Tag Archives: KHL

Edmonton Oilers, Lindsay Ryall, NHL, Prospects

Hang on Slepy

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Can Anton Slepyshev’s Outstanding Play Push Purcell Out of the Way?

Pic courtesy of Conway’s Russian Hockey Blog.

At the beginning of the season Slepyshev made it clear he was willing to do whatever it took to make the Edmonton Oiler’s roster.  Skate, score, even hit, whatever the coach wanted.  Rhetoric is easy, to back it up is the real challenge, and so far, Slepy has done that, and then some.

Granted he needed an opportunity and that was provided when Teddy Purcell suffered a minor injury.  That opportunity has recently grown with the unfortunate news that first line winger Jordan Eberle will be out for 6 weeks with a shoulder injury.  Not to suggest Slepy should automatically get the spot on the first line, but someone will need to move up to fill the vacancy, and since he can play both wings his value has gone up nicely.  So for now at least (emphasis on the short-term) he’s positioned himself for a roster spot.  Opportunities come and go all the time in pro-sports, but you have to make the most of them, and so far in the pre-season, Slepyshev has.

After 5 games he has four points and (2g, 2a), good for second place in team scoring, not to mention a tidy +3.  But beyond the stats, Slepy’s style of play is what stands out for me, mostly because he brings intangibles this team needs.  He has the size the Oil need on the top six, speed, and willingness to go to the tough places to score, paying the physical price along the way.  Slepyshev ha shown statistically better than any other prospect in camp, so is there any reason why we shouldn’t get his locker with the big league ready?

Can He Keep it Up for the Full Season?

It has been suggested by at least one prolific blogger that the sample size on Slepy is just too small to make a definite decision.  A prospect playing above his head in camp and pre-season, only to find his actual level when the regular season begins in earnest, is a familiar story.  Examples of Jesse Joensuu and Tyler Pitlick in past camps are examples of this.  This is a valid point, but to strictly adhere to sweeping generalizations when making player comparisons can lead to a faulty analogy, and when it comes to Slepy there is enough evidence to suggest he is ready for a roster spot regardless of who may be injured or what other prospects have done in the past.

Slepyshev’s a Gamer

When you look at this player’s scoring history, a definite pattern emerges.  At every level he’s played, Slepyshev’s stats are fairly unremarkable, as he’s never put up ppg numbers at a high level.  Nonetheless those stats can be deceptive.  Despite the big ice, prolific scoring is not the norm in the KHL.  But when we look at international tournament play, where Slepyshev is playing on the top line, his scoring changes dramatically.

                               GP            G                A             P

U-17: 2010 – 11:       3               3                0            3
U-18: 2010 – 11:       7               3                1            4
U-18: 2011 – 12        7               4                3            7
U – 20 CAN-RUS      3               2                1            3

Challenge
U-20: 2013 – 14        7               2                 5           7

Spengler Cup (Salavat)
2014 – 15                  5              2                  3           5

So when the money is on the line, Slepyshev raises his play.  He’s clutch.  My argument is that at this point in his career, Slepyshev is playing for his life and he will continue to play at that level.  It will be some time before that pressure is off and he can rest on his pro-hockey player laurels, so I would expect him to continue playing at this level consistently beyond this year, and even better should the team be on the playoff hunt.  Sounds like a player we could use.

So What Happens When the Team is Healthy?

In spite of Slepyshev’s recent play, when the team is healthy he could indeed be the odd man out, and here’s where things could get confusing.  For a team that needs to get heavier, faster, more physical in their top nine, the Oilers could very well be demoting a player that could help upgrade the team, and instead add Teddy Purcell who has none of those qualities.  Purcell is slow and in all likelihood is the softest hockey player Canada has produced.  I would compare Purcell to a forward version of Justin Schultz (last year’s model) except not as physical . . .

If Slepyshev continues to play at the level he is playing, Chiarelli should be motivated to do something.  Hopefully he will be motivate to look for a trading partner short on skilled forwards but heavy on physical ones.  Maybe New Jersey or Florida.  But to keep Purcell here instead of Slepyshev would be pure folly, and based on McLellan’s recent comments, he may be winning over the bench boss.  When comparing the two players it’s an easy decision.  One player (so far) is young, hungry and doing whatever it takes.  The other is sleepwalking through his NHL career, living off a successful season when he played with a superstar.  At the end of the day it will come down Slepyshev, if he keeps producing against NHL rosters he will force management’s hand, and Chiarelli will have another tough decision to make.

Writer’s note:  Thanks to @higgsdistortion for the Anton Slepyshev creative photo.

Corey Mitchell, Edmonton Oilers, Prospects

What Happened to Daniil Zharkov?

Not every prospect pans out. That’s just the nature of drafting. You can scout a player as many times as you like, but it’s a bit of a crap shoot, as you’re watching 15, 16, and 17 year old kids play hockey, trying to project what kind of player they will be 4-5 years down the road. That being said, there is a skill to being an amateur scout in the NHL. The Detroit Red Wings seem to be able to find an endless supply of mid to late round picks that end up playing in their system in one way or another. This is something the Edmonton Oilers haven’t had much luck with in recent years. But as I was going through all the players in Edmonton’s system over the last few months, one player seemed to be missing from the conversation; Daniil Zharkov.

Zharkov was the player picked using the third round pick Edmonton acquired from the LA Kings in the Dustin Penner deal. Taken 91st overall in 2012, Zharkov looked to be a somewhat promising prospect, if not a bit of a project. He was coming off his first year with the Belleville Bulls of the OHL that saw him score 23-13-36 in 50 games. He would also be a key contributor to the Russian team at the U18 Championship that year, scoring 1 goal and 4 assists in the 6 games he played. Following the draft, Zharkov returned to the OHL, and followed his rookie season up by scoring an impressive 25-18-43 in 59 games. He also had a very impressive rookie camp with the Oilers that year, showing he was more than capable to match the speed and skill of 2012 1st overall pick, Nail Yakupov. Zharkov would go on to say his goal was to play in the NHL, and that he intended to be better than his fellow Russian Yakupov, as well as former number one picks Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. That’s a bit of a stretch, as you consider Zharkov never got close to matching what any of those three did during their time in junior.

However, regardless of his claim to play in the NHL, Zharkov would sign with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod following his 2012-13 campaign with Belleville. He would score only 2 goals and 5 points in his first 49 games with the KHL club. The following year, Zharkov would be held pointless in 9 games with Torpedo, and was assigned to the developmental club, HK Sarov of the VHL, whose English translation is the Supreme Hockey League. During is 39 games with HK Sarov, Zharkov would only muster 9 points, 4 goals and 5 assists.

At this time Zharkov’s rights with the Oilers have expired. He was drafted during Steve Tambellini’s time with the team. Since then, we’ve seen two regime changes with Craig MacTavish, and now Peter Chiarelli. Neither seemed to have any interest on signing Zharkov to any kind of deal, which looks like the right call. Zharkov is still in Russia, and it appears no one in the KHL or the VHL has any interest in offering him a contract either. It’s a real shame that a young man, who looked like the total package, with a great combination of size, speed, and skill, seems to have played his last professional hockey game.  It’s truly hard to peg down a reason as to why things never worked out for Zharkov. Maybe it was a lack of commitment on his part to become a better player, even though he boasted about how good he would have been after he was drafted. More than likely, and it may sound harsh, but Zharkov just isn’t a good hockey player. That’s relative of course. You need a certain level of skill to play junior and professional hockey. But he just doesn’t seem good enough to make a career out of it. It’s another draft pick that really highlights how poor the Oilers amateur scouts were, and their sheer inability to draft well outside of the 1st round.

Time will tell if Zharkov gets picked up anywhere. Perhaps injuries somewhere in the KHL will offer an opportunity to get some more playing time in. One thing is sure though, that his time with the Oilers, and most likely in North America, is over and done with.

I would like to give a special thanks to Locria (@LocksTheFox) or providing me with the info in regards to Zharkov’s current playing status, and Patrick C (@ChunkletsHockey) for helping search out any info on Zharkov over the last week. If you have any interest in what’s happening in the KHL, I highly recommend you give them both a follow on twitter, and check out their content.

**Apparently Mr.Zharkov is attending the Bakersfield Condors training camp. Hat Tip to Jack Gruninger**

Also of note, the Oilers made some cuts following the game is Saskatoon, including a handful of players that relate to the prospects that I profiled over the summer. The following players have all been assigned to Bakersfield of the AHL:

Tyler Pitlick

Bogdan Yakimov

Joey Laleggia

Greg Chase

Kyle Platzer

Kale Kessy

Jujhar Khaira

Jordan Osterle

David Musil

Laurent Brossoit

 

 

Corey Mitchell, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Prospects

Prospects Round-Up Sep 23

With training camp in full swing, the Oilers have already played two split squad games, with another preseason tilt against the Winnipeg Jets looming. Following the split squad games, coach Todd McLellan divided the team up into two groups. This is a bit of a change to Oilers fans, as in previous years, the coaching staff has already begun making cuts to trim the roster down. Be that as it may, there was a number of cuts made prior to the games against Calgary. As well as that, there are a handful of prospects that didn’t attend main camp. Here’s a quick look at were those players not currently in Oilers camp can be found.

Tyler Vesel – University of Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)

Evan Campbell – UMass-Lowell (NCAA)

Aidan Muir – Western Michigan University (NCAA)

William Lagesson – UMass Amherst (NCAA)

Zack Nagelvoort – University of Michigan (NCAA)

Keven Bouchard – Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

Eetu Laurikainen – Bakersfield (AHL)

Ben Betker – Bakersfield (AHL)

Caleb Jones – Portland (WHL)

Ethan Bear – Seattle (WHL)

John Marino – Tri-City (USHL)

 

NCAA hockey is scheduled to begin play October 3. QMJHL and WHL hockey seasons both begin on September 24. USHL begins play on September 25.

In addition, teams overseas have already begun their seasons. Here are the players in that category:

Roman Horak – Chekhov Vityaz (KHL) 11 GP, 1 G, 2 A, -3, 6 PIM

Miroslav Svoboda – AZ Havirov (Czech2) 5 GP, 3.84 GAA, 0,876 S%

Ziyat Paigin – AK Bars Kazan (KHL) 8 GP, 0 G, 1 A, +2, 2 PIM  (Paigin has since been assigned to Bars Kazan of the VHL, and has yet to play a game)

 

Former draft pick John McCarron has moved on from the Oilers, and signed an AHL deal with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

 

On an interesting note, forward Daniil Zharkov is not listed anywhere as playing with a club. Myself, as well as the very talented Patrick Conway (@chunkletshockey) are both looking into what Zharkov’s status may be.

Check back regularly, as I intend to be posting weekly stats for these players, and any other prospects as they are assigned following training camp.

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.