Category Archives: NHL Entry Draft

Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Rumors, Trades

Sources Say: Pitlick, Foo, and No.22 (Plus Patty Kane, What?!)

Finally had the time to sit down and have a good conversation with one of my sources and I’m happy I did. Lots of Oilers talk was tossed about but I’ll keep this brief.

As I do each time I report what I’m told, please don’t shoot the messenger. I just let you guys/gals know what I’m told. There’s probably a less than %5 chance that any of this happens and things change all the time. If you don’t believe me, send me the batting average of McKenzie, Dreger, LeBrun, etc. So take it all with a grain of salt. If anything it’s great entertainment and excellent water cooler talk.

The conversation didn’t start on an Oilers note though:

  • “Patrick Kane is on the verge of being shopped by the Hawks. They need cap space. HOLY SH*T!!!”
  • “Everyone that isn’t named Toews is for sale!”
  • “(Hawks) Fans will hate whatever happens. That’s just the way it is. But if the Hawks want to remain a successful team, they need to make those tough deals, deals that they’ll probably lose, to make things work. Hossa shouldn’t have received his current contract, Anisimov, Panarin, the list goes on. Awful cap management. Now they’re paying for it and they’ll most likely have to dismantle their team. That Hawks team won’t win the Cup for a very long time now. 
  • “In a cap system, it’ll be very hard to trade those contracts.
  • “I expect VAN, LA, or ARZ to be in the mix.” 

Well, I didn’t expect to be talking about the Hawks but that’s some pretty big news given that the rumors started quite recently some big move(s) that Chicago would be making.

My thoughts about this are that they’ll get the most for Kane and trading him would allow the Hawks to remain competitive. I mean, what if they could get Max Domi, Dylan Strome, and a 1st rounder out of Arizona? Patrick Kane is still one of the best, if not THE best, winger in the game, he’s still young and moving him to a club like Arizona, where they have a plethora of great young talent coming through their system as well as the need for a face for their franchise if they choose to stay in Arizona or relocate to, I don’t know, Seattle.

Anyways, I don’t cover the Hawks nor do I really enjoy them as a team. So let’s move on to the other tidbits.

  • “Vegas will claim M.A. Fleury and flip him. The rumor at the moment is Sam Bennett going back to Vegas for Fleury.”

Makes sense. Bennett has loads of potential but doesn’t seem to be fulfilling that in Calgary. Perhaps a move to a club where he’d be more of a focal point would benefit him. And Calgary needs a keeper. Plus the fanbase down the QE2 is always complaining about how the Oilers got all the 1st overalls…

I asked, How much is there to the Buchberger/Eberle rough relationship Friedman was talking about this week?

  • “Pretty accurate. I don’t see it happening. Friedman knows what he’s talking about.” 

That was a follow up on a very popular post regarding the Eberle/Isles rumors being snuffed out by Friedman I did up this week.

I asked about who the Oilers are leaning towards in the 1st round of the draft coming up.

  • “I’ve heard Kailer Yamamoto.”

I also inquired as to the McDavid/Draisaitl contracts.

  • “Shortly after July 1st probably and they’ll sign together.”

The word on Kris Russell.

  • “Hearing $4.5Mx4. Oilers could be willing to go as high as $4.25M for 4 years. We’ll see.”
  • “They’re also looking at Cody Franson on a 1-year deal worth $4M to cover for Sekera but will try to sign him for less.”
  • “$4M is fair market for a top 4 dman.”
  • “They want Kris Russell back.” 

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I’m torn on this. I think this says a couple of things regarding Darnell Nurse’s development. Either they’re not happy or skeptical on how it’s going or they’re willing to pay Russell over $4M to play bottom-pairing minutes at some point in his deal. Either way, it’s a point of concern.

One has to wonder if Chiarelli is open to moving Nurse to expedite the process of winning the Cup. I wouldn’t.

As far as Franson, I’ve heard that he’s not the most mobile defender in the league and $4M per seems like a lot of skrilla to give a guy who can’t pivot well and is a tad soft.

What about Spencer Foo? Is he coming to Edmonton?

  •  “He is. He’s coming to Edmonton.”

On Tyler Pitlick,

  • “I expect Pitlick to get another contract. Another 1-year deal to take Hendricks’ spot because Hendricks is done in Edmonton. Pitlick has had the injury bug like Klefbom. He needs to come back with more muscle and a bigger body. That way, He doesn’t get hurt as much. That’s exactly what Klefbom did.

    At the end of 15/16, Klefbom was around 205lb and at the start of 16/17, he was around 217lbs. The result, Klefbom finally had a full season.”
  • “I hope Nuge bulks up too. His lack of upper body strength is killing him. An extra 5lbs of upper body muscle would make a HUGE difference.”

I really hope that this is true and it really happens. Pitlick showed last season that he can float throughout the entire lineup and he can score on basically any line. He’d be a perfect replacement for Matt Hendricks too. Although, I hope the Oilers can keep Hendy on in some capacity. Maybe working with the prospects down in Bakersfield.

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Armchair GM, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Rumors, Trades

Oilers and Stars Talking about the 3rd Overall Pick?

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“I have talked to other teams already about possibly moving that pick, getting an established player back,” Nill said during an interview on SiriusXM NHL Network. “It gives us lots of options.”

I was talking to my source today and I asked him what’s going on with the Oilers? He told me that they’re talking to Dallas about the 3rd overall pick.

**Disclaimer: I’m not an insider by any means but like most people who live in an NHL city, I know someone who knows someone that works in the club. Actually, I know a lot of people who work with the Oilers but that’s not the point. Now, it’s up to you whether to believe what I tell you but these things rarely come to fruition, EVER. Ask McKenzie, Friedman, Dreger, or LeBrun. So all I ask is that at the very least, you treat this post as entertainment and if by some luck, it comes true, great. Thanks a bunch!**

Last I checked, the Stars were looking for an established NHL defenseman in exchange for that no.3 overall pick, right? But with Patrick Sharp, Ales Hemsky, and Jiri Hudler coming off of the books, they’re going to need scoring on the wing.

Don’t forget that Chiarelli was the GM of the Bruins and Nill was the GM of the Stars when the Tyler Seguin trade went down… Not sure if that’s a fair point to make since it was Harry Sinden and Cam Neely making the call there but whatever, it’s already been carved in stone.

To me, this is the easiest way to for Chiarelli to rid himself of that $6M weight that is sitting on his chest. Problem being, Jim Nill is not Jim Benning… So, that kind of deal wouldn’t be so cut and dry but I’ll toss it out there nevertheless.

Now if there were a way to get the 3rd overall AND Cody Eakin… That’s something. Can’t see Nill doing that though unless Chiarelli takes one of Lehtonen or Niemi at full contract off his hands…

You could go over countless scenarios but I’ve only got time for a couple…

OPTIONS AT 3RD OVERALL

  • Gabriel Vilardi – A highly skilled and very competitive right-handed centre. Has size (6’3″, 201lb) and is said to be a possession beast!
  • Casey Mittelstadt – A sniper with major speed and puckhandling. This guy is ridiculous.
  • Miro Heiskanen  – Left-handed defender. NHL speed and mobility. Good Hockey IQ. Solid 2-way defender.

If it were me and I was actually able to pick up the 3rd overall pick for Eberle, I’d be taking Valardi or trading down with say, Arizona, because they own the no.7 and no.23 overall picks. Dealing Eberle outright like this would allow the Oilers to go down the right side next season with Anton Slepyshev, Jesse Puljujarvi, Zack Kassian, and Iiro Pakarinen.

If that trade with ARI were to go down, I might look at drafting the best pure goal scorer available, Owen Tippett (Mississauga), and one of the hardest working centres, Robert Thomas (London). Both are righties and both have skills that the Oilers are lacking down their pipeline.

Imagine THIS Coyotes centre depth in a few years down the middle though… #Yikes

  • Dylan Strome
  • Gabriel Valardi
  • Clayton Keller

All of that being said, in the last 5 years, the highest pick traded was 8th overall…

Look, the Oilers are out of the playoffs and there’s not a whole lot going on now that Cocksucker-gate is over… My rooster is still pissed about that. I mean unless you consider the Alphonse and Gaston routine that the Oilers are playing with Drew Remenda and Todd McLellan on Oilers Now! this week as entertainment.

What do you think? Would you get serious about the 3rd overall pick if you were the GM? Let us know in the comments below!!

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

Twelve Draft Gurus have 11 Different Names For Oilers at #22

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I noticed that Lowetide did up a brief post on the players that might be available at the 22 spot of the upcoming NHL entry draft. I think he was riffing off of the Chris Wescott’s article on the Oilers website. So, in fact, what this post will be is me riffing off of both Lowetide’s post and Wescott’s a bit and then tossing a bit more in for you.

Before we get into the names, there’s a quote off of Wescott’s article that Lowetide didn’t hone in on that I’d like to though,

“Should the Oilers choose to stay at 22, they’ll have a plethora of different types of forward prospects to select from”

I’m not convinced the Oilers will stay at 22. All I’ve been hearing this season with regard to the Oilers first round pick is that Chiarelli would like to get a 2nd rounder and if moving back in the draft from 22 gets him that 2nd round pick, he’s open to that.

With that said, I did my own bit of “research” and it took all of about 15 minutes to come up with these names because they’re all in one place.

Here are the eleven names ranked at no.22 from the twelve different NHL entry draft sources I was referring to in the title of the post.

  • ISS – Isaac Ratcliffe (LW) 6’6″ 192lb, Guelph Storm (OHL)
    • Big guy, skiller, a little disconnect between his mind and body but isn’t that so often the case with players who are that big at that age (17). Scored 28 goals this year.
    • Compared to Kevin Hayes
  • Corey Pronman/The Draft Analyst – Ryan Poehling (C) 6’2″ 175, St.Cloud State (NCAA)
    • Smart 2-way centre, compete is there, had a decent U18 with 5pts in 7gp.
    • Comparison to Ryan O’Reilly
  • Draftbuzz – Juuso Valimaki (LHD) 6’2″ 200lb, Tri City Americans (WHL)
    • Large, offensive blueliner. Likes to jump into the rush. Scored 61pts in 60gp for Tri-City this year.
    • Compared to Mark Giordano
  • Dobber’s Prospects – Cal Foote (RHD) 6’3″ 198lb, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
    • Heavy boots, needs improvement. Possesses a cannon of a shot, and good hockey IQ. 57 pts in 71 gp for Kelowna (only 6 goals).
    • Compared to Erik Johnson
  • Future Considerations – Erik Brannstrom (LHD) 5’10” 172lb, HV71 (SHL)
    • Is everything you want in an offensive dman, mega skill, super skater, excellent playmaker, but apparently the size is an issue. Scored 23pts in 19 gp for HV71’s jr team and 6pts in 35 games for the senior club.
    • Compared to Torey Krug
  • Craig Button – Shane Bowers (C) 6’1″ 170lb, Waterloo (USHL)
    •  Great compete level, good all-round game, puckhandling is tight. Not an exciting player but effective. Scored 51pts in 60 games for Waterloo.
    • Compared to Jordan Staal
  • Jeff Marek – Urho Vaakanainen (LHD) 6’1″ 187lb, JYP (SM-Liiga)
    • Played against men last year. Strong character, physical, and a smooth skater. Scored 6 pts in 41gp in the SM-Liiga and 6pts in 5gp at the U18s.
    • Compared to Jake Gardiner
  • McKeen’s – Klim Kostin (C/RW) 6’3″ 185lb, Dynamo (VHL)
    • Injured this year. Excellent puck protector. Elite skill. Could be Malkin, could be Nichushkin. Scored 7 pts in 5gp at U18s but also added 29 PIMs.
    • Compared to Dustin Brown
  • Hockey Prospect – Kailer Yamamoto (LW/RW) 5’9″ 160lb, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
    • Great hockey sense, ridiculous puckhandler, smart on-ice awareness. Scored 99 pts in 65 gp for Spokane this year.
    • Compared to Conor Sheary
  • The Hockey News – Nic Hague (LHD) 6’6″ 210lb, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
    • Long reach, some scouts concerned w/skating at next level, others not.  Smart but not fast. Big shot. Scored 18 goals in 65 gp last season.
    • Compared to Ben Hutton
  • MyNHLdraft.com – Kole Lind (C) 6’0″ 172lb, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
    • Quick player and can make plays at a high tempo. Not flashy but gets the job done. Good Saskatchewan boy. Lived down the road from the Eberles growing up. Had 87 pts in 70 gp last season.
    • Compared to Gustav Nyqvist

**Comparisons are from The Hockey News Draft Preview**

The way I see it is that there’s no consensus whatsoever at number twenty-two and I guess there rarely is at that point in the draft. But to me, it seems like there’s too much divide and the Oilers could go with anybody here.

It’s completely possible that a sniper like Eeli Tolvanen could drop or that a power forward like Kristian Vesalainen might be sitting there at no.22. It’s a weird draft.

Now, I talked to Eric Friesen on Twitter this week and he’s convinced the Oilers will take Kole Lind out of Kelowna. Personally, I like any of the highly-rated right-handed centers (Nick Suzuki or Robert Thomas from Owen Sound and London, respectfully) that may be available come time for the Oilers selection. Connor Timmins, a right-shot defender, who stands over six feet tall, out of the Sault looks like a good pick as well.

And if I’m not mistaken, this year is being touted as a good year for goalies. So on the way out, I hope Chiarelli grabs a one. Be it Michael Dipietro, Ian Scott, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, or Jake Oettinger, I’m not picky. Although, Finland produces a nice goalie from time to time I hear.

Goaltending isn’t an absolute need right for the Oilers right now, I’d say that centres who are good on the dot and snipers on the wing are in demand though. The Oilers should pick the best player available at no.22 regardless of position and load up on the best right-shot players available in the remaining rounds. That is because teams are always on the look out for right shots, especially centres and defensemen.

If I had to pick, I say the Oilers go with the London Knights’ gritty center Robert Thomas. I like what I’m hearing about his two-way game and his high hockey IQ and character sounds like something Chiarelli and McLellan would love. He’s compared to Mike Fisher by The Hockey News. So, there’s that and Corey Pronman was on Lowetide’s show yesterday, he insinuated that IF Thomas were to be available at their pick, the Oilers should be very happy.

What do you think? Who should the Oilers be looking at for their 1st rounder? Should then even keep it? Let us know in the comments below!

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

Potential Fresh Blood

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

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

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

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

THE LIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft

Hindsight: Re-Draft ’07

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

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

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

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

2007 NHL Re-Draft

1. Chicago Blackhawks – Selected: Patrick Kane

Re-Pick: Patrick Kane

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

 

2. Philadelphia Flyers – Selected: James Van Reimsdyk

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

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

 

3. Arizona Coyotes – Selected: Kyle Turris

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

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

 

4. Los Angeles Kings – Selected: Thomas Hickey

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

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

 

5. Washington Capitals – Selected: Karl Alzner

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

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

 

6. Edmonton Oilers – Selected: Sam Gagner

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

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

 

7. Columbus Blue Jackets – Selected: Jakub Voracek

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

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

 

8. Boston Bruins – Selected: Zach Hamill

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

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

 

9. San Jose Sharks – Selected: Logan Couture

Re-Pick: Logan Couture

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

 

10. Florida Panthers – Selected: Keaton Ellerby

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

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

 

11. Carolina Hurricanes – Selected: Brandon Sutter

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

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

 

12. Montreal Canadiens – Selected: Ryan McDonagh

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

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

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

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

 

14. Colorado Avalanche – Selected: Kevin Shattenkirk

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

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

 

15. Edmonton Oilers – Selected: Alex Plante

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

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

 

16. Minnesota Wild – Selected: Colton Gillies

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

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

 

17. New York Rangers – Selected: Alexei Cherepanov

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

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

 

18. St. Louis Blues – Selected: Ian Cole

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

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

 

19. Anaheim Ducks – Selected: Logan MacMillan

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

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

 

20. Pittsburgh Penguins – Selected: Angelo Esposito

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

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

 

21. Edmonton Oilers – Selected: Riley Nash

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

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

 

22. Montreal Canadiens – Selected: Max Pacioretty

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

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

 

23. Nashville Predators – Selected: Jon Blum

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

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

 

24. Calgary Flames – Selected: Mikael Backlund

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

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

 

25. Vancouver Canucks – Selected: Patrick White

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

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

 

26. St. Louis Blues – Selected: David Perron

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

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

 

27. Detroit Red Wings – Selected: Brendan Smith

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

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

 

28. San Jose Sharks- Selected: Nick Petrecki

Re-Pick: Patrick Maroon

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

 

29. Ottawa Senators – Selected: Jim O’Brien

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

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

 

30. Arizona Coyotes – Selected: Nick Ross

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

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

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

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