tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81234096440107831032024-03-13T17:32:18.304-10:00BBO's PlaceBryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.comBlogger489125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-36290092202096935302013-04-30T18:16:00.002-10:002013-04-30T18:16:40.618-10:00Big Changes Needed For the Oilers, With an Emphasis on "BIG"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thegoodpoint.com/wp-content/media/2013/03/130321perrygetzlaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://thegoodpoint.com/wp-content/media/2013/03/130321perrygetzlaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With the '13-14 season set to kick off with realigned divisions, the Oilers are set to take on new division rivals Anaheim, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Jose. What does this mean? That they will be facing the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Anze Kopitar, Martin Hanzal and Joe Thornton with more regularity than ever before and that's just the first line centers!<br />
<br />
All four teams have bigger and/or grittier core players than the Oilers do and if we play each team six times a season we will play over a quarter of our '13-14 regular season games against them. We will be playing more regularly against the likes of Perry, Ryan, Getzlaf, Etem, Beauchemin, Allen, Souray, Steckel, and Smith-Pelly the Ducks don't have a shortage of big and hard to play against players.<br />
<br />
Then you have LA with Kopitar, Brown, Richards, Carter, Clifford, Nolan, King, Doughty, Greene and Stoll leading their charge of playoff tested and proven players.<br />
<br />
Next up Phoenix with Doan, Hanzal, Vermette, OEL, Boedker, Morris, Korpikoski, Stone and Klinkhammer who make life miserable for the opposition with their physical play, size and stifling defense.<br />
<br />
Lastly San Jose with Thornton, Marleau, Couture, Wingels, Burns, Stuart, Shepherd and Burish who as a whole isn't as physical as the other three teams that I've listed, but they have a lot of size in their top six and present match-up problems for our team in their current form.<br />
<br />
As I see it Mactavish needs to move out guys like Gagner and Hemsky and beef up our forward core. While Gagner did show some improvement this season he is still a player type that we have in droves and in my opinion the player that has the lowest upside in that group. Hemsky on the other hand is even easier to cut ties with with the emergence of Nail Yakupov late in the season.<br />
<br />
Next up we have our bottom six. Unless Mactavish buys out Horcoff like he should from where I sit, Horcoff will once again be the "anchor" of our third line, the question is will he be an anchor in a good sense or just a flat out boat anchor that drags the line down. Mike Brown is signed through next season and brings some much needed toughness to the team. Anton Lander might well be ready to take over as the fourth line center punting Eric Belanger clear off the team.<br />
<br />
With Horcoff and probably Ryan Smyth returning that is 33% of our bottom six that does not play a very physical brand of hockey. Lander and Brown add varied amounts of grit and that leaves just two more spots in the bottom six. Ideally we'd be pushing hard to sign both Bryan Bickell and Cal Clutterbuck. Adding those two would make us a much tougher team to play against even if we roll out with cream puffs like Horcoff and Smyth in our bottom six.<br />
<br />
For the top six ideally we could add a bigger and better defensive center than Gagner and/or a guy like Lucic to flank Gagner and Yakupov. This team simply cannot stay as small and weak down the middle and in key positions if we expect to hang in there when things get hairy out on the ice. It's time for MacT to go to work and it's time for Hemsky, Gagner, Horcoff, and Smyth to find new places of employment if MacT's first priority is winning in short order. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-14141295292734323862013-04-15T22:50:00.000-10:002013-04-15T22:50:28.506-10:00Could MacT Fans Who Are Also Gagner and Hemsky Fans Be In For a Rude Awakening? While fans of Craig Mactavish are likely rejoicing right now with MacT once again taking on a prominent role in our organization, their celebrations might soon turn to surprise or even disgust before the Oilers even start their first full season with MacT in the GM chair.<br />
<br />
Mactavish talked about looking for Lucic types of players, if there's one thing that Sam Gagner and Ales Hemsky aren't, it's guys that are big, tough, and hard to play against. A post on HF today got me to thinking that Gagner's time here is about to run out after 7 more games. <i><b>Spector on 1260: I've had lots of hockey conversations with Craig over the years. Gagner gets moved this summer.</b></i> <br />
<br />
Could we finally have a GM that sees that having RNH and Gagner as our top two centers simply won't cut it? Could we see MacT's "genius" get called into question if/when he sends #89 packing because he still sucks on draws and isn't strong/defensively sound enough to battle the leagues bigger centers?<br />
<br />
So then what if Mactavish doesn't stop there and he punts Ales Hemsky out of town as well? Hemsky definitely wasn't standing up for his former bench boss just prior to his last days as Oilers coach and I'm sure that MacT remembers that and that he might quite enjoy dishing it back to Hemsky. <br />
<br />
IMO both of these players need to be shipped out of town before we really make a push. Neither player has the ability to dominate games when they are played physically. Neither player will win you many much needed board battles either.<br />
<br />
If the team that Scott Howson left behind in Columbus is any indication, he will be a great asset to our team in terms of bringing in grit and value FA's. How ironic, after years of chirping Tambellini, MacT might be the guy that runs Gagner and Hemsky out of here. <br />
Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-83853780458087864092012-05-31T17:28:00.002-10:002012-05-31T17:35:09.745-10:00Where Does Justin Schultz' Offensive Stats Rank Among Recent High D Picks From The NCAA? Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cmsimg.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20120530&Category=SPORTS05&ArtNo=120530050&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Helene-St-James-Why-Justin-Schultz-sure-intrigue-Red-Wings" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://cmsimg.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20120530&Category=SPORTS05&ArtNo=120530050&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Helene-St-James-Why-Justin-Schultz-sure-intrigue-Red-Wings" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I guess it shows how long it's been since I've blogged, it looks like a number of changes have been made, so I'll continue the rest here!<br />
<br />
Firstly here are Schultz' stats, he was drafted in '08<br />
<br />
Freshman Season: 43 6-16-22<br />
Sophomore Season: 41 18-29-47<br />
Junior Season: 37 16-28-44<br />
<br />
He seems to be way up the ladder in 2nd and 3rd year production, however one thing that catches my eye is that there are three high scoring Wisconsin Badgers on the list and the lower scoring McDonagh, Brendan Smith, Schultz, and Gardiner. Is it a great system in Wisconsin for offensive D, or do they just recruit some of the best D talent around?<br />
<br />
Obviously the Badgers are a big NCAA program, but Schultz' stats are in between Smith's and Gardiner's in their junior years, although he is far superior to their Sophomore stats. Four high end D were drafted out of their program in a 2 years span! <br />
<br />
2006<br />
Erik Johnson<br />
Freshman Season: 41 4-20-24<br />
Best NHL Season: 79 10-29-39<br />
<br />
Jeff Petry<br />
Junior Season: 38 4-25-29<br />
Best NHL Season: 73 2-23-25<br />
<br />
Jamie McBain<br />
Junior Season: 40 7-30-37<br />
Best NHL Season: 76 7-23-30<br />
<br />
2007<br />
Brendan Smith<br />
Sophomore Season: 31 9-14-23 <br />
Junior Season: 42 15-37-52<br />
Best AHL Season: 57 10-24-34<br />
Best NHL Season: 14 1-6-7<br />
<br />
Ryan McDonagh<br />
Sophomore Season: 36 5-11-16<br />
Junior Season: 43 4-14-18<br />
Best NHL Season: 82 7-25-32<br />
<br />
2008<br />
Jake Gardiner<br />
Sophomore Season: 41 6-7-13 <br />
Junior Season: 41 10-31-41<br />
Best NHL Season: 75 7-23-30<br />
<br />
<br />
2009<br />
Nick Leddy<br />
Freshman Season: 30 3-8-11<br />
Best NHL Season: 82 3-34-37<br />
<br />
2010<br />
Justin Faulk<br />
Freshman Season: 39 8-25-33<br />
Best NHL Season: 66 8-14-22<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000Fe6FRoYgkUI/s/600/600/uw-schultz-f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000Fe6FRoYgkUI/s/600/600/uw-schultz-f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Could Schultz be one of the best of the bunch? The stats would say that the answer is yes, quite frankly if he turns out to be as good as the top 20% of this list he'd be a tremendous signing. Here's to hoping that the Oilers can pull it off and bring back the player that the 2nd round pick that went to Anaheim as compensation for the Dustin Penner offer sheet yielded. <br />
<br />
<br />Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-80172158102155248772012-05-31T16:50:00.003-10:002012-05-31T17:37:47.011-10:00Where Does Justin Schultz' Offensive Stats Rank Among Recent High D Picks From The NCAA?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d1l8737wcwfl1q.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jschultz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://d1l8737wcwfl1q.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jschultz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now naturally there are no guarantees that he signs with the Oilers, but just how special is this kids offensive game relative to 1st and 2nd round offensive defensemen picks that went the NCAA route? Let's look at the list since the turn of the century.<br />
<br />
2000<br />
Ron Hainsey<br />
Sophomore Season: 33 10-26-36<br />
Best NHL Season: 81 6-33-39<br />
<br />
2002<br />
Ryan Whitney<br />
Junior Season: 38 9-16-25<br />
Best NHL Season: 81 14-45-59<br />
<br />
Keith Ballard<br />
Junior Season: 37 11-25-36<br />
Best NHL Season: 82 8-31-39<br />
<br />
Duncan Keith<br />
Sophomore Season: 15 3-6-9<br />
Best NHL Season: 82 14-55-69<br />
<br />
2003 <br />
Ryan Suter<br />
Freshman Season: 39 3-16-19 <br />
<br />
Best NHL Season: 79 7-39-46<br />
<table class="sortable autostripe st reg" id="12345"><tbody>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Matt Carle<br />
Freshman Season: 30 5-21-26<br />
Sophomore Season: 43 13-31-46<br />
Junior Season: 39 11-42-53<br />
Best NHL Season: 77 11-31-42<br />
<br />
2004<br />
N/A<br />
<br />
2005<br />
Jack Johnson<br />
Freshman Season: 38 10-22-32
<br />
Sophomore Season: 36 16-23-39
<br />
Best NHL Season: 82 5-37-42<br />
<br />
Matt Niskanen<br />
Sophomore Season: 39 9-22-31<br />
Best NHL Season: 80 6-29-35<br />
<br />
<table class="sortable autostripe st reg" id="12345"><tbody>
<tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table class="sortable autostripe st reg" id="12345"><tbody>
<tr><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-85731818469738360422012-03-21T23:38:00.005-10:002012-03-21T23:49:51.828-10:00Does The Uncertainty Of the NHL's CBA Multiply "The Russian Factor" For Yakupov, Grigorenko and Galchenyuk?<a href="http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/5925866.bin?size=620x400s"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 609px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/5925866.bin?size=620x400s" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />If the '12-13 season ends up being postponed due to CBA negotiations could we see the likes of Yakupov, Grigorenko and Galchenyuk heading to the KHL while the NHLPA and Owners wage war against each other?<br /><br />It has been my opinion that since each of these young men decided to play in North America prior to the draft that they are eying the NHL. However they have all made sacrifices to come here and part of the beauty of being a highly touted young hockey player is the insane money that comes your way.<br /><br />If the NHL season doesn't start on time do they look at the KHL? And if so, once they get there and get a taste of the good life would it make them less likely to want to come back over to this side of the pond? In my opinion once they get settled and spoiled by the lifestyle it might change the likelihood of them wanting to come back and ultimately could cost teams wasted lottery picks.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-63252693810603710212011-12-30T17:46:00.006-10:002011-12-30T17:55:42.976-10:00Through 35 Career NHL Games RNH Has More Points Than Kane, Tavares, and Skinner, But Trails Sid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mit.zenfs.com/211/2011/10/Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 371px;" src="http://mit.zenfs.com/211/2011/10/Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></u></b>While it may seem like RNH has hit a bit of a rookie wall, he has still chipped in with three assists in his last five games which still puts him in elite company among NHL players that entered the league right after the draft.<br /><br />At the 35 game mark RNH is 9 points ahead of last year's Calder winner's pace. Depending on how long RNH's "slump" lasts, he could still very well end up second to only Sidney Crosby on this list when his season concludes.<br /></div><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />After 35 Games</span></u></b><br /><br />Crosby 16-21-37 -8 116sog.<br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">RNH 13-22-35 Ev 73sog.</b><br /><br />Kane 7-26-33 -5 94sog.<br /><br />Tavares 15-12-27 -4 87sog.<br /><br />Skinner 9-17-26 -4 92sog.<br /><br />Hall 11-10-21 -9 97sog.<br /><br />Duchene 9-10-19 -7 76sog.<br /><br />Gagner 3-13-16 -7 46sog.<br /><br />Landeskog 6-9-15 +5 108sog.<br /><br />Stamkos 4-10-14 -11 75sog.<br /><br />Seguin 6-7-13 +3 65sog.<br /><br />Couturier 32gp. 5-6-11 +10 49sog.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-42006017294431915032011-12-12T08:58:00.006-10:002011-12-12T09:07:24.736-10:00Through 30 Career NHL Games RNH Has More Points Than Sidney Crosby Did In His First 30<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/1118/mag_next06_nugent-hopkins_ryan_300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/1118/mag_next06_nugent-hopkins_ryan_300.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />No, seriously he does. With all of the talk about sending RNH down, RNH's upside = Gagner, the 2011 NHL draft not having top end talent, the kid is too damn skinny to play in the NHL, he can't produce at ES in the NHL, etc. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is making a lot of people look dumber than what all of us look like when we are in total awe of this young phenom.<br /><br />This is what other prominent/high scoring rookies straight out of the draft have done since the lockout, and yes for now RNH is out pointing none other than Sid the Kid. It might not be for long as Crosby amassed over 100 points in his rookie year, but no matter how you slice it, RNH is the real deal.<br /><br /><b><u><span style="font-size:100%;">After 30 Games</span></u></b><br /><br /><b>RNH 13-19-32 +3 62sog.</b><br /><br />Crosby 13-18-31 -8 95sog.<br /><br />Kane 7-23-30 -2 81sog.<br /><br />Tavares 13-11-24 -1 76sog.<br /><br />Skinner 8-14-22 -5 79sog.<br /><br />Duchene 8-9-17 -9 67sog.<br /><br />Hall 10-6-16 -8 85sog.<br /><br /><b>Landeskog 5-8-13 +4 91sog.</b><br /><br />Gagner 3-10-13 -8 40sog.<br /><br />Seguin 5-6-11 +2 54sog.<br /><br />Stamkos 3-9-11 -13 66sog.<br /><br /><b>Couturier 28gp. 5-3-8 +8 44sog.</b>Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-38903369952677153762011-11-30T22:36:00.004-10:002011-11-30T22:55:48.124-10:00Through 25 Career NHL Games RNH Ties Kane's Rookie Point Production<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/5419767.bin?size=620x400"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 620px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/5419767.bin?size=620x400" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />With his two point performance against the Minnesota Wild, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins through 25 career NHL games has 27 points, which is the highest point total for a rookie since Patrick Kane's rookie season. Here's some food for thought, this time last year, Jeff Skinner and Logan Couture were running away with the rookie scoring race. Through 25 games, RNH has a 7 point cushion over Skinner and 11 point cushion over Couture from this time last year.<br /><br />We are seeing something truly remarkable, an elite offensive talent that also plays a very good defensive game at the ripe old age of 18. RNH currently sits tied for 4th in NHL scoring, that is unheard of. Not since Sidney Crosby's rookie year has a player that stepped right out of the draft and into the NHL has a player finished top 10 in league scoring.<br /><br />Naturally there are a lot of games left between now and the end of the season, but the fact that RNH is even there almost a third into his rookie season speaks volumes about what kind of a season he has had to date. Now obviously Kane faltered later in his season as he did not finish the season near a point a game, and we should expect something similar of RNH.<br /><br />RNH would need to chip in 45 points in his next 57 games (assuming that he plays all 82 like Kane did) to tie Kane's rookie production. While that certainly appears to be a daunting task, I wouldn't bet against RNH's ability to amaze.<br /><br />Here is a list of where RNH ranks relative to fellow rookies that stepped straight out of the draft into the NHL in recent years.<br /><br />After 25 Career NHL Games<br /><br />RNH 11-16-27 +4 49sog.<br /><br />Kane 7-20-27 +1 68sog.<br /><br />Tavares 9-11-20 -1 67sog.<br /><br />Skinner 8-12-20 -3 63sog.<br /><br />Hall 8-6-14 -5 62sog. 12/2<br /><br />Stamkos 3-8-11 -12 56sog.<br /><br />Landeskog 5-6-11 +1 79sog.<br /><br />Seguin 5-5-10 +2 45sog.<br /><br />Duchene 3-7-10 -9 48sog.<br /><br />Gagner 2-8-10 -10 32sog.<br /><br />Couturier 23gp. 5-3-8 +8 36sog.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-33049999476175173612011-11-29T16:39:00.003-10:002011-11-29T17:12:06.890-10:00Magnus Paajarvi, Caught Between a Renney and a Hard Place<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.nhl.com/oilers/images/upload/2010/09/20100912_paajarvi-644b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 364px;" src="http://cdn.nhl.com/oilers/images/upload/2010/09/20100912_paajarvi-644b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I'll be the first to admit that I have high hopes for the Oilers #91, he's big, fast, has a decent shot, and can play in all three zones. Here's the catch, after acquiring Ryan Smyth the Oilers left side because rather cluttered. Top 6 icetime for Paajarvi became unlikely. So you have a player that ended the year on a good note suddenly penciled into the bottom 6.<br /><br />After 5 games with fellow countryman Linus Omark opposite of him, Omark became a HS and eventually was sent to OKC. Apparently the 2nd PP unit's early season failures were pinned on the Swedes as Paajarvi has not had a regular PP shift since game #8 of the season and Omark got the dreaded news that he was OKC bound.<br /><br />Paajarvi has been a healthy scratch 4 times this season, played less than 10 minutes in 5 of his last 12 games, and after what I'd consider a decent showing by him last night in the top 6, he has once again been relegated to the 3rd line with Eric Belanger. Paajarvi's confidence with the puck looks non existent, his body language comes across as someone that is defeated, things are looking grave for him right now.<br /><br />There has to come a point where the coaching and management of this team starts putting this players development front and center. If he is going to struggle on the 3rd and 4th line and get no PP time, then the best place for him is in Oklahoma City under the tutelage of coach Todd Nelson. With Teemu Hartikainen out with a shoulder injury, that should mean even more potential ice for Paajarvi.<br /><br />Paajarvi is going to have to work his way out of his slump whether it's on the 1st or 4th line, but being a HS and playing 8 minutes or less a night is hardly the best way to do that. Playing against inferior players, Paajarvi should be able to get his game going, and as long as he doesn't start developing bad habits down there, it could only help his game. Many prospects have had to go through the AHL to get to the big show and it paid dividends for them. Paajarvi might be the next in a long line of players that used the AHL to prepare them for the NHL game.<br /><br />Whatever the case, time is a wasting. The last thing that we need is to sit a recent high pick in the PB and waste what should be a solid complimentary player that can put up some offense and turn him into a mess of a player permanently.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-10032734828850482842011-11-21T21:58:00.006-10:002011-11-23T20:17:11.232-10:00Through 20 Career NHL Games RNH Trails Only Kane's Production In Recent Years<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/5491671.bin?size=620x400"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 620px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/5491671.bin?size=620x400" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Remember when I said that RNH would be much more Kane than Gagner? The proof is in the pudding. After 20 career NHL games in their post draft season, RNH trails only Patrick Kane in points by the a measly 2 points. Kane of course went on to have a 72 point rookie season, which has been the benchmark for rookies straight out of the draft not named Sid.<br /><br />If anyone still thinks that RNH will = Gagner, they need their glasses checked, if their prescription still works, then they need to get their head examined. RNH is on a level that Gagner could only dream of attaining, and that's just on the defensive side of the puck, let's not dive into their offensive abilities.<br /><br />RNH looks like a potential top 5-10 player in the NHL, those that pushed for Couturier maybe salivating over his +/-, but like I said prior to the draft RNH has that "it factor" than Couturier simply does not have. Of course that isn't good enough to the stat community, however the fact that they feel that RNH could not score goals (8 through 20 games) or produce at ES at the NHL level (6-4-10 in 20 games) should be more than enough to short circuit their calculators.<br /><br />Without further adieu:<br /><br />Through Their First 20 Career NHL Games<br /><br />Kane 7-15-22 -1 57sog.<br /><br />RNH 8-12-20 +1 41sog.<br /><br />Tavares 8-10-18 -1 58sog.<br /><br />Skinner 6-10-16 -4 51sog.<br /><br />Hall 4-5-9 -8 46sog.<br /><br />Landeskog 5-4-9 Ev 70sog.<br /><br /><b>Couturier 5-3-8 +8 </b>28sog.<br /><br />Seguin 4-4-8 -1 35sog.<br /><br />Gagner 2-7-8 -8 30sog.<br /><br />Duchene 2-5-7 -7 36sog.<br /><br />Stamkos 2-5-7 -7 46sog.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-62568957338942907862011-11-11T08:10:00.005-10:002011-11-11T08:54:26.935-10:00After 15 Career Games RNH Trails Only Kane's and Skinner's Production In Recent Years<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/patrick-kane-gets-the-bird1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 349px;" src="http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/patrick-kane-gets-the-bird1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2011/writers/darren_eliot/01/11/jeff.skinner.hurricanes.rebuild/jeff-skinnner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 205px;" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2011/writers/darren_eliot/01/11/jeff.skinner.hurricanes.rebuild/jeff-skinnner.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.usatoday.net/sports/_photos/2011/10/10/Nugent-Hopkins-scores-in-debut-as-Oilers-win-J3F83F6-x-large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 490px; height: 360px;" src="http://i.usatoday.net/sports/_photos/2011/10/10/Nugent-Hopkins-scores-in-debut-as-Oilers-win-J3F83F6-x-large.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In terms of rookies that entered the league straight out of the draft (not named Crosby for obvious reasons) since the lockout this is how RNH stacks up with his peers.<br /><br />Thirteen points in his first fifteen contests while Hall and Eberle still try to find their goalscoring touch. Add to that the fact that the team is in the middle of a lengthy road trip and you have the makings to a tremendous start to an NHL career.<br /><br />Also of note is that fellow 2011 draftees Gabriel Landeskog and Sean Couturier have had better starts to their NHL careers than most of the below list. Weak draft my ass!<br /><br />Kane 5-12-17 +3 45sog.<br /><br />Skinner 6-9-15 Ev 41sog.<br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">RNH 7-6-13 +2 29sog.</b><br /><br />Tavares 5-6-11 -2 48sog.<br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Landeskog 5-3-8 +2 56sog.<br /><br />Couturier 5-3-8 +9 24sog.</b><br /><br />Hall 3-4-7 -7 33sog.<br /><br />Duchene 2-5-7 -5 27sog.<br /><br />Gagner 1-6-7 -7 23sog.<br /><br />Seguin 3-3-6 -2 25sog.<br /><br />Stamkos 2-2-4 -6 32sog.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-91615702546090157082011-11-09T20:04:00.004-10:002011-11-09T22:56:50.026-10:00Hall Vs. Seguin, Early Last Season And Now<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/058/936/102419760_crop_650x440.jpg?1288222431"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 650px; height: 440px;" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/058/936/102419760_crop_650x440.jpg?1288222431" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A number of Oilers fans, Bruins fans, and fans of NHL hockey in general are already proclaiming Tyler Seguin to be the superior player to Taylor Hall. I mean looking at their current stats it is mighty hard to dispute that.<br /><br />Seguin has damn near as many goals (8) and Hall has points (9) with both having suited up 13 times this season. Add Seguin's 7 assists and he is outscoring Hall 15 to 9, if that isn't a big enough discrepancy for you there's Seguin's +11 rating vs. Hall's +3 rating, hell Seguin has also outshot Hall 43 to 35.<br /><br />It's been all Seguin all the time so far this season. Hall to my eye hasn't hit his stride yet, he was fighting it in preseason and he's been fighting it and pushing his play in the regular season. Could it be that Hall has been taken by surprise by RNH and that it has put even more pressure on him? Prior to this season he was the undisputed face of the franchise, now RNH has come in and made some people question that, maybe even Hall himself.<br /><br />Hall hasn't gotten many bounces to go his way so far this season, he has been targeted physically, and he hasn't been able to create for himself on the rush which is one of his biggest selling points. Seguin is well on his way to having the superior season, but let's just hold on for a minute before crowning Seguin "King Shit of Turd Island".<br /><br />Looking at their stats around this point last year, they were quite similar actually Seguin went for 3-3-6 -2 and 25 shots and Hall went for 3-4-7 -7 and 33 shots in their first 15 games. The difference being that Hall really turned it up after that while Seguin stagnated. Is it a coincidence that Hall had a similar slow start last season? Is he simply a slow starter, or is this season just a perfect storm of uphill battles for Hall? Did the benchings and postseason appearances last year expedite Seguin's growth? Does Hall need to get met with a similar hard assed approach from Tom Renney that Seguin got from Claude Julien?<br /><br />I'm inclined to think that Hall will turn it around while Seguin won't keep up his gaudy numbers. When it's all said and done, I believe that both will have had tremendous sophomore seasons and that many of the fans that are going with the hot hand right now might have to back pedal a bit in a few months time. If I'm wrong, Hall and maybe even the Oilers scouting staff will have a lot of soul searching to do and questions about whether or not Hall will reach the level that everyone expected him to reach when he went 1st overall.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-69087815699368842252011-11-01T12:06:00.007-10:002011-11-01T12:45:03.574-10:00Looking At the '12-13 Opening Night Roster And Gagner's and Omark's Days Are Numbered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2504766.bin?size=620x400"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 620px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2504766.bin?size=620x400" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/01/04/omark_linus_487_381.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 381px; height: 253px;" src="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/01/04/omark_linus_487_381.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Steve Tambellini is a frequent whipping boy of Bloggers and message board posters, however I see an architect that is building something special under his watchful eye.<br /><br />Let's start with the forwards:<br /><br />Tambellini is looking for a mixture of elite skill, size, speed, strength, and two way ability with a little toughness for good measure. If you don't fit these criteria then chances are that you do not fit on Tambo's team.<br /><br />So who doesn't fit these criteria?<br /><br />Sam Gagner and Linus Omark. Gagner while skilled does not have enough of the other skills needed to keep him here long term. Linus Omark on the other hand while strong for his size and highly skilled also has major flaws to his game. If either of these guys brought elite offense to the table, chances are that Tambellini could live with their weaknesses, however they don't and I would be surprised to see either player start the '12-13 season with the Oilers.<br /><br />Now the Blueliners:<br /><br />Size, skating ability, good first passes, good point shots, shot blocking, and some downright junkyard dog meanness seems to be Tambo's shopping list when envisioning his defense of the future.<br /><br />So who doesn't fit the bill?<br /><br />Alex Plante and maybe Theo Peckham. Neither player brings much speed to their games, but both brings their fair share of bite to the big club. However their potential demise comes not only because of their own shortcomings, but because of a guy like Colten Teubert. Every bit as mean, but much more mobile and quick than Plante and Peckham. Andy Sutton is not a long term fixture in Edmonton so we could see Theo Peckham regain his spot in our top six D, but he needs to show some strides and cut down on his mistakes. Plante's aspirations of being a full time Oiler are in their last breaths despite a decent performance against St. Louis.<br /><br />So how do I see the '12-13 Oilers opening night roster?<br /><br />Hall-RNH-Eberle<br />Smyth-Horcoff-Hemsky/Jones<br />Paajarvi-Lander-Hartikainen/Hemsky<br />Eager-Belanger-Jones/Hordichuk/Petrell<br /><br />Whitney-Petry<br />Smid-Gilbert<br />Peckham/Teubert-PotterBryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-55402307177604440022011-10-30T08:16:00.006-10:002011-10-30T09:07:23.641-10:00RNH With The Best Start To A Post Draft Rookie Year Since Patrick Kane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nhlsnipers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sundays_three_stars_nugenthopkins_st_habs_spoil_jets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 342px;" src="http://www.nhlsnipers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sundays_three_stars_nugenthopkins_st_habs_spoil_jets.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Just failing to keep at the point a game mark, RNH had more goals than any of the rookies that I've singled out for comparison's sake, more points than anyone not named Kane, and a better +/- than anyone besides fellow 2011 draftee Gabriel Landeskog who is tied with RNH with a +3.<br /><br />Through ten games RNH has four points at ES including two goals. People that considered the 2011 draft to be void of elite talent at the top of the draft are getting a square kick to the junk as RNH and Landeskog are both having tremendous starts to their NHL careers.<br /><br />I've said all along that RNH will be much more like Kane in terms of skill and production than Gagner, and while Gagner had a pretty decent start to his NHL career when it's all said and done I fully expect RNH to be closer to Kane's rookie totals of 21-51-72 in 82 games than Gagner's rookie totals of 13-36-49 in 79 games.<br /><br /><b><u>After 10 Games:</u></b><br /><br />Kane 3-10-13 33sog. +2<br /><br /><b>RNH 5-4-9 22sog. +3</b><br /><br />Tavares 3-4-7 30sog. -6<br /><br />Skinner 3-4-7 27sog. +1<br /><br />Gagner 1-6-7 17sog. -2<br /><br />Landeskog 4-2-6 42sog. +3<br /><br />Duchene 1-5-6 20sog. -3<br /><br />Seguin 3-2-5 18sog. +1<br /><br />Hall 2-3-5 21sog. -4<br /><br />Stamkos 2-2-4 24sog. -1Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-37040773070924698052011-10-18T22:54:00.003-10:002011-10-18T23:05:29.291-10:00Comparing RNH's Rookie Season To Other Rookies Straight Out Of The Draft<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/original/jcu10290356_high.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 650px; height: 477px;" src="http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/original/jcu10290356_high.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />These are some of the most successful rookies straight out of the draft since the lockout. Excluding Crosby for obvious reasons, this is how RNH stacks up statistically against his peers. I'm planning on keeping track of this in 5 game segments.<br /><br />First 5 games:<br /><br />Tavares 3-3-6 18sog. +1<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">RNH 4-1-5 14sog. +1</span><br /><br />Kane 0-4-4 18sog. +1<br /><br />Gagner 0-4-4 10sog. -1<br /><br />Landeskog 2-1-3 20sog. Ev.<br /><br />Seguin 1-2-3 10sog. -1<br /><br />Skinner 0-3-3 14sog. Ev<br /><br />Duchene 0-2-2 6sog. -4<br /><br />Hall 0-1-1 9sog. -2<br /><br />Stamkos 0-0-0 8sog. -1<br /><br />Oddly enough RNH's goalscoring was questioned in relation to other recent high end rookies, yet there he is leading the charge with 4 goals in his first 5 games. Obviously that pace will not continue throughout the season, but he has definitely shown that he can pot a few at this level.<br /><br />Also of note is that RNH is one of only three players to be a + in the +/- category. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up with these players as the season progresses. Will he keep somewhat consistent? Will he hit a month long slump like Tavares did? Whatever the case, RNH has already shown much more out of the gate than most of these guys did.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-25536203882303652872011-10-09T22:12:00.006-10:002011-10-09T22:33:09.094-10:00RNH's Play = A Big Middle Finger To His Detractors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/5520944.bin?size=620x400"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 620px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/5520944.bin?size=620x400" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Scoring the Oilers lone goal in their season opener, setting up many scoring chances with pin point passing, and showing that he can hang in there against bigger/stronger players.<br /><br />Yes he was brutal in faceoffs and he will have to work on that part of his game, but it's much more forgivable when he's playing a two way game and creating a significant percentage of his teams offense against a playoff caliber club even without Malkin and Crosby.<br /><br />After months of hearing that he's not big enough, strong enough, or as good as past high lottery picks, RNH came out of the gates with a fury. Better than his teammate Taylor Hall started last year as a matter of fact. Nugent-Hopkins doesn't get his just due, but if he keeps his level of play high people will have to sit up and take notice.<br /><br />I've been saying all summer that people have sold the kid short, comparing him to Sam Gagner, saying that his upside is 60ish points, saying that there's no way that he could be ready for the NHL at 175lbs., saying that he's well below recent 1st overall picks, that he'll be the weakest since Erik Johnson. Meanwhile I've said that he will be like Patrick Kane except much better defensively and grittier.<br /><br />While there maybe flashier recent 1st overall picks, RNH will be a franchise player, he is not some second rate talent. Add to this, the kid will continue to fill out and as a result will become stronger and faster and you have a player that could really dominate the game on both sides of the puck.<br /><br />It takes a number of different skill sets to make up a team, and RNH's skill set will be every bit as instrumental in winning (and maybe even more so) than Hall's. One thing is for sure, the Oilers rebuild is right on track with a pair of soon to be elite forwards. Now if only Gagner could = RNH like some have said would be the case, we could have three franchise forwards.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-13881897576863321732011-10-07T22:24:00.005-10:002011-10-07T23:00:24.281-10:00Gernat Off To A Wicked Start<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1901527/117312605_extra_large_large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1901527/117312605_extra_large_large.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Martin Gernat became the second Slovak named Martin to be drafted by the Oilers in the last two drafts this past June. Drafted 122nd overall in the 2011 draft, few would anticipate his absolute domination of the WHL at the start of this season.<br /><br />Martin Marincin had a solid season in his own rite last year as a second round pick playing for Prince George and undoubtedly was looked at as the superior prospect. However he was not this productive out of the gate while Gernat has been a man possessed.<br /><br />Gernat's stat line looks like a man playing against boys, 6 games 5-5-10 and a +6 rating. At this point last year, Marincin went for 2-2-4 and a -1. Hell this year Marincin is 0-5-5 and a +2 in 5 games. Gernat is leaving his fellow countryman in his wake at the start of the '11-12 season.<br /><br />While it is far too early to know what Gernat may/may not become in terms of a pro hockey player, the fact that he is leading his team in scoring by 4 points tells you that he is not leaching off of anyone, and that he is one of the bus drivers on the Oil Kings. While no one should expect Gernat to keep up his torrid offensive pace, and a few slumps are bound to creep up sooner or later, Gernat has proven that he has some offensive talent that will no longer be overlooked when talking about his game.<br /><br />Marincin ended his rookie season with 14-42-56 and a -12 rating in 67 games, if Gernat can meet those kinds of stats, you would have to call it a smashing success for a 5th round pick. That said he would need to go for 9-37-46 in his next 61 games to get there. At this rate I wouldn't bet against him reaching or surpassing those totals.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-28037837065379254332011-10-06T22:02:00.002-10:002011-10-06T22:25:48.393-10:00Are Sam Gagner's Days As An Oiler Numbered?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/original/article_27692_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 368px;" src="http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/original/article_27692_2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The second that it was announced that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the Oilers answer to its search for a first line center, I had a feeling that Gagner's days here might be numbered.<br /><br />Minimal progression both statistically and physically IMO are at the root of Sam Gagner's problems. On top of RNH's addition, strong camps from Anton Lander, Tyler Pitlick, and Ryan Martindale must have been noticed by Oilers brass as well as teams that might have a use for #89. Add in the signing of Eric Belanger and the immovable object that is Shawn Horcoff, and Gagner is in an uphill battle to remain an Oiler.<br /><br />A few arrows are pointing at the Toronto Maple Leafs in terms of a potential suitor. Coincidentally the Leafs are stacked with NHL defensemen and Brian Burke has shown that he is not afraid to move picks in an attempt to win now.<br /><br />Music to Tambellini's ears! Picks and defensemen, it sounds like one stop shopping for an ongoing Oilers rebuild. While it is rather doubtful that the Oilers could pry TO's 2012 first round pick, if Tambellini could convince Burke that trading up into the first round in the 2011 draft should have pacified his teams fans after not drafting in the 1st in 2010, maybe it could be done.<br /><br />Even if the Oilers walk out of a deal with Toronto acquiring a serviceable defenseman that is more than a stop gap and a 2nd round pick, I believe that a return like that as well as a potential return on an Ales Hemsky deadline trade would be enough to call the Oilers drafting portion of the rebuild complete.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-40751592078288209722011-09-18T22:08:00.005-10:002011-09-18T22:25:54.110-10:00Sign Ryan Martindale NOW!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://postmediaedmonton.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rsz_youngstars1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 296px;" src="http://postmediaedmonton.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/rsz_youngstars1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So far so good, Ryan Martindale is now 6'3" and 207lbs., looks to take the body, plays a two way game, all the while keeping his silky smooth hands that are those of a mid first round pick.<br /><br />With all of the hype around RNH, Anton Lander, Tyler Pitlick, Curtis Hamilton, etc. it has been Martindale that has really put his name out there in a positive light. As far as I'm concerned he's proving to be every bit the prospect as any of the above players not named Nugent-Hopkins at this point.<br /><br />Martindale's hands are only second to RNH in the rookie class, however his size, reach, and stickhandling reminds me of Dustin Penner. The even better part? He's been looking like Dustin Penner's pissed off twin out there. Martindale was #4 on my ten second tier prospects that hopefully exceeds expectations list and at this point he is well on his way to cementing himself as one of our top prospects.<br /><br />Martindale could still use some work on his skating, however he does look quicker this camp than last while also adding muscle mass and a willingness to crash and bang. The Oilers might be damn near the fifty contract limit, but this is a guy that they cannot afford to lose to next years draft, you don't stumble across big two way centers that crash and bang and have good hands very often.<br /><br />Ryan Martindale could very well prove to be the second best Oilers prospect taken in 2010, a draft that included four players drafted before him.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-74209970517903867162011-09-14T21:00:00.004-10:002011-09-14T23:15:36.533-10:00BBO's Top 25 Oilers Prospects<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a57.foxnews.com/static/managed/img/2011/08/07/396/223/nugent_hopkins_2011_draft.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 223px;" src="http://a57.foxnews.com/static/managed/img/2011/08/07/396/223/nugent_hopkins_2011_draft.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well now that the Penticton tournament is over and I got to see many of these kids, I'll do my annual rankings. Of course like many scouts after the U18 tournaments my opinions are based heavily on this tournament so for instance if a guy like Blain showed poorly it doesn't mean that he will suck, ie. last year I wasn't too particularly high on Hamilton. Without further adieu my top 25 Oilers prospects.<br /><br />1) C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins<br />Upside: Franchise C<br />The cream of the crop bar none, RNH at this point is the only truly elite prospect that the Oilers have that hasn't played an NHL game.<br /><br />2) D Oscar Klefbom<br />Upside: Top Pairing D<br />The Oilers second first round pick from 2011, Klefbom's combination of size and skill has him right behind RNH on my list.<br /><br />3) D Jeff Petry<br />Upside: 2/3 D<br />The Oilers top RD prospect, Petry despite his age still has a lot of untapped potential and defensemen can be notoriously slow in their development.<br /><br />4) C Anton Lander<br />Upside: 2C<br />Possibly the most complete prospect that the Oilers have, Lander brings a mixture of offense, defense, leadership, and grit to the table because of this I rank him ahead of some players that might have a higher skill level.<br /><br />5) C/RW Tyler Pitlick<br />Upside: 2C/RW<br />Size, speed, physicality, and a lethal shot makes Tyler Pitlick a good bet to make the NHL in a top 9 capacity with a top 6 upside.<br /><br />6) D Martin Marincin<br />Upside: 2/3 D<br />Decision making and bulking up are the only two things that have him this low on the list.<br /><br />7) C Ryan Martindale<br />Upside: Above Average 2C<br />In terms of upside alone he would be much higher, however he still has work to do to take that next step into the Oilers top 5 prospects.<br /><br />8) LW Teemu Hartikainen<br />Upside: 2LW Power forward<br />Hartikainen's grit and hands adds to the Oilers embarrassment of riches on the left wing.<br /><br />9) D David Musil<br />Upside: 2/3 shutdown D<br />A steady defenseman with a good first pass, Musil could rise up the rankings this year if he works on his offensive game and his speed.<br /><br />10) G Tyler Bunz<br />Upside: NHL Starter<br />Goalies being the toughest prospects to project means that I could very well be underselling Bunz with the 10 spot. That said considering the fact that I gave him the nod over Olivier Roy and Samu Perhonen both solid goalies in their own rites it shows that I have a lot of faith in him.<br /><br />11) LW Curtis Hamilton<br />Upside: 2LW<br />Another safe prospect, Hamilton's size, speed, and hockey IQ makes him a prime candidate to be a future Oiler, my only question is how high is his offensive upside? I see a terrific third liner when I see Hamilton, I'm just not sure that he'll be able to evolve into a top 6 forward.<br /><br />12) G Samu Perhonen<br />Upside: NHL Starter<br />The second goalie on my list and the biggest goalie that the Oilers have in their system sans Devan Dubnyk.<br /><br />13) D Taylor Fedun<br />Upside: 3/4 D<br />A smooth skating defenseman that can and will jump into the play at the right time, Fedun is a definite darkhorse to climb my list in a hurry.<br /><br />14) D Colten Teubert<br />Upside: 4/5 D<br />The tough rearguard looks like a good bet to be an eventual Oiler.<br /><br />15) G Olivier Roy<br />Upside: NHL Starter<br />Roy's athleticism has him cracking my list at #15, as of the moment it looks like goaltending is no longer a weakness in the Oilers system.<br /><br />16) RW Tobias Rieder<br />Upside: 2RW<br />Highly skilled and willing to go to the high traffic areas, Rieder could end up surprising a lot of people.<br /><br />17) RW Antti Tyrvainen<br />Upside: 4th line disturber<br />Tough, physical, and not a complete plug offensively. Tyrvainen could end up being a player that opposing players need to be aware of at all time son the ice.<br /><br />18) C Chris VandeVelde<br />Upside: 4C<br />Given the Oilers center depth coming up, VandeVelde needs to make his mark in the '11-12 season if he wants an NHL career in Edmonton. Improving his skating should've been priority #1 in the offseason.<br /><br />19) D Martin Gernat<br />Upside: 4/5 D<br />The second of the Oilers Slovakian twin towers, Gernat doesn't appear to be as skilled as fellow countryman Martin Marincin, but he seems to be a little more at home playing the body.<br /><br />20) D Jeremie Blain<br />Upside: 4/5 D<br />Unfortunately for him I haven't seen him besides the rookie camp, I could be completely off my rocker on this one but the kid needs to show a lot more than he did to make me think that he has a future in the NHL.<br /><br />21) C/LW Travis Ewanyk<br />Upside: 3C/LW<br />A much needed disturber type that can drop the mitts, Ewanyk's sandpaper could make him an ideal 4th line center for the Oilers years down the line.<br /><br />22) D Alex Plate<br />Upside: 6/7 D<br />Unfortunately Plante's speed will hold him back from reaching his potential, he's running out of chances and will be waiver eligible after this season.<br /><br />23) LW Kristians Pelss<br />Upside: 2/3 LW<br />Another darkhorse, Pelss could climb the rankings, however given the Oilers lack of size in their top 6 and Tobias Rieder's play at the prospect camp I'd think that Pelss would be a small drop from Rieder at this point.<br /><br />24) C Milan Kytnar<br />Upside: 4C<br />The '11-12 season will be a big one for Kytnar, with the Barons possibly adding Lander and Pitlick down the middle there will be less minutes to go around this year.<br /><br />25) D Brandon Davidson<br />Upside: 6/7 D<br />With the Oilers stable of young defensemen, players like Davidson will be in tough to make it to the NHL level. That said there's no telling which players ranked above him might falter along the way and if Davidson keeps on improving he could find himself on the Oilers bottom pairing one day, personally I wouldn't bet on it.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-53713192856721539862011-09-05T21:51:00.000-10:002011-09-05T21:52:03.082-10:00Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #2 Tyler Pitlick<a href="http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/102442471.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF87892102A727B1636DE2E660023B0C9E0DA9A44C63F80C09A0E9A77A125AD28C7E8F73F06BF04B24B4128C"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 594px; height: 396px;" src="http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/102442471.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF87892102A727B1636DE2E660023B0C9E0DA9A44C63F80C09A0E9A77A125AD28C7E8F73F06BF04B24B4128C" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Big, fast, hard shot, and physical, these are some of the best adjectives to describe Tyler Pitlick's game. The first pick of the second round in 2010, Pitlick played RW last year in Medicine Hat and as the year went on he improved his offensive production as he got used to the CHL game.<br /><br />Despite the fact that he played RW last year whenever you hear the Oilers talk about Pitlick it is as a center. A big, fast, right handed, and physical 2C? Sounds like the perfect compliment to RNH long term. Of course Pitlick first needs to cut his teeth at the AHL level and taking a step up in competition while also changing positions is a daunting task to say the least.<br /><br />If he comes through with flying colors the Oilers will have the makings of a very balanced top six and their center depth will have gone from the worst in the league to better than average at least in short order. Pitlick is a very big piece to the rebuild puzzle, if he succeeds the Oilers are in a great spot going forward, if he doesn't it could be very detrimental to the long term success of this team.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-81269078556711585822011-09-04T22:48:00.001-10:002011-09-04T22:48:31.840-10:00Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #3 Anton Lander<a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/gallery_images/photos/000/439/883/GYI0061235299_crop_450x500.jpg?1281044298"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 320px;" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/gallery_images/photos/000/439/883/GYI0061235299_crop_450x500.jpg?1281044298" alt="" border="0" /></a>
<br />The potential second line centers are now the hot topic of conversation in my top 10 list. Anton Lander is an interesting case, he has a number of things going for him. He is a leader, he plays a two way game, and he is part of the Swedish contingent that has been built up in recent years.
<br />
<br />Last season watching Paajarvi and Omark play so well together, it made me wonder how well they'd do with a third like minded player that can cycle a puck like they could, a third Swede. A player that could take some of the defensive pressure off of Paajarvi and let Omark do what he does best, create offense.
<br />
<br />In this regard Lander would not need to be a big time scorer as long as his line as a whole was productive and played well on both sides of the ice. Lander has this luxury unlike any of the other up and coming C prospects. Unlocking Omark's offensive game, freeing up Paajarvi to think more offensively, and doing all of this while also adding grit, leadership, and chipping in offensively. It could give Lander a leg up on second line C going forward despite maybe not being the most talented of our 2C prospects.
<br />
<br />Omark-Lander-Paajarvi, I could see that as being a very solid second line moving forward. A mixture of creativity, skill, speed, grit, and two way play. I wonder if Renney will have the guts to try this trio in camp, because if he does I think that we will see some magic out of them. Gagner had damn well better be ready.Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-66166874941004791632011-09-03T11:09:00.003-10:002011-09-03T11:28:16.690-10:00Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #4 Ryan Martindale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ohl.uploads.mrx.ca/belleville/images/en/newser/2010/11/Ryan%20Martindale5923.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 232px;" src="http://ohl.uploads.mrx.ca/belleville/images/en/newser/2010/11/Ryan%20Martindale5923.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>
<br />The Oilers could certainly use a second line center with size, enter Ryan Martindale. Standing at 6'3" tall Martindale could be just what the doctor ordered playing second fiddle to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Big, skilled, and rounding out his defensive game, Martindale has a lot going for him.
<br />
<br />Turning twenty years of age next month, Martindale still has time on his side as well. Martindale had very respectable stats last year (34-49-83 in 65 games) as he was 1/3 of Ottawa's top line along with LA Kings prospect Tyler Toffoli and 2011 Senators 2nd round pick Shane Prince.
<br />
<br />Martindale still has a long way to go to realistically be considered part of the Oilers equation, however as long as the Oilers sign him, he will have three years to potentially progress and become the player that the Oilers hoped that he'd become when the opened up the 3rd round of the 2010 draft by calling his name.
<br />
<br />A definite long shot whose consistency has been called into question, Martindale will have to step his game up immensely to get to the NHL level. With that said if he does reach his upside he would be a major contributor going forward and he could make it possible to move other Oilers centers to fill holes in the roster.
<br />Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-59043255098642586802011-08-28T20:40:00.003-10:002011-08-28T22:29:06.967-10:00Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #5 Samu Perhonen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Samu+Perhonen+_40WErWLjP8m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 335px; height: 240px;" src="http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Samu+Perhonen+_40WErWLjP8m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
<br />Samu Perhonen at this point in time is probably the Oilers best hope of turning into their goaltender of the future. Perhonen's third round sixty first overall selection was the Oilers highest goaltending selection since current Oiler Devan Dubnyk was selected fourteenth overall back in 2004.
<br />
<br />Like Dubnyk, Perhonen is a bigger goaltender (he stands at 6'4" tall), hopefully unlike Dubnyk he has a faster track to the NHL and a bigger impact. Ranked fifty first in Bob McKenzie's final draft rankings, the hope is that Perhonen proves to be a draft steal being picked ten picks later than McKenzie's prediction having been the first pick of the third round.
<br />
<br />Obviously goal is a very important position, the last line of defense, and a confidence booster or killer to his teammates. With the Oilers yet to acquire an elite defenseman they will likely have to rely rather heavily on their goaltender down the road, especially come the postseason. This is how teams like Carolina and Pittsburgh hoisted the Cup without an elite defenseman, well top end goaltending and great center play to be more exact.
<br />
<br />Ultimately Cup winning teams are well balanced and have a mixture of solid forwards, defensemen, and goaltending. While the forwards are usually the guys that get a lot of the glory unless you are an extremely stacked team (see Detroit's Cup winning teams) you need at least above average goaltending to make real noise in the postseason.
<br />
<br />Whether it's Dubnyk, Roy, Bunz, Perhonen, or Tuohima the hope is that one of these guys can become a top end starter in the NHL. Here's to hoping that the somewhat highly touted Perhonen becomes one of the late round steals that becomes a core player in the Oilers quest to return to Stanley Cup glory.
<br />Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8123409644010783103.post-54583915918401941572011-08-21T22:07:00.005-10:002011-08-21T22:29:41.323-10:00Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #6 Tyler Bunz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.cdn.nhle.com/oilers/images/upload/2010/12/20101230_bunz310.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 175px;" src="http://3.cdn.nhle.com/oilers/images/upload/2010/12/20101230_bunz310.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
<br />Taking a break from the defensemen for a minute, at #6 we see the first goaltender on the list, Tyler Bunz. Goaltending is so very important come the postseason, Oilers fans should know this better than anyone as in recent memory Dwayne Roloson and Curtis Joseph both stole series for us almost single handily. If your memory is as bad as mine then perhaps the Boston Bruins surge to the cup on the back of one Tim Thomas might ring a bell?
<br />
<br />The Oilers long term goaltending solution is still up in the air. One thing is for certain, Nikolai Khabibulin is not part of it and his career is on life support and being read its last rites. Devan Dubnyk is still up in the air although he had a solid year last season but he doesn't have enough of a track record to put a whole lot of stock into him just yet.
<br />
<br />This leaves us with a number of goaltending prospects that we have been stockpiling in the last three drafts. Bunz has the size and seems to have the mental toughness to become a solid goaltender having gone head to head with the 2011 1st overall pick in the postseason and thwarting him and his teammates time and time again en route to a series win against Red Deer.
<br />
<br />Unfortunately goaltenders are almost as hard to predict as the winning lotto number with the possible exception of really highly touted goaltenders. Even their success rate is hit and miss (see Dipietro, Rick). The Oilers have not had much luck in drafting and developing their own goaltenders, Dubnyk being the lone remaining representative drafted in the 2000's. You'd have to imagine that sooner or later that trend will be bucked and if so, why not Bunz?
<br />Bryanbryoilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463233578735448147noreply@blogger.com2