneS2Uwc6xw?t=54
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scz2qcgZqDc
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0cYtQrvxKkk
#96 (his KHL #) is still available (18 of course, is not) and Connor knows him from the WJ team and the hit he took from him in Penticton….so there’s that.
I see him as a PTO, though
Nurse was also on that goal medal winning WJr team.
Of course , 7 years is way too long for Miller but he’s better value at $8MM in the next 2-3 years then Kadri will be at $7MM.
Not sure it’s the “right thing to do” for that org as it’s a “win now” type deal and that team isn’t there but it is what it is.
We will await the HH analysis. I expect it will be that it’s a great signing with full value through the entire term and that the no move terms are a minor inconvenience. Much superior to the Nuge and Hyman contracts.
Too early to say since we don’t have any word about bonus structure but Nuge has a full NMC for the entirety of his contract.
Hyman has a NMC for 5 years then a MNTC for 2.
This kind of comment is why in you own words you are “ pretty much a nothing burger”!
Nuge is also signed at barely $5M per.
Kadri at $7M
Miller at $8M
Huberdeau at $10.5M
Nuge career .74 points per game
Kadri career .69 points per game
Miller career .71 points per game
Huberdeau career .91 points per game
Relative to recent signings through age 37 (or so), I don’t think anybody has grounds to critique the Nuge contract.
Not the value…but the NMC makes it an issue.
Vancouver signs JT Miller to a 7year X $8 million extension.
Wow!
The contract structure will be key.
No details yet.
Rick Dhaliwal
@DhaliwalSports
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1m
Miller has a no move for the entire 7 years. No trade for the 1st 4 years. Modified list the last 3 years.
A key will be if there are material signing bonuses in the last few years. Its not Kadri-albatros but he’ll be 30 when it kicks in.
https://twitter.com/jfreshhockey/status/1565837426861522946?s=21&t=EUId2Uhbe30EyybAaqxhlQ
more cap hell future for a team that always has multiple buyout candidates
Who are the others?
OEL, Tyler Myers, Tucker Poolman, Dickinson Frrland
oh my
OEL…but Myers and Dickinson come off the cap in 2 more years…easy to trade with some retention.
Its likely Poolman is done with severe migraines and Ferland will not play again so both on LTIR for the duration.
Not much of a multitude Sparky.
Myers has a $5 million signing bonus due next summer leaving only $1 million in cash left on the final year of his contract so easy to move and no buyout needed.
Just in time for the Miller contract to lose its value
circle of life on Canucksland
but yeah that Pool of Tuckers signing is looking so great
This reminds of the LA Kings prospect pool.
Ryan Murray is surely a depth player for the Oilers, but a quick look at his numbers.
He’ll turn 29 later this month. He was very much a depth player last year for Colorado. Before that he was around the top 4 his whole career (18-22 minutes per game, 15:00-17:30 at 5v5).
His 5v5 on ice results have been meh (what are you hoping for for $750k, right?). SF% rel and xGF% rel more negative than positive, but not terrible. GF% numbers jump around more in both directions. He scored pretty well at 5v5 for the 3 seasons before this past one (0.90 P/60 or better all 3), but never had much even strength offense before that (probably nothing to see there).
Very limited PP time since 15-16. He’s been a regular penalty killer all down the line though (1:44/game every year until 1:05 last season). He’s had pretty good results there, his SA, GA, xGA rates rel to team have all been more negative (good) than positive.
Definitely not a sexy player, but he’s not such a bad one. He’s probably got his eye on Broberg and Kulak on that relatively inexperienced left side. They should be able to hold him off, but Murray working himself back into an every day role wouldn’t actually be that surprising either.
Depth is good.
Depth is certainly good. But I do hope they don’t send Samourakov on his murray way.
Hehe.
Murray looks like the kind of depth you’d like your young players to be able to climb over to earn a job. It would be a shame to lose Samorukov, but we will see.
duplicate
Well done sir, and I agree.
I do think that Samorukov would likely clear waivers given the names we see clear on the eve of camp every season but, of course, there is risk.
Holland did say earlier in the off-season, he’s building a team to win and expressly mentioned that he’s place players on waivers if there were better options – that could be Samorukov.
More than anything, I hope Samorukov EARNS that roster spot that I think he was ready for a year ago.
We know he’s been working hard – he stayed in Edmonton for the summer to use the facilities and train.
Stay Healthy Sammy!
I thought Koekkoek was supposed to be the veteran depth for the kids?
Not that it matters to anybody but Katz.
Yeah, though I think Bob’s been saying all summer to expect a depth D-man add.
It’s conceivable that there’s still uncertainty about Koekkoek’s status (even though Holland/Woodcroft – I forget which – said he was expected to play).
You may also have been right that Bouchard and Broberg plus a rookie 7D (I think you said that) is too much youth for Holland’s liking.
Whatever the case, Samorukov’s path to a roster did just get harder.
Not that the door was open (in my opinion), this signing would seem to close the door on that potential option.
I wonder if Slater will report to the Condors…..?
One thing on Holloway and him saying yesterday (he was on O. Now with Stauff) that he thinks the org is deploying him as a winger to start this season – recall that Ryan McLeod played the majority of his rookie AHL season on the wing. McLeod did play full time center in his second AHL season (with Marody shifting to wing on the line).
Now, of course, this is Holloway’s second season pro, not his rookie pro season, but he didn’t have a full season.
I would have to assume they got Woodcroft and Mason’s input on this one. Otherwise there were a ton of other defensemen of his ilk they could have brought in on a PTO.
Not the biggest fan of this one.
Pickins are getting slim out there.
The only UFA defenseman remaining who played 30+ games last season are:
Yandle
Subban
Stralman
Chara
Greene
DeHaan
DeKeyser
Russell
Chances are the guys you like more than Murray are asking for more than $750k.
That’s a possibility but the longer this drags out for most of the competitive teams out there, the less money here is to go around.
There is plenty of money for these guys on less competitive teams but I think many of them would have preferred to play on a playoff team.
In all honesty, I would rather have Russell than Murray.
Fair enough, can’t say I agree.
The only guy on that list I’d have more interest in would be Subban and he’d require a PTO before a contract due to injury (hip) issues.
I don’t think R. Murray would have lasted to a PTO (probably had a couple options at league min) and, even if he was on a PTO, there is no assurance that he signs his contract with the PTO team – see what’s his face that signed with the flames after coming to Oilers’ camp.
Yeah, that’s probably why Gagner is in Winnipeg (Oilers would only offer him a PTO).
I think Stralman can still help a team as well, and DeHaan seems in a comparable range as Murray. Definitely not a lot left on the UFA shelves though.
If we’re going for depth, why not have Cowboy there? He’s happy to play depth, and he plays his heart out. He may not have much left in the tank, but does Murray?
Ryan Murray…Finally the Oilers get their man after all these years lol.
Apropos of nothing, I once ran into Nail Yakupov in his final year with the Oilers. It was winter and he was walking by himself downtown. He was super nice and took the time to pose for pictures with us. Told him I hope he stays with the team because we love watching him take one-timers lol. Just wanted to add that he was a very nice kid, and was happy to oblige for some pics. Wish he could have developed under a Woodcroft/Holland combo and not a DoD management team and coaching staff.
He seemed (seems) like a real good kid – always seemed happy and very much willing to engage with the fan-base. Just liked playing hockey (well, hockey his way at least….).
Who saw another D-man signing coming?
Holland must know something we don’t.
Shit, I hope Holland knows things that we don’t.
I did (but it presumes a 23 player roster and carrying 8D).
I had been postulating about Kris Russell as 8D and, well, Murray is simply better so, in that regard, I’m quite please but, at the same time, until a trade is consummated to open up cap space, I don’t think my 13F/8D/2G roster plan is realistic.
I wonder if the Murray signing is a signal that Barrie or someone else is about to move?
Either way, I really like the signing. Last year I was in favour of offering him 2.5×2 or something like that, and it doesn’t look like he would’ve covered that bet but this one is zero risk. If the D stays the same I’d be in favor of sending down Broberg and keeping up Samourukov, as it stands right now.
My “hope” is yes as I “hope” the plan heading in to camp is a full 23-man roster and 8D on it and the only way to do that is to move out real cap.
I may be putting way too much in to thinking that Samorukov is in the team’s plans to start the year, mind you.
As far as Barrie being out – I don’t think this move would indicate that at all given leftie/rightie and, well, only 3 legit NHL RD in the org right now.
Strudwick is finishing up a great interview with Darius Kaspairitis on TSN. Funny guy.
At the 2012 draft, the scouts wanted Reinhart, Tambellini wanted Murray, and Katz wanted Yakupov. In the end, we got them all! How lucky are we?!
Seems Tambellini was the least wrong on this one.
I dunno. Yak had something like 9 pts in 10 games playing RW with McDavid….and then the darn linesman pulled him down. When he came back from injury, he never got another chance with McDavid. Sometimes I wonder what could have been.
The scouts wanted Murray or a trade down out of #1 for Reinhart. The scouts didn’t want Reinhart at #1.
Ryan Murray is a fine 7D for $750K but I’d prefer Samorukov in that spot.
I’m going to hope this is for 8D and the plan is for a full 23 man roster which allows for it.
My hope was 23 man roster with Russell signed as 8D (and 13F on the roster) – I’d prefer Russell to Murray, to tell you the truth but Murray is fine in the role.
If this is for the 7D spot with only 7 d-men on the roster then my initial thoughts are I don’t like it.
Man, it’s tough enough to finagle a cap compliant 22-man roster, never mind 23.
Move Barrie and both are possible.😉
Yes, this is the only one player transaction that allows it, and it has merit.
Actually, it would be tight, but trading Yamamoto or Puljujarvi (but not Foegele) could also allow a 23-man roster, though the final 3 forwards (plus 1D and the backup goalie) would all need to be paid about $800k.
Ryan Murray is good cover if the rookies don’t show anything in training camp.
A team needs a lot of NHL defencemen as Lowetide always says. Last season the Oilers used 12 different players. 10 guys got a fairly substantial amount of games before Kulak came to town.
The trouble with Samorukov in the starting lineup is that an injury or two puts 3-4 rookies in the starting lineup. That seldom fairs well.
If Samorukov blows the doors off and performs well as a 7D that’s great. If not, I’m glad that the Oilers have brought in at least one back up plan.
I don’t have Samorukov in the starting lineup of 6D, I have him as the 7D.
I don’t disagree with your premise and I’m fine with adding a veteran D to the roster but more in an 8D situation which presumes a normal 23 player roster. I had postulated about Kris Russell as that player so Ryan Murray is just fine but I’m just not sure if they will be able to get to a 23 player roster.
Samorukov likely clears waivers but there is risk
Murray. Hoo-boy.
Quick! Everyone revise their predictions about the Oilers’ blueline!
Edmonton Oilers
@EdmontonOilers
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S I G N E D
The #Oilers have added Ryan Murray on a one-year deal with an AAV of $750,000.
The Oilers will now have had 3 of the top 4 picks from the ’12 draft at one time or another.
#1 – Yakupov
#2 – Murray
#4 – G. Reinhart
Just need to get Galchenyuk to complete the quartet!
He’s still a FA, is he not?
Correct.
Oh, also 4 of the top 10 (Koekkoek at 10) and 5 of the top 15 (Ceci at 15).
Going a little deeper into that draft, the Oilers do still employ 2012 top 15 picks Koekkoek and Ceci, 2nd round pick Devin Shore and 4th round pick Brett Kulak.
They needed a do-over in that draft to prove a point.
Something something overrode the scouts something something.
I once saw Griffin Reinhart crossing the parking lot of downtown Tim Hortons on a game day after joining the Oilers.
And thus concludes my positive memories of Griffin Reinhart as an Oiler.
Posted by 6 others….. I’m way too slow.
I had no idea that this was the Murray Oilers were supposed to have drafted in the first place.
Top draft picks still are so many busts and mediocre pro careers from such universally lauded glittering talent at the draft.
Ryan Murray had a torn ACL in his shoulder or some such serious shoulder injury in his draft plus 1.
Injuries early can de-rail careers.
Cool, aiming for his 2nd Cup in as many years 😉
(also, poor Samorukov)
Had a rough start in Colorado and was injured but reportedly played quite well later when called on.
If he’s not injured he’s a legit NHLer.
Seems helpful Broberg cover. Competition with Koekkoek and the youngins for a 7D spot?
While I don’t foresee him playing NHL games this season (unless things go off the rails injury wise), I do think that Kesselring has top 4 upside. Don’t get me wrong, he may NEVER make it and, if he does, its probably unlikely that he hits that ceiling but I do really like his full skill set.
He is a very good skater for his size. He’s a big man and he’s still filling out. He skates well and he showed massive in-season development. He’s a good puck mover and started to blossom in that area in the 2nd half of the season.
There is potential with this kid – i really thing so.
As far as Kemp goes, I really really really like his style of game and his smarts – he’s a very smart hockey player. The skating is really the main, in fact, the only, concern. He gets beat with speed at the AHL level and I just don’t think he can defend NHL speed at this point. If he can figure out a way to improve that lateral mobility, he’ll have an NHL career. We know he’s working at it but some guys just aren’t good enough skaters, no matter how much they work on it. We’ll probably know more in a year on Kemp.
Great write-up on those guys Al.
Its really really tough for me to predict which of those guys will play NHL games this year and when…… so many ways it could play out.
I mean, I could see Brad Malone as 4C on October 12 but I also could see him being a full time Condor this season. Does McKegg jump him for a depth lineup spot or injury call-up?
One would think that Devin Shore is a lock to play NHL games but, then again, Woody didn’t play him a single second in the playoffs – that means something, doesn’t it? Benson saves $100K over shore on the cap – that might be important.
The Oilers need a top 9 RW spot filled – if Seth Griffith an after-thought or could he earn some reps in the regular season? 80 points in 64 games in the 2nd best league in the world is real but, of course, sometimes that doesn’t translate. He has experience.
I keep thinking that James Hamblin, in many ways a “Yamamoto-light” with his tenacious play sees NHL games but does a “mature” Noah Philp as a right shot center jump him? How can I project Philp with NHL games given the giant wild card he is?
Can anyone provide some clarity on something that has been bugging me? Why did Japan play in the quarter finals of the Women’s World Championship? They had the worst record in the entire tournament. It should have been Germany who placed third in Group B, by my lights. What happened there?
They do some different seedings in the pools to keep the round robin games more competitive. Group A are the top 5 teams (based on world rank presumably) and all of these teams make the playoffs, seeded 1 though 5 based on round robin play. Group B are the lowest ranked teams in the tournament. Only the top 3 teams of Group B make the playoffs after round robin play and they are seeded 6 through 8.
I’m not sure if teams 9 and 10 get relegated or not. One or both of them may be relegated and replaced with the winner or winners of another tournament with the next tier of teams.
While there are still lopsided games it prevents the top team from playing the #10 team when there is so much disparity in ability. This is a much different scenario than for example men’s soccer where the top dozen or so teams could play each other and have much more competitive games.
I would have had no problem with Gagner in camp on a PTO or even signed to a one-year $750K contract. There is zero risk with that and that signing would be to compete with Benson, Shore, Malone, etc. for that 12F-14F spot.
The thing is, Derek Ryan is 4RW and that would be the primary position for Ganger I would think (with his ability to slide to various spots for cover, etc.).
What the current roster actually needs (in my opinion) is a top 9 right winger. D. Ryan is 4RW and both Jesse and Kailer can really play anywhere on the top 3 lines but they need one more.
Enter Evan Rodrigues who would be ideal for that add.
I don’t think he comes league min but I also don’t think he comes in at near $2MM where I originally had him. Maybe he’s around $1.5MM.
Of course, there is no current cap room for that $1.5MM UFA signing but, as we know, something has to give on the cap structuring.
If its Foegele out, and, really, that makes sense given the RW vs. LW depth and the ages of Yamo/Jesse vs. Foegele (taking away Barrie which is a more material move), and Rodrigues in – that probably saves $1MM – $1.5MM and balances the lineup, right?
Given how (over?)developed the Condors are, I’m hoping to see that club have a lot of success. They are going to lose important players to the oilers, but if any of them are as close to ready for the NHL as they seem, they’re going to have to make the AHL look bad.
This is why I enjoy going to preseason games as much as the regular season. I find it’s a lot of fun watching and getting a glims of the new guys and up and possible up and coming guys.
Sam Gagner signs in Winnipeg…1 year $750K
Aren’t you going to wax poetic about what a tremendous signing this is for Winnipeg, a great bet, a wise move, a cunning acquisition? And what a bounce back season they and Sam will have now? Oh wait that would only be true if Gagner has signed in Vancouver is that right? Or Calgary? Or was it Colorado? Oh wait wait, St Louis? No I can get it just give me a second….
Pretty much a nothing burger.
Oh well. I guess they’ll have to find someone else 🤷.
I see Benson as the new 13/14 forward, the success in the AHL, the contract, relationship with the coach, and he has been reassigned number 16 is the tipping points for this player to stay in Edmonton .
So my good buddy plays in a summer ball hockey league with Bouchards brother. (Bouch apparently offered to play a few games for them but the league didn’t let him. Something about it not being fair to the other teams lol)
Anyways, apparently Bouchard was NOT happy with his playing time and how he was handled the past couple years. Also did not get along with Tippet at all either. So much so that he actually quietly requested a trade at the end of last year. Now apparently he loves working with Woodcroft, so things might be fine now, but it was just something I thought was very interesting and I thought the group here might find interesting too. Sometimes over-rippening can have some unintended negative consequences on young prospects/players.
Feel free to delete this LT if this is against the rules, I only have my buddies word to base this off (I have seen photos of him and the Bouchards together though so I know they are friends.)
He was on a team that went to the conference finals and he had a huge role in the playoffs. Sure he was over ripe but he was ready for the show when he arrived.
A few of us posters (H.H) have been saying it all along you don’t have your number 9 pick sitting in the Hotel room when he should be playing and developing. Dobson is making the big money while Evan is still making close to league minimum. It’s obviously more than money and pride when you have the best pedigree right hand shot and arguably the best right D in your organization not playing in the Playoffs against the Jets. This was a sin and a firing offence on Tippett. I don’t blame him one bit if he asked to be traded.
Everytime I posted about how Bouchard was handled incorrectly immediately a certain Holland fanboy poster would post how he was handled correctly and it’s not the organization fault or Tippett’s fault it just came down to numbers blah blah blah.
Totally foreseeable.
Why would a highly drafted pick watch his cohort get more opportunity and the millions that are on the line be content with a team that keeps blocking him from commensurate success?
Given how short careers are, Bouchard has already forgone millions that he will never get back.
You still have posters that don’t want Bouchard to see the PP even the 2nd or out there when the opposition pulls their Goalie even when down by two. They say it’s smart for Barrie to get the gravy so Bouchard next contract is shit compared to Dobson and Ty Smith. This is not fair play and we both know chances are that Bouchard is not going to be so called team friendly on the next contract negotiation.
Just an example:
Quinn Hughes was drafted 3 spots ahead of Bouchard in the 2018 draft. While you can argue about ability, the repercussions of holding Bouchard back are stunning.
Career earnings at the end of the 2022/23 season:
Hughes: $10 milllion (and this is with a backloaded contract)
Bouchard: $ 2.5 million
Boqvist: $4.5 million (also back loaded)
Dobson: $6.7 million
You suddenly seem very concerned about how much Bouchard was robbed of millions of dollars, after arguing for years that he couldn’t even hold a candle to Quinn Hughes and how Rafferty was even better than Bouchard.
You went from arguing that Bouchard was held out of games because he simply wasn’t good enough to “he was good enough but the Oilers were wrong for not playing him” to “he has comparable ability to Hughes and missed out on millions of dollars”.
Sad.
way to call him on it, side – such a lame take. Bouch needed to be slowly immersed (With Barrie, Russell and Larsen ahead) and he’ll get his payday, not to mention a way better chance at a day with Stanley than any of his draft peers, save K’Andre Miller.
He will get his payday when the others are already on their second or third paydays.
What a totally unique situation Bouchard is in. A total travesty.
You could apply that comment to most NHL players, past, present and future. The only reason you are talking about it now is because Bouchard is an Oiler.
Again, you were saying for years his value is an AHL player at best.
How you’re talking about missed out money for Bouchard when you said mere months ago, multiple times Bouchard isn’t an NHL defensemen is wild. Absolute garbage human being.
This is 100% LIES and not what I said.
Stop fabricating my opinions to fit your strawman positions.
I suspect things changed drastically when Woodcroft became head coach.
Is Bouchard a core player in your opinion? Why did Tippett not play him and remember Holland is Tippett’s boss.
The 2020-21 RHD depth chart consisted of “48 points in 56 games” Barrie and Adam Larsson. It will take a lot to claim a rookie Bouchard is a core player ahead of the two. The 56 game season was relative short, and neither of the two missed significant time to free up playing time.
Was Bouchard better than Ethan Bear? Probably, but the dude also had a rather solid 2019-20 season playing with Nurse. That counted for something when it comes to a longer rope in hopes for him to recover form.
The biggest roster problem that season was LHD. With Klefboom on LTIR, they had Nurse on the first pair and your choice of Russel, Koekkoek or Jones on the other pairs. Nome of which was any good on their own, and a disastrous thought expecting them to carry a rookie.
Couple that with the COVID travel restrictions and the league wide taxi squad policy, Bouchard sat around for most of the season instead of playing in AHL or Europe.
All of these of course are Holland roster construction problem, but a freebie Barrie on 1 year showme deal was too much to turn down. He bet on Koekkoek, which had prodigree, and was one of the better Chicago player in 19~20 that knock out the Oilers, bet that didn’t turn out. Would of could of should of…
Yet Bear, Larsson, Caleb and Lagesson were all long gone the following year.
Wether he is considered a core player by management will be shown by the length and cap of his next contract!😉
No I don’t think Bouchard is a core player yet . That could change quickly. Tip didn’t trust him entirely , that’s pretty much why he didn’t play him . Tip was a crusty old coach.
cowboy bill
Reply to Reja
September 2, 2022 6:25 pm
No I don’t think Bouchard is a core player yet . That could change quickly. Tip didn’t trust him entirely , that’s pretty much why he didn’t play him . Tip was a crusty old coach.
Tip/Playfair played Bouchard more, and in higher quality/tougher minute situations, than Woody/Manson did…….
Would have to think things changed even before that, given that Tippett played him 1st pair and PK1 until he was fired.
Woodcroft played him more than 4 minutes less per game after he took over.
2:40 less at evens, 1:45 less on the PK, and 0:20 more on the PP.
It’s possible Bouch didn’t like the his usage the previous year, but Tippett played the hell out of Bouchard in his 43 games this year.
Since the word “Intel” is hip and fashionable lately on this blog I’m going to let you know what my “Intel” agents had to say when Bear was traded. Bear was told that it was nothing personal it’s just that the numbers didn’t work.
Sorry, how is this related to my comment?
Its kind of hard for Tippett to play Bear over Bouchard when Holland has traded Bear. As result Tippett ends up pounding the piss out young Bouchard with playing time.
OK. He played Bouchard (21:41) more than he’d played Bear (17:57) the year before though. Bouchard basically took Barrie’s 5v5 minutes (and spot next to Nurse), and Bear’s PK minutes (next to Nurse).
I suspect the intel from a poster on the internet, who got it from a buddy who plays ball hockey with Bouch’s brother…… may not be able to be taken at 100% legit….. that’s just me though.
LOL
cowboy bill
Reply to OriginalPouzar
September 2, 2022 6:28 pm
LOL
You think: “my buddy’s ball hockey teammate that is brothers with Bouchard” is a reliable source?
It would be normal for Bouchard to be unhappy with how Tippet held him off the roster during the season and playoffs.. it’s probably safe to say that most competitive hockey players hate to sit and watch their team play.. but that said I’m Glad to hear that the rumour is he’s happy now and Edmonton has its right shot offensive defensemen with some height to him, that we have been dreaming about for some time.. let the Bouch Bombs fly !!
Bouchard is a point magnet in the poor man’s Larry Murphy’s way. Bouchard should of been given a opportunity all the way back to the Chicago play-in. Kelfbom was playing with one arm and everyone knew it. Kelfbom was on the PP and the Hawks cheated and gave him the shot which he was unable to use. The special teams cost us that series. How much more would Bouchard be developed if he was inserted going back to the Hawk embarrassment. The following year Bouchard was NHL ready to start the Covid season after playing overseas yet Tippett passed on him and his ability again.
The 4th best PP% in the playoffs that season (and 3rd GF/60 of all teams in the playoffs) – somehow cost the team the series.
Made Up.
The reality is no one can go back and change it! Couda’s woulda’s and shouda’s are counterproductive. We learn from mistakes and move forward! The team is currently in a very good place talent wise both at the NHL level and with talented young players pushing for spots. Our coaching and management are excellent. In my opinion it is time to quit reliving the past and enjoy the present and our bright future.
This is our window to win Cups participation ribbons don’t mean jackshit. Leon and Mcdavid could disappear just as fast as Gretzky, Messier, Anderson, Kurri, Coffey, Fuhr and Moog. The only difference being is that the boys on the bus not only won 5 Cups but they finally beat the mighty Islanders and regulary beat the Flames to a pulp.
As I recall there were some years before the success that they did not have success while learning to win. I agree the window is now and I intend to enjoy it. Assuming all falls correctly re cap increasing exponentially the team as we know it could easily tie or exceed what the boys on the bus accomplished. I choose to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. I will stay forever a loyal Oier fan!
Good morning guy’s & gal’s . An interesting write up today . The McKegg’s , family of twelve , six of them actually have NHL experience , could be slipped into the line up as required and play their role admirably . The other six most definitely stand a chance for glory as well . This certainly is a position of strength within the Oilers organization .
Depth! It is a beautiful thing!🙂
I’m pretty satisfied with the tweener depth. I haven’t watched him much but to me if Kesserling makes it he might play higher in the order the rest – a bit more of a boom or bust feel.
As for Benson, I don’t really know what to think. He has such a dominant and valuable skill and is working on a multi faceted game that I can still see him anywhere from a top 6 winger to a tweener/Europe league guy. I can’t really remember another guy in the system the past 10-15 years who I felt similarly about. Time isn’t on his side anymore, though.
I would imagine the window on top six has closed. Then again maybe he sees ice, the light comes on, things click. I mean, there’s a non-zero chance.
Oh, I don’t know – McDavid/Benson together: 67% goals and 69% expected goals – sure it was 22 minutes and 2 goals for…. i.e. offence died both directions…. but still!
With the collective smarts of the community my question is a non zero chance not a double negative as non zero is the definition of chance?
I predict a UFA signing (Gagner?) with McKegg/Shore sitting press box to start the season with Ryan as the utility 3rd/4th line guy.
I’m gettin ancy for the last couples shoes to drop before the season gets underway.
I’m imagining a scenario were Puljujarvi is traded for someone like Rasmussen from Detroit for cap certainty/compliance.
Kane – McDavid- Hyman
Nuge – Drai- Yams
Foegele – McLeod – Ryan
Holloway – Rasmussen – Gagner
i like those lines, with Bourgault and Tullio bubbling up next year
Lol
It always amazes the fine line between AHL/pro league success and NHL journeyman
Good luck fellas. And whatever the outcome, you’ve got some stories to tell
I’ve always felt there are 60-100 guys playing in the AHL every year who could trade places with 60-100 playing in the NHL and no one would really notice. I don’t know if NHL people would agree, because coaches like specific players for specific roles, but I’ll go to my grave believing Cooper Marody was a better player than several Oilers during his time in Bakersfield.
It comes down to injuries, opportunities luck etc for so many fringe players. If the G.M and his staff that drafted you is replaced (fired) while your developing you may be buried by the organization.
Definitely agree with this. For example, Kale Kessy assaulting Cooper Marody materially altered his career trajectory!
As in most things in life timing is key in many cases.
The interchangeablility of the tweeners was why there is a waiver claim process in the first place.
That said, I do believe the current salary cap slow down tweener player movement significantly. Any player making more than 1.1M would have some residue money counting against the cap even if send down. This force teams to be more conservative making claims, and making it more difficult to get rid of incumbent tweenwr and free up a spot for the next up coming tweener.
Whatever the hockey equivalent of a dying quail, a groundball with eyes is.
Nice logo!