Tag Archives: 2017 NHL Entry Draft

Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Prospects

Domo Arigato Mr.Yamamoto! *NEW* BLH 2017 Oilers Draft Picks Video ft. Linkin Park

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As I said earlier this week, I made a little Youtube clip for the Oilers new prospects from this year’s draft. But before we get into said video, I should probably say a few things about the draft the prospects themselves. If you want to skip the commentary on the draft picks, scroll down to the bottom or click here.

We’ll start from the Oilers last pick in the 7th round and move forward to their first pick in the 1st round.

PHIL KEMP (USNTDP) – RHD – 7th Round #208
6’3″ 202lb
55gp 5g 7a 12pts

The Skinny on Kemp is that he’s a stay at home defender who played for the US National Development Program and he’s committed to play in the NCAA for Yale for the upcoming season.

About the only thing he’s got going for him is that he’s right-handed. That said, the Oilers under Chiarelli don’t mind taking gambles in the latter rounds at large dmen. Vincent Desharnais was the Oilers final pick in the 2016 draft and Zayat Paigin was the final pick in the 2015 draft. All three defenders come in at 6’3″ or taller but out of the trio, I’d have to say that MAYBE Paigin makes the biggest impact.

Was there anything wrong with Artyuom Manulin out of Swift Current? He’s a 6’3″ 196lb RHD who amassed 50 pts this past season in the WHL. Sure he’s Russian but that hasn’t stopped this Chiarelli regime from drafting Russians before.

SKYLER BRIND’AMOUR (Selects Academy U-18 (USMAAAE)) – C – 6TH ROUND #177TH
6’2″ 170lbs
6gp 3g 6a 9pts

Brind’Amour son played for four teams last year, the US Selects Academy, USNTDP u18, USNTDP u17, and the US NTDP Juniors. So if you’re wondering why his stats above seem a bit lacking, he was up and down with the US National Development Program.

This current generation of Brind’Amour plays much like the previous one in that he’s got the grit, he’s got the hockey sense, and he’s got the physical tools to play the game. One area that Skyler did not pick up through the genes, an ability to put up offense. He’s simply a two-way checking forward.

I was a little surprised that the Oilers would take Brind’Amour but there’s a thing to be said about drafting the sons of good NHL players and it’s not unprecedented. They took the son of Vegas GM George Mcphee in the 2016 draft, Graham McPhee. Bloodlines aren’t ignored within the Chiarelli regime. Caleb Jones comes to mind as well. His brother Seth is doing quite well in Columbus these days.

I’d probably have taken big Finnish right-winger Sebastian Repo. He’s 6’3″ 189lbs and he racked up 32 points in 46 games playing for Tappara in the SM-Liiga. He’s an overager, originally eligible in 2014, he hadn’t done much up until this past season to warrant a draft pick. But this past season he led all players under 21 years of age in scoring.

If the odds are that you’ll get a bottom 6/pairing player in the later rounds of the draft hold true, then picking up a player like Repo, who could contribute right away at the minor league level, seems like a no-brainer for Edmonton, especially with the growing Finnish contingent.

KIRILL MAKSIMOV (Niagara Ice Dogs, OHL) – RW – 5TH ROUND #146
6’2″ 192lbs
66gp 21g 38a 59pts

I’ll be honest, I hadn’t read much on Maxsimov going into the draft but a few of the gents who follow me on Twitter were jacked about this pick. They said he’s a whiz in front of the net which immediately made me think of Ryan Smyth but he doesn’t come close to Smytty in that regard.

Maksimov didn’t have a great year to start with Saginaw and was later dealt to Niagara where he started to realize his offensive potential. 22 points in 29 games during the regular season and 4 goals in 4 games during the playoffs were his stats after the trade from Saginaw.

What’s the deal with Saginaw by the way, another Oilers pick, Markus Niemelainen, has left to go back to Finland to play…

I’ll say I was happy with the pick here. The Oilers’ wing depth needs coming up needs some more skill and scoring and if Maksimov can go back to Niagara in 2017 and put up 40 goals, he’ll be a steal for them.

OSTAP SAFIN (Sparta Prague, CZE Jr) – RW – 4TH ROUND #115
6’5″ 191lbs
24gp 6g 12a 18pts

Originally projected to be picked at the end of the 1st round but no later than early 3rd, the big Czech fell to the Oilers in the 4th. When this happens, it makes me ask why? I’ve read that Safin has some consistency issues, so perhaps that’s why he dropped. But for a man his size with the skills, strength, and who plays with a physical edge, the Oilers may have stolen two players in this draft.

Between him, Maksimov, and Yamamoto, the Oilers shouldn’t have to worry about skill coming up through the system.

Depending on your preferences, perhaps you’d have preferred undersized pivot Tyler Steenbergen, hard-nosed blueliner Tyler Inamoto, or smooth skater dman Markus Phillips.

I like Safin.

Future Consideration’s Justin Froese says:

Ostap Safin, F, HC Sparta Praha – Massive power forward… Moves well for size and has that extra gear to get to his spot where he uses his offensive tools to finish a play… Sweet hands with smooth transitions between forehand and back hand… Well poised and heads up, seeing ice before making choices…Finds soft spots and thinks the play with or without the puck… Absolutely rips the puck and has a snap release that he can control… Hard on the body and competes to maintain body position on opponents… Smart play management, knowing when to push pace and when to relent… Strong 3 zone player.

DMITRI SAMORUKOV (Guelph Storm, OHL) – LHD – 3RD ROUND #84
6’2″ 185lbs
67gp 4g 16a 20pts

With players like Nikita Popugaev, Scott Reedy, David Farrance, Keith Petruzzelli, Cale Fleury, and Ivan Lodnia still on the board, the selection of Samorukov shook me a bit and it shouldn’t have.

In Samorukov we’ve got an NHL-sized dman whose shot could accurately be described as something similar to what current Oiler Oscar Klefbom had at that age. Samorukov hits to destroy if a player tries to come through the middle on him and one-on-one, he’s a handful as not too many get by him unscathed.

I’d say he fits right in with the Caleb Jones’, Ethan Bears, Markus Niemelainens of the system. Not spectacular but solid. A nice 4-6 year project dman in my opinion given the depth on the left side in Edmonton.

STUART SKINNER (Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL) – G – 3RD ROUND #78
6’3″ 205lbs
60gp 3.26GAA .905SV%

There are a few things that stand out for me with Skinner:

  • The Oilers traded up to draft him using the picks from the Yakupov and Larsen trades. So basically the Oilers traded Nail Yakupov and Philip Larsen for Stuart Skinner. Makes me chuckle sometimes when you connect the dots on some trades.
  • He’s scored a goal in the WHL.
  • He’s been on the radar since he was 15 years old.

I can’t think of any goalies who took a major junior league by storm at the age of 15. I mean 16 and 17 is hard enough but 15 is mad and with the Hurricanes no less. It’s my understanding that around the time that Skinner broke into the WHL the Lethbridge franchise was in a bit of turmoil. I believe things have turned around now for the Hurricanes and one might say that Skinner has had a hand in that.

Bob Green had his hands all over this pick though, eh? Hopefully, Skinner turns out a bit better than Griffin Reinhart.

Skinner’s season wasn’t amazing as a SV% of .905 would suggest but Dylan Wells had a .871 SV% in his draft year and he turned that right around this season finishing the year with a .915 SV%. The Hurricanes appear to be a team on the ups, so with that, we hope Skinner’s numbers improve as well.

I’m pretty happy with the selection of the Edmonton product. Maybe only Lane Zablocki or Reilly Walsh would’ve been tempting and with Luukonen, Dipietro, and Oettinger off the board I reckon the Oilers did well to trade up and get the next best keeper. To add to that, there’s a slight possibility that the Oilers might have two goalies on Team Canada for the World Juniors this Christmas as Dylan Wells is also slated to be a consideration for the u20 national team.

KAILER YAMAMOTO (Spokane Chiefs, WHL) – RW – 1ST ROUND #22
5’7″ 150lbs
65gp 42g 57a 99pts

There were quite a few players I was looking at for the Oilers to pick here but the overwhelming chatter was that the Oilers would be taking Yamamoto. Edmonton passed on two exceptional Finns in Kristian Vesalainen and Eeli Tolvanen (What happened to him eh?) to take the shortest 1st rounder in the history of the draft.

I love Yamamoto’s drive. His motor never stops. I love his creativity with and without the puck. I also love that he’s fearless and that he plays hockey the right way. I’m enamored by the idea of Yamamoto coming across the ice and flattening Johnny Gaudreau. Of course, that’s not Yamamoto’s game at all but the idea of seeing two of the shortest men in the league go at it is entertaining, to say the least.

Can Kailer Yamamoto be as good as or better than Johnny Gaudreau? ‘Tis possible in time. Gaudreau played a year of USHL and 3 seasons of NCAA hockey before starting his career with the Flames. So if the Oilers are smart they’ll take the long route with Kailer and let him develop mentally and physically into a more mature man before setting him loose on the NHL.

One thing that will separate the two players is Yamamoto’s shot. It’s a laser! The puck comes off his blade with incredible velocity and that’ll definitely help the transition to pro. He won’t have to rely on puck handling all of the time, he’ll have that blisterous wrister to back the defenders off.

The Spokane native put up some of the best results at the draft combine (1st in VO2 Max, tied for 2nd in consecutive pull-ups,  2nd in left/right pro agility, and 3rd in peak power output) and he was one of the older players in the WHL this year. He’s only eligible to play one more year for the Chiefs and then he can turn pro but if you listen to Oilers Now! host Bob Stauffer, you might be more inclined to believe that he’ll start his pro career sooner than later.

I’m against this completely and hope the Oilers do the right thing for Yamamoto and give him that last season in Spokane where he can dominate the WHL and perhaps take over 1st place in the Chiefs all-time scoring. He trails Ray Whitney by a “mere” 121 points but he had 99 points last season in 65 games. Who’s to say that a player like Yamamoto couldn’t put up another 120 points if he’s healthy?

Future Consideration’s Justin Froese says:

The most underrated part of his game is his ability to get back and read the opposition attack, positioning himself accordingly to make a play. Although he struggles with the strength of the physical game, he has the quick flick of his stick that is capable of causing enough disruption of opponent possession to rob opponents blind.

I was left tickled pink by his evolution of the team game. His elite vision and ability to process the play before anyone else while moving at break neck speed made him the most dangerous player on the ice on most shifts. His cornering, agility and acceleration has the ability to snap opponent’s skates clean off their bodies with a dizzying flurry of moves. His straight line speed is reached in sub 2-3 seconds and he can get anywhere on the ice in no time to lead an attack or return to defend his own zone. Has high end creativity with the puck on his stick and plays a lot of yoyo games with defenders who dare try to enclose him. Has a great passing game and the touch to thread the needle through what seems impossible lanes. Not just the set up guy as he as a bullet of a shot for his size and a hair trigger release that is a weapon from inside the dots. Goes all over the ice to make plays and doesn’t let the physical disadvantages he faces discourage him from doing otherwise.

I think he needs time to play against pros in the AHL to create an identity, but if he plays like he has in his 3 years, he will find a way to make himself an asset in the offensive field as a top 6 player.

I hope you enjoy the video below. To the guys who make the Hockey Prospects videos, I ripped some of their footage and noticed that I’d placed my BLH logo over their watermark, if you’re part of that team, I apologize for covering your logo.

I had a helluva time finding the right music but there was a catchy Linkin Park tune I eventually found. I’m not a Linkin Park fan to be honest but with the passing of their lead singer, I thought that using one of their songs called “The Catalyst” in a prospects video would be fitting as sort of tribute to not only the band but the players who might find themselves as a catalyst to the Oilers’ success.

It’s truly unfortunate that such a talented human found himself trapped in life and the only release would be death. I could never understand the pressures that Chester Bennington found himself under but from all accounts, he was a great man and a great family man. I hope he found the release he was looking for on the other side.

If you’re feeling trapped, talk to someone. You’re not alone in this journey we call life. And if you know someone who’s troubled, take the time to sit down with him or her and see how they’re doing. You’ll never know until you ask.

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

Oilers 2017 Draft Coverage: Speed And Skill

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The NHL Draft Combine is going on in Buffalo, NY, this weekend and the Oilers media team is all over it covering every angle possible. If you didn’t get a chance to watch the video above, do so, and pay special attention to which players they feature in those cut-away clips and also what Oilers Assistant GM Keith Gretzky says about what kind of players they’ll be looking for.

1. “You wanna know how hard they work. That’s the biggest thing.”
2. “We have size, we can add something, we need some skill and we’ll take the best player.”

Those two quotes don’t surprise me in the least. Ever since Peter Chiarelli has taken over there’s been an emphasis on adding players with the right moral fiber. Players who are more inclined to go to work day in and day out with a team first attitude. Players that “buy in” to what the coach is pitching them.

So far so good.

Now, the more you read on about potential players that the Oilers might draft and what the Oilers system lacks, the more you’ll read that the team needs forwards with speed and skill. I can’t disagree with that sentiment at all. At times during the regular season the Oilers were getting outmatched by smaller quicker opponents and it was also evident in the playoffs versus Anaheim where their highly mobile dmen were very effective against the Oilers’ bigger wingers.

Below are some reports on those players I told you to keep an eye out for in that Youtube clip above. I don’t think that these players were included in that video for nothing. I believe that these players are on the Oilers radar and we should pay special attention to them.

The NHLe I calculated here.

Kailer Yamamoto (RW) – Spokane (WHL) – 5’9″ 160lbs – 65gp 42g 57a 99pts (NHLe = 36pts)

  • Small in stature but a giant when it comes to creating plays, he has an extremely high IQ with vision already at an elite level. Yamamoto is a fluid and graceful skater who skates with his head up at all times, and his ability to snipe off the rush or make precision passes makes him next to impossible to defend. He isn’t big, but he plays with bite and on occasion will duke it out with bigger opponents. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com

Kole Lind (RW) – Kelowna (WHL) – 6’1″ 178lbs – 70gp 30g 57a 87ots (NHLe = 30pts)

  • Fundamentally, Lind is a smart player. He moves around the ice very well and has a good sense of where to be and where his teammates will be. He’s a very effective puck distributor and has an effective, though not amazing, shot – his 30 goals this season are as much a product of his positioning as his shooting. He’s not a huge guy, though he’s got the frame to add some muscle, but that hasn’t mattered; he plays a very effective physical game and often buzzes around the ice hitting everything in sight on the forecheck. Sometimes this gets him into some trouble away from the puck, with the physical side pulling him out of position, but he’s improved in that respect over the last couple of seasons. – Ryan Pike, The Hockey Writers
    (I just want to add an interesting tidbit, Lind has an early birthday and it would make him eligible to play AHL hockey starting in 2018/19.)

Isaac Ratcliffe (LW) – Guelph (OHL) – 6’5″ 203lbs – 67gp 28g 26a 54pts (NHLe = 20pts) 

  • The power forward who can skate and possesses very soft hands has been coming on lately. I think he’s underrated offensively in some circles. He’s a physical beast who can play a very mean game. Almost impossible to knock off the puck and uses his size and strength to maintain possession. Right now, he’s probably the best prospect in front of the goal, battling for space and loose pucks and banging in rebounds. We caught a glimpse of that in the Top Prospects game. The scary thought is he’s still going to grow and get stronger. – Dominic Tiano, OHLwriters.blogspot.com

Eeli Tolvanen (RW) – Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) – 5’10” 170lbs – 52gp 24g 30a 54pts (NHLe = 23pts)

  • Tolvanen is an expert sharpshooter with a quick release, and his ability to pick corners off the pass is reminiscent of countryman Patrik Laine. He’s strong on the puck and escapes from the tough battles right into shooting position. He’s a strong skater who likes to speed down the wing before unloading a labeled shot. His ability to elude opponents and finish off the rush is unmatched by any draft peer. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com

Robert Thomas (RHC) – London (OHL) – 6’0″ 187lbs – 66gp 16g 50a 66pts (NHLe = 25pts)

  • There are few players that think the game better and he can process things at an elite level. Thomas is an exceptional skater with high-end acceleration and top end speed, not only going north-south but can swing east-west, maintain possession while surveying the ice and set teammates up for scoring opportunities. He has an ability to slow the game down as well, buying time for his teammates to move into prime scoring position and then feeding them with slick, tape-to-tape passes. he is one of the Knights hardest workers – if not the hardest. He puts the effort required to be successful game to game, shift to shift. He puts that same effort in the defensive zone as he does in the o-zone. He has become a key member of the league’s sixth best penalty kill for Coach Hunter. – Dominic Tiano, OHLwriters.blogspot.com

Pierre-Olivier Joseph (LD) – Charlottetown (QMJHL) – 6’0″ 160lbs – 62gp 6g 33a 39pts (NHLe = 13pts) 

  • A qualitative jump in his all around play has hurtled him upward into the first round discussions. A player who always looked solid as an improving defender but who this season has gained scads of confidence in his ability to be a key component in the attack. Displays mobility and excellent hockey sense, and has that feel for where a play is going before it does. Breaks up rushes and plays in his end with a good stick and strong recognition. A power play quarterback whose frame will allow him to get bigger and as he gets stronger he will add more mustard to the heat he can bring from the point. – Bill Placzek, draftsite.com

Nic Hague (LD) – Mississauga (OHL) – 6’6″ 212lbs – 65gp 18g 28a 46pts (NHLe = 17pts)

  • Potential big defender in more ways than one. NHL teams continue to have their love affair with huge men at the defensive position who have upside to be top four defenders, since in general, the dmen are getting smaller. For a fellow his size, he has excellent mobility and overall strength He puts his long stick in the passing lanes and covers ground pretty quickly. Uses his size along the wall and can throw devastating bodychecks. When on the back pedal, he doesn’t pivot as quickly as smaller men, but attackers trying to go wide find out how strong he is and long his stick is. Enjoys playing with an edge. He is growing more of his offensive game, by activated on the rush, and attempting to handle the puck more and more. Still needs work and must hone his carries and be more frugal in the time he holds onto it. Not the finished product, but there will not be a shortage of NHL teams considering him before the bottom third of the first round. – Bill Plazcek, draftsite.com

Just before I let you go, I’ve got a new Jesse Puljujarvi shift-by-shift up at the Beer League Heroes Facebook page. You should head over and give us a follow, a like, a share, a comment and anything else you have in your wallet! (Kidding!) Click HERE!

What do you think? Which one of these players would you like to see the Oilers draft in the first round of this year’s draft? Let us know in the comments below!

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Brennen York, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

15 Names to Keep an Eye On in 2016/17

Could Timothy Liljegren top Nolan Patrick for 1st overall in 2017?

 It’s hard to gauge where the Oilers will finish in the standings come April, but it would surprise no one if they ended up with a lottery pick on draft day. As opposed to last year, no player has emerged as a potential superstar, the closest being Nolan Patrick who looks like he’ll be a top line NHL’er, but may not reach the same productivity levels as a Jamie Benn or John Tavares. Timothy Liljegren is the other player competing for Timothy Liljegren is the other player competing for

Timothy Liljegren is the other player competing for Timothy Liljegren is the other player competing for top spot at the moment, however, defenceman can be tricky, and we may not know exactly what he’ll be for another three or four years. Where this draft differs from most is in the amount of players who fit a specific role nearly perfectly. Players like Nico Hischier projecting to be a top 6 playmaking right shot

Where this draft differs from most is in the amount of players who fit a specific role nearly perfectly. Players like Nico Hischier projecting to be a top 6 playmaking right shot winger, or Stellio Mattheos who’s looking more and more like he’ll become a big-time producer while also maintaining a prominent role in the team’s defence.

In an attempt to paint a clearer picture of the prospects I predict to be selected by a lottery team, I’ve included a player comparison, however, the comparison carries very little weight.

  • Timothy Liljegren – RD – Rogle BK (SHL)

Comparable: Kris Letang, John Klingberg

Liljegren plays an up-tempo, offensive style of game without sacrificing his responsibilities in the defensive zone. He’s a dynamic skater with excellent puck moving abilities, and will likely be a top two NHL defenceman. Liljegren is currently out with mono, something that may hurt his draft stock.

  • Nolan Patrick – RC – Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Comparable: Taylor Hall, Blake Wheeler

Given his innate ability to score goals, Nolan Patrick may be the first selection come June, but it won’t be without debate. The Wheaties captain has a similar demeanor to Taylor Hall, and doesn’t jump off the sheet as the smartest player, however his offensive abilities cannot be denied. Likely a winger at the NHL level.

  • Kristian Vesalainen – LW – Frolunda HC (SHL)

Comparable: Filip Forsberg, Loui Eriksson

The speedy Finnish forward looks to join fellow countrymen Jesse Puljujarvi and Patrik Laine as a top five pick, and there’s a very good chance he does so. Vesalainen appeared in 19 games for the SHL’s Frolunda HC where he scored two points, and has already matched that total this year through seven games.

  • Gabe Vilardi – RC – Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Comparable: Sean Monahan, Ryan O’Reilly

Though he is more of a puck handler than the two comparable players above, Vilardi’s strengths come in his two way game. He’s a big, speedy center who’s capable who can play in every situation. Vilardi is currently out with a knee injury sustained at the Team Canada U18 Summer Showcase.

  • Kailer Yamamoto – RC/W – Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Comparable: Mats Zuccarello, Matt Duchene

There are a dozen Patrick Kane comparisons every year, and this year that same comparison will fall on the shoulders of Kailer Yamamoto. He’s a cerebral offensive force who’s shot accuracy is as strong as his passing ability. He’s a tad undersized, but he definitely has the skill.

  • Maxime Comtois – LW – Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

Comparable: Rick Nash

Maxime Comtois has not gotten off to the start he was hoping for, however it won’t be long before he breaks out offensively. He may not be the strongest defensively, however he’s competent in defensive roles. He’s a guy that will produce 40-60 points per season if he pans out.

  • Eeli Tolvanen – LW – Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

Comparable: Jonathan Drouin, Tomas Plekanec

Eeli Tolvanen is an interesting player to keep an eye on in that he plays with such a calm demeanor, rarely forcing plays, creating space and time, but when he gets the chance, he can absolutely devastate a goalie. He’s a skilled left winger who should be a 30 goal scorer in the NHL.

  • Callan Foote – RD – Kelowna Rockets

Comparable: Brent Seabrook

Callan Foote doesn’t do anything that’s exceptional, but boasts a well rounded game that allows him to be an all situations defender. Foote isn’t the fleetest of foot, but he has a long stride that allows him to cover a ton of ice. He’s also a right shot defenceman, something teams are beginning to pay a premium for.

  • Michael Rasmussen – LC – Tri-City Americans

Comparable: Jeff Carter

Through seven games, Michael Rasmussen already has eight goals. The 6’5 pivot has established himself as one of the premier goal scorers in the Western League, and you can only imagine he’ll get better from here on out. He’s a heavy player who competes hard.

  • Cale Makar – RD – Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

Comparable: Shayne Gostisbehere

Cale Makar is the best player in the Alberta Junior league, and if he were to take the jump to the WHL, he’d likely end up a consensus top ten pick at the end of the year. Makar is an explosive, powerful skater with unbelievable vision. He’s this years riser.

  • Ryan Poehling – LC – St. Cloud University (NCAA)

Comparable: Ryan Johansen

Not much is known about the St. Cloud center ranked in the top five by Craig Button, but he is sure to become a household name very soon. He’s a powerful center with excellent hands, and pretty strong finishing ability. He will be a consideration for Team USA come the World Junior Challenge.

  • Lias Andersson – LC/W – HV71  (SHL)

Comparable: Artemi Panarin

Andersson is a highly talented winger who is entering his second season in the SHL. The Smogen native already has three goals in six games, and his goal totals will only soar from here as the slippery winger has an innate ability to put himself in great scoring positions.

  • Klim Kostin – RW(LH) – Dynamo Balashikha (VHL)

Comparable: Kyle Okposo

Klim Kostin will garner top five consideration for quite a while. He has been placed in the top five by a number of scouting organizations, however after a rough start which involved being sent to the VHL after receiving very little KHL ice time, he may begin to fall on the majority of lists. Kostin opted not to play for the Kootenay Ice after being selected first overall in the CHL Import Draft.

  • Nico Hischier – LC/RW – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

Comparable: Derek Stepan

Nico Hischier could be the best Swiss player to enter the league since Nino Niedderrieter. The Halifax Moosehead has started off his rookie QMJHL season quite strong, registering six points in the first seven games. Hischier is a skilled playmaking winger, who if he pans out, puts up between 40-50 assists per year.

  • Nicolas Hague – LD – Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Comparable: Tyler Myers

At 6’6, Nicolas Hague is the biggest defender poised to ebe selected in the top 30. Hague has taken criticism for his skating ability which is his biggest obstacle from reaching the NHL. He does boast a strong defensive game and has the ability to contribute on the score sheet.

There are players at nearly every position inside the top 15, who boast a wide range of skill sets, meaning teams will have a plethora of options when they make their choice on draft day. When you look at the Oilers prospect pool, nearly every prospect listed would fit a role whether it be their ability to be a top six goal scorer or a puck moving right handed defenceman. The three players which Oiler fans should keep their eye on is Brooks Bandits defender Cale Makar, Rockets defenceman Callan Foote, and Swedish winger Lias Andersson.

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