Monthly Archives: March 2017

Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Potential Fresh Blood

Dobber’s Prospects released a list of unsigned draft picks this week and I had a good look at that list. I reckon the Oilers pipeline could use an injection and sometimes players fall through the cracks, like Ryan Mantha for instance.

Now, it’s my belief, and your’s may fall in line with mine or not, that the Oilers are lacking skilled players at the AHL and prospect level. What I mean is that the Oilers simply don’t have anybody beyond Jesse Puljujarvi playing in the minors that has a knack for piling on the points. You might say Anton Lander is lighting the AHL on fire but I don’t consider him a prospect and you might also say Anton Slepyshev could be that guy but he’s in Edmonton at the moment.

I’m talking about the player that the Oilers could afford to develop for a couple of years, say until he was 22 or 23, then brought up and ideally, have an immediate impact.

Now, first and foremost, I have not watched any of the players on the list below. These are just my opinions and I reckon that they haven’t been signed for one good reason or another but I think the numbers look decent and the scouting reports look promising.

THE LIST

  • Giorgio Estephan (62GP 30G 50A 80PTS) – Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) – C – 6’0″ 196lb –
    (2015 round 6 #152 overall by Buffalo Sabres)

    A slippery offensive center with tons of skill and offensive prowess. When he is confident with the puck, he can pull off moves that open up a lot of time and space for himself and teammates. Can create a lot of dangerous chances through utilizing his smooth skating and knowledge of the offensive end. Continues to get better in his own end, defensively and physically. All-in-all, a smart, hard-working center who continues to improve in all areas, game by game, and is not far off from becoming a complete, well-rounded hockey player who can dominate offensively. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)

As the hunt for small skilled forwards continues, Estephan looks to be lighting up a league that is traditionally not easy to light up. He’s right-handed and the Oilers could always use more of those. Not as big as I’d prefer for a centreman but then again, Chiarelli just picked up David Desharnais. 

  • Steve Lorentz (61GP 27G 30A 57PTS) – Peterborough Petes (OHL) – LW – 6’4″ 201lbs –
    (2015 round 7 #186 overall by Carolina Hurricanes)

    At 6-foot-3, 191 pounds, Lorentz fits as part of GM Ron Francis’ plan to make the Hurricanes bigger from top to bottom. Passed over in the 2014 draft, Lorentz more than doubled his point total from his original draft season and became a top-six player for Peterborough. He has NHL size and needs to continue to improve as a point producer. – Hockey’s Future

Players like Lorentz can go either way. He’s having a really great season but he’s also older and has the required size to dominate at the junior level. I like that he’s scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace and it’s balanced scoring too. I see him as similar to Jujhar Khaira but I wonder how his boots are?

  • Spencer Smallman (57GP 25G 48A 73PTS) – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) – RW – 6’0″ 201lb –
    (2015 round 5 #138 overall by Carolina Hurricanes)

    A hard-working forward that can play a gritty, grinding style of hockey. Can play in all situations effectively due to his willingness to battle in his own end, and natural instincts in the offensive end. Very smart with the puck in pressure situations, and passes with precision. Possesses great hands and puckhandling skills, not to mention a sharp, accurate release. All-in-all, a versatile winger that exhibits the ability to switch from a gritty, able-bodied two-way player to an offensive scoring threat in an instant. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)

The first name that comes to mind when I look at Spencer Smallman is Vern Fiddler. Little guys who are smart with the puck but have some sandpaper to them. Smallman seems to be ripping up the “Q” at the moment but points are points and he’s finding a way to put them up. I dig that and would welcome that on the Oilers farm team. 

  • Roy Radke (39GP 22G 12A 34PTS) – Barrie Colts (OHL) – RW – 6’3″ 205lb –
    (2015 round 6 #164 overall by Chicago Blackhawks)

    There’s reason to like Radke, who was picked in the sixth round in 2015. He’s a large, strong forward and understands how to leverage that to keep possession and make plays. IceHogs coach Ted Dent had some praise for him during prospect camp: “He’s big. He skates. He’s got that long reach. I think he’s a winger, but he played center at camp this week. For all those guys, it’s just playing at a high place. It’s learning that everything is done fast.”  – Second City Hockey

Sounds like Radke would be a fine bottom 6 player. Now be that in the AHL or the NHL, that remains to be seen. Sounds like he’ll need time to adjust to the speed pro hockey but the size is there, that’s for sure.

  • Dominik Kubalik (51GP 29G 19A 48PTS) – HC Plzen (Czech) – LW – 6’2″ 179lb –
    (2013 round 7 #191 overall by Los Angeles Kings)

    20-year old Dominik Kubalik was selected 191st overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2013. He returned back to his native country after three seasons in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves, respectively the Kitchener Rangers. His point production literally exploded this season as he is on a pace to score a point per game. He has 14 goals in 22 games, which is the the most in the entire Czech Extraliga. He is also the second best scorer overall in this league. – The Hockey Writers

The first thing that popped out when I was reading Kubalik’s report was his goals. He’s nearly scored 3o goals in the Czech Men’s League. That’s decent for a kid his age and size (he’s wafer thin). Is this a player that would be worth investing one year on in Bakersfield? 

  • Matthew Bradley (66GP 30G 41A 71PTS) – Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) – C – 5’11” 187lb –
    (2015 round 5 #131 overall by Montréal Canadiens)

    Montreal’s fifth-round selection in 2015, 19-year old Bradley is entering what will likely be his final season with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. After a 17 goal and 40 point draft year, Bradley improved his offensive numbers last season, ranking among his team’s leaders with 23 markers (third) and 51 points (fourth) in 68 games. At 5’11” and 187 lbs, the Vancouver native is decidedly average in stature, but what he lacks in height, he makes up for with hard-working two-way play. Indicative of the gritty game he aspires to deliver, Bradley cited Gallagher (even prior to the draft) and Jake Virtanen as some of his favourite players. – Hab’s Eye on the Prize

Bradley sounds like he’d be in the Greg Chase/Braden Christoffer camp. Little waterbugs that love to get their noses dirty. I always have time for these guys, and Bradley is putting up better points than Christoffer did in his last year of junior, but I have to wonder if the Oilers might move away from spending their resources on these sort of players. Everyone would love for Chiarelli to unearth another Brad Marchand though. 

  • Marcus Hogberg (33GP 1.89 GAA .932 SV%) – Linköping HC (SHL) – G – 6’5″ 209lb –
    (2013 round 3 #78 overall by Ottawa Senators)

    Hogberg is a big, competitive goaltender who excels at analyzing the play and positioning himself strategically based on the situation. He deploys a butterfly style, and at 6-foot-5, is an intimidating blocker with great lateral movement and the reflexes to excel both deep within and at the top of his crease. He has the potential to be a starting goaltender in the NHL, if he ever makes it across the pond. – Hockey’s Future

Are we looking at the Swedish Pekka Rinne or another Magnus Hellberg. A goalie with THAT size and putting up THOSE numbers? He’s very intriguing, to say the least. Do you think the Oilers would go back to a swedish goalie after employing Viktor Fasth, Anders Nilsson, and Jonas Gustavsson? 

  • Glenn Gawdin (44GP 24G 25A 49PTS) – Swift Current Broncos (WHL) – RW – 6’1″ 191lb –
    (2015 round 4 #116 overall by St. Louis Blues)

    The versatile and hard-working centerman is playing in the WHL for the Current Swift Broncos. He was drafted last summer in the fourth round, but his biggest value to the Blues appears to be his balanced game. The offensive skill is there, but some speculate the Blues will try to develop his defensive play rather than creating a scoring weapon. Gawdin has a good shot with a quick release, and has shown the ability to create scoring chances with a savvy pass. He’s a relentless defender who excels in the corners, and is responsible in all zones. (Dobber’s Prospects)

Nothing wrong with players who are already adept at playing a defensive game. That’s half of the battle with youngsters anyhow. Here’s a guy who can help out defensively but has the potential to be a concern for the opposition offensively as well, in the dirty areas no less. 

  • Nikita Korostelev (51GP 28G 33A 61PTS) – Peterborough Petes (OHL) – RW/LW – 6’1″ 201lb –
    (2015 round 7 #185 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs)

    A deft skater that plays a skill-based, puck-possession game. Very creative with the puck: can let loose an accurate bullet, utilize his stickhandling ability to create chances, or make a seeing-eye pass to an open teammate. Good hands around the net and relentless on the forecheck. Doesn’t shy away from the physical game. All-in-all, a very creative sniper that can set up, score, and play physical. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)

Another euro-skiller! Edmonton hasn’t been able to develop these sort of players with consistent success in my opinion. We’ve got Slepyshev coming and Puljujarvi should be a full-time NHLer sooner than later but there’s a player out of Toronto that I absolutely love. His name is Nikita Soshnikov. He’s a little ball of fire out on the ice and I really dig his style of play. He can check and he can dangle. Does Korostelev have any of that in him? 

  • Stephen Desrocher (59GP 9G 35A 44PTS) – Oshawa Generals (OHL) – LD – 6’4″ 205lb –
    (2015 round 6 #155 overall by Toronto Maple Leafs)

    Reliable defender that can eat up minutes due to his smart play in his own end and his strength along the boards. Uses his size to his advantage and protects the puck well. Knows his game inside and out; he knows what he can and can’t do. In this, he knows how to push his limits and break down boundaries. What he can work on would be quicker decision making and quickness through the neutral zone. All-in-all, a well-rounded defenceman who has the tools and the work ethic to be successful moving forward. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)

Now, normally I wouldn’t spend much time on another LHD but Desrocher is putting up nice numbers despite not being an offensive defenceman. He’s got great size and I reckon you can never have enough good two-way dmen in your system. Who knows, maybe this kid is another Brandon Davidson?

  • Jansen Harkins (59GP 20G 50A 70PTS) – Prince George Cougars (WHL) – C – 6’2″ 194lb –
    (2015 round 2 #47 overall by Winnipeg Jets)

    A blue collar type two-way center. Heads-up player who makes high-percentage plays in all three zones; efficient in all situations. Smooth skater. Out-working the opposition and being hard to play against are leadership traits that Jansen Harkins most definitely embodies. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)

    Has been getting many comparisons, due to his high-end playmaking ability and all-around game, to the player David Krejci. Comparable adaptive game and ability to shoot as well as pass the puck. [EP]

Well, I don’t think Harkins is the second coming of David Krejci but I think he’s got future 3rd line center written all over him and if he’s got both silky and gritty hands, I can get on board with that. Why the Jets have this guy signed up by now is beyond me. 

So what do you think of these players? Do any of them appeal to you? Let us know in the comments below!

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Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Prospects

David Musil Gonzo?

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David Musil most likely done in the Oilers Org.

Oilers figure he needs a change of scenery. Drafted in 2011, he has had ample time to develop and they’re disappointed by his slowed development. We’ve also got guys coming from recent drafts. Caleb Jones, Ethan Bear and William Lagesson to name a few.

Those are the words I was passed on this evening re: David Musil. I can’t say I’m surprised one bit. The boots were just too much of an obstacle to overcome and being a lefty on the backend did him no help either. Maybe it was just one too many Edmonton Oil Kings as well…

If you’re not aware of David Musil, here are a few quotes to give you an idea of what the Oilers were looking at in previous seasons:

Shoots: L Height: 6-4 Weight: 203
Born: 1993-04-09 Hometown: Delta, BC, Canada Drafted: 2011 by Edmonton, 31st overall

 

 

 

 

PRE-DRAFT

  • David has excellent size and strength and plays a rugged brand of hockey with a bit of a mean streak. He reads developing plays well and uses anticipation to break up plays before they become dangerous. He’s got good hockey sense in all three zones, but his offensive upside is limited due to his mediocre point shot.

    Maintains great gap control and always squares up to the puckhandler. Has good poise, plays solid, mistake-free game in own zone and is excellent positionally. Reads and anticipates developing plays well. Good laterally, but 1st step and straightaway speed are average. Is not good as either a PP quarterback or trigger-man— has weak shot and makes poor decisions in puck distribution. – Red Line Report via Oilers Nation

  • A physically imposing defender, Musil needs to develop more before he could be a serious addition to the Jackets lineup. His style, by his admission, is that of a Chris Pronger type. Of the current Jackets, Musil would be comparable to a Marc Methot type. Strong on playing the body, and while possessing the ability to move the puck, that’s not necessarily his strength. – Jackets Cannon
  • Another aspect of Musil’s game we have heard troubling things about is with the intensity and desire — some NHL evaluators have said that he is the product of hockey coming very easy to him early on and the natural physical advantage he enjoyed at a younger age. Now, his peers are catching up to him and surpassing him, and he’s not consistently bringing the kind of intensity you want. – Lighthouse Hockey

POST-DRAFT

  • With ~300 major junior games on his resumé and another 50 or so in a variety of international events, it’s time to turn him loose in the pros. Variously listed at 6’3 or 6’4 and over 200 pounds, Musil needs to show that he can continue to dominate physically when matched up against older and occasionally larger men. He also needs to prove he can skate with them. For all the outstanding fundamentals of his defensive game, it is his sluggishness afoot that may hold him back from making the bigs, at least for awhile. – Bruce McCurdy, Cult of Hockey
  • In an era where speed is king, David Musil is bucking the trend. Make no mistake about his potential, we’re talking about a player who—if everything breaks right—will play in the NHL as a pure defender and PK man. That’s a third pairing defender, along the lines of Ladislav Smid or Eric Gryba. – Lowetide

So there you have it. The overwhelming consensus is that Musil doesn’t have the footspeed to keep up in today’s NHL and the day of the pure shutdown defender are probably coming to an end and with it, these kinds of players are finding it harder and harder to make it to the NHL.

That said, one could argue that Adam Larsson is a pure shutdown defender. True, but he’s got much better wheels and his hockey IQ, in my opinion, is ridiculously good. He’s also got some of the sweetest hands for a defensive dman. And to add to all of that, he’s got ice in his veins. Perfect for playoff hockey.

I wish David Musil good luck as these AHL loan deals usually mean that the player’s time with their club is over, not helping is Musil’s pending free agent status.  I enjoyed watching him in his cup of coffee with the Oilers a couple of seasons ago. Hopefully, he’ll catch on with a club who isn’t as stacked on the left side and he’ll make an NHL career out of it yet.

What do you think? Should the Oilers be moving on from Musil or should they keep him around? Let us know in the comments below!

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Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL

Sportsnet’s Reaction to Whitney/Armstrong Comments on Ryan Smyth

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Millard: And were you waiting for the phone to ring from the boss?
Marek: Ummm, no! No.
Millard: Bosses call?
Marek: One, yes. He said he had our back.

This is from the March 3rd Hockey Central @ Noon podcast hosted by Darren Millard. Disgusting that there’s nobody being held accountable for the embarrassing performances from Armstrong, Whitney and now Marek. I actually was okay with Marek’s response during the telecast but after listening to this podcast, I can’t side with him on this one. I like the guy and I think he’s the heir apparent to Ron MacLean but his judgment on this one is right bloody terrible.

Could you imagine if Whitney or Armstrong would’ve made fun of Wendel Clark, Mats Sundin, Doug Gilmour, Saku Koivu, or Ray Bourque? There’d be backlash no doubt. But since it was Ryan Smyth and he’s from out west, that’s fine.

Weird that Whitney and Armstrong haven’t been heard from since…

“I told Horcoff I wouldn’t do it!” – Ryan Whitney

That’s two times in a week he’s taken a shot at Horcoff. Whitney and Taylor Hall had a good chuckle at the former Oilers’ captain’s expense on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast last week. Now, Gretzky AND Smytty… Wonder what kind of gems Whitney has up his sleeve next? Maybe he takes a shot at Messier’s guarantee at some point? Or maybe this is a gentleman (barely) that is so sickened with himself and his career as an NHLer that he has to revert to taking pot shots at some of the classiest players to put on an NHL sweater.

So, this is what was said if u don’t want to listen to the link in the tweet above.

Marek: At the intermission we thought we’d do a little bit about pranking players, chirping players, that kinda stuff. Ryan (Whitney) told a story about Ryan Malone about how whenever he’d see Whitney come by the bench, he’d you know, loosen the Gatorade bottle and sure enough, dump all over him.

And Colby told a funny story when he played in Atlanta in a game against the Colorado Avalanche and Ryan Smyth was a member of the Avalanche. And all in unison, like all 16 guys all along the bench, started crying. Like doing the Ryan Smyth 2007 press conference when he was an Islander.

**Somehow I don’t think that these two stories equate… Maybe it’s just me.**

Millard: Oh, when he was traded from Edmonton and he was at the airport?

Marek: Correct, when he decided to turn down the offer to stay in Edmonton and ended up getting traded instead and then Ryan Whitney jumped on it and talked more about, you know, cause in the press conference Ryan Smyth talked about bringing the Cup back to Edmonton. He (Whitney) said,

“The Islanders? Potvin’s not there anymore, Billy Smith’s not there anymore.”

And Twitter was not amused. The nerves were close to the skin. We just thought it was a harmless chirp story involving the Atlanta Thrashers and a member of the Avalanche.

**The thing that pisses me off here is that Marek insists on identifying Smyth as an Islander in this instance. Technically, that’s true but come on… He knows very well that even he played for the Islanders, the Avs, and the Kings, that Ryan Smyth was really an Oiler his whole career. And Kevin Lowe could’ve very easily kept Smyth if HE were willing to pay him a little bit more at that time.**

Millard: Here’s how deep it went. Elliotte Friedman was MC-ing a charity dinner in Winnipeg last night and Scott Oake was being honored, Darcy Oake was there as well. And Elliotte looks at his phone and he’s starting to get troll tweets,

“You’ve never played the game. Why are you chirping Ryan Smyth?”

Elliotte said what the hell happened, so we brought him up to date. So…

Stellick: You kid Eddie Olczyk about his speech right? Like he knows… (inaudible)… When the emotion of when the Jets left, “We’re gonna bring it back”, and we said, “Eddie, what were you going to bring back exactly? Were you gonna win it in Arizona and bring it back or?” anyway, people get caught up in the emotion.

**Jesus… They’re comparing Olczyk’s speech to what happened to Smyth? Reaching much?**

Marek:  I understand the nerves are close to the skin in certain markets. We all do. I think we all know where those markets are.

“We built this Smytty on greasy goals!” Click the image and pick up a 16-bit Smytty right now!

Millar: The idea of crying after a trade, that’s a long gone, uh, habit. This year, Curtis Lazar was skipping out of Ottawa.

Marek: Oh I know. But that was a new lease on life and he was going back out west.

Millar: But your first trade is always supposed to be this shocker.

Marek: Well Colby mentioned up in strategy room on trade deadline day that when his mom called him to tell him that he was traded from Pittsburgh to Atlanta, that he cried.

Millard: Colby cries when the weather changes more than three degrees.

Marek: I know… When the waitress messes up his order at the restaurant for breakfast, “I asked for the hash browns, what has the world come to? What kind of god would allow this to happen?”

Stellick: Devante Smith-Pelly, he cried. Got caught up in the emotion right? It’s part of realizing he was going. You know other guys… Whatever.

**So this is how they justify it? Armstrong cried… Is that right? So why weren’t we hearing THAT story? Can they honestly compare Colby Armstrong and Devante Smith-Pelly to Ryan Smyth in any way, shape, or form apart from they all played NHL hockey?**

Millard: So, do you apologize?

Marek: For what?

Millard: For taking up Twitter’s valuable space and time last night.

**I’m pretty certain this isn’t what Millard wanted to say. There was a little pause before he forced this out and that’s too bad. I would’ve like to have heard Marek’s response to the real question that wasn’t asked here.**

Marek: I didn’t send out any tweets about it. I responded to a couple. Man did we hear it. Just when you think, like, your summing up; no, you’re still adding up. I got a note from Colby this morning, he’s flying home to Pittsburgh; he’s in the air and he’s sending me the tweets. He goes,

“Still coming in.”

Millard: When did you realize last night was becoming something?

Marek: Right away. As soon as the intermission was over, we went back upstairs to the next period and BOOM! Timeline explosion. Timeline bomb. Boom!

Millard: My first inclination is, because I’m panicky worry wort, all that kinda stuff, was ‘oh no, oh no’. Then there’s other kind of people, Doug MacLean would be that, where were you guys?

Marek: Uhhh Colby was a little surprised at the reaction because he’s loveable, nice guy Colb. Right? He’s everyone’s buddy. I think he was surprised at the nature of the negativity.

Millard: That’s a little worried to me.

Marek: A little bit worried, yeah. Ryan (Whitney) just kinda ‘unh’. Boston boy, shrug it off. Big deal, hit by a pitch, you know, no autopsy-no foul.

Millard: And were you waiting for the phone to ring from the boss?

Marek: Ummm, no! No.

Millard: Bosses call?

Marek: One, yes. He said he had our back.

**One called. I wonder how the other bosses communicated their opinion on the matter?**

Millard: GOOD!

Marek: It’s what you want from a boss.

Millard: So, did you pile on after that?

Marek: No, we left it. I said,

“Guys, back up, phones down. We gotta watch the game anyway.”

Millard: Hey guys, have you ever had an entire city mad at you? Well yeah, actually you did. Sorry Gord (Gord Stellick was the GM of the Maple Leafs for a short time from April of ’88 to August of ’89).

Millard: Do you know Ryan Smyth?

Marek: I’ve talked to him on radio a couple of different times.

Millard: I think he’d find it funny.

**Well Mr.Millard, he didn’t find it funny. At all. Did he?**

https://soundcloud.com/thejasongregorshow/gregor-show-mar-3-ryan-smyth#t=9:00

Some of the interesting comments from Smyth re: Whitney/Armstrong:

  • You know obviously I’m not going to stoop to that level. Not appropriate. They do what they want on the panel and I let them be.
  • There is a time and a place for it (chirping) in my opinion and in this situation, that’s how they obviously felt and let ’em be.

THAT is how you respond to clowns like Whitney and Armstrong.

Ryan Smyth is a class act and has always been a class act. Not only for the Edmonton Oilers but for every hockey team he’s every played for, including Team Canada.

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Edmonton Oilers, Michael Gerber, NHL

Is It All McDavid?

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We all have seen the comments. “McDavid makes Chiarelli look competent” or, “McDavid is the only reason the Oilers are in a playoff spot”, but is it true?

The short answer is no.

The best lies, the most believable ones, are made partially of truth. This, of course applies in this scenario as well; McDavid is leading the NHL in scoring after all and the Oilers are 2nd in the Pacific division after miles of road at the bottom of the league. In reality, however, these are not mutually exclusive and it may not even be the biggest reason for the leap forward.

Last year the Edmonton Oilers were 26th in goals against and a -42 goal differential as a team. This year the team is 10th in goals against and have improved the goal differential by 58 goals. Good for an average of almost an entire goal per game through the first 64 games played.

It was no secret that the Oilers biggest weakness last season was the right side of their defense and something needed to be done. All 3 of the Oilers regular Top 6 right side defenders, namely Adam Larsson, Kris Russell, and Matt Benning are new to the team. The #1, #2 and #3 right side defenders have been replaced leaving Eric Gryba as the lone holdover. Add this to the progression on the left side of Oscar Klefbom and Darnell Nurse, a better D partner for Andrej Sekera and you get significant improvement at all 6 defensive slots.

Is the reason behind the Oilers regular season progression even the most important question anymore? Perhaps it’s shifted to how well equipped they are for the post season?

Luckily, Chiarelli has come through again with forethought and an answer for this next question before we even got around to asking it. Peter is a humble guy, he tempers expectations, sets the bar low, however; this team appears to be well equipped for playoff hockey. It would have been easy with intense pressure from ownership and fans to just make it back to the playoffs to focus on that goal alone. What he has done instead is set the team up for long-term, sustainable success through the regular season and playoffs.

If you want to know why the Oilers invested $6 Million long-term in Milan Lucic wait for the playoffs.

If you still question why they traded Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson instead of Kevin Shattenkirk, PK Subban or Tyson Barrie you’re set to find out in April.

If you question why Eric Gryba is the 7th defender instead of Brandon Davidson, you’ll get your answer in the grinding Pacific division playoffs.

If you don’t understand why the Oilers didn’t pick up PA Parenteau for cheap at the deadline and instead seem ready to push Zack Kassian up the lineup you’re going to see who comes out of the corner with the puck really soon.

It’s been a long road Oiler fans, I know you’ve enjoyed the season and are still white knuckling it down the stretch drive. Let’s sit back and appreciate the view of the top of the standings and realize that most of the criticism coming at the Oilers this season is questioning why they are so good, instead of why they are awful.

The Oilers are coming. This statement has a whole new meaning.

You can follow Michael Gerber on Twitter here.

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Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft

Hindsight: Re-Draft ’07

The 2006-07 season marked the beginning of the end for the Edmonton Oilers, and kicked off a ten-year playoff drought in which the team managed a record of only 298-398-90. Over the course of that ten-year window, the Oilers selected 76 players in the NHL entry draft, and a total of 13 were selected in the first round.

In hindsight, the 2007 draft was a colossal failure on behalf of management as they went on to select three players who failed to make an impact on the long-term success of the organization. Sam Gagner, the sixth overall pick in the draft was coming off of a monster season playing alongside first overall pick Patrick Kane where he was able to put up 118 points in the regular season while chipping in another 29 in the playoffs.

Even now, it’s hard to argue the selection as he was clearly one of the most skilled players in the draft class, however, he was never able to become that elite playmaking forward at the NHL level. Alex Plante, the fifteenth pick had a short-lived, ten game NHL career, where he was never able to transfer his defensive defenceman style to the NHL game. Riley Nash was the Oilers final selection in the first round, and though he’s begun carving a role as a bottom-six NHL forward, the fact the Max Pacioretty was the next pick will forever loom over them.

As we’ve learned from looking back at drafts in years past, it’s a hit and miss exhibition, with the best of the best having notable misses throughout their career. Taking that into account, with the respect to hindsight, this re-draft focuses on which player would have made the greatest impact on their new team, rather than who will accumulate the most amount of points. So take a look, and let me know what you think.

2007 NHL Re-Draft

1. Chicago Blackhawks – Selected: Patrick Kane

Re-Pick: Patrick Kane

No-brainer here, he’s one of the league’s elite and has been since he stepped into the NHL.

 

2. Philadelphia Flyers – Selected: James Van Reimsdyk

Re-Pick: Jamie Benn (DAL / 129th)

There were two elite level forwards in this class, and Jamie Benn would have been a more natural duo than democrats and Kleenex back in November.

 

3. Arizona Coyotes – Selected: Kyle Turris

Re-Pick: P.K. Subban (MTL / 43rd)

With Yandle on the way up, and Ekman-Larson soon to be acquired, the Yotes could’ve rolled with one of the strongest defensive corps in the west for a few years.

 

4. Los Angeles Kings – Selected: Thomas Hickey

Re-Pick: Jakub Voracek (PHI / 7th)

This pick would not have only bolstered the Kings offense, but would have saved them money down the stretch on a player like Marian Gaborik.

 

5. Washington Capitals – Selected: Karl Alzner

Re-Pick: Ryan McDonagh (MTL / 12th)

The Caps have always seemed to be stronger on the right side, and adding a player like McDonagh to the mix with Mike Green and eventually, John Carlson would have been huge.

 

6. Edmonton Oilers – Selected: Sam Gagner

Re-Pick: Max Pacioretty (MTL / 22nd)

Pacioretty has really emerged into a solid two-way scorer, with the leadership skills that would have likely expedited the rebuild, even if only by a year or two.

 

7. Columbus Blue Jackets – Selected: Jakub Voracek

Re-Pick: Kevin Shattenkirk (COL / 14th)

With Voracek off the board, Shattenkirk fills an obvious hole in Columbus as their number one defenceman. For years they struggled with an average defensive group, Shattenkirk helps there.

 

8. Boston Bruins – Selected: Zach Hamill

Re-Pick: Wayne Simmonds (LA / 61st)

Not only does Simmonds play match what current management is trying to achieve, he’s also one of the most uniquely valuable players in the league given what he brings to the table.

 

9. San Jose Sharks – Selected: Logan Couture

Re-Pick: Logan Couture

He’s fit into their system quite well, and though he likely won’t ever be considered an elite playmaker, he’s efficient at his role.

 

10. Florida Panthers – Selected: Keaton Ellerby

Re-Pick: Jake Muzzin (PIT / 141st)

The Cats have struggled to find consistency with their defense, and Muzzin brings a lot of tools that would really stabilize the blue line. Muzzin-Ekblad would be a nice pair.

 

11. Carolina Hurricanes – Selected: Brandon Sutter

Re-Pick: Kyle Turris (ARZ / 3rd)

In a mix with the two Staals, Carolina would have had one of the deepest center corps in the east and would have had an easy replacement following Eric’s trade to New York.

 

12. Montreal Canadiens – Selected: Ryan McDonagh

Re-Pick: James Van Riemsdyk (PHI / 2nd)

Having their original pick in McDonagh would be ideal for their team today, JVR brings a Pacioretty-like game to the Habs.
13. St. Louis Blues – Selected: Lars Eller

Re-Pick: Karl Alzner (WSH / 5th)

Alzner’s defensive two-way game would have made him an easy fit in the Blues system, especially now next to one of Pietrangelo or Parayko.

 

14. Colorado Avalanche – Selected: Kevin Shattenkirk

Re-Pick: Nick Bonino (SJ / 173rd)

Though the reason many recognize Bonino because he was part of the HBK line, his hard nosed two-way play and ability to occasionally chip in offensively would help in the West.

 

15. Edmonton Oilers – Selected: Alex Plante

Re-Pick: Brandon Sutter (CAR / 11th)

The fact that the Oilers would be considered likely final four (maybe top eight) candidates with the added center depth Sutter brings makes this an easy pick.

 

16. Minnesota Wild – Selected: Colton Gillies

Re-Pick: David Perron (STL / 26th)

Adds some scoring to the top six, and depth on the wing was missing from Minny for quite a while. He’s a player that leaves you wanting more but still, brings some good tools.

 

17. New York Rangers – Selected: Alexei Cherepanov

Re-Pick: Carl Hagelin (NYR / 168th)

They nailed the pick, only in round six instead of round one. Hagelin’s speed and puck skills allow him to be a consistent offensive threat, glad he’s found success in Pittsburgh.

 

18. St. Louis Blues – Selected: Ian Cole

Re-Pick: Alex Killorn (TB / 77th)

Killorn gives just about any team in the league a boost in the 3C spot as he’s proven to be a scoring two-way center who can be relied upon in a number of situations.

 

19. Anaheim Ducks – Selected: Logan MacMillan

Re-Pick: Carl Gunnarsson (TOR / 194th)

There are few defenceman in the league who play a consistent defensive defenceman style, but Gunnarsson has managed to be effective in that role for more than a few years.

 

20. Pittsburgh Penguins – Selected: Angelo Esposito

Re-Pick: Sam Gagner (EDM / 6th)

If Gagner could have instant, sustained success anywhere, it likely would have been on the right side next to Crosby. He’s proven he can put up points, now carving out a depth role in CBJ.

 

21. Edmonton Oilers – Selected: Riley Nash

Re-Pick: Justin Braun (SJ / 201st)

Braun is one of the more under appreciated defenders in the league and has proven to be a consistent two-way defenceman for the Sharks. The fact he’s a righty helps the current Oilers quite a bit.

 

22. Montreal Canadiens – Selected: Max Pacioretty

Re-Pick: Alec Martinez (LA / 95th)

So Montreal gets ripped off in the re-draft, BUT Martinez addresses an area where the Habs weren’t overly strong at for a number of years. If that makes up for losing Subban, McDonagh, and Pacioretty…

 

23. Nashville Predators – Selected: Jon Blum

Re-Pick: Mikael Backlund (CGY / 24th)

They had a chance to take him at the time, and he would have looked good in a Preds jersey. Backlund is a decent offensive two-way player who fills a 3C role and can step into the 2 hole with injuries.

 

24. Calgary Flames – Selected: Mikael Backlund

Re-Pick: Lars Eller (STL / 13th)

Eller has had an alright NHL career and has been leaned upon to be a consistent defensive third line player. Replaces the loss of Backlund quite easily.

 

25. Vancouver Canucks – Selected: Patrick White

Re-Pick: Scott Darling (ARZ / 153rd)

This pick is primarily based on value, and the fact that seeing another goalie added to the Luongo/Schneider saga would have been added comedy.

 

26. St. Louis Blues – Selected: David Perron

Re-Pick: Brendan Smith (DET / 27th)

Smith doesn’t “bolster” their defence, but he makes them much more competitive in what would likely have been a number five spot. He’s a decent number four NHL defenceman.

 

27. Detroit Red Wings – Selected: Brendan Smith

Re-Pick: Thomas Hickey (LA / 4th)

Would have been interesting to see what Detroit could have done for the development of Hickey, who is now showing he’s a fairly reliable two-way defender.

 

28. San Jose Sharks- Selected: Nick Petrecki

Re-Pick: Patrick Maroon

Though he never fully hit his stride until he was on McDavid’s wing, Maroon next to a guy like Joe Thornton might have been too powerful a duo for even Western conference teams to stop.

 

29. Ottawa Senators – Selected: Jim O’Brien

Re-Pick: Ian Cole (STL / 18th)

Cole has really carved out a role in Pittsburgh, providing a (somewhat) consistent two-way game, currently playing in the number five spot.

 

30. Arizona Coyotes – Selected: Nick Ross

Re-Pick: Dwight King (LA / 109th)

King has proven to be a strong bottom six player in LA, and clearly, has value on the open market.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to let me know who you would have taken in this draft and why. The top five was loaded with high-end players, so I’m sure the Benn vs. Subban debate will be heated!

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