Not every prospect pans out. That’s just the nature of drafting. You can scout a player as many times as you like, but it’s a bit of a crap shoot, as you’re watching 15, 16, and 17 year old kids play hockey, trying to project what kind of player they will be 4-5 years down the road. That being said, there is a skill to being an amateur scout in the NHL. The Detroit Red Wings seem to be able to find an endless supply of mid to late round picks that end up playing in their system in one way or another. This is something the Edmonton Oilers haven’t had much luck with in recent years. But as I was going through all the players in Edmonton’s system over the last few months, one player seemed to be missing from the conversation; Daniil Zharkov.
Zharkov was the player picked using the third round pick Edmonton acquired from the LA Kings in the Dustin Penner deal. Taken 91st overall in 2012, Zharkov looked to be a somewhat promising prospect, if not a bit of a project. He was coming off his first year with the Belleville Bulls of the OHL that saw him score 23-13-36 in 50 games. He would also be a key contributor to the Russian team at the U18 Championship that year, scoring 1 goal and 4 assists in the 6 games he played. Following the draft, Zharkov returned to the OHL, and followed his rookie season up by scoring an impressive 25-18-43 in 59 games. He also had a very impressive rookie camp with the Oilers that year, showing he was more than capable to match the speed and skill of 2012 1st overall pick, Nail Yakupov. Zharkov would go on to say his goal was to play in the NHL, and that he intended to be better than his fellow Russian Yakupov, as well as former number one picks Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. That’s a bit of a stretch, as you consider Zharkov never got close to matching what any of those three did during their time in junior.
However, regardless of his claim to play in the NHL, Zharkov would sign with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod following his 2012-13 campaign with Belleville. He would score only 2 goals and 5 points in his first 49 games with the KHL club. The following year, Zharkov would be held pointless in 9 games with Torpedo, and was assigned to the developmental club, HK Sarov of the VHL, whose English translation is the Supreme Hockey League. During is 39 games with HK Sarov, Zharkov would only muster 9 points, 4 goals and 5 assists.
At this time Zharkov’s rights with the Oilers have expired. He was drafted during Steve Tambellini’s time with the team. Since then, we’ve seen two regime changes with Craig MacTavish, and now Peter Chiarelli. Neither seemed to have any interest on signing Zharkov to any kind of deal, which looks like the right call. Zharkov is still in Russia, and it appears no one in the KHL or the VHL has any interest in offering him a contract either. It’s a real shame that a young man, who looked like the total package, with a great combination of size, speed, and skill, seems to have played his last professional hockey game. It’s truly hard to peg down a reason as to why things never worked out for Zharkov. Maybe it was a lack of commitment on his part to become a better player, even though he boasted about how good he would have been after he was drafted. More than likely, and it may sound harsh, but Zharkov just isn’t a good hockey player. That’s relative of course. You need a certain level of skill to play junior and professional hockey. But he just doesn’t seem good enough to make a career out of it. It’s another draft pick that really highlights how poor the Oilers amateur scouts were, and their sheer inability to draft well outside of the 1st round.
Time will tell if Zharkov gets picked up anywhere. Perhaps injuries somewhere in the KHL will offer an opportunity to get some more playing time in. One thing is sure though, that his time with the Oilers, and most likely in North America, is over and done with.
I would like to give a special thanks to Locria (@LocksTheFox) or providing me with the info in regards to Zharkov’s current playing status, and Patrick C (@ChunkletsHockey) for helping search out any info on Zharkov over the last week. If you have any interest in what’s happening in the KHL, I highly recommend you give them both a follow on twitter, and check out their content.
**Apparently Mr.Zharkov is attending the Bakersfield Condors training camp. Hat Tip to Jack Gruninger**
Also of note, the Oilers made some cuts following the game is Saskatoon, including a handful of players that relate to the prospects that I profiled over the summer. The following players have all been assigned to Bakersfield of the AHL:
It’s a bit of a tired cliché at this point. Every year, training camp begins, and coaches all across the league give the media some variation of this quote: “No one is being given anything. Everyone has to earn their place.”
Noble idea. It gives the impression that the coaching staff is giving everyone the same chance to earn a place with an NHL club. But let’s be realistic. There is no way the Oilers are starting the year without a Taylor Hall, or a Jordan Eberle in the line up, no matter how bad their camp performance may be. At best, there are maybe, MAYBE, 3-5 spots on any given team that some of the younger guys have a crack at.
But maybe it doesn’t have to be about earing a place on the big club. For lots of players, it’s really about earing a place, any place, in the organization. Enter Braden Christoffer.
After going undrafted, the 21 year old from Sherwood Park signed an AHL deal, following a 4 year career in junior, 1 with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the AJHL, and 3 years with the Regina Pats of the WHL. During his time in the WHL, Christoffer amassed an impressive 114 points in 202 games, including 50 goals. He added an additional 9 points in 13 playoff games.
I first noticed Christoffer at the Oilers development camp back in June. Brought in as a camp invite, he impressed with his work ethic he displayed, knowing it was a chance to get the attention of Oilers brass. Imagine the effort you would need to put in to be noticed while on the same ice as top prospects Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, and of course, Connor McDavid. The effort paid off, as Christoffer was invited to join the Oilers rookies in Penticton for the annual Prospects Tournament. It was another chance to get in front of Oilers staff, this time in an actual game environment. Christoffer had a very good showing, putting up 3 goals in 3 games at the tournament. Again, the effort paid off for him.
Christoffer would be invited to main camp, and hasn’t slowed down since arriving. The coaching staff seems to be very happy with the work that Christoffer is wiling to put in each and every day. He’s been giving significant playing time so far in the pre season, surviving the initial round of cuts that saw many players on AHL deals sent down to Bakersfield to begin camp there.
I was lucky enough to be at the game vs Winnipeg on Wednesday night, and what I saw from #61 is the exact same thing I saw at the development camp. Hard work, and dedication. He also seems to have Todd McLellan’s nod of approval as well. Despite taking a series of questionable penalties, the veteran coach didn’t stifle the youngster. Instead of having him ride the bench in hopes of sending a message, McLellan elected instead to send Christoffer out for his regular shift. It was a very refreshing visual, after seeing some young players punished a bit by the coaching staff last year for less.
I’m hoping Christoffer can continue to have a great showing at camp, and sticks with the team for as long as he can. Obviously, the odds of him making the Oilers are very slim. That being said, with a strong enough showing, Christoffer should have a very good chance to earn a 2-way contract with the club, and become an integral part of the Bakersfield Condors in their first AHL season. But regardless of the outcome, there can be no doubt that Braden Christoffer is truly earning his place in the Oilers organization. I expect this training camp won’t be the last time we see him wearing the Blue and Orange.
With training camp in full swing, the Oilers have already played two split squad games, with another preseason tilt against the Winnipeg Jets looming. Following the split squad games, coach Todd McLellan divided the team up into two groups. This is a bit of a change to Oilers fans, as in previous years, the coaching staff has already begun making cuts to trim the roster down. Be that as it may, there was a number of cuts made prior to the games against Calgary. As well as that, there are a handful of prospects that didn’t attend main camp. Here’s a quick look at were those players not currently in Oilers camp can be found.
Tyler Vesel – University of Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
Evan Campbell – UMass-Lowell (NCAA)
Aidan Muir – Western Michigan University (NCAA)
William Lagesson – UMass Amherst (NCAA)
Zack Nagelvoort – University of Michigan (NCAA)
Keven Bouchard – Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)
Eetu Laurikainen – Bakersfield (AHL)
Ben Betker – Bakersfield (AHL)
Caleb Jones – Portland (WHL)
Ethan Bear – Seattle (WHL)
John Marino – Tri-City (USHL)
NCAA hockey is scheduled to begin play October 3. QMJHL and WHL hockey seasons both begin on September 24. USHL begins play on September 25.
In addition, teams overseas have already begun their seasons. Here are the players in that category:
Roman Horak – Chekhov Vityaz (KHL) 11 GP, 1 G, 2 A, -3, 6 PIM
Miroslav Svoboda – AZ Havirov (Czech2) 5 GP, 3.84 GAA, 0,876 S%
Ziyat Paigin – AK Bars Kazan (KHL) 8 GP, 0 G, 1 A, +2, 2 PIM (Paigin has since been assigned to Bars Kazan of the VHL, and has yet to play a game)
Former draft pick John McCarron has moved on from the Oilers, and signed an AHL deal with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
On an interesting note, forward Daniil Zharkov is not listed anywhere as playing with a club. Myself, as well as the very talented Patrick Conway (@chunkletshockey) are both looking into what Zharkov’s status may be.
Check back regularly, as I intend to be posting weekly stats for these players, and any other prospects as they are assigned following training camp.
This week is a very special week as we’re procured the services of some ridiculously talented writers:
Rob Soria (@Oil_Drop) – You might know Mr.Soria from The Hockey Writers or OurHometown.ca where he covers the Edmonton Oilers. He also guests on Lowetide’s radio show from time to time when there’s about Genie Bouchard. Ha! Just kidding! Rob is one of a kind and we’re absolutely stoked to have him with us today.
Sean Tierney (@SeanTierneyTSS) – Mr.Tierney is all over the place. You can find his work on Today’s Slapshot, My NHL Trade Rumors and Jets Nation. He’s held previous positions at Bleacher Report, Fansided, and The Hockey Writers. He’s a man with a brain for the game and we’re privileged to be in his presence today.
Madison Moroz (@madi39) – Here we have the cousin to Oilers prospect Mitch Moroz… Not really but I knew it was on your mind anyhow. Actually if you participate within the Oilers community on Facebook you might know Mr.Moroz’s group, Edmonton Oilers True Fans. They’re a bunch of rowdies over there but they know their team and if you can hold your own they’ll welcome you with open arms. He also runs an Oilers fansite called “The Pressboxx“.
Corey Mitchell (@corn_cwm) – We all know Mr.Mitchell from previous Sunday Night Pints and from his sick work covering the Oilers prospects this summer! He’s a Beer League Heroes regular and we love having him!
So let’s get right to it shall we?
1. Are You Concerned With the Term and Price Point of Oscar Klefbom’s New Contract?
RS: Not in the least. I have been on the Oscar Klefbom bandwagon from the moment the Oilers drafted him and nothing I have seen from him has changed my mind. For me he was a lock to be a top four blueliner with the outside chance of developing into a No. 2 in the right situation…and that still appears to be the case.
To be fair, the talented Swede has done absolutely nothing to date that warrants him making the $4.167 million he is rumoured to have signed for but that is how things work into today’s National Hockey League. With that said, in two years’ time this deal will be a steal of a deal for Edmonton. A perfect fit for both sides.
ST: Short answer, yes. Long answer, maybe.
As Jeff Veillette said, no NHL skater has ever played as few games and scored as few points as Klefbom prior to securing a seven-year contract. It’s a long-term gamble on a 22-year-old defenseman who has yet to show a lot at the NHL level.
Still, some scouting reports say that he has massive shutdown potential with a hint of offensive ability long-term. The money Klefbom’s earning isn’t big (AAV of $4.167 mil) especially considering that the average NHL salary is ~$2.6 million.
This deal is a huge leap of faith and this will definitely leave an imprint on Peter Chiarelli’s tenure in Edmonton. But – and this is a considerable-sized but – if Klembom does develop as expected and salaries rise as expected, the Oilers may have secured a serviceable top-four defender for a reasonable price…for much too long.
MM: No, I’m not concerned with the term or the price. When it popped up in the news that the oilers were looking to extend him I wanted it to be max years and at around 4 million. He may have limited game experience but we all know he has shined in those games and has developed properly. I’m much more comfortable with the oilers doing it this way then giving him a bridge contract and then we have a potential subban situation, where he could ask for 6?7? Maybe more per year.
This deal is going to be a steal by the Oilers in a few years when he’s still one of the best on the team. This just shows you how much Chiarelli values him and wants him here long term and that he is a vital part of this core. Come two years into this deal, Chia is going to look like a genius. I couldn’t be more excited for this deal.
CM: There is nothing wrong with that Klefbom contract. I’ve seen lots of people concerned with the term vs his time in the NHL. I don’t see what the issue is. In my mind, if you give him a bridge contract, and he continues to trend the way Oilers management obviously feels like he is, you’re looking at probably $6 million+ for that next contract two years down the road. Lock him up now, for long term, and great value. In 3 years, we’ll be laughing at how cheap we have Klefbom for. Great move.
2. Is Leon Draisaitl a Lock to Start the Year With the Edmonon Oilers?
RS: I am actually currently working on a piece for the Hockey Writers on this very subject. It is no secret I was on the fence about the Oilers taking Draisaitl over Sam Bennett with the third overall pick of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft but was ultimately won over by his overall skill set and size.
While that all still holds true, I am not so sure that playing third line minutes in Edmonton is better for his development than seeing major time in the AHL. If we are talking about the kid being used in top six role and as a featured piece on the man advantage that would be one thing but that does not appear to be the case.
It is no surprise that Todd McLellan decided to put him on a line with Anton Lander and Nail Yakupov to start training camp but again, does that setup make sense for a 19-year old to excel in? I have my doubts but Edmonton’s lack of scoring depth on their bottom two lines is fairly apparent. The opportunity is there but Leon is in no way shape or form a lock to make this club.
ST: The Oilers have 13 centremen in camp and leftwinglock.com projects the top-four centres to be Nugent-Hopkins, McDavid, Lander, and Letestu. While the Nuge and McDavid aren’t going anywhere, Lander and Letestu are very moveable pieces – it’s easy to imagine either of these two sliding to the wing to make room for Draisaitl to start the year with the Oilers. So far in camp, Todd McLellan is talking about Draisaitl, Lander, and Nail Yakupov as “a unit with potential” so I expect that the big German will get a chance in the NHL this season.
MM: I think he is and that’s just judging by Todd Mclellan’s words after day 1 of camp where he spoke highly of that third line of Lander, Leon, and Yak. It’s going to be crowded but I think he’s done enough to improve himself that he’s going to be a lock to start the year in the NHL for sure. Sounds like he is either going to play Centre or Wing but that doesn’t matter necessarily, as there is a lot of confidence coming in that he can play either position. He looks improved in every aspect of his game as he worked on his shot and his skating ability.
CM: This summer, I would have said no. I’ve been touting all along that I think Draisaitl should play AHL hockey before getting another shot with the big club. Todd McLellan seems to think differently. He seems legit excited about the prospect of Drats playing with Lander and Yakupov, which has me intrigued by that thought as well. The one thing that may put a wrench in those plans, that many people seem to be forgetting, is the deal Rob Klinkhammer signed last year. If you’re the Oilers, do you risk losing a depth player like that to waivers to see if Drats is ready? Or do you try to make a deal with Klinkhammer for a draft pick before the beginning of the season?
3. Is Andrew Ference the Right Man to Captain the Edmonton Oilers This Year?
RS: If the plan is for Edmonton to have a better showing in the overall standings, the chances of the veteran rearguard seeing regular duty in 2015-16 are likely not very good. As a No. 6/No. 7 defenceman Ference could still be a useful piece but on a team as young as this one, that player cannot be the captain.
Could he still wear an “A” on his jersey? He most certainly could but that should be the extent of it. I have always been a fan of Taylor Hall becoming the next captain of this club but was in absolutely no rush to see that change take place.
That all changed when this organization had Connor McDavid fall into their lap. In my mind, there is no question that No. 97 will be handed the “C” in due time so giving it to one of the other kids makes no sense whatsoever.
As per usual, there are not very many quality veterans on the Oilers roster and because of it picking a short-term captain could prove to be a challenge. Would never have suggested this before but perhaps looking at a guy like Benoit Pouliot would make some sense.
ST: In the short run, Andrew Ference is the right choice to remain captain. For proof of the problems that come with stripping the captaincy, just look at the public feuding that continues between Joe Thornton and GM Doug Wilson in San Jose. It’s an ugly situation. Unless the Oilers know that Ference is on his way out of town, the captaincy should stick with him.
Long term, this is Taylor Hall’s team. The Oilers should continue grooming Hall for the role while phasing Ference out over the course of the year. The Oilers are still in the building phase and there’s no need to saddle the team with an off-ice distraction while the vibes around the team are so positive.
MM: This is a tough one, because he’s kinda everything you look for in a leader for a good young group of guys but I have a feeling he’s not going to be a regular in the lineup this year unfortunately, so it’ll be hard to have him captaining from the press box. I think he’s done a heck of a job so far of being the captain and its already been talked about with him, Mclellan and Chiarelli, so I imagine a changing of the guard is on its way.
I don’t believe he’s the right man anymore and it should be passed off to the Nuge, who quickly gained the respect of the room and the boys. I compare him to a young Yzerman in that he’s a bit of a quiet leader but when he speaks everyone listens and respects what he’s gotta say. Hall is another choice, but sometimes his emotions get the best of him. I have no doubt he’s matured and maybe if he can show that then I’d be more than happy with slapping the “C” on him.
CM: I’ve never been a fan of Ference as the captain of this team. He came in, having never played a game for the Oilers, and got the C based on his shared interest in physical activity with then coach Eakins. The other side of it is, I’ve never been a big fan of stripping guys of the C after they’ve already had it for a few years. That being said, McLellan is not afraid to do that by any means, stripping both Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton of the C during his time in San Jose. If he does decide to pull the C off of Ference, my guess is a leadership by committee plan this season, with possible 6 alternate captains.
4. What is Your Favorite Album of All-Time?
RS: Easily the most difficult question of the bunch and while I do listen to a wide variety of music, there is only one correct answer to this question.
John Coltrane – Love Supreme
ST: Okay, after debating a few choices (Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication” was a dynamite return after a long hiatus and Rage Against The Machine’s “Evil Empire” is still an all-time favourite) I have to go with Weezer’s “Pinkerton.”
The album was a huge flop commercially but it’s become a cult classic since then. My band used to cover all sorts of the tracks and “Why Bother?” “The Good Life,” and “El Scorcho” are still some of my favourite songs ever.
MM: Hmmmm my favourite album is a tough choice, because i truly listen to everything. I’d have to go Britney Spears first album…. Haha I’m only kidding. But it would definitely have to be Daft Punks Alive 2007 tour album, something I never get old of. A close second though is Dr Dre’s most recent album of Compton, it was magic.
CM: Hands down for me is the Black Album. There aren’t very many that can compare to the quintessential Metallica record.
A big thank you to Rob Soria, Sean Tierney, Madison Moroz and Corey Mitchell for making themselves available for us! I know that they’re uber busy and for them to do the Sunday Night Pint means a lot to us!
And Thank YOU for reading! Please let us know your thoughts on the topics today in the comments section below!
If you’re looking for some sick hoodies for this fall then look no further than the Beer League Heroes Merch Shop! Dig the 16-bit McDavid design floating around or maybe you’re a Yak fan? Put them on a hoodie or long sleeve and support your favorite team with pride!
I’ve always liked Ryan Whitney. Being a Penguins fan, I got to see him at his best, before the ankle injuries took their toll on him. Earlier today, this was posted to twitter
It’s really too bad that his career had to get derailed by injuries. I’ve always thought that Whitney was among the better of the many defensemen to pass through Edmonton in the post-Pronger era. The start of his career showed a ton of promise for the 5th overall pick from the 2002 Entry Draft. This was a time when the Pittsburgh Penguins were god awful, and had an embarrassment of riches resulting from low finishes and high picks. After spending a few season in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Whitney made his NHL debut in 2005-06, playing 68 games and posting 38 points. Whitney would spend parts of the next three seasons in Pittsburgh, and developed instant chemistry with Sidney Crosby on the power play, having the best season of his career in 2006-07, putting up 14-45-59 in 81 games that year. The next season, he would help the Penguins to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1992, falling to the Detroit Red Wings in 6 games.
Unfortunaley, Whitney would not be returning to the Finals with the Penguins the following year, as he was part of the three player deal that brought Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi over from the Anaheim Ducks. It’s too bad that the Pens felt they had to move Whitney to bring in a winger to play with Crosby. I would have loved to see Whitney win the Cup with the Penguins.
His time in Anaheim would be short lived, as just over a year later, Whitney would be moved to the Edmonton Oilers with a conditional pick for high priced blue liner Lubomir Vishnovsky. Honestly, it didn’t seem like Whitney meshed very well with a tight knit team in Anaheim, and wasn’t able to produce the way he did with Pittsburgh. But coming into Edmonton, at the end of a lost season, he was joining a team that was finally willing to embrace the rebuild process. Jordan Eberle was already waiting in the wings, and that spring, the Oilers would use their first ever Number One pick to select Taylor Hall, and begin the culture change in the City of Champions.
Whitney would be relied upon as a veteran leader in the dressing room, a role he seemed to relish. Unfortunatley, he 2010-11 season was also the year that injuries began to take on impact. He was limited to only 35 games, but still put up 27 points. The following season saw an even steeper decline in his production, as his 54 appearances resulted in just 20 points. The fans soured on Whitney, which I always felt was unjustified. If not for the ankle issues, Whitney could have been a very effect blue liner for the Oilers, and could have stabilized a position that found itself in turmoil until just recently when Peter Chiarelli took over the team.
Whitney would last one more mediocre season with the Oilers, and signed with the Florida Panthers in 2013-14. He played just seven games in Florida, spending a majority of that season with their AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. The next season, Whitney signed with Sochi HC of the KHL, and posted totals of 6-13-19 in his 42 games with the club. In 2015, he signed with MODO of the Swedish league, although he would only appear in 2 games, before deciding to call it a career.
Ryan Whitney was a very polarizing player during his time with the Oilers. While my personal opinion is that he got the short end of the stick from the fans in this city, many people would say it was justified. He by no means had an all-star type of career, but its a career Whitney can be very proud of. He finishes with 50-209-259 in 481 NHL games, and was able to represent his country in the Olympics, playing for Team USA. While Ryan Whitney will never be remembered with the fondness and admiration of say, Ryan Smyth, he was a class act during his time in Edmonton, and represented the Oilers as well as any has during his shirt time here. All the best Ryan Whitney. Enjoy your retirement.
