Tag Archives: Anton Slepyshev

Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Prospects

2015 Young Stars Classic Game 1: Oilers vs. Canucks

Good Lord it’s time! Finally some worthwhile hockey!!! Tonight we’re going to see McDavid in competitive action for the first time since the Erie Otters lost out to the Oshawa Generals in the OHL championship last May. We’re going to see Leon Draisaitl for the first time since the Memorial Cup Finals! Darnell Nurse and his glorious beard will be in attendance as well!!

So break out the whiskey and break out the beers! The Oilers are coming have no fears! I need hockey… Isn’t it obvious…

They meet again!

McDavid will be taking on a familiar foe but not only Sir Connor but for Leon Draisaitl as well. Cole Cassels was the man with the unimaginable task of shutting both McDavid and Draisaitl down for the Oshawa Generals in last season’s OHL playoffs and Memorial Cup respectively. I wonder who he’ll be asked to shadow this time and will he be sharing those duties with Brendan Gaunce?

I’m really expecting this game to be very fast moving and hard hitting. Possibly high-scoring as well as the goaltenders for either team aren’t what one might call “name worthy”.

The rosters for the Oilers and Canucks are here and here.

OTHER NOTABLE NAMES

For the Edmonton Oilers we’ve got hulking defenseman Darnell Nurse, uber pest Greg Chase, defensive centerman Kyle Platzer, and mysterious Russian Anton Slepyshev. Mitch Moroz and Braden Christoffer will be there to keep the peace.

For the Canucks they’ll have three killers in Jake Virtanen, Jared McCann, and Hunter Shinkaruk leading the offense. On defence keep an eye on Jordan Subban and former Edmonton Oil King Ashton Sautner.

Keep an Eye on This Guy

Edmonton: #84 Joey Laleggia (D) – In 2014/15 he was the captain of the University of Denver and put up 15g 25a 40pts in 37 games. He was awarded the NCHC’s best offensive AND defensive defenceman. He was an HCNC first team all-star and was also the HCNC player of the year. Not only all of that but he was also nominated alongside Buffalo 1st rounder Jack Eichel for the Hobey Baker Award for best player in all of the NCAA! Of course Eichel won it but that says a lot for Laleggia. He’s an offensive wizard from the back end with high-end puck moving skills and boy can he zip around the rink. I reckon he’ll be prominent on the PP

Vancouver: #68 Reid Gardiner (F) – Gardiner is a camp invite for the Canucks after going undrafted the last two years. He’s described as a Brendan Gallagher type. A smart two-way forward who brings his all to the ice. The Humboldt, SK native’s attitude and nose for the net should endear himself to all the fans that attend the game. You can never go wrong with a good ol’ Saskatchewan boy, right?

Keys to the Game for the Oilers

  • Give McDavid and Draisaitl the puck and let them work their magic. The Canucks defence and goaltending doesn’t stand a chance.
  • Put Greg Chase on Jake Virtanen. Virtanen is a well-known hothead. If Greg Chase can get him off his game and in the penalty box, all the better for Edmonton because he’s a beast out there. His shot is like a laser and he tends to score a few goals (85 goals in 192 WHL games).
  • Play the hell out of Darnell Nurse. He’s at his best when he’s up against the other team’s best players. He’ll ruin a few Canucks tonight no doubt but if he can neutralize Vancouver’s scoring wingers I think it’ll be a wash for Edmonton.

Prediction: Oilers win 6-2 and McDavid features prominently on the score sheet.

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Thanks for reading! Let us know in the comments below what your prediction for tonight’s final score will be!

Take Care!

BLH

PS: If you’re interested in watching last year’s tilt between the Canucks and Oilers, the video is below 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqVU_o02Knc

Corey Mitchell, Edmonton Oilers, Prospects

Oilers Prospect Profile: European Depth

Part 7 of Prospect Profile takes a look at a few players of European nationality that should provide the Oilers with some significant depth this upcoming season.

It’s no secret that the Oilers have found great success with European players in the past, having the likes of Jari Kurri, Ales Hemsky, and hopefully Nail Yakupov pull on the sweater. Here are five players the Oilers are hoping can follow in those footsteps.

Roman Horak

Contrary to popular belief at the time, Roman Horak was not the focal point of the Ladislav Smid trade from a few seasons ago. That doesn’t diminish his potential as a depth player for the Oilers, however, if he decides to come back to North America.

While it may seem like Horak has been around the professional ranks for some time, he’s actually only dressed for 84 NHL games, with most of his career taking place in the AHL, with his best season being in 2013-14. That was the year he was acquired by the Oilers along with Laurent Brossoit, with Ladislav Smid and goaltending prospect Olivier Roy going to Calgary. Following the trade, Horak would pile up 48 points in 53 games, including 21 goals. That production was enough to get Horak a brief 2 game look with the Oilers, registering 1 goal.

It could be that lack of consistent production at the NHL level that seems to have side tracked Horak a bit, as he spent the last 3 years bouncing between the NHL and AHL. Along with that, he’s already been featured in two trades in his brief pro career, as the Flames originally acquired Horak from the New York Rangers in 2011, before he even played one pro game. Last season saw him sign in the KHL with Chekhov Vityaz, where he went 18-13-31 in 53 games. While he remains Oilers property, it doesn’t look like they will be able to access Horak this season, as he’s already begun the year with Vityaz.

Anton Slepyshev

Upon the announcement earlier this year that Anton Slepyshev had signed his ELC with the Oilers, social media lit up with excitement in regards to the Russian winger. Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2013 draft, the 21 year old has remained in the KHL, and is coming off his 5th professional season, which was also his third season with Ufa Salavat Yulayev. It’s the fact that he’s already played five years of high end hockey against men that has fans excited to see what he can bring to the Oilers.

Last year saw Slepyshev put up some modest numbers in the KHL, with 15-10-25 in 58 games. While those aren’t all-world level numbers, he’s still young. More than likely, Slepyshev will find himself counted on for secondary scoring in Bakersfield when he makes his North American debut. It’s not out of the question to see him put on a line with fellow Russian countryman, Bogdan Yakimov, to see if the two can build some chemistry.

Bogdan Yakimov

Speaking of the big Russian, Bogdan Yakimov is healthy, and ready for his second season in North America. Another player from the 2013 Draft, Yakimov is a center with size. Appearing in 57 games with the Oklahoma City Barons last year, Yakimov put up a respectable 12-16-28 while playing mostly a checking role. He should be looked at to provide more this season, and help with the transition of Slepyshev to the North American game.

Fans are anxious to see Yakimov play for the Oilers on a more consistent basis, if only for the hope that he can find some chemistry with Nail Yakupov. While there would have been a chance he could make the team out of camp if this was a few years ago, organizational depth has improved by leaps and bounds since 2013. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid have come up more than a few times while I’ve done this series. That depth has pushed Yakimov down the chart, much like it has for many players that may have had a chance to make the Oilers before. And again, depending on what happens in training camp, specifically where the Oilers feel Draisaitl benefits most from playing, is going to have a big impact on Yakimov’s development. The plus side again, is now there is no rush to get him to the NHL, and he can learn to thrive in the AHL.

Daniil Zharkov

It was at the trade deadline in 2011 when the Oilers moved Dustin Penner to the LA Kings for Colton Teubert and a couple of draft picks. The 1st rounder became Oscar Klefbom. And if you’re having trouble remembering who the Oilers drafted with the 3rd rounder, the answer is Daniil Zharkov.

While Zharkov has been plying his trade in the KHL the last two years, he is no stranger to the North American game, having played a year in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm, before moving to the Belleville Bulls of the OHL. Following a brief junior career that saw him total 48-31-79 in 109 games, Zharkov opted to return to his home country of Russia, signing with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo of the KHL. His first season of professional hockey couldn’t quite be labeled a success, as Zharkov could only muster 2 goals and 5 points in 49 games. The following season was no better for Zharkov, as he was limited to only 9 games.

I assume Zharkov will probably play in the KHL again this year. He very much seems like a player the Oilers could be willing to walk away from at this point, unless there’s a team interested. At this point, Zharkov could be earmarked to fill out the roster in Norfolk of the ECHL if he elects to come play in North America again.

William Lagesson

Drafted with the 4th round pick the Oilers acquired from Minnesota in the Ilya Bryzgalov trade, William Lagesson is the only other European player on this list not from Russia, with Horak being the other.

The general consensus on Lagesson is that he has good defensive play, but his foot speed can be suspect. He played last season in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, registering 2-14-16 in his 52 games with the club. The stat that I like is the +18.

More than likely the 19 year old is going to continue play in the USHL this upcoming season, following the prospect tournament and mini-camp coming up in a few weeks. I’m curious to see how Lagesson looks against other teams top prospects. I remember him catching my eye when he was at development camp in June. The log jam of defensive prospects is a situation that should play out very well in Lagesson’s favor, affording him the time to continue to develop as a player. While I would personally like to see him follow in the steps of Caleb Jones, and choose to go to the CHL this year, there is nothing wrong with getting top minutes in USHL, which is a very competitive league in its own right.

Edmonton Oilers, Lindsay Ryall, Prospects

The Russians are Coming!?

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It was during the 2013 – 14 season when the Edmonton Oilers added Ilya Bryzgalov along with Denis Grebeshkov that an ever expressive Nail Yakupov was asked his thoughts on having some countrymen around.

“Yeah, it’s the Russian mafia,”  Yakupov joked, and added his satisfaction in being able to communicate in his native language around the rink.  Unfortunately for Nail, Bryzgalov and Grebeshkov weren’t destined to be Oilers for long.  Grebeshkov was clearly outclassed and no longer an NHL player, while Bryzgalov looked for opportunities elsewhere.

Just a couple of years later, Yakupov still has one countryman to play Durak with on road trips, but low and behold there are several more on the horizon and the future Edmonton Oilers may someday have the highest Russian content this side of the Alexander Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals.

Who Likes Borscht on the Team Right Now?

Nail Yakupov: Yakupov still hasn’t found the consistency he needs to have as an NHL player, especially a former first overall draft pick.  Nonetheless, he rebounded nicely when Dallas Eakins was fired and Todd Nelson took over.  He also responded well when paired with Derek Roy,  so even though he is teetering on the brink of being a bust, there is a strong belief that this will be the year Yakupov will establish himself with a solid 25 goal 50 point season.  Yak has jam, a world class shot, and can deliver a serviceable check when needed.  For the time being he will be an Oiler and have the opportunity to fulfill the promise of a number one overall pick.

Nikita Nikitin:  Nikitin has arguably the biggest bullseye on his back affixed by Oiler’s fans and has been roundly criticized for indifferent and downright poor play.  Amazingly he has survived the trade and buyout deadline and may very well be an Oiler come October.  It is quite possible that the tandem of Mactavish and Howson still have some influence and have convinced Chiarelli that he has some value.  In fairness, Nikitin does have some skills.  He easily has the hardest shot on a team that is looking for a cannon from the blue line to help the powerplay.  Nikitin is going into a contract year and that’s typically when most NHLers magically turn it around.  Maybe he’ll be a reclamation project . . .

Young Guns on the Way

While there are two Russians currently on the team, the Oilers’ have two hopefuls in the development system that should make the team over the next two seasons, and will likely play in the top 9.  They bring the requisite skill set you would expect from Russian trained hockey players, and also bring intangibles that cannot be taught, namely size.

Bogdan Yakimov:  Standing 6’5″ and weighing in at 232 lbs., 20 year old Bogdan Yakimov doesn’t require any more time to fill out, in that respect he’s definitely arrived.  But Yakimov is not just a big lug, he has hands and can skate.  Yakimov also had a decent first year in pro with the OKC Barons with 28 points in 57 games, numbers he will doubtless build upon next year.  In his first pro-year Yakimov also showed a keen willingness to learn, paired with a good work ethic, spending extra time with veterans and the coaching staff to learn different aspects on the North American game.  In Russia such good behavior would earn the comment, “Mollodets” (translation: Good boy).  Yakimov is still young and comparables are never 100% accurate, but forecasting him as a more rugged Victor Kozlov is a definite possibility.  With respect to development, I would project him as an NHL player in two seasons.

Anton Slepyshev: Slepyshev has dazzled and teased the Oilers organization since he was drafted in the 2013 entry draft.  The concern with Slepyshev was whether he would actually commit to playing in North America or instead continue playing in the KHL.  However, any doubt about his commitment to the NHL was erased this year when Slepyshev signed an entry level deal with the Oilers.  Slepyshev is not a physical monster, but no slouch either, checking in at 6’2 and 187 lbs and the kid can play.  Not only does he play with all the skill you would expect of Russian skater, he’s also a gamer, playing his best in big games against the best competition.  That’s what every organization wants.  His first year at pro will be the litmus test on his potential, but he is definitely one of the most exciting young players in the system.

Danil Zharkov: Zharkov was pretty cocky when first drafted in the third round of the 2012 entry draft, 90 spots after Nail Yakupov.  Zharkov was billed as a potential power forward, and scored 23 and 25 goals respectively in his last two seasons of major junior with the OHL’s Belleville Bulls.  Unfortunately his development has not really progressed well since then and while he is playing in the KHL, he has not found much offensive production, scoring 5 points over 58 games in his career there so far.  It doesn’t look like Danil’s NHL or pro dream is going to happen, but hey, he’s only 21 years old, stranger things can happen.

Potential Additions off the grid

Vladmir Tkachev:  This diminutive offensive dynamo impressed all at the Oilers training camp last year (so much so that he was awarded a contract, that was eventually disallowed) but followed it up with a very lukewarm last year of junior in the QMJHL.  When you weigh in at less than a 150lbs. and stand maybe 5’9″you had better be putting up some gaudy offensive numbers and Tkachev did not (33 points in 33 games with the Quebec Remparts last year).  Nonetheless there may be a chance he is invited to camp again and has said in interviews he wants to join the Oilers and play with his countrymen already in the system.  It’s a longshot right now but so was his surprise camp last year, so there’s still a possibility.

Evgeny Dadonov:  Originally a third round pick of the Florida Panthers, Dadonov toiled for a short time in the AHL before bolting for bigger dollars and home cooking in the KHL.  Dadonov has played three seasons in the K and had a nicely productive year in 2014 – 15 with 46 points in 53 games.  Excellent numbers for that league.  He also paced well in the playoffs, outscoring Ilya Kovalchuk with 20 points in 22 playoff games. Dadonov  then capped his season with 11 points in 10 games for Russia at the World Championships and in my mind was their most consistent player in the tournament.   The Oilers are deep at wing for now, but if there was a buyout for Purcell or a long term injury that needed to be addressed, he could be a splendid addition.  At age 26 there wouldn’t be any seasoning required, but he would need to improve his defense, which reportedly needs work. Many of the goals he scored at the World Championships were world class and that’s where I would rate his talent.  His rights are till held by the Panthers and I am somewhat surprised they haven’t tried to sign him, nonetheless he’s worth keeping an eye on.  If he was made available, it shouldn’t take a lot to pry him out of the Panther’s organization.

How does the future look?

While it’s not likely that two years from now the Oilers will have anything approaching Detroit’s famed “Russian Five” of the 90’s, an all Russian line in the near future is a very real possibility with Big “Bo” Bogdan Yakimov at center and Slepyshev and Yakupov on the wings.  As for any other additions, it’s too early to tell, and I can’t see Nikitin sticking around that long, but overall the team will soon have an increased Russian presence.