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Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Kosmic’s Top Ten NHL Draft Prospects: #1 Patrik Laine

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Hey guys! Can you believe that it’s the end of April already? And that in exactly 2 days we will find out just where we stand in the pecking order known as the 2016 NHL Draft. Come on, as a sad fanbase let’s face it, this IS our playoffs. This upcoming weekend will determine a lot for Edmonton. For example, where we land in the draft order is going to decide, I think, whether we trade the pick or use it to draft someone. Personally, I think that if they fall outside of the Top 3 then they will end up trading the pick. Possibly packaging it up with one of their many rumoured wingers/forwards for some top-notch help on the “D”. But that’s just my take on this…

PLEASE Hockey Gods, let this be the last year that we care about which position we get in the draft! I’ll do anything!! Even sacrifice my youngest! Sorry Caleb, but you’re a ginger…it was bound to happen sooner or later! I KEED, I KEED! I JOKE! HaHa! But for real….it’s almost the Oilers time to shine! It’s Lottery Time! So buckle up mofo’s!!! Heeeeeeeeere’s Numero Uno…..

Patrik Laine – LW/RW
Tappara (Liiga Finland)
6’4″ 211lbs
46GP 17G 16A 33PTS 6PIM 6+/-

Ok so I’m going to try something new, and start off by saying the worst possible thing that I noticed, and read about this prospect….his skating. Trust me, it’s not too much of a knock either, or really even one at all. So he isn’t the fastest skater and he takes big, long, powerful strides. Scouts say that he’s very reminiscent of Mario freaking Lemieux when he skates, yeah that guy! How did he do in his career? LOL! Being compared to Super Mario in any regard is never a bad thing.

So moving along to his many lovable traits, skills, and characteristics. Patrik Laine is about as complete of a natural goal scorer as you can possibly get. Seriously, he possesses an absolute laser beam of a shot that leaves fire trails similar to everyone’s favorite time traveling Delorean. What a bomb, this is the shot that every coach craves to have for his powerplay. He has an ultra quick release wrist’er, and a behemoth of a blast when he unleashes his slapper or snapper. His ability to read the play more often than not puts him in an advantageous position to shoot the puck. He’s constantly thinking out on the ice, and loves to create plays himself. He is a big bodied winger that I think is perfectly built for the much larger Western Conference. Now I’m not saying that he’s overly physical, not at all. But he definitely knows how to use his size and reach to his advantage, and can hang with the big boys as well. He will use his massive frame to drive players off the puck, and doesn’t really shy away from mixing it up when he needs to.

His defensive game could use a little work, not much though, and come on? That’s not really why you’d be drafting Patrik Laine. You’d draft him for his uncanny ability to score! Remember, Patrik is a 2016 Liiga Champion and playoff MVP, as well as a 2016 World Junior Champion and All-Star. So he knows what it takes to win and lead a team to the promised land.

NHL Comparable(s): Alexander Ovechkin, and Mario Lemieux.

Why would this player be on the Oilers Draft List? Well, because we’d land an elite, top-notch natural goal scorer to possibly compliment McDavid for years and years to come…and…we’d also get a s**t load of options. Options you say? Why yes fine fellow, options a plenty!

First of all, if we draft Laine, we wouldn’t need to even think twice about trading an Eberle, or Yakupov for some help on the “D”. Or maybe who knows, it could influence a major trade involving Taylor Hall. As I believe that this kid is going to step straight into the league and light it up like his name was Bob Marley!

Another option is, we flip the pick itself for some immediate help. One suggestion out there, is that if the Oilers do land the 1st overall pick then we should trade it to whoever drafts 2nd overall. People are suggesting they then make a “Lindros” like trade with that team involving the 2nd overall, and then draft Laine. Now I just don’t see that happening in the cap-era, but could you imagine? We could possibly fix our defense and bottom six in the trade, and then draft Patrik Laine!!

If only, but in reality, who knows…like Kevin Garnett said “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!”. Honestly though, as amazing as it would be to have Matthews, I think we’re more than set at “C” with McWizard, Dr. Drai, and RNH. Me personally, I’d love to have the opportunity to see McDavid and Laine become the new Gretzky and Kurri.

Well my friends, that concludes my 2016 Top Ten Oilers Draft Prospects series. Stay tuned and see what I have in-store for you next! As always, stay trippy!!

Follow me Twitter @kosmicburrito

Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #2 Auston Matthews

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For those of you out there that got your Ben Harper on, and burned one down yesterday, I salute you! This post is going to have a very “green” feel to it.

Auston Matthews is going to be better than the best Northern Lights buds from B.C. He’s packing more punch than a triple chamber bong. He’ll produce more hits than Cheech and Chong combined. He’s going to tear up the “joint”…I think that you get the point lol! Maybe doing this article on 4/20 was a good idea. Because a lot of people are going to think that I am on drugs for placing this guy at #2 lolol! So before I get too lifted, it’s time for me to Puff Puff Pass along this article… Without further adieu…#2!

But before we get to #2 let me give you the opportunity to check out the rest of the top ten!

#10 – Alex Nylander
#9 – Pierre-Luc Dubois
#8 – Mikhail Sergachev
#7 – Matthew Tkachuk
#6 – Dante Fabbro
#5 – Jesse Puljujarvi
#4 – Olli Juolevi
#3 – Jakob Chychrun

Now onto #2…

A future Edmonton Oiler?

Auston Matthews – C
ZSC Lions (Swiss NLA)
6’2″ 197lbs
36GP 24G 22A 46PTS 6PIM 16+/-

No he didn’t?…Yeah I did…
I listed Auston Matthews at #2. Yes, the same Mr. Matthews that tops most lists and went to play against men in the Swiss National League. Mr. Trailblazer himself, Arizona Auston. I’m more than well aware of his dynamic offensive prowess, and decent enough size to go with it. Yes, I realize that he has top end speed and skating ability, and can go from 0 to 60 in 1.7 seconds. And no, I’m not too high to know that he’s a generational talent with an incredibly massive hockey IQ. Who is also very mature for his young age.

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His hockey intellect has him constantly creating plays on the ice, and when he’s on, Matthews is consistently driving the play. There’s no doubt that he is a complete offensive talent, that has elite sniper abilities. But let’s not take away from his two-way game either. Auston also displays some very quick thinking in his own end of the rink, and he will use his body and skating ability to challenge any opponent. As a defender, he isn’t afraid to engage with anyone. Which has him coming out on the winning side more often than not. Which is a huge bonus with such a deadly accurate sniper. Matthews has some of the quickest hands out there, which he needs to keep up with his quick thinking. Auston is intelligently creative with the puck on his stick, and can make an average linemate look like a veteran All-Star. Which is an attribute linked to some of the greatest players ever. Auston Matthews most definitely has the potential to turn into a #1 franchise center, and just might do it in short notice. So put that ‘ish in your pipe and smoke it…

NHL Comparable(s): Steven Stamkos, Jack Eichel, Anze Kopitar, Jonathon Toews, and Mike Modano.

Why would this player be on the Oilers Draft List? It may be 420, and I may be blazed to all hell…but I’m not dumb! It’s Auston freakin’ Matthews people! I think the real question here is, why the @#&* isn’t he number one on my draft list??!!? Riiiiiight…well you’ll have to wait and see who #1 is before I answer that lol! But don’t you think that drafting Matthews would add to our already existing so-called “problem”, of having “too many” centers…..Whoa! I must be high! 😉

Think about it though, we’d have McWizard, The Nuge, Dr. Drai, and Auston Matthews? Sh*t yo, I’d be happy with the first three, and trading the pick for a package that includes a top flight RHD. But that’s just me, and I’ve been burning some medicinal all day…

BLH’s Comments: Generally having too much of a good thing is a problem you want to have. I’m on the fence in this case though. We’ve been watching Oilers brass try and let the young players guide this team to greatness and exactly the opposite has happened. I think it would be better for the NHL and the Oilers if they didn’t take Auston Matthews if they had the opportunity. Trade the pick, accumulate assets, and move on. 

*Kosmic wrote this up yesterday but the following message still applies I imagine – BLH*

As always, stay trippy my friends!! Next up is number one! Happy 420 everyone! As much fun as I had writing this article, and as bad as I would love to share my favorite snacks or strain of herb with you. Instead I’d like to try and share some weed awareness to anyone who is unaware of the healing benefits, or denotes them altogether. As an advocate, avid user, and someone who was born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), I know that most of my friends and family know where I stand. However, to anyone who may suffer from chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, CMT disease, muscular sclerosis, glaucoma, dopamine deficiencies, insomnia, etc…and still refuse to try a more holistic “unorthadox” approach, and instead rely on a pharmaceutical one. I can not stress how important it is that you research the healing effects of this natural plant more. Have an awesome day BLH Universe!

Follow or Debate me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Propects: #3 Jakob Chychrun

Ahhh yeah folks….it’s Mini-Friday a.k.a. Thursday. We’re sooooo close to the weekend! How’s everyone doing today? I don’t know about where you are, but here in Toronto it is an absolute beauty of a day outside! The sun is shining, birds are singing, and my 3 sons just got home from school and are racing to get outside and play some road hockey with their new net and goalie gear! Wherever you are, I hope that you’re having a fan-fucking-tastic day!

So let’s do this! Here is the highest ranked defenseman on my list…yessir! That clearly means that I have 2 forwards taking up the #1 and #2 spots. But who? People of the BLH Universe, this defenseman is not only the d-man that I’d like to see the Oilers land, I also think that he’ll be the first d-man to go in the draft this year. So heeeeeeeeeere we go…#3!

If you haven’t read no.4 through no.10 on our list, check them out below! And please keep in mind that these are my projections based on the Oilers’ needs as an organization.

#10 – Alex Nylander
#9 – Pierre-Luc Dubois
#8 – Mikhail Sergachev
#7 – Matthew Tkachuk
#6 – Dante Fabbro
#5 – Jesse Puljujarvi
#4 – Olli Juolevi

Is Chychrun a franchise defenseman?

Jakob Chychrun – D
Sarnia Sting (OHL)
6’2″ 216lbs
62GP 11G 38A 49PTS 51PIM 23+/-

The son of former NHLer Jeff Chychrun and nephew of former Edmonton Oiler Luke Richardson, Jakob Chychrun is a complete defender, hands down. He’s already a monster with NHL size (6’2″ 216lbs), that definitely does not shy away from using it. Have you ever you seen Chychrun lay someone out? Oh man, it’s a beautiful thing. Of course, not if you’re on the business end of that shit! But getting back to that whole complete defender thing, he truly does possess a lot of skills and tools. He has elite vision and the premier skating ability to match it. Those two skills combined have him almost always ahead of the play. He plays a very well composed game as well, and is able to apply pressure to the opposition. Causing them to make high pressure plays, which usually results in the play being broken up. Jakob is very responsible defensively, and is consistently trustworthy. He also has, what I personally think is, the best first pass in the OHL, and the best out of any prospect in this years draft. That’s not to take away from his stick handling/puck carrying ability, as Chychrun is excellent whenever he is driving or directing the play. This kid also has a widow-maker of a shot, that he loves to flaunt on the power play. All in all, this kid is an absolute stallion as far as defensive prospects go, He possesses a high hockey IQ, elite vison, excellent skating, and he mixes them up with an outstanding two-way game.

NHL Comparable(s): Aaron Ekblad

while injury is an inevitable part of the game, the ability to rebound and perform and produce on a consistent basis is generally what separates the stars from the pretenders. When he’s defending from the circles and below, he possesses the uncanny ability to successfully differentiate between when to pressure the opposing puck possessor and when to support the friendly.

Chychryn is perhaps a more complete version of former top pick (and OHL’er) Aaron Ekblad, and in that we mean both offensively and defensively. – Steve Kournianos (source)

Where does he fall versus the plethora of forwards that are available? In comparing him against Olli Juolevi and Mikhail Sergachev, Chychrun is the most complete player of the three. Juolevi made a significant push forward during the past World Junior Championship. The smooth skating Finn put up several points and impressed several scouts. The London Knights top defender does not have the physical ability, overall hockey sense, or shooting ability that Chychrun holsters. Sergachev is as good or maybe better when rushing up the ice and driving towards the net. Again he loses out in sense and shooting. – Craig Smith, Hockey Prospectus (source)

Why would this player be on the Oilers Draft List? Simple, because we need an Aaron Ekblad type of d-man on our team…and hello Chychrun! But for real, he’s a stud and we need a stud on our back-end. I mean we have Nurse, and Klefbom…but I’m not even sure that they have the same ceiling as Jakob Chychrun. The sky’s the limit with this kid…I think that he’s the type of d-man that you build you’re back-end around. If we fell back in the draft, I’d scoop him up in a heartbeat.

That’s all for today people, I’ve got a road hockey game to get to! Stay trippy!! See who checks in at #2 next!

Follow me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

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Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #4 Olli Juolevi

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What’s going on, all you trippy, sexy people out in the BLH Universe? Here we are, almost through the 2nd week of April already. One thing we do know as of now, we officially didn’t finish last this year, and now possess the second best odds at taking the 1st overall pick. My dude Laine is getting a big push lately, and deservedly so! The kid is Magic Beans baby! Now that’s totally not taking anything away from Matthews, or any other kid on this list for that matter! Is it just me, or is this 1st Round Draft Class not starting to look better and better? Man oh man, soooo many excellent options.

So continuing the trend, let’s get down to biz…checking in next on the list is an elite defensive prospect. This choice was hard for me, as it basically boiled down to him, or another top notch defender. Don’t get me wrong, both of them look like sure fire, money in the bank, safe bets on the back-end. So here we are, checking in at #4 on the list:

If you haven’t read no.5 through no.10 on our list, check them out below! And please keep in mind that these are my projections based on the Oilers’ needs as an organization.

#10 – Alex Nylander
#9 – Pierre-Luc Dubois
#8 – Mikhail Sergachev
#7 – Matthew Tkachuk
#6 – Dante Fabbro
#5 – Jesse Puljujarvi

Will this Finnish rearguard be the first dman whose name is called at the draft this summer?

Olli Juolevi – D
London Knights (OHL)
6’2″ 185lbs
57GP 9G 33A 42PTS 16PIM 38+/-

I’ve said it before, I love me a London Knights prospect! The kids just seem to step into the big show more ready than others. I’ll be honest, I don’t expect anything less with Olli Juolevi. This kid is some top shelf shiznit ladies and gents! He’ll piss you off in your own end of the rink, and then piss you off some more in his. Juolevi is a premier two-way defender, who isn’t afraid to finish his checks with ferocity from time to time. Now I’m not saying that he’s overly physical, but he definitely knows how to us his size well. He possesses great skating ability that allows him to jump in on the rush, or back-check with ease. This allows him to constantly be a part of the play, and his elite vision has him consistently making smart plays. Speaking of consistency, Olli always gives 100% every shift and is constantly competing on the ice. His puck handling ability, and elite play-making skills help set him apart from almost every defender in his draft class. If you mix it all up, you have one helluva sweet defensive prospect with an excellent hockey sense. I would be INCREDIBLY happy if we land this future stud d-man.

“He’s a poised minute-muncher with very good size and strength for a young defenseman. He makes excellent plays in the defensive zone, using his stick and body to take pucks away and clear the zone. He does a very nice job of moving the puck, showing a sharp first pass and excellent vision. Understands the game extremely well and also has good mobility. Juolevi’s poise consistently stands out.” – futureconsiderations.ca (source)

“The Helsinki, Finland native adopts a cool and calm approach to all facets of his play; never panics and is always in astute positions to lead a charge up ice or make a staunch defensive play. Due to his calming style of play, he gives his forwards a considerable amount of confidence as they know he will address the defensive duties allowing them to push up more offensively” – David Burstyn, McKeen’s Hockey (source)

NHL Comparable(s): Olli Maatta (fellow Knights alumni) is said to be an exact clone.

Why would this player be on the Oilers Draft List? Seriously? Ummm maybe because we suck on defense? In all seriousness, we would be very lucky to land this player. Olli would help to fill up our glaring need on the back-end. He can move the puck well, and has excellent play-making ability. Something that we’re going to need a lot more of moving forward. Somebody has to get those pucks to all those skilled forwards that we have. They only issue that I have is, we’d most likely need to move a defender out. As Juolevi is yet another LHD. What are your thoughts?

BLH’s Comments: I think if the Oilers are in a position to draft Olli Juolevi, they should trade the pick. As good as Juolevi might be, he’d be surplus to requirements in Edmonton. Now if he was a potential 2nd round pick, that’s a different story but in the top ten there are simply better organizational options for the Oilers. I’m a tad concerned that he could get beat up in the Western Conference as well but let’s say the team did draft him, it would be an imperative that he’s sent to Bakersfield for two-three seasons or back to London for another year or two. 

Well thanks again folks, as always, it’s been my pleasure. Have an awesome day, and stay tuned for #3!

Follow me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #5 Jesse Puljujarvi

Hey Hey…How goes it BLH? Are you guys enjoying your Sunday? I know that I’m having a Lazy Sunday with the fam jam. Whatever you’re doing, get down with ya bad self, and enjoy the day! It’s freaking cold in Toronto today, but realistically, we don’t have that much longer until we’re all sipping pints on patios…

Now I know that there’s going to be a ton of people who absolutely disagree with my placement of this prospect. Trust me, I was torn myself. But know that there are only 4 prospects ranked higher than him, and only 2 are forwards. I’m sure that you already know who the forwards are, but the other 2 are ranked ahead strictly for the Oilers need on defence.

Check out the other prospects in my top ten below!

#10 – Alex Nylander
#9 – Pierre-Luc Dubois
#8 – Mikhail Sergachev
#7 – Matthew Tkachuk
#6 – Dante Fabbro

So without further adieu, I give you #5:

Jesse Puljujarvi – RW
Karpat (Liiga – Finland)
6’3” 201lbs
50GP 13G 15A 28PTS 22PIM 5+/

Ok, first off, if the Oilers didn’t have such a huge, glaring need on the back-end, I’d have Puljujarvi actually ranked 3rd, behind two other forwards. Puljujarvi is a grade “A”, top-end, elite prospect. There’s no doubt about it. Now the only reason that he’s ranked lower than another certain Finnish prospect, is because he is more of a playmaker than a sniper. Honestly, I believe that the Oilers need more finishers at this point. Also, I’ve been reading that he could benefit from learning how to use his size to his advantage. But I also take into account that he’s still only 17, and has been playing against men in Finland’s top league. From what I’ve seen though, he doesn’t exactly shy away from physical play.

So what is it about his game that has so many people stoked? It’s his combination of speed, smarts, and size. Jesse already has a strong two-way game to go along with his great offensive instincts. Offensively he loves too use his massive reach to his advantage, it helps him to keep the puck away from defenders. Another thing that I keep reading about Puljujarvi, is that he has a deadly, accurate, and hard shot, and that he needs to learn to use it more often. But when he does use it, it’s usually causing opposing goalies to have fits. Jesse Puljujarvi is pretty much a complete package, he possesses a strong hockey sense, and an excellent defensive awareness, and mixes that with his elite playmaking ability. His size, and skating ability set him apart from his peers. As it’s hard too find that combination of skills put to good use. There’s really not much to dislike about this kid, he basically has it all. One thing that I really like, is how defensively responsible he is, especially at such a young age. He’s a complete player, as he doesn’t really demonstrate any flaws. Yes, he isn’t as much of a sniper as one would like, but his playmaking abilities are superior. He possesses a high IQ, so he reads the play better than a lot of pro’s. His incredible on-ice vision helps with that. There really isn’t much to not like about this kid…he’s a bonafide elite prospect.

NHL Comparable(s): Jamie Benn, Mats Sundin, and Teemu Selanne

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? Well honestly, if this was a “draft the best player available” type of list….Puljujarvi would’ve ranked 3rd. I even thought about possible trade scenarios. But you just don’t trade a top 5 pick and win anymore, right? It’s a lot tougher these days, than previous years. So maybe you draft Jesse, and trade Eberle, RNH or Yak City for help on D? No? And can Puljajurvi step in immediately and make in impact, or does he need time in the minors? Well, for these possibilities, I have 2 defencemen ranked higher in the Draft List. As we all know, our biggest need is the back-end, and I more than believe that the Oilers are now in a position to draft for “needs” and not for “who’s available”. Although there’s two forwards that I just WOULDN’T say no to. If we landed Puljujarvi would I be pissed? OMFG No, he’s a tremendous talent! Would I much rather a defenceman? Does Pinnochio have wooden balls?..

BLH’s Comments: I’m with Kosmic all the way on this one. The Oilers could very well be in a position to draft for organizational need this June. With that said, if they do go ahead and deal Yakupov AND Eberle, they’ll need a RWer and Puljujarvi would be dynamite! Another plus to drafting one of the Finns is that they can be sent to the AHL no problem. But a playmaker this team doesn’t need.

Well ladies and gents, it’s been a slice y’all!! See you on that dreaded “M” day…stay trippy and weird my friends…it’s the best!!!

Follow me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

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