Wednesday, September 10, 2008

BBO's Top 20 Oilers Prospects, #2 C/W Rob Schremp

I am probably the only person that you will find that still considers Rob Schremp as the 2nd ranked Oilers prospect. The popular opinion seems to be that because he hasn't made his mark in the NHL like young Sam Gagner or '05 1st round pick Andrew Cogliano have, that he won't amount to much. However I'm here to tell you otherwise.

His skill set includes exceptional stick handling and passing skills, as well as a a wicked one timer that he displays with lethal accuracy from the right wing side boards or the low right point as seen in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfJk1X-yuqU

He still has the potential to be a point per game player at the NHL level. His skill set best compares to Sam Gagner and Robert Nilsson of the Oilers.
Unlike Gagner, he does not possess the uncanny hockey IQ of the 18 year old phenom, but the rest of their games are actually very similar. He also lacks the dynamic speed that Robert Nilsson possesses, but once again, the skill set is similar.

Others believe that he will not get a chance with the Oilers because his skill set is duplicated by said players, however I disagree. What Rob Schremp brings that neither player brings to the table is the ability to quarterback the power play from the right side with exceptional precision and poise. He also brings a cross ice one timer option for a right handed passer like Sam Gagner who should be a fixture on the Oilers left side of the powerplay for many years to come.

Schremp also brings a flair for the game that is currently unmatched on the team, and he shows up when needed most. He proved that last year by leading the Falcons in game winning goals (6) and OT game winners with 3. He could also be a very key contributor in shootout situations with his creativity and puck skills.

This season is a monumental one for Schremp with the Oilers, he will either prove to be a big part of a young and exciting team, or he will be trade bait, or maybe even bound for Europe. Based on what I got to see of him last year with the Falcons, he is very close to making his mark at the next level.

This is what is currently holding him back from the NHL, or at least the Oilers.

1) Strength to battle for the puck when necessary, he'll never be confused with Ryan Smyth digging out pucks in the corners, however if he needs to get the job done, he'll need the strength to do it.

2) Increase his skating, it's a smaller concern as in my opinion his skating will be fine as he is quick and very good at directional skating. However if he ever wants to become a star in this league, he will most likely have to add a gear or two in his straightaway speed.

The promising thing is that he went to California for much of the off-season to work on these very things with Chad Moreau. The brother of Oilers captain Ethan Moreau seemed pleased with Rob's progress. Training camp and the pre-season will be the biggest test of his improved fitness and strength.

In closing, whether Rob Schremp realizes his potential with the Oilers or elsewhere, he is the teams most highly skilled forward prospect. And that means that until he is displaced or traded, he is one of the teams top prospects, because talent like his does not grow on trees.

6 comments:

Addicted-to-oil said...

I really HOPE Schremp can pull through this TC and make the team. Like you've stated, he's exceptionally skilled, and I think he could provide a lot to the team - especially on the PP.
I think it would be something kinda special to see our 4th line as Moreau-Schremp-Stortini.
None of those guys would get huge 5v5 numbers, but Moreau would be killing penalties like nobody's business - Schremp would likely be a fixture on the 2nd PP unit with Gags - and Storts would play solely 5v5, and only in times of need.
A bit of a one dimensional line, but it could work - especially since I see the Oilers rolling 3 lines a lot more than 4 this year - there's just too much potential and skill in the top 9.

Bryanbryoil said...

Schremp is great at dumping the puck in with accuracy, he could help to set Moreau and Stortini up for dishing out some thunderous hits. It would be a special teams line, but if we needed to add something to another line in game, we have just about everything that you could think of between those 3.

IMO he makes the team this year unless he has a disasterous camp. I just don't see that happening.

Danny Maas said...

BBO, if Schremp has a decent season (to me, decent = Nilsson or Brodziak of last year season) you'll be a genius! Here's praying that he makes an impact in camp early and often - regardless of whether he could or couldn't have a good season, making this team out of training camp might be his biggest challenge! Agreed BBO?

Nice blog!
MyBestGuess

Bryanbryoil said...

Making the team right out of camp could be an issue. Especially if the team starts the year with 3 goaltenders. Due to Potulny's, Pouliot's, and JDD's waiver status, Schremp may just end up being the odd man out until the goalie situation is resolved. However it is my belief that he will be in the NHL more than in tha AHL this year, and that even if he's sent down at the end of the pre-season, it won't be for long. Unfortunately that won't save me from a freaking Richard Simmons avatar on HF :(

Jonathan Willis said...

Due to Potulny's, Pouliot's, and JDD's waiver status, Schremp may just end up being the odd man out until the goalie situation is resolved. However it is my belief that he will be in the NHL more than in tha AHL this year, and that even if he's sent down at the end of the pre-season, it won't be for long.

Yeah, Schremp's at the wrong end of that logjam because of waiver issues.

I think he spends good chunks of time in the NHL this year, but I'm not 100% convinced it's going to be with Edmonton.

doritogrande said...

"He also brings a cross ice one timer option for a right handed passer like Sam Gagner who should be a fixture on the Oilers left side of the powerplay for many years to come."

I'm scared to ask where one Ales Hemsky lines up on this powerplay. I don't see either of these two ousting Hemsky from his position as QB on the powerplay for another 4 years. Now I'm a big Schremp supporter myself, but you're looking at Rob like he's Ales. In fact, all of the skills you've listed for the Hockey Jesus are things Hemsky does better than 95% of NHLers.