Category Archives: Kosmic Burrito

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

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #7 Matthew Tkachuk

Heyyyyyyyy BLH Universe…I literally had to drag my ass out of bed this morning. How’s everyone else doing? 1 more day people…1 more day. We can do this….collectively! Ok, so just reminding people that this list isn’t necessarily a top 10 list of rankings, these are the prospects that I think the Oilers should be most interested in. The great thing about being fans, is that we can debate this shit until the cows come home. As always, I’m open to your views, ideas, comments, etc..and you can always link me on Twitter. So getting down to business, here is #7:

But before we do get to #7, check out #8-10 below!

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

Will Matthew Tkachuk be able to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a dominant NHL power forward?

Matthew Tkachuk
London Knights
6’1” 194lbs
57GP 30G 77A 107PTS 80PIM 45+/-

What’s not too say about Matthew Tkachuk, the kid is awesome. Sure he plays on a stacked London Knights team, but they seem to be consistently stacked and a perennial playoff threat. But the one thing that I do like about Knights prospects, is that they seem too be the most NHL ready. London has amazing programs in place to help the junior’s get ready for the big show.

So we all know that Matthew’s father is none other than former NHL great Keith Tkachuk, but the NHL bloodlines don’t stop there. Tkachuk also has family ties to former player Tom Fitzgerald, and current NHL players Jimmy and Kevin Hayes. That’s a massive family, fucking man mountains they are!

So what’s to like about Tkachuk? Tons! He’s a dominant forward who can impact a game in many different ways. Matthew loves too play a high energy, nasty, agitator role and throw his body around and mix it up. Something the Oilers desperately need (but again, what don’t they need?). Tkachuk’s skating though, is unreal, and is one of his skills that separate him from his peers. He has excellent balance, and speed, which enables him to play at such a high energy level. His scoring touch is quite good as well, as he is able too score from many different areas of the ice. Tkachuk has all the necessary tools to succeed in the NHL, and would make a fine addition to any team.

NHL Comparable(s): His Daddy Keith Tkachuk, Jeff Carter, and Rick Nash

In this forceful, rigid yet graceful sport, there are few who possess a diverse resume of skills necessary to display a consistent level of dominance practically on a shift-to-shift basis. Terms like “the complete package” are often used to describe these rare birds, and as cliche as it sounds, it certainly is the best way to sum up players like Matt Tkachuk. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com (source)

A multi-dimensional energy winger that plays a pro-style, adaptive game. Well-versed as a guy who can consistently put up points, but also as an agitator who plays with a little bit of bite and nastiness. Skates with excellent balance and speed, outclassing many in his age range. No lack of offensive instincts and knows how to score in many different ways. Confidence in his abilities and playing to the extent of his capabilities strengthens his work ethic and creativity. All-in-all, a unique and effective forward who defines his own limits and seeks to exceed them, along with all on-ice expectations. – Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects (source)

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? Honestly, I’d much rather the Oilers take a defenceman, but I wouldn’t be upset if we landed Tkachuk. It was hard for me too choose between Dubois and Tkachuk, but I like Tkachuk’s overall game better. He doesn’t take as many stupid penalties as Dubois, and his skating is far more superior. All in all, I’d much rather an addition to our defence, but if I had to take a forward, Tkachuk would rank 4th on my radar in regards to forwards. Like I said, I definitely wouldn’t be upset if we land Matthew Tkachuk.

BLH’s Comments: There’s not much more I can add that Kosmic hasn’t already said. I have heard that he’s a very smart player out there on the ice and he’s got quite the mouth on him. For me, I think I’d go the opposite way as Mr.Burrito though, I’d rather have Dubois’ unpredictability and brute strength. 

Next up in the series is #6, any guesses as to who I’m leaning towards?
As always, you can catch me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I9yYqnTL28

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

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #8 Mikhail Sergachev

What’s shaking BLH Universe? I’ve ate so much of my kids’ Easter candy, I’m about ready to tear the roof off of the mutha’sucka!! What? They still have candy left from last year! Don’t judge me! Daniel-San, Daniel-San! Focus! You have a blog to write! As we always do, let’s move along! Next up in my 2016 NHL Draft Prospects, is #8:

If you want to check out the previous instalments in the series, click the links below!

#10 – Alexander Nylander
#9 – Pierre-Luc Dubois

Graceful, Powerful, Smart… Who will call this towering Russian’s name at the draft?

Mikhail Sergachev
Windsor Spitfires
6’3” 206lbs
67GP 17G 40A 57PTS 56PIM 15+/-

Mikhail Sergachev is a top end, two-way defenseman. He is an excellent skater, who uses his feet to his advantage. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen Sergachev on the ice without having his feet constantly in motion, which helps with his excellent range of mobility. I was shocked to learn that this kid won’t even turn 18 until closer to the end of June, as he is such a fierce competitor and doesn’t shy away from engaging anyone. Actually, his drive and fierce nature are what helps separate him from the pack. He is incredibly shifty when the puck is on his stick, and that combined with his high Hockey IQ, usually has him at the center of the play….driving it. It’s also worth noting that he made a quick, successful transition to the North American game.

He plays an aggressive and punishing style, mixed in with offensive flair and a strong enough sense to either join the rush or create one himself. The pace and complexity of the next level shouldn’t intimidate him, but his slot coverage is one area where he must improve to complete his development. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com (source)

A big minute-munching blue liner who has that nice combination of size and wheels that make NHL scouts take notice. He is a feisty, mobile defenseman that can beat you with his quick first step or a solid pass. Shows nice composure when pressed in his own zone and does not panic but instead skates with the puck or will just rim it out safely. Plays it physical stepping up for the big hit and likes to physically eliminate opponents from danger areas in the defensive zone. Has a strong point shot and the ability to run a power play. High NHL upside with this kid. – Future Considerations (source)

NHL Comparable(s): Sergei Zubov, Alexei Gusarov, and Sergei Gonchar

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? Honestly, why wouldn’t he be? Because they already have too many top notch defenders in our system already, right? Haha! In all seriousness, Sergachev would be a fantastic addition to the defense deprived Oilers organization. He can skate like the wind, he can make an excellent first pass, he’s elusive, smart, and isn’t afraid to engage and drive the play. Something the Oilers need desperately.

Well folks, that wraps up my #8 prospect report, hope that you enjoyed it. Stay trippy my friends, next up is #7…

BLH’s Comments – What don’t the Oilers need desperately? Lol. One major con and it’s a mystery to me as to why they can’t succeed for the Oilers, he’s Russian and as we’re seeing, for whatever reason, Russians don’t do well in Edmonton. They have great starts but fade hard. Semenov, Selivanov, Ulanov, Samsonov, Khabibulin, Yakupov, Nikitin (never really started did he?)… I don’t think it’s right but it’s hard to refute the observation nevertheless. 

I’ve also read he’s got a bit of that big man syndrome. You know, A big player who looks like he isn’t doing a whole lot on the ice but in fact he’s working his ass off. As a fan it is hard to get on board with those players unless they are impact game-changers. Draisaitl has been described as such in the past. Personally he wouldn’t be in my top ten but hey, that’s just me. 

You can follow me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

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

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #9 Pierre-Luc Dubois

Word up ladies and gentlemen! Here we are this fine Monday continuing the Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects. Since it’s been confirmed now, that Nail Yakupov asked for a trade leading up to this past trade deadline. I’m wondering how this will influence the Oilers drafting game-plan? Since it seems inevitable that Yak City is on his way out of town, do the Oilers look to replace his skill at the draft? Or will it be addressed through a trade? Either way, there is still quite a few beauty’s left on this list.

If you missed #10 on our list, check it out here:

10 – Alexander Nylander

So let’s get straight to it, next up in the series is one of my personal favourite prospects of 2016, #9 on our list:

Pierre-Luc Dubois
Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
6’3” 201lbs
62GP 42G 57A 99PTS 112PIM 40+/-

What is not to like about Dubois’ game? Seriously? Size? Check! Offense? Check! Defense? Check! Nasty side? Check! Speed? Ok, ya got me there! Skating has always been the weakest point for Dubois. But that doesn’t stop him from being a top-end talent. To say that this kid isn’t a one-trick pony would be an understatement. As he can impact a game in many different ways. Be it his offensive touch, stopping a rush, or laying somebody out with a bang from his big 6’3” 201lb frame. There isn’t much that he can’t do, and by “do”, I mean do it excellently. He is incredibly consistent, which is one of his biggest strengths. Pierre-Luc also possesses an incredibly high Hockey IQ and rarely makes a bad decision, and has always been highly relied upon by his coaches.

NHL Comparable(s): Jamie Benn, James Neal, and Ryan Smyth

Dubois does so many things exceptionally well, and playing with menace and snarl evokes memories of hockey’s heroic warriors of the 1960’s or 1970’s. A real leader with elite offensive skills and off-the-charts intangibles, Dubois comes across as the perfect specimen who we feel is less than a year away from the rigors of the NHL. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com (source)

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? Really? Why wouldn’t he be? He has the size that Chiarelli loves to build around, and he possesses the skill to complement our top six. Honestly, if the Oilers land Dubois, I’ll be a happy camper.

BLH’s Comments: I like Dubois if the Oilers choose not to draft a dman and they’re out of the running for Matthews, Laine, and Puljujarvi. I love the idea of the Oilers drafting a mean winger who’s smart with the puck and can go top ched on demand. I do like him a bit better than Matthew Tkachuk just because Tkachuk is playing on a stacked London Knights team. But then again, when aren’t they stacked… 

As always, it’s been a pleasure! Stay tuned, as I’ll be back with #8. Until then, stay trippy and always weird…it’s way more fun 😉

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDsDIvDmwgo

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

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #10 Alex Nylander

 

Yes Yes Y’all!! I’m back in the saddle again…The Electric Cowboy, Kosmic Burrito himself. It’s been a minute, I had a short little hiatus, but that’s expected when your boss pays you in hallucinogens! Spiritual journey is an understatement, we’ll leave it at that haha..

Alright, so let’s get diggy-down to business ladies and jiggy-gents. I’m going to break down the Top 10 NHL Draft Prospects of 2016, in a series of posts. So, without further ado…I give you the #10 prospect:

Alexander Nylander
Mississauga Steelheads
6’0” 176lbs
57GP 28G 47A 75PTS 18PIM 8+/-

Alexander Nylander is a 6’ 0” 176lb skilled forward that is currently playing for OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads. Nylander is actually on loan from Rogle BK of the Hockey Allsvenskan (2nd tier of hockey in Sweden). As most of you know, Nylander is the son of former NHL’er Michael Nylander, and he is also the brother to William Nylander, who is currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although Alexander has represented Sweden on numerous occasions, he was actually born in Calgary while his father Michael was a member of the Flames. Speaking of the whole father-son connection, daddy also happens too be an Assistant Coach for Mississauga. With his big brother in neighbouring Toronto, and his Dad behind the bench, it’s definitely a family affair for the Nylander’s. Alexander is a highly skilled, offensive forward, who flourishes in the opposition’s end of the rink.

Nylander has excellent vision, sick hands and a knack for finding seams in the offensive zone. – THN’s Ryan Kennedy (source)

Nylander should be considered one of the draft’s best goal scorers, but his ability to thread the needle and play selfless hockey makes him one of the few two-pronged threats available for 2016. – Steve Kournianos (source)

Alexander is a dynamic skating offensive catalyst that just produces points. His skating can go from effortless to shifty as he has the ability to use his edges to deke or juke through traffic with ease. Possesses soft hands and very creative puck skills plus the ability to make his teammates better with some jaw dropping passes. He is not a one trick pony however as he can also finish off plays. Top line NHL potential. – futureconsiderations.ca (source)

NHL Comparable(s): His brother William Nylander, Jonathan Drouin, Johnny Gaudreau.

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? I’m not 100% sure that Alexander would even be considered by the Oilers to be honest. Maybe only for the sake of being used in a trade, as the Oilers are already rich in small-ish, skilled forwards.

BLH’s comment – IF the Oilers traded down and lost out on the big three defencemen (Chychrun, Juolevi, and Sergachev), adding some high end talent to their system wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world as it lacks even a lick of elite scoring and playmaking. These Nylander boys are very different from the little skillers the Oilers have now. 

Stay tuned folks, as I break down the top ten draft prospects and introduce them to the BLH Universe.

Until next time, stay trippy my friends…

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Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL

Laurent Brossoit has the richest sounding name in Hockey: The Future

Thursday, March 10, 2016

The Future

Commencing Landing….

What is up BLH Universe. Here we are again, spacing out with me, the Kosmic Burrito! And what do I have “on tap” for you to chug back today at Beer League? It’s none other than my man, Mr. LB, the man with the richest name in hockey (trust me, say it in your richest French accent!)….Laurent Brossoit. Or who I like to refer to as “The Future”. Come on, let’s face it, the kid has been trending upwards for quite some time and for those following, it’s given some of us hope. Let’s start with a little background on Monsieur Brossoit.

Laurent was drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the rival Calgary Flames. He went 164th overall, not exactly numbers that scream “future NHL starting goaltender”. But it is what he has done to get where he is now, that makes me personally believe this kid is legit.

In 2008 LB was chosen 26th overall by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2nd round of the WHL Bantam Draft. He only played in 1 game for the Oil Kings that year, allowing 5 goals against in only 37 minutes of playing time. I know, I know….WTF!!! Next year, the 2009-10 season, he only appeared in 2 games for the Oil Kings. So you’re probably thinking, wow, how the hell did he end up as the Oilers backup goalie with those numbers? Well, it wasn’t until the 2010-11 season where Brossoit finally saw some solid WHL playing time. Where he appeared in 34 regular season games (13-12-2 3.32 .887). Again, not the most solid of numbers. But the experience was all he needed, because in the 2011-12 season, The Future arrived. LB played his ass off that season, appearing in 61 games and he fashioned a record of 42-13-5. He also had a 2.47 GAA and .914 Save Percentage to go along with it.

As nice as those numbers are for a WHL goaltender, it’s what he did that season…not only did the Oil Kings win the Central Division, they were also the WHL Champions!! Brossoit cruised through the playoffs with a 16-4 record and a 2.04 GAA with .933 SP to go with it. It was a slightly different story in the Memorial Cup, as Brossoit finished 1-3 with a 4.04 GAA and .871 SP. Again, that’s great experience people! How many goalies have had the chance to lead their team to the Memorial Cup? The 2012-13 season saw more of the same for LB, he played in 49 games and put together a 33-8-6 record with a 2.25 GAA and .917 SP. He had a post season record of 22GP 1.82 GAA and a .935 SP, as the Oil Kings lost to Portland in the WHL Final. Surprisingly, the Flames didn’t call Brossoit up to end the 2013 season, after they signed him to an entry level deal.

Later on in 2013, November to be exact, Laurent Brossoit was traded to Edmonton Oilers, along with forward Roman Horak (who I thought at one point might have an NHL career?), in exchange for Defencemen Ladi Smid (an Oilers fan favourite), and goaltending prospect Olivier Roy. Considering how Brossoit has trended upwards, and Smid has gone the opposite direction (the 2 centrepieces of the trade), I would say that the Oilers currently have the upper hand in this one. In 2013-14, he definitely racked up some miles, and I’m not even talking about playing time. He played for 4 different f**king teams! He played 2 games with the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat, 3 games with the ECHL’s Alaska Aces, and 8 games with the AHL’s Oklahoma City Barons. But it’s the 35 games that he played with the Bakersfield Condors, who were still in the ECHL at the time, where he saw steady time. He had a 25-22-4 record with a 2.56 GAA and .918 SP. He also went 10-6 in the post season.

Not too shabby of a first professional season, for a 2 time WHL Champion goalie that was drafted in the 6th round. 2014-15 was different, Brossoit played in 53 AHL games for the former Oilers farm team, the Oklahoma City Barons. Ladies and gentlemen, he looked absolutely fantastic. Oilers fans started to rejoice in the thought that we may have our goaltender of…..The Future. Laurent put together a 25-22-4 record, with a 2.56 GAA and a .918 SP. Not too mention he played 2 games in the AHL post season and went 1-0 with a 3.46 GAA and .909 SP. But it was his NHL debut that had fans talking.

April 9th 2015, Edmonton versus San Jose with now-Oilers head coach Todd McLellan running the show. Even though the Oilers lost that game, Brossoit turned away 49 of the 51 shots that he faced! He’s the first NHL goalie since Manny Legace in 1998, to see that much rubber and make that many saves. Laurent would finish the game with a 2.00 GAA and an incredible .961 SP. Let’s not forget the fact that he was named the game’s first star. How’s that for a debut by a goaltender on a crappy team, with little to no defensive help? Pretty freaking sweet if you ask me. Pretty freaking sweet…

Fast forward to this season, and you’ll currently find Brossoit’s name on the big league roster. Backing up Cam Talbot, thanks to the Anders Nilsson trade. But before that, he was the starting tender for new AHL and Edmonton Oilers farm team, the Bakersfield Condors. Now Brossoit started off the year with Ben Scrivens also in town. But seriously, was LB ever in jeopardy of losing the starters role to The Professor? Ummmm yeah…not so much. Brossoit put together a record of 28 GP 15-9-3, a 2.69 GAA, with a .919 SP before being called up to back up Talbot. Also, it was quite obvious that Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli had seen enough of LB to recognize his talent. As he signed him to a 2 year contract extension. So far in 2 games played, Brossoit has a record of 0-1-0 3.37 GAA with a .883 SP. Not quite the same numbers as his stellar debut, but he’ll get there….just look at his history up until now.

He may not have the draft pedigree, but he has the resume. I believe that he deserves this shot in the NHL, no doubt about it. But at the same time I wouldn’t mind seeing him still getting the lion’s share of playing time in the AHL. Personally, I think that Brossoit is Edmonton’s goalie of…”The Future”, and we may see him there sooner than later.

As always, I love to hear your feedback, so send away!!

You can find me on the Twitter @kosmicburrito!

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