Category Archives: Kosmic Burrito

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

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Prospects Draft Prospects: #6 Dante Fabbro

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Well holy freaking moly!! It’s Friday BLH’ers! We made it! Well, some of us barely did. Happy Friday dudes and dudettes! This is the final prospect in the top half of this ten part series. I have tell you, it’s been tough. There’s some decent kids out there this year. Now mind you, this is what I think the Oilers draft list should look like. This isn’t a “draft the best kid available” list….well, necessarily. It would be kind of hard to ignore Matthews if we land the first overall pick haha! With that being said…Onward friendo’s, there’s f*ckery to spread!

Check out the players previous to #6 below!

10 – Alexander Nylander
9 – Pierre-Luc Dubois
8 – Mikhail Sergachev
7 – Matthew Tkachuk

So next on tap here at the Beer League brewery, we have #6:

Will Dante Fabbro be the first right-handed dman drafted in 2016?

Dante Fabbro
Penticton Vees (BCHL) *2016 Boston University commit*
6’1” 185lbs
45GP 14G 53A 67PTS 30PIM 0+/-

Here we are kiddies, #6 on the list, and looky looky, we got ourselves a defenceman! Now trust me, if this list wasn’t based on need, or taking a prospect that can’t be ignored, I probably would have placed both Dubois and Tkachuk hire than Sergachev and Fabbro. But that’s not taking anything away from these kids. It’s just, we need defence like I need burrito’s….burritos are life…mmmmm burritos….

”Whoa!!! BLH calling Kosmic, BLH to Kosmic, come back to your blog buddy, I have…….BURRITOS!”

There’s a lot to like about Fabbro’s slick, two-way defensive play. But one thing that stands out, is his maturity. At 17 years old, Fabbro is an incredibly dependable rock on the back-end, who makes a lot of smart plays while under pressure. If he’s not shutting you down with his body, blocking passing lanes, or just making smart defensive plays in general. Then he’s using his elite mobility to maneuver around defenders, and drive the offensive play. He’s a very cerebral player, who seems to be aware of the puck at all times, and constantly thinking ahead of the play. He possesses a high offensive upside to also go along with his already dependable defensive talents. He should also be able to grow into a true power-play quarterback, as he has excellent range, crisp and precise passing ability, and he possesses a deadly, hard and accurate shot with a super quick release. All in all, an excellent defensive prospect.

NHL Comparable(s): Tyson Barrie and Duncan Keith

On defense, he’s positionally sound in coverage and combines excellent gap control with an active stick. He runs into problems, however, during puck retrieval as he’s shown an aversion to physical contact. Far from soft, Fabbro needs to learn to take a beating to complete a play rather than continue to rely on smarts and stick skills. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com (source)

Though still needing refinement on the defensive side of the play, Fabbro projects to be a solid all-around d-man with scoring upside and should be one of the top 10 defenders selected in the 2016 draft. He is likely to need several more years before breaking into the NHL. – Dobber Prospects (source)

His low-maintenance style combined with an elite hockey mind that anticipates and reads his competition extremely well projects him as a high-end transitional defender. – Brendan Ross, McKeen’s (source)

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? It’s as simple as…WE NEED DEFENCE!! That’s it…Why wouldn’t we want a defender with Fabbro’s wide range of skills? I would welcome him with open arms….and maybe a burrito or two!

BLH’s Comments: To add to Kosmic, not only do the Oilers need defence but the team is devoid of quality right-handed shooting defensemen. Ethan Bear being the best of the bunch at the moment. I don’t like to read that he needs to learn to take a hit though… Sounds like someone the Oilers just jettisoned. And I’d be lying if I wasn’t concerned about how the Oilers have treated former right-handed shooting defensemen who plied their trades in the NCAA before landing in Edmonton. But that was under a different regime, one could only hope those days are behind us now. 

Well folks, there you have it. The top half is complete, stay tuned as we work our way from #5 on downwards! And remember to get out there and enjoy your mutha-f**kin’ Friday!!!

Write to me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

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