Thursday, September 18, 2008

BBO's Top 20 Prospects, #5 D Taylor Chorney

Taylor Chorney is a mix of speed, puck movement, and excellent anticipation. A leader, Chorney was the captain of the United States WJC squad 2 seasons ago. The Oilers 2nd round pick from '05 decided to turn pro this season, and he should be making a push to be one of the teams top defensive call-ups and maybe even the teams #6 defenseman out of camp.

Chorney has a quick wrist shot that he effectively uses on the PP, and he is at home lugging the puck up ice. His puck distribution on the rush and on the PP is superb. At the moment Chorney's biggest challenges are his lack of professional experience and his lack of size.

If he can show the ability to hold his own down low against NHL competition, he could have a very short stint in the minors if he even gets sent down. Despite the Oilers already having 3 puck moving defensemen, Detroit proved the worth of a good puck moving d-corps. And it sounds as if the Oilers have been looking at the Detroit team as the model for success, so it would certainly help their goal to add to their puck moving ability from the back end.

Chorney's defensive ability and strength will determine whether he is a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd pairing d-man in the NHL, but the rest of his skills could slot him into the top 2 pairings without missing a beat.

5 comments:

RaoulDuke said...

Chorney's going to be an absolute steal for a 2nd round pick. I hope they don't rush him along and I'd like to see him play all year in Springfield and only sparingly on the Oil if there are decimating injuries like last season.

Even then... bring back my boy Allan Rourke.

Bryanbryoil said...

Rourke is gone to Europe. The problem with his (not unlike Roy)is that they'd play uninspired hockey in the AHL and would hurt the team more than they helped. However last year when we had a d-man go down the Oilers called up Bryan Young who was struggling at the time, I said that they should call up Rourke or even Peckham ahead of Young (before Peckham really came into his own). And Rourke performed admirably after Young stunk it up. IMO we have enough solid young d-men to be able to go without a guy like Rourke in the system and unload Mathieu Roy while we're at it.

oilerdiehard said...

For what it is worth. I am just checking in here to let you know I have been reading and enjoying your blog Bryan. Keep up the good work my friend.

Bryanbryoil said...

Wow Dale, big surprise that a Chorney post would bring your first post on my blog ;)

I look forward to your input, as your input and scouting reports of our NCAA prospects are amoung the best, and you get to see them more than just about anyone that I know (myself included).

Do you plan on watching many Fighting Sioux games this year now that Vande Velde is the only Oilers prospect there?

oilerdiehard said...

I think I posted once before on one of your first entries. But I may be remembering incorrectly.

Yeah not bad hey? I posted in a Chorney thread and never even mentioned Taylor. :)

I will still watch UND games. I am pulling for VV. Even though at this point I am not as convinced as some that his offense will translate very well to the NHL. But I still think he could be an NHLer one day. Just more of a bottom 6 guy.

Having said if there is a UND and Michigan State game on the same day. I will be watching Mr. Petry. ;)