The Edmonton Oilers have two actual NHL players unavailable, and that’s called shorthanded. The win on Saturday was aided by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl being Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. If Yamamoto and Foegele can’t go, what’s the plan?
The numbers above are from an early season game from 2016-17, I wanted to see if we could agree on something. In that group, nine men still play NHL hockey. Four are still Oilers.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers early impressions from season-opening win
- New DNB: Oilers must adapt to short-handed lineup because it’s coming again
- Lowetide: Can Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi be a modern Jere Lehtinen?
- DNB: Oilers goalie Jack Campbell enters season intent on exceeding expectations
- Lowetide: Why Oilers’ Evan Bouchard will be a key to 2022-23 season
- New DNB: A summer day with Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft
- New DNB: 11 bold predictions for 2022-23 season
- Lowetide: What’s Oilers prospect Reid Schaefer’s NHL ETA?
- DNB: Oilers’ missing pieces? Trade strategy? Breakout player? Mailbag
- Lowetide: 5 areas for Edmonton Oilers roster improvement in 2022-23
- DNB: Projecting Oilers’ opening-night roster
- Lowetide: Is Oilers’ Connor McDavid facing Hart Trophy voter fatigue?
- DNB: Dylan Holloway’s emergence for Oilers puts Jesse Puljujarvi’s future into focus
- Lowetide: Is this the year an Edmonton Oilers player wins the Calder Trophy?
- Jonathan Willis: Jakob Chychrun would look good on the Oilers, but is there a deal to be had?
- DNB: Oilers’ Connor McDavid may have 50 goals in his reach, but a bigger goal remains
- DNB: Darnell Nurse’s big-money contract with Oilers isn’t going to change who he is or how he plays
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers reasonable expectations for every player in 2022-23
- Lowetide: Oilers top-20 prospects, summer 2022
THE SIX SKILL FORWARDS
In order to have two out-scoring lines, a team needs two great centres. No problem for Edmonton, who boast McDavid and Draisaitl. Wingers? Evander Kane and Zach Hyman are no-brainers and Jesse Puljujarvi is a strong option. That leaves one more for Saturday night. Nuge? Ryan McLeod? Or should the coach run Dylan Holloway again? Ideally, it’s Kailer Yamamoto. I’d like to see both men back in the lineup, and the “problem” of someone playing on the fourth line who has real top-six ability. It would represent a milestone for the organization. Oilers sent down Devin Shore and recalled Philip Broberg this morning, suspect one or both of Yamamoto and Foegele will be in the lineup against the Flames.
THE FEW-CHA
From a tracking point of view, the AHL is a great league. Progress being made year over year is a vital measure, with ‘points-at-20’ the gold standard (in my opinion) for possible NHL skill line projection. This year, there will be three Bakersfield Condors we’ll be spending extended time on. Xavier Bourgault turns 20 in a week, with Carter Savoie and Tyler Tullio already turning 20.
It’s unusual to have three (Savoie is hurt, so it’ll start with two) and for Edmonton it’s been years since we’ve been here. Last year there were two AHL rookies: Dylan Holloway (.67 pts-game) and Raphael Lavoie (.46). The last time there were three forwards with an NHL chance? It will be the first time this century for a trio at age 20, although the 2018-19 Condors housed Tyler Benson, Kailer Yamamoto and Cooper Marody. Among those who spent more than 20 games in Bakersfield here are the top forwards by NHL games:
- LC Jujhar Khaira 287
- RW Jesse Puljujarvi 260
- RW Kailer Yamamoto 186
- LW Anton Slepyshev 102
- LC Ryan McLeod 82
- Patrick Russell 59
- LW Tyler Benson 36
- LW Joe Gambardella 15
- Cooper Marody 7
- LW Dylan Holloway 1
- LC Bogdan Yakimov 1
Your question for the day? Who among Bourgault, Savoie and Tullio do you believe will have the longest NHL career?
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
A busy show today with the three of us (I never mention Matthew Iwanyk but he’s actually the most valuable one), we’ll talk Oilers, NHL, CFL and NFL weekend plus MLB playoffs. What a great time of year for sports! 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
Remember that tall Swede from the World Jr’s a few years ago, Soderblom? He made the Red Wings. Scored tonight. 6’8″ but can play the puck in his feet. Real good in close around the net. Got his stick on some pucks around the net and got shots away. Played net front on the PP.
I think that is a key for tall FW’s. Can they play the puck in close to their body. If they are ‘reachers’ their height may work as a disadvantage in the very quick, limited spaces of the NHL as they could have trouble controlling the puck, or it may take them a while to get a shot off. Unless they are elite at using their big frame to protect the puck ala Jagr
Summarizing!
Chiasson led the way tonight with a goal and two assists–all on the PP–and a team-high 5 SOG in the Wheaties’ win. For the second time this week, he was named 1st star.
Lachance scored twice in a losing effort, earning 2nd star honours.
Schaefer also sniped in Seattle’s win for already his 7th goal of the campaign, along with a game-high 8 SOG.
Mazura recorded his first point for St. Lawrence, an assist.
Wanner and Brind’Amour were held off the scoresheet.
Many thanks for doing this ! Much appreciated
Schaefer pots on the PP to extend Seattle’s lead in the 3rd, his 7th goal of the season:
https://mobile.twitter.com/TheWHL/status/1581138258779856897?cxt=HHwWgoDT9c-3qvErAAAA
(And he has apparently been credited with the goal from the other night after all, which meant he had a hat trick. His Cy Young candidacy is looking good!)
man! he’s got a few goals from distance hey?
An aPPle for Chiasson as the Wheaties tie the game in the 2nd.
And now he has a PP goal to put the Wheaties ahead in the 3rd.
And I will say it again. I have no idea why the Oilers have not signed this kid.
There is no rush to sign him – they will get it done prior to the end of the spring, in the normal course.
In certain cases, depending on age of the player, there is a substantive reason to try and get it done prior to the turn of the calendar to provide slide options for the contract the following season but that doesn’t apply to Chiasson who turns 20 well before next season.
Sure, but the Oilers also only own his rights through the end of May.
Not huge flight risk, but it is slightly odd the team hasn’t signed him yet. All of Tullio, Petrov, Bourgault, Schaefer and Wanner were signed by Holland before starting their draft +2 seasons.
Video evidence thereof:
https://mobile.twitter.com/TheWHL/status/1581148162961846272?cxt=HHwWgMDR6Y_4rvErAAAA
Anton Slepyshev was a missed opportunity…
That’s it, that’s the statement.
He remains an NHL UFA……
Guests on After Hours tomorrow night:
Dylan Holloway
Leon Draisaitl
That is just too much handsome for 30 minutes of television.
For the first tîme in many moons, Tomas Mazura finds the scoreboard with a 3rd-period apple.
Lachance gets the Phantoms on the board with a PP goal in period 3:
https://mobile.twitter.com/YtownPhantoms/status/1581089946424979457?cxt=HHwWgsDR6by7lPErAAAA
Lachance strikes again to bring Youngstown within one late in the 3rd.
Video evidence of #2:
https://mobile.twitter.com/YtownPhantoms/status/1581094667730681856?cxt=HHwWgIDQpaXOlvErAAAA
Lachance being able to consistently post legitimate offense would certainly be a pleasant surprise (to me at least).
Seems that he’s having a real nice start to his season.
So Keith is officially in the Oilers player development program now. What has me excited here is that he will be traveling and working with both junior prospects and in Bakersfield. Imagine how great that would be for an 18 year old, a future HOF guy visiting and working with you. Great move by the Oil imo.
I love the fact he is a fitness nut. I hope he inspires them to work hard in the gym too
I’d do a few reps with Keith
we may be talking about the future HOF or the rock n roll hall of famer 😆
Ray and Dregs podcast.
Ray predicts a Colorado – Rangers Stanley Cup final.
Dregs goes Colorado – Carolina.
Both expect Colorado to repeat.
Hart – McDavid
Art Ross – McDavid
Norris – Makar
Vezina – Shesterkin
Calder – Beniers
Montreal @. Detroit
Scoreless after the first period.
SOG…Detroit 25 Montreal 10
End of two….no score.
SOG 34-18
Jake Allen holding the fort.
The dam finally breaks.
Detroit with a 3-0 win.
Allen still finishes with a .974 save percentage after stopping 37 of 38 shots,
Montreal dressed 4 defensemen who have played 18 NHL games combined + Chris Wideman and David Savard.
Yikes
Condolences to Darryl and the rest of the Sutter clan:
https://theathletic.com/3693378/2022/10/14/bruce-sutter-death-cardinals?source=user-shared-article
😉
THE CONTEST now known as – HUNTER1909’S OILERS DYNASTY MARCH™
Here is how it works.
Same rules same everything and all of the previous records will be retained for posterity. Here is how to play: Predict the total points that Oilers finish the season with.
Tie breakers: a) – How many points Connor McDavid gets b) – how many goals Leon Draisaitl scores c) – Where Oilers finish(1-16th in the West)
To Recap: 1 – Predict Oilers final regular season point total 2 – Connormcdavid points 3 – leondraisatl goals 4 – oilers finish in the West(1-16)
DEADLINE!! PUCK DROP PENGUINS GAME 6!!
For those hoping for a Patrick Kane trade this season:
https://youtu.be/JDyFSV3IJaI
This may give you some more hope of it happening.
lol. There is no way Kane or Toews want to stay in that tire fire. They’ve already liquidated all there young talent.
FYI on Josh Archibald. He made the Penguins opening night roster. Played just over 10 minutes with 4 hits and 4 shots on goal. That TOI included a clean 2:44 on the PK, though some other Pens PKer’s didn’t fare as well.
In other early season ex-Oiler news , Ethan Bear was a healthy scratch for Carolina’s opener while Caleb Jones missed Chicago’s first game on IR, but was activated and played ~15 minutes (no special teams time ). Jones was -1 in a 1-0 loss.
Archie’s hanging in there I give the man a lot of credit for not caving in.
Not caving into being a better hockey player for the Oilers to keep?
no shame in that. for a fringe NHL player, he is useful and the Oilers do have a lot of depth. Sometimes better NHL opportunities lay elsewhere
There’s no shame in that at all. The phrasing of him not “caving in” when he got cut from the Oilers and got onto Pittsburgh is odd.
Unless of course, he us being applauded for that other thing he didn’t “cave” into, which left his team a man short and him with a heart issue from catching Covid while spreading anti-vaxx misinformation. Which, I don’t see how that’s something to give credit for.
Well said Comrade.
I’m happy for him that he’s able to continue his career, I wish him success in the future.
He did a lot of things to hurt the team, I don’t think that was ever his intention, but that was too often the results.
“they had a good day on the ice – we had a full group today” – Coach when asked about Kailer and Jesse.
I’m really thinking 11/7 tomorrow with Malone scratched and I’m here for that lineup every day.
Nice we’re going to need both Yamo and Foegele against a deep Calgary squad.
The Oilers probably need more D than fewer against the Flames.
11 forwards will make it harder for Sutter to line match or roll four lines.
Yes it’s important to get Broberg some non pressure minutes. Broberg is obviously talented enough it’s his confidence that needs to be lifted.
I have to say I’m liking how they’re going about managing the roster now that we’re stuck in 21 man land. Injuries aren’t ideal, but being able to call up Broberg and then emergency recall Shore if needed is certainly handy.
That said hopefully Yamo and or Foegele are ready to go for Saturday. I’m with godot on being happy with 11/7 though. Spot Murray and Broberg in where they can succeed seeing as we have home ice and last change and all that.
1) Damn I wish Savoie wasn’t hurt, its going to be tough coming in as a rookie mid-season, off an injury and no real camp. Holloway did it, yes, but Savoie’s not quite the same pedigree and type of player. I’d like to acknowledge, in addition to the 20 years olds mentioned, there are some other “rookie pros” like Philp and Engras.
2) On Philp, as of earlier in the week when Holland was doing media avails, he still hadn’t hit the ice as there were/are immigration issues and they simply do not know what is taking so long or the hold up. They’ve had no issues with most other players but still haven’t sorted out Philp – they are calling immigration every could days I guess but not getting anywhere. Hopefully this gets settled soon.
3) Absolutely LOVE those forward lines. Holloway stays in the top 9, still gets good players to play with (Nuge/Foegele) and the “top 6 pressure is off. I’m fine with McLeod at 4C – McLeod and Ryan is 2/3 if a HIGH END 4th line. Presumably PP1 will not score ever 6-30 seconds and PP2 will get some time and McLeod will also see PK time.
4) With Broberg up, I could see Malone scratched and 11/7 if both Foegele and Yamamoto can go.
5) I can’t speak to any of the scout/coach hires but I do like Duncan Keith officially in player development. He was in Edmonton and at the game on Wed.
6) I know Oilers Plus gets a bad wrap but I’m working my way through the half hour “The Drop” episodes and I’m loving them. Lots of shots of the bench from cool angles and lots of dressing room stuff including post-playoff game celebrations.
7) On 6, I’ve go to say, from the video of the bench and the dressing room, Jesse Puljujarvi certainly doesn’t seem like an after-thought in the lineup, in the room or on the ice and not a guy that feels “not part of”. Shots of him showing great emotion on the bench during the playoffs, and Jesse himself being vocal and trying to “rally the troops”, etc. It was really good to see.
Sounds like they’ve hired longtime European scout for the Blue Jackets, Milan Tichy, as their Director of European Amateur Scouting. Most likely, Tichy was overseeing Czechia, but I wonder if he had any input into the Dubois over Puljujarvi decision?
Ewanyk is close to committing career suicide right now.
TSN 1260 Ewanyk?
Shitting on Oilers+
How so? You can’t leave us tier 2 fans hanging.
Ewanyk was full of righteous indignation that the Oilers are pricing their products for the ‘elites’ only.
It’s always a sad day when the young and idealistic realize the world isn’t fair. Never has been. Likely never will be.
The Romans used their gladiator games to pacify the masses. McDavid as a placebo to combat rising inflation and class separation?
The only point Ewanyk makes that I agree with is that they’re exposing the product to less and less kids…so long term this strategy is probably not a great one.
I’m quite enjoying Oilers +.
The Drop content is awesome.
What does Oilers + provide?
I understand it’s $60 year to access:
-game replays 48 hours after the game is played
-live pre and post game interviews
-access to the docuseries
Anything else of note? Is The Drop content from the docuseries?
If they have a Jesse + Kane buddy/cop series in the works I will happily pay the $60.
I haven’t fully perused it, and I’m sure its a work in progress, but I’ve used it for:
1) the practice reports – they start doing live reports while practice is on (show some clips) and then do the interviews live. I really only care about Woody and, prior to this, his practice and morning skate avails weren’t live (at least not consistently)
2) post game live reports and interviews. This is not new as they’ve streamed these during Covid times but its different this years as the player interviews are back in the dressing room in scrums – I don’t think there has ever been live access to that.
3) The Drop – there are six episodes so far, one on the regular season, one on each round of the playoffs, one on the draft and one on free agency.
I’ve watched the first three and are LOVING them.
What I actually also really like is they show the “live video schedule” going forward – I know when practice and morning skates are going forward, like the times, days in advance.
I know people won’t sign up on principal but its $5/month (prior to discount) and I”m all in. To each their own.
Sounds interesting. Thanks for that.
Pocket lint.
I don’t know what this means…..
It’s being reported that Duncan Keith is now a part of Oilers front office, in player development department. That’s some serious cred that every player can surely respect and learn from.
Does anyone have a good estimate on how much Keith will be getting monthly for his pension. Over 1250 games 17 years it has to be one of the bigger ones. His ex probably gets half of it for the years they were together.
$255K
https://bshockey.com/nhl-pension/
This seems to be a good explanation of how NHL pensions work.
OP is right that Keith is eligible for the max $255k pension, but he’s have to wait till age 62 to get that full amount.
He (or other players) can chose to start receiving their pensions as early as 45, but it will be at a reduced yearly number rather than the full $255k.
He is definitely getting zero pension monthly for at least the next 7 years though.
Jason Gregor
@JasonGregor
·
9m
Oilers lines in practice:
Hyman-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Kane-Draisaitl-Yamamoto
Holloway-RNH-Foegele
Malone-McLeod-Ryan
Could see both Foegle and Yamamoto return to lineup for game one.
Broberg not on ice.
_______________________________________________________________
A different configuration and I don’t hate it. I could see going 11/7 and inserting Broberg for Malone once he gets into town.
Two 1st lines, a 2nd line and a 3rd line. I like it!
Dylan Holloway correctly slotted.
Not a fan of Foegele – but the 3rd line should be able to skate and forecheck.
I like Foegele better than Ryan, Malone and Shore. That was an uninspiring line against the Canucks.
this young group has outperformed the previous group. Of Lavoie, McLeod, Benson, Yamamoto, and Puljujarvi, only Yamamoto has achieved an NHLequivalency of 35 or more by their Draft+2 season. Yamamoto got a 35.4NHLe in his Draft+1. Whereas Holloway got a 41.6NHLe, Bourgault a 40.6, and Petrov a 37.8, all in their Draft+1 season. Savoie and Tullio achieved NHLe of 41.5 and 35.0 respectively in their Draft+2 seasons. McLeod and Benson didn’t reach the level until their Draft+3 seasons with 38.5 and 37.4 respectively. So, by that metric, all of Holloway, Bourgault, Petrov, Savoie, and Tullio are ahead of McLeod, and Benson at this stage of their careers.
Holloway is big and fast, he works hard and can score so he has gotten an early chance (he is a 14th overall pick after all). In a way, I think Tullio may have the longest career. He has an overall game, he is fast and agile, and he competes hard everyshift. These are the things coaches notice and give chances for. Bourgault has decent speed but his agility isn’t the greatest. Petrov and Savoie are great but skating may hold them back ala Benson. But they both score goals more than setup goals so that may get them more looks than Benson. The positive example is that Benson seems to have improved his skating and his physical game. Something Petrov and Savoie would be wise to follow.
Tullio
Lavoie peaked in his Draft+1 at 31.8, which was still better than the Draft+1 NHLes of McLeod, Benson, and Puljujarvi. But he hasn’t really progressed the way one would hope for staying on track. Maybe this will be a big year for him. I would say this may be his ‘Last Chance Texaco’ season. He has great tools, if he can put it all together.
I agree. Likely Lavoie’s last season as a prospect. If he doesn’t get better, he moves into the suspect category.
Going to be tough for Lavoie to have a big season.
I mean, he not only missed all of camp and exhibition and won’t even join the team for practice until well in to the season, he also had to rehab and recover from major knee surgery this off-season and, presumably, not really able to “hockey train” and work on noted areas of deficiency.
All 3 are smaller players, I would think Bourgault has the best chance if he can put on some muscle. Talent is there and elite processing of the game is evident.
All three are fine prospects, I’ll go with Bourgault for the longest NHL career.
The one who works the hardest will have the longest NHL career.
You can take incredible hard work as a given for anyone who plays any level of professional hockey. Ability, health and opportunity will be the determining factors.
And management belief.
how many players flushed because they weren’t the GM’s guy?
Broberg is untouchable because of it.
Nuge, Nurse, Puljujarvi, Yamamoto, Skinner, McLeod, Benson, Kemp, Neimelainen, Desharnais, Rodrigue and Kesselring That’s 12 draft choices made by the Oilers prior to Holland joining the team that are on the NHL team or in the system and who have signed at least one contract negotiating with Ken Holland. I think Bouchard will make it 13 when he signs his next deal. So far I think he has bounced Khaira, Jones and Bear via trade and he gave all 3 plenty of opportunity on the team before trading them. That narrative is not particularly accurate when it comes to Holland at all.
Caveat: Alex Daigle
This prompted me to look up Daigle’s DB page…and man did he have a weird career.
His first 2 seasons he scored 88 points in 131 games, which is pretty damn respectable. His career high was 51 points, which he achieved in his rookie year, and matched exactly in 2 other seasons. His second to last year in the NHL was 2003-04 where he matched his career high with an identical 20-31-51 stat line as his rookie year.
Also his picture on there looks like Paul Rudd.
Assuming you are not from the era, Daigle was rather famous for saying something like he didn’t like hockey but his talent kept him there.
On the other end of spectrum is Macrobello, who forced all of his 5’6 160lb frame to the big league with “only” incredible hard work.
In between these two extremes, there are everyone else. Health, natural talents, opportunities are important but one can always try to put in more work.
And I’d I remember correctly he was photographed wearing a nurses uniform.
I disagree….we all know people who had amazing talent, but never reached their full potential because they didn’t “work hard enough”
What does this mean in the context of an NHL player? I think it means social sacrifice….not all young NHLers or aspiring NHLers are willing to eat right, avoid booze on off days, and spend their free hours improving their craft.
Remember the pictures of Phaneuf and Kiprusof Smoking cigs outside cowboys? I know Hemsky and Space-cake were hacking butts at 2am after the bar…saw it myself…
This is what they mean by “hard work” and not every person has it in them….I sure as hell don’t.
I think there’s different levels of work ethic between NHL guys, but it makes up the last 1-2% difference. Not saying that 1-2% can’t be a lot, but all these guys work really, really hard at their craft. The talented people we know who don’t reach potential weed themselves out around Bantam and we never hear about them again.
Worth noting that the 4 guys you mentioned there all had good to great NHL careers. I don’t think the odd night our or couple of darts cancels out years in the gym and at the practice rink.
Okay, sounds like you’re agreeing with me an roundabout way. You’re saying there is a difference in work ethic, and that difference can “be a lot”
Hockey’s not like NFL football where their in the gym pumping iron 10 hours a day. Most hockey players are agile and wiry. Martin St.Louis and Crosby have thighs like tree trucks but that’s the exception. More time is spent on the Golf Course during off-season than anything else.
Have to think it’s the Bourg.
Gotta hope it’s all three.
I’m surprised Broberg was recalled this am. I thought they would give him 10-20 games in the AHL. What’s the story there?
I wonder if it’s so they can emergency recall Shore. Broberg is over 850k cap hit (I think). So swap them today, then tomorrow recall Shore on emergency basis since we played last game short. Otherwise you’d think Malone down if the injured guys were coming back.
This makes sense. Recall Broberg on paper (he’s $863k), if Foggy or Yammo can’t go then Shore can drop in as an emergency recall because his contract is $850k = max emergency recall contract. Suspect this will be a regular scenario over the season (with a handful of players).
That’s an interesting take.
But if he’s recalled, he can’t play in the AHL, so that’s still impacting the plan
He’ll play against Calgary in the NHL. Same lineup as Wednesday, just add Broberg in for a full 11-7 slate.
Murray was not good. And it impacted Bouchard’s effectiveness. If Murray is not good, why not play Broberg.
If Murray was not good with Bouchard, he will be less good with Barrie. So why not play Broberg with Barrie.
I gotta say.
I didn’t like Murray, and I thought Kulak was overwhelmed.
And when he wasn’t, instead of an outlet pass, it was wait and cross-ice to D partner..
That play killed the transition game
That’s the first I’ve heard that Murray was not good??? Woodcroft even mentioned he was solid. I suspect they just want to go with 11 forwards & 7 defensemen against Calgary.
didn’t realize Murray wasn’t good – we were many shots deep into one of the booziest hockey pools you could imagine.
anyone have an idea why they recalled Broberg over Niemo? Long term approach? I thought Niemo outplayed him in the preseason, but maybe that was just because of all the big hits
Showcase for trade maybe?
1) I think the original poster is over-thinking this – emergency recalls will only be a thing if both Yamo and Foegele are out for tomorrow night. Foegele almost played given he was taking line rushes in the morning before the game and both were full participants in practice. I think they are looking at 11/7 with Malone sitting (if both can play).
2) I surely didn’t see Murray “bad” on Wed. He played alot with Ryan and with McLeod and bit with McDavid and Kane and Barrie played almost 9 minutes with McDavid and Drai (opposition was similar) and Murray/Bouch surely looked better and the had MUCH better numbers than the other pair. I’m not sure how this opinion was formulated.
3) I think Broberg was recalled over Niemo because (a) Broberg defends just as well, if not better, than Niemo and (b) well, he’s a better hockey player. I may be in the minority here but I certainly don’t think Niemo outplayed Broberg in exhibition – I think that’s only the case if one is analyzing relative to expectation. Oilers were scored against at much higher rates with Niemo on the ice in exhibition.
i agree with you on niemo, he has iffy puck skills and often his “monster hits” take him out of position and it results in chances against.
Prospectricity!
A sextet of prospects shall toil on NA ice this night, including the return of Max Wanner from his three-game suspension. The other Dub prospects (Reid Schaefer & Jake Chiasson) are in action too, each enjoying 1st-star performances already this week.
Youngstown (Lachance) @ 5 p.m.
St. Lawrence (Mazura) @ 5 p.m.
Quinnipiac (Brind’Amour) @ 6 p.m.
Moose Jaw (Wanner) @ 7 p.m.
Seattle (Schaefer) @ 8 p.m.
Wheat Kings (Chiasson) @ 8:30 p.m.
All times, at all times, are Hythe time.
Go Mustangs!
Are the mustangs even still playing? Went to many Mustangs vs Grande Prairie As games as a youngster. There was some bad blood between those teams. Timmy Toews was the goal scorer, and chippy as hell, Marchand before there was a Marchand, but bigger brother Murray always had his back and fought for him if necessary.
No they folded. The NPHL should be resuming this season this year though, they did not play the last couple of seasons because reasons we all know.
Glad the NPHL is resuming this year. Decent hockey, and cheap tickets, when you’re so far away from a professional team.
Haha I’m sure I don’t know. I only know of the Mustangs due to the frequent road trips I would take between Calgary and the Yukon in my undergrad days. Road to the Alaska highway runs right through Hythe and that big Mustang on their roadside barn was always a landmark for me.
Oh, ok. Went to Jr High in Hythe. Hated Hythe hockey teams though. Played against them all the time while I played for surrounding teams.
Boo Mustangs! Go Huskies!
Really appreciate the way you Hythe up the prospects, and report on their games and results.
For me growing up, it was the High Prairie Regals – although they folded in 2020 season.
I always recall the Regals being a dirty team when they came to Grimshaw in the late 80s/early 90s. But that was a rather young me’s impression of it all.
Haven’t heard about the Regals in years. Used to watch them all the time. May or may not have egged their bus back in the early 80’s.
I appreciate the prognostication and I agree!
I hope Bourgault has the longest career, because that means he turns into a good NHL goal scorer, but I’m going to say Savoie. I think Savoie has that combination of skill and grit that will allow him to change up what type of NHL player he is and will be able to stick around the bottom of rosters for a long time if the offence isn’t there.
All 3 can make it right? Bourgault = Eberle, Savoie = Kessel, and Tullio = Gallagher.
Also Caggiula = Marchand so I may have a history of inaccurate hopes and dreams.
I’d have to say Borgault due to draft pedigree. He will get a chance because of said pedigree. (Although Woody and KH will make him earn some of it). The other two need to have really big seasons.(it is my guess they will both be tweeners) For me, its Xavier who will have the longest career. I’m nervous of his size tho. (Injury).
When in doubt, bet on the first rounder. I think Borgault will have similar boxcars to the other 2 this year (per game basis because of Savoie injury) because moving from the CHL to the AHL is damn hard. We’ll think it a disappointment because Wallstedt will put up a great year. X will then pop early next year ala Mcleod and follow his trajectory, likely with more offense based on history and pedigree.
All of this timeline is reasonable for a player picked in his range and would be a real coup for the scouting department if he ends up on a skill line through the heart of his career.
Any injuries make this prediction null and void but I’m putting it down that X will be the guy. Not exactly a hot take but I’ll look back at this in a few years gord willing and see if I’m a better predictor than the Aidan Muir days.
Perhaps more importantly, who among Pulj, Yamo and McLeod will have the longest career?
Projections are voodoo