BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Evander Kane, Jack Hughes, Alexis Lafreniere, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a cancer in the Predators locker room, what the Oilers need to become legit contenders, what happens in Boston if the Bruins start slow, and much more!
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NHL Rumors and Speculation
630CHED: Georges Laraque was on Oilers Now recently and when asked if he thought any team in the NHL would take overpaid Nashville Predators centre Matt Duchene if he was put on waivers, he said no but added that Duchene has a reputation for being a “cancer in the room”.
The former NHL heavyweight also added that he would only pay Ryan Nugent-Hopkins $6Mx6yrs if he was GM of the Oilers citing that he doesn’t think the Oilers star could produce 60pts/yr on another team.
TSN/NHL.com/Twitter: Three budding superstar youngsters out of New York will not be heading to the 2021 World Juniors. Jack Hughes (NJ), Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko (NYR) will continue to prepare for the 2020-21 NHL season instead of being loaned to their respective u20 national teams.
Sportsnet: “‘I’ll do it’: Logan Paul agrees to bout with Sharks’ Evander Kane”
The Score: Former Buffalo Sabres sniper Tomas Vanek doesn’t believe the NHL is tough anymore.
“I don’t know if it was really dirty (in the past), that’s the way it was – if you go in front of the net, you’re taking a punishment,” Vanek said. “Now the game has changed. You’ve got a lot of smaller defensemen who are more mobile. They cross-check a little bit, but those guys are nonexistent really anymore.”
James O’Brien (NBC Sports): Wonders if things don’t start well for the Bruins this season, will they decide to punt on the year and deal some veterans like Tuuka Rask, Jaro Halak, or David Krejci since their contracts are expiring at year’s end.
Rory Boylen (Sportsnet): Ethan Bear is expected to re-sign with the Oilers but another move will have to accompany it.
Josh Wegman (The Score): Predicts where these remaining UFAs will land: Erik Haula (SJ), Mikael Granlund (FLA), Anthony Duclair (LA), Andreas Athanasiou (NSH), Travis Hamonic (WPG), Sami Vatanen (PHI).
Eric Duhatschek (The Athletic): Believes the Oilers are TWO GOOD pieces away from the Western Conference Final/Stanley Cup Final. A goaltender and a difference-maker on defence.
Today’s guest post is from a fellow Oilers fan named Terrance Grise. He wanted to have a mock draft of his published and I’m happy to help him out.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the water with regards to blogging, feel free to reach out and get in touch with me! Best bet is probably on Twitter here.
I’ll turn it over to Terrance now. Enjoy!
Elias Pettersson’s nickname is “Alien”. Here’s a shirt to celebrate it! Click the image to buy one!
Hey, hockey fans! If you think you’ve read every 2019 mock draft you can handle then you’re wrong cause I’ve got one more for you! Don’t worry it is slightly expedited as I chose to only cover the first 15 picks. I am a big draft nerd largely due to Edmonton’s positional tendencies over the past decade.
So this is how I think the top-15 picks should play out. Having said that as with most drafts this will most likely play out very differently than I think it will but that’s half the fun!
1.) Jack Hughes – (NJ Devils)
Posting 34 goals and 78 assists (112 Points) in 50 games (2.24 PPG), Jack Hughes is the bell of the ball for the 2019 draft class. Every aspect of his game screams franchise player, to the point that comparisons have been drawn to Connor McDavid. I am hesitant to draw the same parallels only because Hughes plays much more of an East-West game and forces openings by getting the defense out of position. He doesn’t seem to possess the same breakneck speed that #97 uses to embarrass defensemen. Having said that, he is an elite skater who will break his opponent’s ankles with perfect edge work and stick handling.
A part of me wanted to predict a Kaapo Kakko upset at first overall, largely due to the fact that New Jersey has done it before with the Nico Hischier selection back in 2017, that saw Nolan Patrick fall to Philadelphia. But given New Jersey’s need for a centerman and how elite of a prospect Hughes has proven to be, I just couldn’t justify it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR7VH4Xirr4
2.) Kaapo Kakko – (NY Rangers)
It was awesome watching Kakko in the Word Championship tournament less than a month back. You really got to see why he always seems to be mentioned in the same breath as Jack Hughes. It was also very apparent that he has been playing above his age class for a while now, looking very comfortable going up against some of the best that the NHL has to offer. He had a very strong season in the LIIGA scoring 22 goals and 16 assists for TPS. He is so strong on his skates and stick, this allows him to control the game down low and really dictate the play in the offensive zone. Being a left shot on the right wing, he really uses the inside angle to his advantage, beating goalies on either the short or far side from outside the slot. He also has the ability to make defenders look silly from in tight.
Considering how far the Rangers jumped at the lottery they will be thrilled with this consolation prize and that there is a strong chance that in five years’ time we will be looking back at this draft and arguing about who should’ve been taken first overall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0QpejmAih0
3.) Bowen Byram – (CHI Blackhawks)
Bowen Byram is my favorite player from this draft class. Growing up I loved watching Scott Niedermayer, and let’s just say when I watch Byram play, a feeling of nostalgia washes over me. I truly believe if he was eligible for the 2017 draft that he would’ve been the consensus #1 choice. His lateral movement on the blueline alone is enough to make scouts and GMs fall in love with him. Then you add his passing and playmaking ability to the fold and you have the most complete defenseman the draft has seen in a long time. Although his shot does not possess overwhelming power, he beats you with ridiculous accuracy and a fast release.
Byram potted 71 points in 67 games and also carried 33 +/- rating. Really good when you consider he went -3 and -5 in his previous two seasons with the Vancouver Giants. Quite frankly, Chicago would be crazy not to take him at 3rd overall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96A0xmTFTkA
4.) Alex Turcotte – (COL Avalanche)
If there was a comparable to Alex Turcotte it could be said he resembles a smaller version of Leon Draisaitl. His passing ability is eerily similar and I find that he also likes to slow the game down in the O-zone, even though he is a very good skater and can generate speed through the neutral zone. Any team would love to have his playmaking ability down low, especially on the power play. He has a strong, active stick and always seems to be in the right spot in all three zones. Teams are going to like this guy because he plays a pros game and probably only requires one more year of development before he’s ready for the show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvR0e2wpj3c
5.) Kirby Dach – (LA Kings)
I am just going to come out and say it, I really like this kid. He just may be the most polarizing player in this draft class, cause people seem to love him or hate him. Not too many people (that I’ve heard from anyways) seem to have a neutral opinion on #77. By all accounts, however, he seemed to really impress at the combine. I think he’s going to take a big step next year for the Saskatoon Blades and prove that he deserved to be a top-5 pick in the draft. Being the other large WHL centermen in this draft, Dach and Cozens have been compared to each other all season.
Personally, I feel that Dach can have more of an impact on the game and is not limited to being solely a point producing centerman. The knock on him, however, is consistency. This is the main area that I am predicting will improve sooner rather than later in the years to come.
I do also foresee the possibility of him transitioning to the wing as an NHLer. Having said that, forwards that can play multiple roles are becoming extremely valuable in this league. So having a big right shot guy who can take faceoffs every now and then could prove to be a game changer for the team who drafts him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOgVdIz6mi4
6.) Cole Caufield – (DET Red Wings)
GOALS, GOALS, GOALS! Alex DeBrincat may be the best thing that has ever happened to Cole Caufield. So many comparisons can be made between these two players, so we’ll see if teams have learned anything from Chicago back in 2015. For most of the year, Caufield has been ranked somewhere in the top-20, finishing the year with an unbelievable 72 goals for the USNDP, has seemed to shoot him up the rankings with the draft now only days away. Elite finishers are becoming increasingly hard to come by nowadays and Caufield may be competing for the Rocket Richard Trophy in the near future. It will be interesting to see how well his game converts to the NHL, but I think that he has proven to GMs and scouts that he has the ability to score goals and be effective in more than just one way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XXIDv7Gy0I
7.) Matthew Boldy – (BUF Sabres)
Like Dach, Boldy has incredible hands for a guy his size. His passing ability may also be the most underrated part of his game, as he is known largely for his heavy and accurate shot. He can also use his strength to get past defenders, and usually ends up making space for his teammates in the process. Already weighing in at 192lbs, Boldy may be the most physically prepared prospect in this draft class. There are a couple of aspects of his game that do require a little attention. Unlike his USNDP teammates, he can be caught out of position from time to time. He is also more willing to make riskier plays in the offensive end of the ice, something that he has been able to get away with because of the strength of his team in comparison to their competition. The good news is that these are habits that are arguably some of the easiest to remedy, and the positives that Boldy can provide to the team that drafts him, far outweigh the current downsides.
8.) Dylan Cozens – (EDM Oilers)
As one of the strongest skaters in his class, the pride of Whitehorse – Dylan Cozens – may just turn out to be one of the sleeper picks in the top-10 of this draft. Big right shot centers with skill aren’t easy to come by, and that is why at #8, this could prove to be a value pick. Although he has a big frame, he is more likely to use his speed to overpower the opposition and generate scoring chances. He’s a guy that likes to find the unoccupied areas on the ice, especially in the offensive end. Being one of the most complete two-way players, teams will be very excited to call his name at the podium on Friday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HkcX4Sf_aU
9.) Trevor Zegras – (ANH Ducks)
At this point in time, Zegras is the best passer in this draft. His vision and hockey sense allow him to predict where his teammates will be, and his execution allows him to get the puck to that exact spot when they arrive. It is beyond impressive watching him place the puck in vacant ice, at the exact moment it needs to be there, time and time again, rarely turning it over. He is a guy that coaches will design set-plays around just because of how perfectly he can execute passes. He loves to use his feet and the boards to his advantage to maintain possession, and also has an above average shot. Would not surprise me in the least if he was not available for the Ducks at #9.
10.) Vasili Podkolzin – (VAN Canucks)
No matter where Podkolzin is drafted, he is going to be one of those picks where the GM will say “We could not believe he was still on the board when Bettman called our name.”. Just based on his skill and the fact that he already has an NHL first step, he should be a lock at 4th overall. But for whatever reason, Russian prospects usually seem to fall a few places. Podkolzin is a big right winger with bite that plays a responsible game and takes pride in helping his defensemen out in his own end. Sample size may be the biggest factor for this pick but this is a guy that always seems to show up when the spotlight is on him, something that will occur quite a lot throughout his career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFCA6GHrTOg
11.) Peyton Krebs – (PHI Flyers)
You always hate to see guys get injured, but it is especially rough when it happens just before their pro draft. Being that he is very young and has arguably the highest ceiling in this draft, I would hate to see Krebs fall due to this unfortunate Achilles injury. Krebs likes to stir the pot and set the tempo of games, he also has an uncanny ability to avoid taking bad penalties. He is a very competitive player who will out skate opponents to both ends of the ice and will beat them there more often than not, demonstrating his incredible hockey sense and positioning. Krebs may be the only player in this draft that has the potential to be just as effective on both the powerplay and the penalty kill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMJjAj3v8ks
12.) Phillip Tomasino – (MIN Wild)
Tomasino is a guy that has flown under the radar due to the forward strength in this draft class. However, after researching this kid and watching every one of his highlight videos on YouTube, I cannot see a scenario where 15 straight GMs pass on him. He refuses to be outworked and has one of the quickest releases I have seen out of a major junior player. If I was only given one word to describe him, “dynamic” comes to mind. Another right shot guy who can play multiple roles and has the potential to make GMs who pass on him look back and wonder “what if?” down the road.
13.) Philip Broberg – (FL Panthers)
This may turn out to be one of the most interesting/active drafts in recent memory. I say “active” because I can totally see picks being swapped and teams wanting to move up or down based on what selections occur in the top 5. I say this now because we are at pick #13 and this is only the second defenseman I have on the board. I honestly can’t justify placing Broberg any higher. Although he has very good skating and playmaking ability, he frequently makes questionable decisions with the puck that constantly burn defensemen at the NHL level. That is why I don’t think he is a top 10 player in this or most drafts. Having said that, if he can clean his game up, he does possess the upside to be a solid two-way, top 4 defenseman at the NHL level.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ylLjmJ3tQQ
14.) Spencer Knight – (ARZ Coyotes)
This is probably the pick that I am most skeptical about just because of how reserved GMs have proven to be about drafting goalies early in the first round. I am convinced that Spencer Knight deserves to be taken in the top 15, but would not be shocked at all if he fell as far as the early 2nd round. Knight has ice in his veins and remains composed under pressure. He has also perfected his technique, standing at 6’3” he positions his glove and blocker perfectly, as to not be caught too high or too low, reducing the amount of movement and energy he has to exert to make a save. Another reason I could see him falling is based on the strength of the USNTDP team in front of him, a justification that I acknowledge, but do not believe justifies ranking him lower.
15.) Raphael Lavoie – (MTL Canadiens)
If the Montréal Canadiens want to prove to the league that they are not required to have only small forwards on their team, while at the same time proving that they love their French Canadian players, then they should draft #50 from the Halifax Mooseheads, Raphael Lavoie. Not only does he make dwarves out of the players around him, but he also has tremendous skill and a pro-release. He also has a tendency to show up in big moments and capitalize on his opportunities. Being just 10 days shy from eligibility for the 2018 draft, Lavoie should be eligible to play in the AHL this year, as he turns 20 years old on September 25th. This may be desirable for a team looking to add youth to their pro-roster, sooner rather than later.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4dGcSe1ZHs
Some players I believe deserve an honorable mention as potential top 15 picks include: Moritz Seider (D), Cam York (D), Victor Soderstrom (D), and Alex Newhook (F).
Click the pic and grab a 16-bit McDavid tee!
Recently on Twitter, I have seen a lot of discussion about the Oilers potentially trading down in order to acquire some assets, while at the same time hopefully making a value pick slightly later on. While this idea intrigues me, a friend of mine suggested maybe trading the 8th and Puljujarvi up to 3rd, as it sounds like Chicago really wants to take a forward and may be willing to trade down to do it. Given the current situation with Puljujarvi, and that trading him would help the Oilers with the upcoming Seattle expansion draft considering he will be eligible to be selected. Not to mention the fact that the 3rd overall would basically guarantee that you would draft one of Bowen Byram or Kaapo Kakko, I would make this trade all day long if Chicago was game. Based on what we know about Ken Holland and his recent comments, my guess is they make the pick at #8.
Part two is coming folks! I’ll address picks #16-#31 shortly!
Feel free to comment with your opinions and thanks for reading! You can follow Terrance on Twitter here.
It’s time to get into the #AskBLH mailbag one more time! This is where you ask me any question you’d like and I give you my honest answer. Topics might simply be centered on the Edmonton Oilers, but I encourage folks to step outside that box and ask me whatever is on their minds.
Now, I hope to get around to everybody who sends me their question, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. In that case, I will do my best to get back to you on the ol’ Twitter machine.
THE MAILBAG!
@dashate24 asks: Why do we want to trade Lucic for a more useless player?
Good question my friend! I think it’s just a matter of giving guys a fresh start in other markets. What I’m wondering is why the Oilers are the ones having to sweeten the deal if the Canucks are the ones who really want Lucic?
@AhmedMayta asks: Realistic free agents Oilers should target?
You know what Ahmed? I think it’s going to be really hard to gauge this until we know what the roster is going to look like the night before Canada Day. I would say they should go after players like Dan Carr, Brandon Pirri, Joonas Donskoi, and Brian Elliott, but if they find a way to clear up some cap space by trading some of their bigger tickets, that changes things. You might see them go after players like Gus Nyquist, Marcus Johansson, or Anton Stralman then.
@adnacOilGhost asks: You replace Bob Nicholson as CEO, what’s the very first thing you do?
Oh! I like this question. I’d make it as affordable as possible to go to regular season games for everyone. Bringing down the prices on healthier food options would be a must for me. I’d do what it takes to make the in-game presentation one that rivals that of Vegas’ or Nashville’s. The fan experience is really important to me, so I’d try to maximize that potential the most.
I enjoy anarchy a bit, so I’d also give media passes to the Oilers bloggers out there who pass my rigorous interview process.
As for the team itself, I’d encourage my GM to expand the scouting team as much as possible. I feel like teams really skimp out here. I want scouts everywhere, including Asia. I’d be having hockey camps all over the world promoting the brand and keeping an eye out for talent.
@dashate24 asks: Is it possible that Poolparty (Puljujarvi) gets an offer sheet at $2M x 4 years, and if he does, do we take the 3rd rounder?
I’d match it. JP at $2M for four years would be an amazing contract.
@ArchivistSports asks: What do you think JP will do this June/July?
I think he’ll head home and resume his off-ice training and participate in his annual charity games. Whether he comes back in September or not, we’ll have to wait and see on that.
@Tusen_bitar asks: Why and when you have chosen Oilers?
I was born in 1980, so one might consider me to have been born into the Oilers. My father tells me stories of cheering for Edmonton when I was a very young lad during their Cup dynasty days but I don’t really remember much about that.
As I got older I gravitated towards the Red Wings because of Yzerman/Coffey/Federov and the Penguins for Lemieux/Jagr/Coffey in the early 90s. I liked Peter Forsberg and the Avs for a while and also the Maple Leafs when Curtis Joseph was playing net for them too.
But I always had the Oilers in my back pocket. It wasn’t really until they started to get really bad as to when I ramped up my interest in the team and I simply haven’t found a reason to not cheer for them since then.
@OilDoug asks: What happens with Lucic this offseason. Stay? Go? What comes back?
He gone. What comes back for him? Who knows? It sounds like a player who needs a change of scenery like Milan.
@LonnbergMari asks: If Leavins is right and part of the team just doesn’t want to play with him, what should a smart gm do? Resign or trade and in either case, just hope for the best?
I’m torn on this. Aren’t we sick of the locker room cliques on this team yet? If Holland believes there’s still something in Jesse, he could sit down those guilty of alienating Jesse and give them a stern grilling. Then at the same time, sit Pulju down and tell him it’s time to grow up and that we don’t always work/play with people we like.
But if things are simply too broken, he would find a way to move him and get a good like-aged player in return. My fear in this scenario is that Jesse hits his stride on another club and the Oilers get burned though.
When it’s all said and done though, the players have a job to do, so they should go and do it.
— BLH (Edmonton Oilers Enthusiast} (@BeerLeagueHeroe) June 11, 2019
THE 2019 NHL ENTRY DRAFTS 1ST AND 2ND TEAM ALL-STARS by Keith Fries
With this article, I thought it’d be fun to try and construct all-first and all-second teams for this year’s draft-eligible prospects.
Keep in mind that I went with the player’s primary position.
All-First Team
LW – Matthew Boldy/C – Jack Hughes/RW – Kaapo Kakko
LD – Bowen Byram/RD – Moritz Seider
LG – Spencer Knight
A forward line made up of Boldy, Hughes, and Kakko would likely be nicknamed, “Goals and Grit.”
While Hughes maybe is more on the “goals” side than the grit one, there’s no doubt that he’s flanked by some rough riders with skill. We know of Kakko’s explosive offensive abilities, but Boldy also shows a propensity to score. All three are great puck movers. Speaking of which, there’s Byram whose bread and butter is getting the puck out of his own zone. Playing alongside the physically imposing Seider would make those breakout rushes much easier for Byram. Once the puck enters the offensive zone, both defensemen have the ability to jump into the play as a fourth-forward. In their own zone, Seider is the more reliable defender of the two and is helped in net by arguably one of the best goaltending prospects of all-time. Knight, who some would say has franchise potential, doesn’t need much help in front of him to be the brick wall that he is.
This starting line-up certainly helps, though, but even if playing with an All-Worst Team, Knight would find ways to make his squad seem competitive.
All-Second Team
LW – Peyton Krebs/C – Alex Turcotte/RW – Cole Caufield
LD – Philip Broberg/RD – Victor Soderstrom
LG – Dustin Wolf
Krebs, Turcotte, and Caufield would not only be a hell of a trio, but could legitimately be one of the best power play units, in history.
Krebs’ distribution game is off the charts, and with his smart reads and calculated timing, could dish out some beautiful primary assists to either Caufield or Turcotte. We know Caufield is arguably the best sniper in his entire draft class, but Turcotte’s shooting stroke is just as pretty and just as effective. While he may be more of a playmaker, like Krebs, Turcotte has the kind of slick mitts that you want in a centerman to either set up his linemates or finish with a remarkable shot. On the back end, they’re flanked by two highly-skilled Swedish-born defensemen, Soderstrom and Broberg. While Soderstrom handles more of the defensive duties – sound play in his own end, moving the puck along the boards, or manning the point, Broberg is able to jump into the rush with his lightning quick speed and heads up play. The two would make a formidable pairing, with a complimentary skill set. An argument could be made about who slots in at goaltender, here – possibly Ilya Konovalov or Mads Sogaard – but there’s no argument in my mind. Wolf has been lights out since debuting in the WHL in 2017 and has received nothing but criticism along the way – all because of his undersized frame. His IQ, compete level, and maturity are all well beyond his years.
F*ck those guys! Click the link and grab one of these beauty shirts!Elias Pettersson’s nickname is “Alien”. Here’s a shirt to celebrate it! Click the image to buy one!The Vegas Golden Misfits are going to the Stanley Cup Final in 2018!!! Love ’em or hate ’em it’s an amazing story and this is one punk rocker’s way of giving tribute! Click the pic above and get yours today!
The 2019 NHL Entry Draft is just around the corner and I’ve got a plethora of draft guides sitting on my desktop and in my tablet just waiting to be utilized. So I thought a good idea might be to use the picks from each guide’s rankings to perform the draft for the Edmonton Oilers.
Now, some guides don’t have enough players ranked to do the entire draft, so we’ll just have to do with rounds one to four in that case, but for the rest that do have enough, I’ll lay them out for you and give you the best brief reports on those players that I can. I haven’t watched all of the players and therefore I’ll be forced to go with reports from other publications and my own digging about to get a good idea on them in order to present it to you.
Today we’re going to begin with the Future Considerations draft guide, which you can find here. It’s $24.99 CDN +GST but if you use the code 2019DRAFT, you should get about $5 off.
The Oilers have the no.8, 38, 85, 100, 162, and 193 picks in the draft and this is who Future Considerations has ranked at those numbers.
If Jack Hughes is Mitch Marner then Trevor Zegras would be Elias Pettersson. Zegras’ ability to find his teammates with a highlight reel pass is unrivaled in this draft class. He is by far the flashiest player available this year. While his unpredictable creativity and ability to make high-risk plays are his bread and butter, other aspects of his game shouldn’t be ignored. If he gets a sniff of the net, he’s going to finish the play on his own because the lightning-fast release on his shot allows him to. His escapability along the boards and the way he uses his edges to slip out of dodgy situations is phenomenal. To add to that, he’s added an element of tenacity to his game this season that was lacking previously.
What you’re not going to like about this player is that sometimes he tries to do it all on his own. He’s very confident in that way to a fault. He’s infuriated a number of NHL scouts over the year because he’s been in situations where a simple play would’ve sufficed but he’s tried to dangle and failed.
So while he’s very gifted in the skill department, you have to wonder if that’s enough going forward. If it was, there’s a tailor-made spot ready for him when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins leaves the team on the 2nd line.
BLH’s Pick: Matthew Boldy – LW – 6’1″ 192lbs – USNTDP (USHL/NCAA) (ranked 9th)
I’m a HUGE Boldy fan. I feel like he’s the most complete player in the draft and the Oilers could really use a guy with his skill set as they start to become perennial playoff contenders under the new regime. If you like a player like Ryan O’Reilly, then you’ll love Boldy’s all-around game.
“If you take Hughes and Kakko out of the mix, this kid has probably shown me the next best game out of a draft-eligible player this year.” – The Hockey News
“Boldy is a multi-faceted forward who is one of the more talented players in this class. He has a unique blend of size, skill, anticipation, and vision. The combined attributes allow him to make some of the higher-end plays we’ve seen from any forward this season” – Hockeyprospect.com
As I watched the right-shooting Spiridonov at the u18s, I noticed how big this guy was. I thought that he would be so dominant because of his size but I was left wanting with his performances. That said, his shot is ridiculous. It’s NHL-level.
Problem with the big Russian is his boots. He’s not a good skater… At all. A good way to think of his as an Oilers fan might be to compare him to Alex Chiasson. He’s very industrious and his game thrives in the dirty areas. Like, he’s an ox out there. So Strong.
So if the Oilers needed to upgrade their grit and add a player who pays attention to the defensive side of the puck but aren’t worried about skill, Spiridonov might be their guy.
BLH’s Pick: Ryan Johnson – D – 6’0″ 173lbs – Sioux Falls (USHL) (ranked 42nd)
I picked Johnson here because of his skating and puck moving abilities. At this point in time, the Oilers only really have Caleb Jones who can both move the puck effectively but also skate really well. Bouchard, Samorukov, nor Bear can skate like Jones can and I feel like adding Johnson would give the team a good NHL-ready option in about three or four years.
“A smooth skater with high-end skills, Johnson plays a simple game and is calm when he has the puck in and among pressure. Due to his skating ability, he’s a great option to carry the puck up the ice. His positioning is good, his transition game is above average and he plays strong on his skates. Showing awesome aggressiveness in front of his own net, he ties up bodies and the sticks of opponents well.” – Future Considerations
After reading multiple scouting reports on this guy, I’ve come to the conclusion that he is Pontus Aberg 2.0 sans the quickness. He’s got a fantastic shot and he preys on goalies from the left half-wall because he’s a righty but he’s inconsistent, he’s lazy in his own zone, and he lacks the speed necessary to make an impact in the NHL.
The reason I chose Caulfield is because of the game he specializes in. I don’t feel like Edmonton has this sort of player coming through the ranks and to me, he’s got a bit of that JJ Khaira in him. The team is going to need heavy players if it wants to go deep into the playoffs and if they can develop him right, what’s stopping him from being a Sundqvist-like player for them.
“A power forward, Caulfield has a big frame and plays a heavy game, which is a compliment to his demeanor. He moves well on his skates. Although he needs to gain more speed, he does not play slow. Quick with his decision-making skills, he’s able to make moves with the puck on his stick while skating through high-traffic areas. He has soft hands and a good, quick release. He also shows nice consistency with his shot.” – Future Considerations
100 – Luke Toporowski – C – 5’11” 179lbs – Spokane (WHL) – 67gp 21g 28a 49pts 62PIM
I think that coaches going forward will like this guy. He spends quite a bit of time inside the dots, he’s a great skater with sharp edgework. He’s feisty and he’s very positionally aware resulting in the puck finding him more often than not. To me, he sounds like an energy forward in the same vein as a Brandon Tanev.
I really liked watching this little Russian defender play at the U18s. He was that team’s general on defense and the plays really flowed through him. He’s a mini-tank out there too that doesn’t take any guff. His puckhandling, decision making, and shot from the point were all really impressive to me. He can make a pass like nobody’s business too, short or long.
“Although he has a below average frame, his body is strong and athletic and he plays a very physical game. He also has a lot of grit and throws his body around willingly. He battles opponents in the slot and crease effectively and can be really nasty along the boards.” -Future Considerations
162 – Anthony Romano – C – 5’11” 182lbs – Sioux Falls (USHL) – 60gp 26g 21a 47pts 34PIM
From what I’ve gathered, Romano is a chihuahua trapped in a bulldog’s body. His compete level is very high and his home is as close as he can get to the blue paint as possible. Some have compared him to Patric Hornqvist with regards to his net-front abilities and playing style. The skating still needs work, mind you.
I’ll be honest here, I just went with the scouting reports on this one. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty here and there’s not a lot out there one these late round projected picks. Guay is an overager, but 40 goals and 47 assists in 64 games jumped out at me right away. Plus from all reports, his work ethic, attitude, and leadership abilities are top notch. I dig that.
“A complete two-way forward, he is above average in every aspect of the game. He has great hand-eye coordination, which helps him deflect powerful shots and chip-in quick rebounds.” – Future Considerations
Not the greatest skater in the world but if that’s the only complaint against him, I can live with that but it isn’t. His hands and puckhandling need improvement and even though he has a hard wrister, he doesn’t it enough. That said, he’s not flashy and he plays an honest game. Muzik excels in the areas of the game where gritensity is required. His size allows him to be effective along the boards and in the defensive zone. He’s a very passionate player that will do what’s necessary to get the job done. He’s also captained the Czech team in their intl appearances over the last year.
I’m willing to take a shot on Josh Williams with a late-pick for the Oilers here. I don’t know what happened to him this year in Medicine Hat and then in Edmonton, but it was enough to throw his whole season out of whack. I saw him light goalies up at the Hlinka/Gretzky tournament last summer and I got a bit of the Mark Stone feeling. As in, poor skater, pretty good everywhere else. I feel like this pick would be very low risk but potentially a high reward.
“Williams greatest strength lies in his ability with the puck. Makes good decisions and has the balance and hands to play in traffic. He’s got a good shot; he flashed some of his good shooting skills at the Hlinka/Gretzky cup with 5 goals in 5 games” – HockeyProspect.com
What do you think about who Future Considerations has picked for the Oilers or who I picked instead? Let me know in the comments below!
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As we come down the final stretch of draft season, NHL scouts are compiling their final rankings for the 2019 NHL draft and journalists are trying to pretend they know what they’re talking about. Yeah… I went there.
Here at Beer League Heroes, we like to keep it light but also informative. So grab a beer and kick back while you read this edition of our dating game: Loves, Lusts, Booms, and Busts.
Let’s start with our first set of eligible prospects, the playmakers.
Even with an undersized frame and lack of physical defense, it’s hard to not fall in love with Jack Hughes. While he may have the scoring touch of a Patrick Kane, of the 112 points Hughes tallied with the USNTDP’s U18 hockey club, this season, 78 were assists. That speaks incredibly well to his team-first mentality and style of play.
Jack Hughes: Lust
Trevor Zegras, who some have dubbed (unfairly) “Jack Hughes Lite,” has some of the best playmaking abilities in this draft class. In fact, his high level of skill is not only greatly desired by scouts but also has become an area of concern – many fearing his exceptional plays won’t carry over well into the NHL. But, Zegras is aware of these negative remarks, stating at the 2019 NHL Scouting Combine, “What works in the USHL won’t work in the NCAA. And what works in the NCAA won’t work in the NHL.” Zegras’ self-awareness is a good reflection of his high I.Q.
Trevor Zegras: Love
While he certainly has performed well enough, this season, to garner attention from scouts and pundits, alike, Brett Leason may very well be playing above his potential – in his last year of Draft eligibility. He played incredibly well in the OHL/CHL playoffs and seems to have found his niche as a playmaking winger. He has great size and because of his age there’s maturity there, but when you factor in things like he’s never cracked 100 points in a regular season and that his numbers took a significant jump this year than in previous ones, you might be looking at a bust more than a sure-fire first-round talent, here.
Brett Leason: Bust
Finally, Ryan Suzuki; who has dropped on many draft boards but still has the upside as a true top-6 forward. His ice-vision and quarterbacking are made for today’s game, and, when you factor in that he was the first-overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection Draft, you have to think his maturity is off the charts. While he may not beat out his brother, Nick, for draft rights (Nick was selected 13th-overall in 2017 by the Vegas Golden Knights), Ryan definitely has the same game as his brother and potentially a higher ceiling.
Ryan Suzuki: Boom
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Next, let’s take a look at the hard-hitters.
While this draft seems a bit subdued in the physicality department, a top prospect that has some grit and throws his weight around is Moritz Seider. At 6’4” – 207 lbs., Seider looked more than comfortable playing in the German adult league (DEL), this season, and capped off the year with a nice performance in their playoffs and the World Championships representing Team Germany. He drew the most attention at the NHL Scouting Combine, noting to reporters that he had met with all-31 clubs – meaning the whole league is in love with him.
Moritz Seider: Love
Swedish-born prospect, Albin Grewe, would certainly be in this conversation. His game is largely predicated on wearing down the opposition with his strength, whether he’s delivering a check, bodying up a defender along the boards, or just being a general pest against the puck carrier. While he likely will fall to day 2, I still feel Grewe has the skillset to make it as an everyday NHLer. I had the pleasure of interviewing him, earlier this season, and he seemed like a straight-shooter, no bullshite.
Albin Grewe: Boom
One name I’ve seen floating around is Navrin Mutter, the 6’3” centerman from the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. A two-way freight train, one had better keep their head on a swivel when Mutter is nearby. While his stats suggest he’d likely be a bottom-6 NHLer, and therefore a “bust” in this dating game, I’d like to avoid getting my ass kicked by one tough ‘mutter’ – SHUT YO’ CLEVER MOUTH! So…
Navrin Mutter: LOVE!!(Please don’t kill me)
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Our last category, for this week’s episode (part two coming soon), is offensive defensemen.
Philip Broberg drew love from the media, early on in the season, due to his exceptional breakout plays from his own end. One of the best skaters in this draft, Broberg can reach top-speed like a Tesla Roadster. He can absolutely rifle the puck and looks like he could be a solid PP defenseman, in the NHL. He could stand to work on his defensive game a bit, but again we’re talking about offensive defenseman, and in that conversation, he’s undoubtedly a hot commodity.
Philip Broberg: Boom
While he has fallen on many draft boards into the second, even third, round, Anttoni Honka began the season as a potential top-10 pick. His ability to carry the puck 200-feet is certainly intriguing, with good passing in the opposition zone, as well. He’s a really good skater, with shifty feet and quick lateral transitions. I’m not so down on him as some other draft analysts. He did a nice job contributing to the score sheet while playing for various clubs and leagues.
Anttoni Honka: Lust
Finally, there’s Lassi Thomson, a Finnish-born defenseman currently playing for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. A personal checkmark in my scouting book is whether or not someone made the jump to international waters – be it a European coming to North America or vice versa. Some scouts seem irritated by his lack of physicality on the defensive end, but then quickly turn around and glorify his offensive upside. While I err on the side of optimism, I can admit he needs work. But his ability to join the rush, coupled with his versatile shot combinations and strong backhand, is desirable for today’s NHL.
