BBO's Place

Through 35 Career NHL Games RNH Has More Points Than Kane, Tavares, and Skinner, But Trails Sid

2011-12-30T17:46:00.006-10:00

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.

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.

After 35 Games

Crosby 16-21-37 -8 116sog.

RNH 13-22-35 Ev 73sog.

Kane 7-26-33 -5 94sog.

Tavares 15-12-27 -4 87sog.

Skinner 9-17-26 -4 92sog.

Hall 11-10-21 -9 97sog.

Duchene 9-10-19 -7 76sog.

Gagner 3-13-16 -7 46sog.

Landeskog 6-9-15 +5 108sog.

Stamkos 4-10-14 -11 75sog.

Seguin 6-7-13 +3 65sog.

Couturier 32gp. 5-6-11 +10 49sog.

Through 30 Career NHL Games RNH Has More Points Than Sidney Crosby Did In His First 30

2011-12-12T08:58:00.006-10:00

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.

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.

After 30 Games

RNH 13-19-32 +3 62sog.

Crosby 13-18-31 -8 95sog.

Kane 7-23-30 -2 81sog.

Tavares 13-11-24 -1 76sog.

Skinner 8-14-22 -5 79sog.

Duchene 8-9-17 -9 67sog.

Hall 10-6-16 -8 85sog.

Landeskog 5-8-13 +4 91sog.

Gagner 3-10-13 -8 40sog.

Seguin 5-6-11 +2 54sog.

Stamkos 3-9-11 -13 66sog.

Couturier 28gp. 5-3-8 +8 44sog.

Through 25 Career NHL Games RNH Ties Kane's Rookie Point Production

2011-11-30T22:36:00.004-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After 25 Career NHL Games

RNH 11-16-27 +4 49sog.

Kane 7-20-27 +1 68sog.

Tavares 9-11-20 -1 67sog.

Skinner 8-12-20 -3 63sog.

Hall 8-6-14 -5 62sog. 12/2

Stamkos 3-8-11 -12 56sog.

Landeskog 5-6-11 +1 79sog.

Seguin 5-5-10 +2 45sog.

Duchene 3-7-10 -9 48sog.

Gagner 2-8-10 -10 32sog.

Couturier 23gp. 5-3-8 +8 36sog.

Magnus Paajarvi, Caught Between a Renney and a Hard Place

2011-11-29T16:39:00.003-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Through 20 Career NHL Games RNH Trails Only Kane's Production In Recent Years

2011-11-21T21:58:00.006-10:00

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.

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.

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.

Without further adieu:

Through Their First 20 Career NHL Games

Kane 7-15-22 -1 57sog.

RNH 8-12-20 +1 41sog.

Tavares 8-10-18 -1 58sog.

Skinner 6-10-16 -4 51sog.

Hall 4-5-9 -8 46sog.

Landeskog 5-4-9 Ev 70sog.

Couturier 5-3-8 +8 28sog.

Seguin 4-4-8 -1 35sog.

Gagner 2-7-8 -8 30sog.

Duchene 2-5-7 -7 36sog.

Stamkos 2-5-7 -7 46sog.

After 15 Career Games RNH Trails Only Kane's and Skinner's Production In Recent Years

2011-11-11T08:10:00.005-10:00

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.

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.

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!

Kane 5-12-17 +3 45sog.

Skinner 6-9-15 Ev 41sog.

RNH 7-6-13 +2 29sog.

Tavares 5-6-11 -2 48sog.

Landeskog 5-3-8 +2 56sog.

Couturier 5-3-8 +9 24sog.

Hall 3-4-7 -7 33sog.

Duchene 2-5-7 -5 27sog.

Gagner 1-6-7 -7 23sog.

Seguin 3-3-6 -2 25sog.

Stamkos 2-2-4 -6 32sog.

Hall Vs. Seguin, Early Last Season And Now

2011-11-09T20:04:00.004-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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".

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?

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.

Looking At the '12-13 Opening Night Roster And Gagner's and Omark's Days Are Numbered

2011-11-01T12:06:00.007-10:00

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.

Let's start with the forwards:

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.

So who doesn't fit these criteria?

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.

Now the Blueliners:

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.

So who doesn't fit the bill?

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.

So how do I see the '12-13 Oilers opening night roster?

Hall-RNH-Eberle
Smyth-Horcoff-Hemsky/Jones
Paajarvi-Lander-Hartikainen/Hemsky
Eager-Belanger-Jones/Hordichuk/Petrell

Whitney-Petry
Smid-Gilbert
Peckham/Teubert-Potter

RNH With The Best Start To A Post Draft Rookie Year Since Patrick Kane

2011-10-30T08:16:00.006-10:00

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.

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.

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.

After 10 Games:

Kane 3-10-13 33sog. +2

RNH 5-4-9 22sog. +3

Tavares 3-4-7 30sog. -6

Skinner 3-4-7 27sog. +1

Gagner 1-6-7 17sog. -2

Landeskog 4-2-6 42sog. +3

Duchene 1-5-6 20sog. -3

Seguin 3-2-5 18sog. +1

Hall 2-3-5 21sog. -4

Stamkos 2-2-4 24sog. -1

Comparing RNH's Rookie Season To Other Rookies Straight Out Of The Draft

2011-10-18T22:54:00.003-10:00

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.

First 5 games:

Tavares 3-3-6 18sog. +1

RNH 4-1-5 14sog. +1

Kane 0-4-4 18sog. +1

Gagner 0-4-4 10sog. -1

Landeskog 2-1-3 20sog. Ev.

Seguin 1-2-3 10sog. -1

Skinner 0-3-3 14sog. Ev

Duchene 0-2-2 6sog. -4

Hall 0-1-1 9sog. -2

Stamkos 0-0-0 8sog. -1

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.

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.

RNH's Play = A Big Middle Finger To His Detractors

2011-10-09T22:12:00.006-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gernat Off To A Wicked Start

2011-10-07T22:24:00.005-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are Sam Gagner's Days As An Oiler Numbered?

2011-10-06T22:02:00.002-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sign Ryan Martindale NOW!

2011-09-18T22:08:00.005-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BBO's Top 25 Oilers Prospects

2011-09-14T21:00:00.004-10:00

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.

1) C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Upside: Franchise C
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.

2) D Oscar Klefbom
Upside: Top Pairing D
The Oilers second first round pick from 2011, Klefbom's combination of size and skill has him right behind RNH on my list.

3) D Jeff Petry
Upside: 2/3 D
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.

4) C Anton Lander
Upside: 2C
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.

5) C/RW Tyler Pitlick
Upside: 2C/RW
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.

6) D Martin Marincin
Upside: 2/3 D
Decision making and bulking up are the only two things that have him this low on the list.

7) C Ryan Martindale
Upside: Above Average 2C
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.

8) LW Teemu Hartikainen
Upside: 2LW Power forward
Hartikainen's grit and hands adds to the Oilers embarrassment of riches on the left wing.

9) D David Musil
Upside: 2/3 shutdown D
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.

10) G Tyler Bunz
Upside: NHL Starter
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.

11) LW Curtis Hamilton
Upside: 2LW
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.

12) G Samu Perhonen
Upside: NHL Starter
The second goalie on my list and the biggest goalie that the Oilers have in their system sans Devan Dubnyk.

13) D Taylor Fedun
Upside: 3/4 D
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.

14) D Colten Teubert
Upside: 4/5 D
The tough rearguard looks like a good bet to be an eventual Oiler.

15) G Olivier Roy
Upside: NHL Starter
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.

16) RW Tobias Rieder
Upside: 2RW
Highly skilled and willing to go to the high traffic areas, Rieder could end up surprising a lot of people.

17) RW Antti Tyrvainen
Upside: 4th line disturber
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.

18) C Chris VandeVelde
Upside: 4C
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.

19) D Martin Gernat
Upside: 4/5 D
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.

20) D Jeremie Blain
Upside: 4/5 D
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.

21) C/LW Travis Ewanyk
Upside: 3C/LW
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.

22) D Alex Plate
Upside: 6/7 D
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.

23) LW Kristians Pelss
Upside: 2/3 LW
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.

24) C Milan Kytnar
Upside: 4C
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.

25) D Brandon Davidson
Upside: 6/7 D
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.

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #2 Tyler Pitlick

2011-09-05T21:51:00.000-10:00

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.

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.

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.

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #3 Anton Lander

2011-09-04T22:48:00.001-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #4 Ryan Martindale

2011-09-03T11:09:00.003-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #5 Samu Perhonen

2011-08-28T20:40:00.003-10:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #6 Tyler Bunz

2011-08-21T22:07:00.005-10:00

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?

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.

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.

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?

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #7 Jeff Petry

2011-08-14T20:18:00.003-10:00

Continuing with the defense theme that has now accounted for the first four of this series of blogs, Jeff Petry checks in at #7 on my list. Petry is our highest rated right shooting right defenseman. Unlike the left side where we have Klefbom, Marincin, Musil, Whitney, Smid, and Peckham as our future and current depth, the current and future depth of the right side and specifically right shooting defensemen is very shallow.

Petry brings a hard shot from the right side, and he could be a guy that plays in every situation if he pans out. Having seen a few brilliant flashes last year in his first call-up with the Oilers, it showed Petry's talent. However he was also wildly inconsistent. He was superb in a few games and not very good or average in others. In particular his play on the PP really tailed off after his initial recall. This is where he should really make hay on the team.

At this point in time Petry looks like a solid second pairing prospect, however in my opinion he has the raw talent to be better than that. He has the skating, shooting, passing, and offensive ability to be better than that. Does he have the defensive ability, strength, hockey IQ, and work ethic to become that top pairing right D that we so desperately need?

Could he at least be passable as a top pairing D? With our team loading up on the forward corps we may not need an elite top pairing D, but we'll still need a couple of guys that can hold their own when playing against the best forwards in the world. While Petry isn't a young pup at least in comparison to the first three defensemen that I've profiled, he has gone the NCAA route which is probably a longer route than if he had gone the CHL and then AHL route.

If he is to become the player that we so desperately need we will need to see a significant leap forward in his development next year. If not then his upside is probably as Tom Gilbert's eventual replacement.

Sam Gagner Does NOT = Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

2011-08-11T22:23:00.005-10:00

The excuses have been flying fast and furious to try and justify saying the names Sam Gagner and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the same breath. "He's too thin, he's too weak, he's just like Gagner, he doesn't look like he'll be a top tier NHL player, his was a weak draft". Pick your poison, whichever of these statements you may believe or have read so many times that you'd rather take it for fact than not, I beg to differ.

Here's a list of the 1st overall forward picks in the last 25 drafts followed by their best season in the NHL:

Joe Murphy 82 points in 80 games
Pierre Turgeon 132 points in 83 games
Mike Modano 93 points in 76 games
Mats Sundin 114 points in 80 games
Owen Nolan 84 points in 78 games
Eric Lindros 115 points in 73 games
Alexander Daigle 51 points in 78 games
Joe Thornton 114 points in 82 games
Vincent Lecavalier 108 points in 82 games
Patrick Stefan 40 points in 82 games
Ilya Kovalchuk 98 points in 78 games
Rick Nash 79 points in 78 games
Alexander Ovechkin 112 points in 82 games
Sidney Crosby 120 points in 79 games
Patrick Kane 88 points in 82 games
Steven Stamkos 95 points in 82 games
John Tavares 67 points in 79 games in 2nd season
Taylor Hall 42 points in 65 games in rookie season
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins TBD

Of the players listed above (besides RNH) only the players highlighted in red failed to outscore Sam Gagner's career high in points (his rookie season) in the first 2 years of their careers. In one extreme case (Patrick Stefan) the player never attained the same personal career high that one Sam Gagner reached. Taylor Hall was on pace to break Gagner's mark by 2 points (if they played the same amount of games) prior to getting injured.

Of the above list 4 players didn't hit the point per game mark in their career year, two of them will never get there (Daigle and Stefan) and two others are too young to call but look like at least even money to do so (Tavares and Hall).

I'm sure that the last quarter of a century has seen some tremendous drafts, terrible drafts, and everything in-between. Through it all all but 2 or 3 of the players listed above had/are having/will likely have tremendous careers. Unless you are of the mindset that RNH will be a complete bust, there's a hell of a lot better chance that he'll end up being middle of the pack in terms of the list above than scraping the bottom of the barrel and keeping pace with Gagner.

Sam Gagner belongs nowhere near this list unless you isolate the outright busts and compare him to them. RNH in all likelihood will be a point per game or better player at some point in his career, the same should not be said of Gagner with a straight face unless he ends up playing with an elite winger ie. Ovechkin and another good winger on the opposite wing while being spoon fed PP time on a good PP.

The last truly weak draft (2007) still yielded Patrick Kane, RNH regardless of whether he'll be better or worse than Kane will be much closer to him than he will be to Sam Gagner.Unless of course he hires Alexander Daigle as his motivational coach, Eric Lindros' dad as his agent, Patrick Stefan as his empty net goal scoring coach, and Sam Gagner as his personal strength trainer.

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #8 Martin Marincin

2011-08-07T21:53:00.001-10:00

The second of three Oilers second round picks in 2010, Martin Marincin is a tall but lanky defenseman that can skate well and he has a solid offensive upside. Marincin has some serious filling out to do before he's ready for the NHL level, however he looks to be one of the Oilers top 2-3 defense prospects.

Marincin is a package of raw skills and size that could end up being a player that far outperforms his draft ranking. The Oilers have obviously keyed in on big but mobile defensemen in the last couple of drafts and you have to think that one or two of them will exceed expectations. Will Marincin be that player? The Oilers lack a true #1 defenseman and top pairing defensemen, getting either from the second round would be a significant step forward in the Oilers rebuild.

Even if he rounds out to be a second pairing guy that contributes well on the PP that would be a significant addition to a team that lacks legit point options.

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #9 Colten Teubert

2011-07-31T22:25:00.003-10:00

Colten Teubert is everything that the Edmonton Oilers need in a defenseman sans elite skill. Big, strong, tough, and best of all he treats opposing players like they owe him money and hit on his kid sister. On top of these qualities, Teubert also brings a much needed wildcard mentality, he's a guy that could just lose it and start raining punches on a non fighter if the just so happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In other words, he's something that we have been missing in a big way for a long time.

Unlike another one of our towering defensemen Alex Plante, Teubert's skating isn't a weakness. This will allow him to use his size and ill temper to keep opposing players heads on a swivel unlike a big but lumbering skater that doesn't have the speed to catch many guys with big hits.

Ideally Teubert becomes a top four stay at home D that every team in the league would love on their team but absolutely despise playing against. Regardless of where he plays he will bring an intimidating presence to his pairing, if he becomes good enough to do this against some of the stars in the league without being used as a defensive pylon, Teubert could become an excellent second tier player and a guy that is always in the oppositions head.

Players unwilling to pay a heavy price physically will loathe playing against a defense with Theo Peckham and Colten Teubert leading the hit parade.

Ten Second Tier Prospects That Hopefully Exceed Expectations, #10 David Musil

2011-07-26T21:24:00.006-10:00

In a rebuild luck and solid scouting most certainly plays a major part in a successful or unsuccessful rebuild. On top of the top end guys that you draft (Hall and RNH) you need some of the other players to step up and exceed expectations to fill key secondary or even primary roles if you're extremely lucky. I'll be looking at ten Oilers prospects that would become major contributors if they can go above and beyond their current projections.

Without further adieu, #10 David Musil. Musil's toughness, size, strength, and willingness to stick up for teammates makes him a force to be reckoned with. Musil was once rated in the top five for the 2011 draft class before falling out of the first round in June. If Musil can somehow improve his game to bridge that gap and look more like a mid 1st round prospect we could have a stellar 2nd pairing defenseman on our hands. Let alone if he ends up looking like a top 5 talent from this draft like he did less than a year ago.

Musil's bloodlines are rich in athletic genes, his grandfather, uncle, mother, and father were all outstanding athletes and the blood that runs in his veins could very well give him the push needed to get over the top. Every prospect has pro's and con's in terms of intangibles, I can't think of many NHL players with the pedigree that Musil has.

Defensemen are the most difficult skaters to predict in terms of potential. Unlike first line centers who for the most part come from the first round, some of the best D in the league were drafted outside of the 1st round. Here's to hoping that Musil can surprise his detractors and prove to be a vital piece of the Oilers blueline for many years to come.

The Skinny On Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

2011-07-17T14:00:00.003-10:00

With many in the hockey world wondering if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (he of the sub 180lb. weight class) could possibly play in the NHL next season, I for one have little doubt that the elite skill, vision, hockey IQ, and elusiveness that he provides will aid him in stepping right into the NHL as an 18 year old.

Above are a few different pictures, we have from top to bottom and from left to right: 1st pic Jonathan Huberdeau, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Gabriel Landeskog. 2nd pic Kyle Turris, Patrick Kane, and James Van Riemsdyk. 3rd pic Sam Gagner and Patrick Kane. RNH like Kane doesn't have very broad shoulders to say the least, however Kane looks like he just started middle school in his pics. This of course didn't seem to bother him en route to a 72 point performance just removed from the draft a feat that hasn't been matched since.

What other similarities are there between Kane and RNH slight frame aside? Both are tremendous playmakers and both are hard to hit square because they don't offer you much of a target with their frames, their exceptional skating, and their top end vision. Add to this Kane had a 19 year old teammate that was also highly skilled to play with in Toews (Hall anyone?).

Where do they differ? Kane is obviously shorter than RNH so he was more compact. Kane broke in on the wing which has less defensive responsibility than RNH's natural position as a center. Kane is more renowned for his sniping skills than RNH is.

Now I know that people love using the lockout as the benchmark for everything in the modern day NHL, but the '07-08 season is just 5 seasons ago at the start of this season and it was the 3rd season post lockout. The odds are against RNH having a Kane-esque 18 year old rookie season as the only player that has even been close since has been Jeff Skinner this past season and he was 9 points back. However the next time people decide to condemn RNH's chances of making the NHL this year do yourself a favor and look at the bottom picture of Gagner and Kane standing side by side, and whether you are a big believer in RNH or not, ask yourself if they could have the kind of rookie season fresh out of the draft that they did, why can't RNH?

Gagner is clearly behind RNH at the same age while Kane could be argued to have been further ahead despite looking like Macaulay Culkin a few years after Home Alone 2. RNH like Kane and like Skinner has elite skating ability on his side. Could we see him come in and win the Calder? The same trophy that we coveted last year that we had hoped that one of our Big 3 would bring to Edmonton for the very first time? Only time will tell, however IMO the odds of him coming in and lighting it up are higher than the odds of him getting sent down this year.

BBO's Wish List For Day One of the Draft

2011-06-23T21:23:00.004-10:00

First off I have been a RNH fan for some time and have been firmly in his corner. IMO there is no question that he should be our second consecutive first overall pick. So quite frankly that takes care of 1st overall :)

Here's where it gets a bit more interesting.....

While we hold the 19th overall pick and the 31st overall pick to open up day two of the draft on Saturday, I think that there are opportunities to move up from #19 as well as acquire mid first round picks outright.

These are the picks that I believe will be in play tomorrow.

#12 Carolina Hurricanes:
The Hurricanes could have a number of holes in their lineup next year after possibly losing a number of key role players via free agency. This could open them up to the possibility of trading their pick for an established NHL player.

#14 Dallas Stars:
Joe Nieuwendyk has come out and said that they'd like to add a lower round pick and would be open to trading down, if someone we wants is there at #14 it looks like we could swing a deal with them.

#15 New York Rangers:
Might they be willing to trade a salary dump and their pick for a useful player? I would think so.

#16 Buffalo Sabres:
With back to back 1st round playoff exits and Ryan Miller, Derek Roy, and Thomas Vanek all in their respective primes you'd have to think that they would also consider moving their pick for immediate help.

Now onto my personal wish list.

1) Mark McNeill
A perfect compliment to the highly skilled Nugent-Hopkins, McNeill brings the size and strength to wear down opposing defenders and some solid skill to provide us with a couple of solid scoring lines.

2) Mark Scheifele
Less rugged and not nearly as physically mature as McNeill, Scheifele also brings size albeit with a bit more skill from most reports. Either Mark would give us a solid option down the middle.

3) Nathan Beaulieu
Size, grit, and skill, Beaulieu has long been a favorite of mine for these reasons. Beaulieu has the tools to become one of the best defensemen in this draft and he'd be the first blueliner that I would try to draft at #19 if he's still available.

4) Oscar Klefbom
A potential two way defender with size, Klefbom would fit in well with our Swedish contingent in the locker room. I'd prefer going with a two way defender this high in the draft unless you see a truly elite shut down guy staring you in the face.

5) Duncan Siemens
While his offensive upside is questioned, his grit and toughness are not, if we take Siemens here the hope is that his offense blossoms more so than a guy like Colten Teubert's.

6) JT Miller
Big, physical, good skating centerman. At best a 2C at worst a 3C that plays the body and a high energy game.

7) Joe Morrow
Not the biggest guy in the world but he mixes decent size, strength, and skill into an intriguing package for a defenseman.

How I See The Oilers Moving Up To Take Larsson W/Out Moving Next Years 1st

2011-06-20T07:31:00.010-10:00

With rumblings that the Devils are looking to stock their cupboard due to lost picks and prospects from the Ilya Kovalchuk trade and salary cap circumvention penalty, this is what I see happening on draft day.

The Columbus Blue Jackets strike out trying to acquire Jeff Carter, suddenly their eyes turn to Ales Hemsky and possibly Tom Gilbert as well.

To Edmonton: Picks #8, #38, John Moore, and Mike Commodore

To Columbus: Ales Hemsky and Tom Gilbert

Then this trade spawns the trade that nets us Adam Larsson:

To NJ: Picks #8, #31, and #38 (or instead of both 2nd rounders the #19 pick)

To Edmonton: Pick #4 (Adam Larsson)

This means that we still retain next years 1st in a very strong draft, NJ stocks their cupboards, and we walk out of the 2011 draft with 2 of the best players in the draft. Of course all of this is contingent on Larsson being there at #4.

How Trading Next Year's 1st Round Pick to Get Another Top 5 Pick This Year COULD Make Sense

2011-06-17T10:42:00.006-10:00

At this point in time you'd be an eternal optimist to expect the Oilers to draft outside of the top 5 next year. So in essence we'd be giving up a top 5 pick next year and #19 overall this year for the right to draft twice in the top 5 this year. This idea was brought up by Robin Brownlee at ON. At first I thought that it made little sense, I mean Yakupov, Grigorenko, Murray, lots of high end guys should be there for the taking next year.

So why in the blue hell would the Oilers consider such a risky pick? Is it simply the ideology that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? Do the Oilers REALLY believe that we won't be a high lottery team next year? Do they expect us to bypass the same learning curve that the New York Islanders have gone through? Do they honestly believe that Ales Hemsky will be healthy, that Shawn Horcoff will also stay healthy and produce offensively, could they somehow foresee Sam Gagner taking that step in his offensive output that many of us had hoped to see after a solid offensive rookie season? Maybe, but I think that they are thinking something else.

So then what in the blue hell could they be thinking? Are they out of their freaking minds? Is Kevin Lowe back in charge and ready to make a splash without taking the future into consideration? In my opinion their thought process is either two or three fold.

This is how I break down what I assume that they are thinking when considering or pursuing a trade like this:

#1-They are looking to address the two biggest holes on their team, a 1st line center (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) and a #1 defenseman (Adam Larsson). So why not just wait until next year to draft a 1D if RNH is the consensus #1 this year? Well the easiest answer IMO is that they see Larsson as the superior prospect to Murray or any other D in next years draft.

#2-Then why wouldn't they just take take Larsson this year and hope to take Grigorenko next year (assuming that we'll be in a position to do so)? Well for one thing it looks like the Oilers have shied away from drafting or acquiring Russians in recent years. Whether it be the threat of the KHL (which seems very real in the case of Grigorenko) or the fact that the Oilers simply don't want to have many Russians on their team for various reasons. I see the Oilers as likely to take a pass on the most skilled players in next years draft. So what happens if Murray is off the table when it's time for them to draft?

#3-They plan on ending the rebuild as we know it this year. After acquiring RNH and Larsson or possibly Hamilton the Oilers plan on remaking their roster and adding some key players via free agency and trade. They assume that we won't be in the top 4-5 next year so they are willing to move #19 and next years 1st before making some big time moves to vault our team into respectability. Not to mention defenseman are notorious for having tons of growing pains so we'd be one year ahead of the game if we took Larsson now and gave up a chance at Murray next year.

Personally when I go through these possibilities, I hope that they are thinking #'s 1 and 2 because #3 is risky (see Burke, Brian for further reference). The difference in this case is that we would be giving up a mid 1st for the right to take 2 players that we really like in the same draft and in essence signal an end to our drafting cornerstones/drafting high part of our rebuild.

RNH being a western Canadian kid and Larsson being a Swede means that they fit right into the player makeup of our rebuild. If they think that Larsson is better than a possible chance at Murray next year then I say throw caution to the wind and go out and get your guy. Will this finally be the draft where the Oilers make some bold moves? Or will it be the same old song and dance with rumors galore while on draft day nothing comes to fruition?

2011 Draft = #1 Center and Quality Depth For the Oilers

2011-05-31T16:23:00.004-10:00

As much as this draft seems to be taking heat in terms of a lack of high end skill, it still looks like there will be some very promising players around at picks #19 and #31 for the Oilers. While the 1st overall pick doesn't look like a potential Crosby, Ovechkin, Stamkos, or even Tavares or Hall, RNH will be a #1 center in this league and not by default like our current two headed monster at center.

Beyond the 1st pick in the draft is the ever important #19 pick that was acquired in the Dustin Penner to LA deadline day trade. At this point in time it looks like the Oilers will have an opportunity to draft a potential 2C with size or a quality defenseman with that pick. It is no secret that we are in need of both of these player types. Beyond that we also lead off the 2nd and every subsequent round that we have a pick in (one of the truly great benefits of being a poor team) and we are looking at a core building block and two players that we'll likely need when we are ready to compete as well as the first crack at fallers on draft day.

Slowly but surely you can see the holes being filled and the makings of a fast, skilled, and big team with character coming together. Besides elite talent winning teams need depth and lots of it, this could be a draft where we shore up a ton of quality depth before once again swinging for the fences for another elite talent in the lottery next June. While all eyes are on the 1st pick right now, it could be the LA pick and our 2nd round pick that ultimately makes this a good or a great draft for the Oilers.

The 2011 Draft, Time to Stock the Center Cupboard Once and For All

2011-05-08T08:16:00.007-10:00

The Oilers biggest roster hole has been that of a true #1 center. We have a solid young core of wingers, some promising young D coming up through the ranks, but down the middle we are a hot mess.

We have a small but very weak center, a 3rd line center playing a top six role because of how putrid our center depth is, and Andrew Cogliano. The Oilers now have the ability to shore up their center depth for many years to come. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the cream of the 2011 draft class and he just so happens to be a playmaker extraordinaire. The perfect fit for our young stud forwards, Nugent-Hopkins should form an incredible 1-2 punch with Taylor Hall for a long, long time.

However while it seems like it's all but inevitable that the Oilers select RNH first overall, that's not where it should end. We still need a second line center to compliment RNH. We also could use a top pairing defenseman obviously, but that might be hard to do at #19. Ideally we move up high enough to add Mark McNeill, Mika Zibanejad, or Mark Scheifele to compliment RNH because our other current centers are not cut out for that role with RNH being the lead dog.

The only reason that I could see them not going with centers with their top two picks is that they feel that Tyler Pitlick projects to be that big and physical two way center behind RNH. I feel that even if that's the case we could use one of the above mentioned centers as Pitlick can and has played on the wing. The Oilers need to address their top end defensive depth as well but that can wait until next season or be brought in via trade.

Slowly but surely significant deficiencies in our lineup are being wiped out, this should be the year that our top end down the middle goes from a glaring weakness to a strength long term in one days time. The beauty of the NHL draft where teams foundations are formed and weak teams get a glimpse of brighter days to come in a matter of hours.

Oilers Going About the Rebuild the Right Way

2011-03-01T15:01:00.003-10:00

While the trade return for Dustin Penner may seem to be underwhelming to many fans (and it could very well turn out to be that way) it shows that GM Steve Tambellini has faith in his scouting department. By the sounds of it the scouting department wanted Teubert as well as more opportunities to stock the cupboard.

The Oilers are in a very good position draft wise this upcoming June.

A high 1st round pick
mid-late 1st
high 2nd
high 3rd
mid 3rd
high 4th
mid-late 4th
high 5th
high 7th

Three of the top 32 or so picks, five of the top 90 picks, seven of the top 120 picks, lots of depth to be gained in this draft as well as at least one more core building block. Going back to last years draft we will have had 5 picks in the top 90 of each draft class for two years. That is setting yourself up for future success even if we had barely adequate scouting. If Stu MacGregor is close to the head scout that some of us feel that he is, he should have us well stocked in no time flat.

Also as part of the Penner deal we acquired another top 90 pick for 2012's draft. With some luck and a lot of quality scouting in 3-4 years time we will be in the Kings current position, dealing for pieces to the playoff puzzle from a position of strength because our cupboard is bursting with quality prospects. There is a method to the madness and from where I sit Tambellini is building this team from the ground up in rather impressive fashion.

Hemsky's Spectacular Play of Late Could Have Lombardi Bent Over a Barrel

2011-02-23T20:22:00.005-10:00

(Pictured Above, LA King's Prospect Brayden Schenn)

If the asking price for Ales Hemsky was high before, it has to be out of this world at this point in time. With a lot of media and fans alike thinking that there is no way in hell that the Oilers could pull off a Hemsky for Schenn deal, IMO they need to think again.

Hemsky was the NHL's third star last week and he has been buzzing around the ice and creating for himself and his linemates in spectacular fashion and in bunches. While the Kings struggle to find the back of the net, Hemsky has been on an offensive tear undoubtedly teasing NHL scouts and GM's with his stickhandling, passing, skating, and shooting skills.

The Kings prized forward, first line center Anze Kopitar is well off of last years goal totals and he has lit the lamp a paltry 4 times in his last 27 games and for the cherry on top of the sundae he hasn't scored a power play goal in 32 games, that's more than a third of a season! Besides the fact that the Kings want to get into the postseason and try to make some noise they must also be mindful of keeping their franchise forward confident and happy.

The Kings have defensive depth, however guys like Teubert and Hickey aren't exactly big returns for a player of Hemsky's caliber. The Kings are all but forced to pony up if they want Hemsky, do they decide to move Schenn and keep their prospect depth so that they have a steady supply of ELC's to keep a strong team under the cap? Or do they hold onto Schenn and take a significant hit to their prospect depth and lose players like Clifford, Forbort, Toffoli, and their 1st round pick? Either way they stand to limp away from this potential trade much improved on the big club, but much weaker in the system.

Tambellini is holding out for Schenn, he should be, however he must have back-up plans if he plans on moving Hemsky for sure at the deadline. We cannot afford to get a Smyth-esque return or a Doug Weight type of a return. The Oilers could use a 1st line center, top pairing defenseman, possibly a #1 goalie, and some toughness that can play a regular shift. If Schenn is deemed to be too much for Lombardi to give up straight up for Hemsky, perhaps a mega deal is what is needed?

To LA: Hemsky, Gagner, and Vandermeer
To Edmonton: Schenn, Clifford, Forbort, LA's 1st, and Ponikarovsky (salary dump)

To Buffalo: Penner
To Edmonton: Kassian

To Nashville: Smid
To Edmonton Blum

The first trade would give us an eventual upgrade at center, add size and toughness, and a pick to add to our organizational depth. The first and second trades would change the culture of this team almost immediately from a team full of wimps, shrimps, and pushovers to a team that initiates physical play and is looking for the rough stuff.

Next Season:

Hall-Schenn-Eberle
Omark-RNH/Couturier-Paajarvi
Jones-Horcoff-Reddox
Clifford-Cogliano-Kassian

Whitney-Petry
Peckham-Gilbert
Chorney-Blum

Two Seasons From Now:

Hall-Schenn-Eberle
Omark/replacement-RNH/Couturier-Paajarvi
Hamilton-Horcoff-Pitlick
Clifford-Lander/Cogliano-Kassian

Whitney-Petry
Peckham-Blum
Marincin-Gilbert/Chorney

Three Seasons From Now:

Hall-RNH/Couturier-Eberle
Paajarvi-Schenn-Pitlick
Hamilton-Horcoff-Kassian
Clifford-Lander/Cogliano-Abney

Whitney-Petry
Marincin-Blum
Peckham-Forbort

Our metamorphosis from one of the smaller/easily pushed around teams in the league to one of the bigger/tougher teams in the league would be complete in year three. The beauty of it is that we have size, speed, and skill, that's how you build a team!

Players/Prospects Of Interest In Potential Hemsky Or Penner Deals

2011-02-21T08:36:00.004-10:00

(Pictured above big defenseman Cody Franson of the Nashville Predators)

Here's my list of assets besides picks that I could see the Oilers pursuing if they are to part with Ales Hemsky or Dustin Penner from the teams that could be in the running for their services. Teams like LA, Nashville, Montreal, Toronto, Washington, Carolina, NYR, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and Columbus.

Top Tier Assets (Unlikely to be attainable)

Forwards:
B. Schenn
Voracek
Johansen
M. Johansson
Kuznetsov

Defense:
Bogosian
Goligoski
Franson
Gormley
McIlrath

Goaltenders:
Bernier

Second And Third Tier Assets
(Teams hesitant to somewhat hesitant to part with these assets)

Forwards:
Kadri
Colborne
Leblanc
Dalpe
Simmonds
Clifford
Loktionov
Toffoli
Turris
Maclean
Watson
Grachev
Tangradi
Bennett
Klingberg

Defense:
Despres
Moore
Tinordi
Blum
Josi
Olivier-Roussel
Ellis
Forbort
Voynov
Hickey
Teubert
Faulk

Hall and Skinner Are Well Ahead Of The Curve

2011-02-19T21:59:00.007-10:00

In terms of players fresh off their draft year, Taylor Hall and Jeff Skinner project to be among the top of the class in terms of goalscoring in the last 10 years. Hall currently is on pace to score 28 goals by years end on the heels of his first career hattrick and Skinner projects to score 30 goals by years end. This is where they would rank among rookies coming directly into the league after the draft in the last decade.

1) Sidney Crosby 81 games 39 goals
2) Jeff Skinner 82 games 30 goals (On Pace)
3) Ilya Kovalchuk 65 games 29 goals
4) Jordan Staal 81 games 29 goals
5) Taylor Hall 82 games 28 goals (On Pace)

Both are on pace to best straight out of the draft goal totals from John Tavares (24), Matt Duchene (24), Steven Stamkos (23), Patrick Kane (21), Marian Gaborik (18), Rick Nash (17), and Eric Staal (11), not too bad of company.

Of course we won't know exactly how good both of these players will be long term, but we do know that they are looking like they will be in the better half of rookies in the past decade unless they really hit the skids. Here's to hoping that Crosby has some company in the 30 goal club by years end!

Oilers Need To Get Tougher, Enter Kyle Clifford Of LA

2011-02-16T22:17:00.004-10:00

The kid with the thousand yard stare should be high on the Oilers grocery list as they try to strike a deal with the LA Kings. Kyle Clifford is not a Zack Stortini that likes to hug his opponents strategically, nor is he a Steve MacIntyre who is on the team for fighting the other teams super heavyweights in mostly staged bouts. Clifford is already an intimidating specimen at a ripe old age of twenty (he just turned twenty in January). Kyle Clifford is a good old fashioned shit kicker.

Clifford isn't the biggest guy (6'2" and 210lbs. or so) but he is tough as nails, doesn't back down, has a bit of crazy in his game, and you don't have to ask him twice to drop 'em. He's also shown significant signs of improvement offensively since his draft season in '08-'09 (he doubled his offensive output in the OHL from 16-12-26 in 60 games to 28-29-57 in 58 games in '09-10). The Oilers need to change the culture of their team from a smallish and easily pushed around team to a team that will kick your ass if you lay a finger on their stars. Theo Peckham has a bit of that in him already but due to a number of factors he hasn't shown much of it this season. Tough players that can play the game, guys that are intimidating whether on the bench or on the ice, the rumors are that Wayne Simmonds is the target for the Oilers, IMO they're going after the wrong guy, Clifford is the guy to get from LA if Schenn is off the table.

Hemsky On The Move? Hopefully

2011-02-15T23:07:00.004-10:00

Ales Hemsky is a perfect candidate to move for Steve Tambellini. He has a track record of point production, is signed for next season, and he's in his prime. Now the bad part, he's injury prone, doesn't have the ability to develop chemistry easily with most other players, and the Oilers are loaded on the wings while also having glaring weaknesses on the blue line and down the middle.

Ales Hemsky is a fine trading chip at this point and if Steve Tambellini is even an average GM he should be fetching quite a nice return for Hemsky before long. There appears to be numerous suitors and it also appears to be a sellers market. Everything points to either Hemsky or Dustin Penner being on the move before February 28th, perhaps even both players could end their tenure's as Oilers in less than two weeks time.

With the Oilers being so far from contention it makes little sense to lock Hemsky up long term considering his injury woes as well as the emergence of our rookie wingers. The Oilers have both Jordan Eberle and Sam Gagner to work the left side half boards on the PP, and they have Eberle as the heir apparent to Hemsky's throne as the teams top RW. It's time to see what Steve Tambellini is made of as a potential Hemsky trade could be the defining moment of his short career here in Edmonton. A botched trade could really set the rebuild back, while a clear win could go a long way into turning this team into a perennial powerhouse.

Thanks for the memories Ales.

New Wave Of Players Looking To Bump Gagner Down The '06 Draft Pecking Order

2010-11-26T16:37:00.004-10:00

For years we have heard about how well Gagner has been doing relative to his draft class (albeit a very weak draft class) and how his accomplishments at such an early age are outstanding and that they stack up well through the tests of time. Well ladies and gentlemen the cat is out of the bag, there are other players that are climbing the ranks in a hurry while Gagner seems to be spinning his wheels living off his past "glory".

Both Kyle Turris and James Van Riemsdyk have yet to hit their strides at the NHL level for various reasons so this isn't a complete snuff piece on Gagner as he could very well progress, I'm just showing that while many point to the past as indication that he is going to amount to something significant and that he is head and shoulders above much of his draft class, there are others catching up and passing Gagner. Meanwhile his game stagnates at the NHL level despite getting top PP and ice time with our best forwards.

Here are fellow '07 draftees that are making their marks in the NHL this season.

Patrick Kane 23gp. 8-14-22 PP TOI 86:23 Total TOI 470:52

Jakub Voracek 20gp. 5-9-14 PP TOI 73:24 Total TOI 342:16

Logan Couture 20gp. 8-4-12 PP TOI 63:36 Total TOI 347:33

Sam Gagner 21gp. 5-6-11 PP TOI 64:01 Total TOI 373:58

Jamie Benn 17gp. 3-7-10 PP TOI 40:07 Total TOI 269:06

Jame Van Riemsdyk 19gp. 2-7-9 PP TOI 16:35 Total TOI 262:47

Brandon Sutter 21gp. 4-5-9 PP TOI 22:47 Total TOI 362:16

P.K. Subban 22gp. 1-8-9 PP TOI 81:39 Total TOI 454:51

David Perron 10gp. 5-2-7 PP TOI 45:01 Total TOI 184:11

Kevin Shattenkirk 11gp. 3-4-7 PP TOI 32:34 Total TOI 224:01

Wayne Simmonds 21gp. 4-3-7 PP TOI 18:33 Total TOI 262:31

Kyle Turris 15gp. 4-2-6 PP TOI 20:15 Total TOI 165:54

TJ Galiardi 14gp. 3-3-6 PP TOI 16:04 Total TOI 240:53

The gap is closing and unlike Gagner, a lot of these kids have something to fall back on when they aren't producing offensively. Oh well, at least we can all take solace that he was the 2nd leading scorer in this draft early in his career while others catch and surpass him, as if what he did in his first three seasons means sweet fuck all in the present or the long run if he can't start building on them.

Looking At Recent Production Of Top QMJHL Forwards Relative To Couturier

2010-11-26T15:53:00.004-10:00

Well I'd be lying if I'd say that I'm not already looking forward to the WJC's and ultimately the draft. Some people feel that it might not be wise to draft Couturier 1st overall due to the fact that the Q is seen as an inferior league to the OHL and WHL. Let's see how Couturier stacks up to other recent notable Q alumni.

'05 Sidney Crosby
Pre-Draft Season 59gp. 54-81-135
Draft Season 62gp. 66-102-168

'06 Derick Brassard
Pre-Draft Season 69gp. 25-51-76
Draft Season 58gp. 44-72-116

'06 Claude Giroux
Draft Season 69gp. 39-64-103

'07 Jakub Voracek
Draft Season 59gp. 23-63-86

'07 David Perron
Draft Season 70gp. 39-44-83

'09 Jordan Caron
Pre-Draft Season 46gp. 20-23-43
Draft Season 56gp. 36-31-67

'11 Sean Couturier
Pre-Draft Season 68gp. 41-55-96
Draft Season 27gp. 15-22-37
Draft Season Projected To 68gp. 38-55-93

Obviously there hasn't been a lot to get excited about from the Q in recent years as this list clearly shows, however Couturier is the first Q forward since Crosby to get serious consideration for the top pick in their respective draft years. Couturier would do himself a favor by bumping up his offensive production as at this point he is behind all but Caron and Perron in terms of points/game in their respective draft seasons. Ideally Couturier and Nugent-Hopkins make team Canada and teams can get a better gauge of their abilities against the same opposition.

Full On Rebuild Likely To Continue Into Next Season As Well

2010-10-24T14:51:00.005-10:00

At this rate the Oilers are probably two strong drafts and two putrid seasons away from looking to ice a contender. The veteran core here is quite frankly rotten to the core. Hemsky, Penner, and Horcoff are all wearing the stink of a perennial loser and chances are that this team will be better off without them long term. This team needs to be built around players that show up every game and guys that have fire in their bellies.

The best thing the Oilers could do would be to deal Hemsky and Penner at the deadline for picks/prospects/young NHL players, and look to move both Horcoff and Nikolai Khabibulin if possible. Then look to inking guys close to being taken out to pasture that have one last season in them to big one year contracts to keep pressure off the kids without getting stuck with long term commitments with guys that might not have a place here in short order. The Oilers are missing a number one defenseman and a true first line center. Once they get at least one of these players they can't start to fill the holes around them.

Maybe dealing Hemsky for Nicklas Bergfors and Carl Klingberg would do both teams a world of good? Penner for Kassian + and a salary dump? One thing is for sure this does not look like a quick fix, and unless all three of our rookies really take off and the rest of the team follows suit, this is a mess that won't be cleaned up with just one paper towel, and just one draft. Buckle up everyone, this is going to be a long drive, hopefully it leads us to the promised land.

Tambellini's Plan Working So Far

2010-10-22T08:38:00.003-10:00

The team has glaring weaknesses and a number of guys that don't belong in the NHL, and our GM and I would have it no other way. While the big three go through growing pains, the supporting cast has been far from stellar. Besides the goaltending of Nikolai Khabibulin, this has been a predictably rough start for the Oilers.

Once the kids hit their strides we will need players like Fraser, Jones, Stortini, Vandermeer, Cogliano, etc. to "keep up the good work". Once the big three get going we could see one of Hemsky or Penner on the outs at the deadline or even sooner depending on the offers coming our way. Maybe a deal with Buffalo for Zack Kassian and a pick would satisfy both teams needs at the deadline? The Oilers would add a player with skill and toughness as well as a pick while Buffalo would gain a consistent scoring threat and a player that would work great down low with Vanek.

With any luck the Oilers will see themselves as a bottom 3 club at the end of the year and drafting one of Larsson, Couturier, or Nugent-Hopkins. So far so good, steady as she goes.

Better To Send Paajarvi To OKC Than Play Him With Cogliano All Year

2010-10-12T06:24:00.003-10:00

If the Oilers plan on playing Paajarvi with Andrew Cogliano all season long without PP time then they may as well send him to OKC. Paajarvi is a top six talent and he is being paired with arguably the worst forward on the club that is living off of his rookie seasons success. Why keep this line together and let Cogs drag Paajarvi down with him? We may as well send Paajarvi down if we are hell bent on wasting his talents. This will give him a chance to dominate in OKC and hopefully give us a chance to ditch Cogliano.

With the Devils cap crunch and the NHLPA unhappy about the current situation there, Tambellini should be hounding Lamoriello like he owes him money. Take Cogs and we'll take back salary and a draft pick. Enough of holding onto players for the sake of holding onto guys to try and squeeze something out of them. We should've moved Cogliano a season ago. While I want a team that ends up in the lottery again I don't want to see it come at the expense of a guy like Paajarvi. This team will have a tough enough time winning games this year, let's do so while developing the kids and putting them in a position to succeed.

Of course the team is only 2 games into the season, but 9 games is the magic number for burning off a year of eligibility. Time to make a move and put this guy where he belongs in the top 6 and on the PP.

BBO's Top 25 Prospects '10-11 Preseason Rankings

2010-09-26T08:57:00.002-10:00

First off I must say that this is by far the best group of prospects that I can recall on the Oilers in my time as an Oilers fan. Besides Hall there are a number of promising kids that could wind up being stars or even superstars. Players that IMO have the potential to be stars are in BLUE. Players that I expect to at least see some NHL action down the line are in ORANGE. The players that aren't in either color are too early to call.

1) Lw/C Taylor Hall
Obviously the first overall pick is more often than not seen as a teams top prospect. Hall's speed, skill, and tenacious attitude makes him not only our top prospect but likely the best bet to be our teams best player for many years to come once he adapts to the NHL game.

2) Lw/Rw Magnus Paajarvi
A player that could easily be considered the top prospect on a number of teams, at the moment Oilers fans and management should be thanking a number of teams that allowed the big Scandinavian to fall to the 10th overall pick. Teams need more than one star player to succeed in this league, Paajarvi could be that player to compliment Hall for many years to come.

3) C/Rw Tyler Pitlick
I'm going against the grain on this one as most people would consider Eberle a shoo in for the third best Oilers prospect. However I see Pitlick as having the size, speed, skill, and his ability to play and excel at the physical side of the game and because of these things I take his upside over the kid with what could be the best set of hands on the team or in the farm.

4) Rw Jordan Eberle
Despite selecting Pitlick over him, it is no slight against Eberle at all. Eberle's hands, hockey IQ, and the fact that he always seems to shown well when it matters the most makes him a somewhat unique mixture of skills and traits in this organization. However as with current Oiler Sam Gagner one has to wonder if he can overcome the fact that he isn't an average sized NHL player and that he isn't one of the most fleet of foot players either. I believe that he can, but until he shows us all what he can do at the NHL level consistently as a twenty year old I consider him our fourth best prospect.

5) D Jeff Petry
At one point I had Petry ahead of Eberle. Petry is a very good skating and puck moving defenseman with above average height. The biggest reason that I decided to drop him is that he has yet to add the muscle mass needed to become a top pairing defenseman or at least a very good number three d-man. He will be twenty three years old this year so he needs to get a jump on that as unlike guys like Abney and Marincin, he's well out of his teenage years.

6) D Martin Marincin
Size, skating ability, a good stick defensively, and offensive upside, there is lots to like about Martin Marincin. Marincin in my eyes really showed well at the rookie tournament in Penticton. He has filling out to do and he needs more experience, but the tools to be a very good defenseman are already in place. This is a kid that could go surging up the rankings once guys like Hall, Paajarvi, and Eberle graduate.

7) C/Lw Anton Lander
Anton Lander projects to be a solid two way center that could have second line upside. He also has good size, is strong on the puck, and has befriended both ends of the rink unlike some boom/bust offensive talents. At worst he's a solid third line center in the mold of Shawn Horcoff however with a bit more skill and physical play.

8) Lw Linus Omark
Yet another puck magician that the Oilers drafted, Omark has a number of positives to his game, he's build like a brick shit house, he has exceptional hands, and he plays a fearless style despite being far below NHL average in terms of height. Omark could end up becoming a solid top six forward for the Oilers, or he could end up moving on to another organization if he doesn't fit well here. Some AHL seasoning could be in the cards, however unlike in the past it would be my hope that if Omark tears it up in OKC that he gets the call to come back up for a stint.

9) D Alex Plante
Plante still could use more speed but he is already a big boy that likes to play the physical game and has both a good breakout pass and a booming shot from the point. Plante still needs more AHL seasoning but he looks like he could be a player which is a far cry from where he was the year after he was drafted.

10) Lw/Rw Teemu Hartikainen
A bull in a china shop would be a good way to describe Hartikainen, unlike a number of European players this kid likes to play the body and play in traffic. Combine that with a good set of hands and you have a kid that could become a fixture in the Oilers bottom six for many years.

11) C Ryan Martindale
A big kid with a lot of skill, the Ryan Martindale project could pay significant dividends if he gets faster and develops a consistent work ethic. The Oilers could really use another big and skilled center to eventually compliment Tyler Pitlick, Martindale will have a lot of opportunity to become that player in 3-4 years.

12) G Olivier Roy
The Oilers top goaltending prospect, Roy showed well in the rookie tournament and to end the year in Springfield last season. Roy could be Canada's starter for the WJC's, hopefully he can take that experience and become a big game goaltender, something that the Oilers really lack at this point.

13) C/Lw Chris Vande Velde
Another guy with a limited upside but a guy that can fill a number of roles and do so very well eventually. Probably a third line player on a good team, Vande Velde brings a mixture, of size, speed, strength, and offensive ability to go along with his solid faceoff prowess and good two way play. Vande Velde will one day play a part on this team as a depth player, championship caliber clubs need these types of players on top of the Hall's of the world.

14) Lw Curtis Hamilton
A bit rough around the edges and a long way from reaching where he needs to be, he was selected just two picks behind Marincin and although defensemen usually take longer to develop, Hamilton is the one that looks like the project. That being said he has size and can skate well for a big man. One has to wonder how much injuries has slowed his development and just how well he'll do this season if he can kick the rust off.

15) D Troy Hesketh
Having not seen much of this player this is just a hunch on my part. Hesketh has size and is quite mobile for a bigger defenseman. This season in Fargo of the USHL will be very telling for Hesketh's potential. Will he have Jeff Petry type numbers? It was said that when he was drafted he was projected to grow because of the size of some of the men in his family, at this point he's nineteen and still listed at 6'2" tall. If he does hit a growth spurt and reaches 6'4" or taller it could really benefit him long term especially if he can keep his agility.

16) Rw Toni Rajala
A speedy offensive player who lacks in the size department, Rajala has the tools to eventually make it to the NHL. That said it won't be anytime soon. He could be the next Linus Omark for the Oilers. A player that took some additional time in Europe to grow his game and his value before coming to North American ice. The good thing with Rajala is that he played a year in the rough and tumble WHL last year so that should ultimately benefit him when he returns to this side of the pond.

17) Rw Cameron Abney
A big kid with a big right hand, Abney skates well for a player in his role. Eventually we'll need a heavyweight that won't cost us on the ice. The Oilers can afford to ice a guy like MacIntyre now in a rebuild, but when they start thinking beyond the first round of the postseason they will need a guy that can go out, crash and bang, and not get caught flat footed. Abney looks like a good bet to become a very effective fourth line enforcer once he fills out his frame.

18) D Theo Peckham
Peckham has leveled off of late and the promise that he showed in his rookie and sophomore seasons in Springfield looks to have been flashes of what he could be if he put in the time and work to do so. At this point he looks like a bottom pairing defenseman that's tough as nails. Nothing wrong with that, however if he could've improved his skating and worked on his puck skills he could've been a number four defenseman. With the likes of Plante, Petry, and Marincin coming up the ranks, Peckham needs to make hay now or find himself in the AHL or in another organization.

19) D Taylor Chorney
Like Peckham, Taylor Chorney has also leveled off. He has the skill and the speed to be a second or third pairing guy that can also play on the second unit PP, however his defensive side of the game still has glaring weaknesses and the fact that he isn't an overly big guy doesn't help his cause when it comes to the physical side of the game whether separating players from the puck or moving bodies out of the crease. This season will be very telling for Chorney, will he rise to an AHL allstar level while also deleting some of his flaws from his game? Or will he just end up becoming an AHL/NHL tweener?

20) D Kyle Bigos
A hulking defenseman that doesn't mind the rough stuff and who also has offensive abilities, Bigos is a real wild card in terms of Oilers prospects. It's quite obvious that the Oilers have been trying to increase the size of the blueliners the last number of years via the draft and none of them come bigger than Bigos. Already twenty one years of age despite being drafted in '09, Bigos looks like a late bloomer that could end up shooting up the rankings if he can continue improving his game at Merrimack.

21) G Tyler Bunz
Our second goalie prospect, the hope is that either Olivier Roy or Bunz can eventually be the goalie of the future for the Oilers. Bunz looked solid at rookie camp and played better than fellow Oilers prospect goalie Bryan Pitton. The Oilers are bound to have success with a goalie prospect sooner or later, at least one would hope!

22) C/Rw Ryan O'Marra
Trying to salvage a once promising career, Ryan O'Marra has finally embraced the role that the Oilers envisioned for him as a defensive center. O'Marra needs to take another step in the right direction in OKC this year to try to realize his NHL dream. O'Marra still needs to improve on his offensive production as most non enforcer NHL fourth liners were able to have at least modest success at the AHL level. O'Marra's size and draft pedigree gave him more lives than a NCAA or CHL free agent would've gotten, but this could be a case where patience pays off for the big club.

23) D Brandon Davidson
Davidson is a good puck mover who like Bigos could be a late bloomer. That said he has to improve his decision making while improving his game this year in Regina. A solid pick as a sixth rounder, at the very least if he can continue progressing he can eventually become solid minor league depth.

24) Rw Kristians Pelss
Like Omark and Rajala, Pelss is another diminutive but skilled winger. Pelss has offensive potential but will have quite the mountain to climb to the the NHL level. That said if he can just end up as a solid pro in the AHL that would be covering his draft position. A boom/bust pick, it's nice to see the Oilers gamble on skill. Pelss' speed and skill are his biggest attributes, after he gets acclimatized to the North American game it will be very interesting to see how good he can be at the CHL level.

25) Lw Philippe Cornet
Cornet's lack of speed could hamper his pro career like it did to fellow QMJHL alum Slava Trukhno. Cornet has a lot to prove this season and if he starts in Stockton it will show that he has a long way to go. That said it's great to have a proper development system where players aren't rushed and can be put in a position to succeed. If Cornet gets sent down perhaps he could follow the career path of Liam Reddox who the very next season proved to be a solid AHL contributor.

Before people ask "where's Reddox, Jacques, or Dubnyk?" those guys at this point in my mind at least are no longer prospects they are what they are, borderline NHL players. They could in theory improve and become NHL regulars, but they are old enough and have enough pro experience to be considered professional veterans and not prospects in my eyes.

Is Gagner About To Get Passed Like He's Standing Still?

2010-09-21T21:41:00.005-10:00

After being seen as the future face of the Edmonton Oilers for three seasons, will Sam Gagner end up being just an afterthought in the very near future? Hall is obviously the new Sheriff in town, but beyond that there's Paajarvi, Eberle, and even young Tyler Pitlick that could soon surpass a seemingly stalled out Gagner.

Gagner is like a truck stuck in third gear, he got through first and second in a hurry, but now the engine is screaming while he's just trying to do the speed limit. While Eberle and Paajarvi toiled in the WHL and SEL respectively, Gagner gained NHL experience. What has he actually done with that experience? Will he finally take the bull by the horns this year? At what point does he go from cornerstone to spare part?

At this point if Gagner wants a lengthy career in Edmonton he had better hope that Taylor Hall sticks to being a winger. If Hall becomes a center and Pitlick continues to progress into a big and physical second line center, Gagner becomes trade bait.

I guess it can be seen as a positive sign that all of a sudden we potentially have four young forwards under the age of 21 that could turn out to be better than Gagner in the near future, however does that speak to how good they are or how poorly Gagner has progressed? Maybe a bit of both?

Sam Gagner, you're on notice, time to step it up or get passed and lapped by four kids younger than you that have yet to play a second of NHL hockey.

Taylor Hall Is Hockey's Daredevil, The Man Without Fear

2010-09-07T17:56:00.008-10:00

A few things that we should all expect of our 1st overall pick are that he doesn't know the meaning of letting up, backing down from a hit, or bailing on a play. It could be the kind of mental toughness and balls to the walls attitude that separates him from other great talents in his generation.

A guy that will sacrifice his body for the team who also possesses world class skill. Growing up I used to read a number of comic books, one of them comes to mind when describing Hall, "Daredevil, the Man Without Fear". In an era where you see so many skilled players that aren't willing to do what their bottom six brethren have to do to cement their jobs in the NHL, a guy like Hall is a breath of fresh air.

Halls ability to skate with exceptional speed and acceleration while having a blood thirst to take the puck to the net and score will result in a number of massive collisions for the young man originally from Calgary over his NHL career. He won't be changing his style of play any time soon because quite frankly it isn't in his nature and he doesn't back down.

No matter how many points he'll register in his rookie year, Taylor Hall will have fans out of their seats whether it be from cheering his play or crossing their fingers that he's o.k. after a crushing hit. A big part of Taylor Hall's game is his ability to get rocked and bounce back up looking to get revenge on the scoreboard by coming right back at you. Taylor Hall is Edmonton's Daredevil, The Man Without Fear.

Souray and Khabibulin, Why Vets Aren't Always The Answer

2010-08-31T22:11:00.005-10:00

So you're one of the new faces of the Edmonton Oilers, raring to show the team and the city that you are looking to take the team on your young shoulders and carry them up the ladder to NHL respectability. Not so fast young man, first stop, the dressing room. First up you come across an imposing defenseman that would seemingly rather eat glass than don the Oil drop again after going public in his spat with management.

Next you have the teams oldest player, a guy that you might want to draw some wisdom from since he's been in the NHL for so long that he played for the Winnipeg Jets for crying out loud! Never mind, unless you want to find out how to get caught DWI and make more noise off the ice than on it, you might want to keep on walking kid.

Two major off ice distractions that could already give the kids bad tastes in their mouths at a time where they should be building pride as Oilers and enjoying the ride. Steve Tambellini needs to get rid of at least one of these sideshow acts, he got rid of Moreau, but that was just part of the mess that still remains.

How about from now on when we acquire vets they come intact with character and leadership? No more whiners, no more substance abusers, just guys that play hard and are more than willing to teach the kids how it's supposed to be done and how it's a privilege to be a NHL hockey player no matter where you play.

If Khabibulin Gets Significant Jail Time The Oilers Are Big Winners

2010-08-30T19:34:00.004-10:00

The seemingly worst signing of Tambellini's career could become his best. I am not looking at the morality of Khabibulin's legal issues just looking at this from a hockey standpoint so no need to think that I am rooting for jail time for Khabibulin even though what he did IMO was incredibly stupid.

If Khabibulin gets significant jail time the Oilers could sever ties with him when he fails to report to camp, or they may stick by him despite the fact that he has a deal that is less than flattering in a rebuild situation. Either way his services will be missed on the ice. Unless they have ice rinks in Arizona penitentiaries whenever Khabibulin gets out he will be both rusty and out of shape. Either way unless the Oilers get some exceptional goaltending from Deslauriers, Dubnyk, or Gerber they are looking at another season around the league basement.

Khabibulin's injury helped the Oilers get Taylor Hall, could his prison sentence help the Oilers to get Larsson, Couturier, or Nugent-Hopkins? If so, while the signing may have initially looked like a train wreck, it could end up being the Oilers saving grace long term. Hell if we end up with one of those players we should all buy Khabibulin a round and then hide his keys.

Wise Move By Tambellini To Sign Gagner Short Term

2010-08-30T06:12:00.004-10:00

The face of this franchise is a changing and there is little set in concrete moving forward. This is why it was wise to sign Gagner short term. The Oilers can ill afford another Horcoff or Khabibulin type signing as they unfortunately already have two of them (three is you include Souray). The Oilers have to be much more fiscally responsible as they are finally bringing in guys that should realistically command that kind of money in the relatively near future.

If Gagner wants to be paid like a first line center then he had damn well better play and produce like one. He will be surrounded by some potentially elite talent and 40-50 points just won't cut it anymore if he wants another significant hike in pay. The Oilers need to pay players relative to what they are worth not relative to the position that they are forced into because they are without better options.

A lot can happen in two years, the Oilers could suddenly end up with a Couturier or Nugent-Hopkins which would bump Gagner into the #2 slot at best long term. Gilbert Brule could continue trending upwards and outperform Gagner, Hall could move down the middle, the Oilers could use Gagner as trade bait, any number of things could happen. The Oilers needed to remain flexible because quite frankly everything is up in limbo right now.

Tambellini has done a very good job this summer, he obviously has a vision and he is thinking at least three years in advance. With Daryl Katz' blessing, this could be a very successful rebuild. For a player like Gagner that was handed so much at a young age it's important for him to get some fire in his belly to take his game to the next level. The fact that the Oilers only wanted to sign him for two years should send him notice that he has been given enough and whatever else he gets from here on out he'll have to earn.

If The Past Ten Years Tells Us Anything, Hall Should Be A PPG+ Player In His Prime

2010-08-29T22:09:00.002-10:00

Looking over the last ten drafts and at wingers selected first or second overall in that time, it's a list of who's who of elite wingers. Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, Heatley, Nash, Kane, Ryan, we're talking some of the very best wingers in the league today and even over a number of years.

Ovechkin is a generational talent so take what he's done with a grain of salt as it is very unlikely that we'll see another winger as dominant as he is in this generation of hockey. On the other side of the spectrum we have Van Riemsdyk who came from a very weak draft in terms of star power besides superstar Patrick Kane. That still leaves us with Kovalchuk, Heatley, Nash, and Kane as likely comparables for Hall. Let's look at what these wingers have done so far in their careers.

Ovechkin (1st Overall 2004)
396gp. 269-260-529
Best Season 82gp. 65-47-112 (3rd NHL Season)

Kovalchuk (1st overall 2001)
621gp. 338-304-642
Best Season 78gp. 52-46-98 (4th NHL Season)

Heatley (2nd overall 2000)
589gp. 299-326-625
Best Season 82gp. 50-55-105 (5th NHL Season)

Nash (1st overall 2002)
517gp. 227-195-422
Best Season 78gp. 40-39-79 (6th NHL Season)

Not In Their Primes Yet

Ryan (2nd Overall 2005) 168gp. 71-60-131
Best Season 81gp. 35-29-64 (2nd NHL Season/Last Season)

Kane (1st Overall 2007) 244gp. 76-154-230
Best Season 82gp. 30-58-88 (3rd NHL Season/Last Season)

Van Riemsdyk (2nd Overall 2007) 78gp. 15-20-35
Best Season 78gp. 15-20-35 (1st NHL Season/Last Season)

Nash is the lowest scoring of the recent 1st overall wingers, however unlike the others he has had the weakest supporting cast. Ovechkin (Backstrom, Semin), Kovalchuk (Hossa for some time), Heatley (Alfredsson, Spezza, Thornton, Marleau), and Ryan (Getzlaf, Perry) all had time lining up with elite players. This IMO tells me that Hall should lap Nash's production because of his potential supporting cast.

IMO there is no reason not to believe that Hall will be a point per game player or even a little better during his prime. Whether he'll ever hit the 100 point marker will depend on the quality of his linemates as well as his level of dominance. IMO at some point in his prime he will at least flirt with the century mark if he can have a healthy career.

The benefits that Hall has over many of the others listed above is that he is willing to take a hit to make plays and he has a lot of heart for such a highly skilled player. This will undoubtedly lead to more points during the season (if he stays healthy). Hall should become one of this generations elite wingers, IMO he will be in or near the class of Kovalchuk, Kane, and Heatley but he has the potential to be better than all of them when the chips are down because of his never say die attitude.

Comparing players is always tough to do because of team situations, divisional play, etc. but Hall IMO will compare favorably to everyone above not named Ovechkin when it's all said and done. It won't be right away and it will take the Oilers adding another elite forward (if we don't already have that player in our system) but the Oilers finally have themselves that elite offensive threat from the wing.

The Timeline Of The Oilers Rebuild Hinges On Paajarvi-Svensson's and Eberle's Upsides

2010-08-24T18:26:00.006-10:00

Taylor Hall looks to be "the guy" going forward. Pedigree, an on ice leader, and a phenomenal talent. That said the Oilers will need to see just how good guys like Eberle and MPS will be before deciding on what to do longer term. I for one think that this season should hopefully land us back into the high lottery if it is played out properly by Tambellini. This will mean that we might get another Hall-esque talent which would be a Godsend to this organization.

Guys like Gagner, Brule, Smid, Petry (albeit too early to tell with him), and Gilbert are all solid young talents, but none of them will in all likelihood ever be considered elite players. Maybe Petry or even a guy like Linus Omark could have a fast learning curve and really take off as players. However it's not a very high percentage bet and definitely not something to bank on when looking at the future.

So we are left with MPS and Eberle. What are their upsides? Can MPS become a top tier first line winger? Will Eberle's hockey IQ and skills overcome a lack of top notched speed? We might not get our answer for at least a few years, however we should see glimpses of what these guys are capable of next season and for years to come.

Do we bank on them becoming top line talents or at least one of them becoming a top line talent with the other becoming a superb second line player to complete 2/3's of a top notched second line with Sam Gagner in the future? If both end up looking like second line talents then maybe the rebuild extends into the '11-12 season.

Elite talent is needed and unless we get that from at least one of MPS or Eberle we will most likely have to acquire it via the draft for two more seasons. If these two players look like the real McCoy then maybe getting a top C or D prospect next year as well as some other top picks in the later rounds to bolster our prospect depth will be enough to build around. Then Tambellini can start to look at acquiring other pieces to fill out the team. If they don't look like they'll be future stars then we're looking at two more rough seasons before trying to fill the teams holes via free agency after seeing what holes this team fill from within.

In essence these two players are the barometers of the state of the Oilers rebuild unless we see incredible progression from Gagner, Omark, Marincin, or Petry. These are the two most significant players for the Oilers not named Taylor Hall going forward in my opinion.

One Trophy That Has Elluded Oilers Hands, Could This Be The Year?

2010-08-22T19:55:00.014-10:00

The Dynasty Oilers won all kinds of trophies, whether in the regular season or post season, they had their names all over trophies in the eighties. But one trophy has eluded the Oil drop, the trophy that goes to the top rookie in the league, the Calder trophy.

The Oilers arguably have four candidates (Hall, Paajarvi-Svensson, Eberle, and Omark) that could make a run at the Calder. While the first three on that list seem to be the favorites to do the most damage at the NHL level, Omark cannot be completely discounted at this point because of his skill level and his pro experience.

Could the Oilers somehow have a pair of Calder finalists? Perhaps a trio of finalists? I could not find a list of all of the Calder Finalists over the years just the winners, so I cannot say that it would be unprecedented in all certainty, but I only recall of hearing of a pair of teammates being finalists in the same year. The last time that I recall teammates being finalists was in '06-07 when Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal finished first and third respectively.

Of course there will always be a few surprise rookies that step in and take the league by storm, or some guys that have a bit more seasoning under their belts making their transition to the NHL a little more seamless. Guys like Pietrangelo and Subban could step in and rack up the points much like Tyler Myers did last year en-route to his Calder trophy season. Guys like Tyler Seguin, Nazem Kadri, Cody Hodgson, Brayden Schenn, or Oliver Ekman-Larsson could come out with a huge season.

Then there's always the sleepers that catch you off guard, a guy like Jimmy Howard last season. It really is a tough call, but you'd have to like the Oilers odds considering they have not one, not two, but three top tier prospects looking to break the Oilers Calder drought.

Hopefully some friendly competition between the three of them and Omark can see one of them hoisting the Calder next season, because it would be the only thing that an Oiler would hoist for at least a few more years.

Magnus The Magnificent?

2010-08-21T12:57:00.005-10:00

With Oilerland abuzz with the potential arrival of first overall draft pick Taylor Hall and WJC hero Jordan Eberle, there is this other guy that's pretty good too, he was drafted right smack dab between the two in the '09 draft.

He may not have the flair for heroics like Eberle does (honestly, who does?), he might not have the same goal scoring repertoire of Hall, and he is the only one of the trio with a hyphenated last name. Never mind what the other guys have that he might not, let's talk about what he does have.......

Size-He is the biggest of our trio of impressive rookie forward talents.

Blazing speed-He shares this attribute with Hall, and I honestly don't know who is faster, but this guy goes through the neutral zone like a blur.

Three seasons of pro experience-One season removed from his draft year he has already played 157 games against men. This should mean that it will be an easier transition for him than the other two.

He has played on both wings-This makes him easier to fit into the lineup due to his versatility.

He back checks like a demon-One of the great benefits of playing in a defensive league, the kid has the speed and awareness to make up ground and thwart chances on turnovers.

These are just some of his attributes that makes him an exciting young prospect. Of course he has pretty good hands as well and likes to take the puck to the net. His game is still a work in progress, but the kid is a great package of skill, size, and speed. A true potential game breaker.

Whether he's in the NHL or AHL next season MPS should get people off their seats in excitement and provide his coach with one hell of a talent to mold into a future star. Magnus could very well end up being the top Oilers rookie next season.

Why Shawn Horcoff Has Absolutely No Business On The PP In '10-11

2010-08-20T22:12:00.004-10:00

I recently came across a blog post saying that the in thing is to exclude Horcoff from the PP, but that line of thinking is wrong. Well, I of course disagree. Besides the fact that we will have no less than three other viable options to play the RW half boards on the PP, Horcoff was brutal on the PP last season.

Horcoff was second on the team in PP minutes for forwards behind only Dustin Penner. Penner had 17PP points (9-8-17) in 249:24 minutes while Horcoff had 10PP points in 202:11 minutes. Sam Gagner had 17PP points despite playing nearly 30 minutes less on the PP. Hell Patrick O'Sullivan was better on the PP in less ice time and both Mike Comrie and Ryan Potulny tied Horcoff with 10PP points while playing over seventy less minutes on the PP.

One point was that Horcoff is great for the possession game on the PP because he's good on the dot. Horcoff took the most draws on the PP last year and was just a tad under 50% 70w/71L, meanwhile both Dustin Penner and the departed Ryan Potulny were well over 50% last year, and Sam Gagner lost just three more draws than he won in 119 attempts.

Why shouldn't Shawn Horcoff see the light of day on the PP next year? Taylor Hall, Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Linus Omark, onetime misses, poor offensive production, less than stellar faceoff percentage, and an overall lack of offensive skill.

Horcoff has patterned his offensive game to his long time linemate Ales Hemsky, always looking for the onetime shot. Because of this he hasn't shown the playmaking prowess that he once did and as a result he has become a one trick pony on the PP and that trick is currently broken. Play him on the PK, play him at ES, but unless you want the team to tank and tank hard again, you don't play him on the PP.

Oilers Rebuild Should Be In Full Swing

2010-07-10T17:55:00.004-10:00

With the additions of Taylor Hall and Tyler Pitlick to the organization as well as 2 other 2nd round picks, the Oilers overall talent level from top to bottom should've gotten a much needed shot in the arm. That said with that shot the Oilers have likely become immunized from a case of the long term suck.

Having a core of Hall, Gagner, Paajarvi-Svensson, and Eberle should ensure that the Oilers won't be a last place team beyond next season. That said next year 3 of the 4 guys mentioned above will be Baptized into the NHL game and the odds of all 3 of them hitting the ground running out the gates next year is slim to none.

So we have an opportunity to break in these kids while also bolstering our chance next season to add another potential impact player in June. Not only that but another shot at a guy like Pitlick that was rated as a 1st round draft pick that falls into our lap in the early 2nd round. This gives our scouts a great opportunity to stockpile some serious organizational depth and show whether or not they are worth their salt. If they cannot produce a few solid NHLers from the '10 and '11 drafts when they get high picks in each round then quite frankly they need to get shit canned.

Successful drafting is one of the biggest components of team building, talent accumulation from within means that you have good assets to build around on the ice, good assets for trade, and that you can fill smaller holes in the free agent market instead of always having to go big game hunting with a pocket knife.

The Oilers have a few players standing in the way of a worst place or near worst place finish, they are a healthy Ales Hemsky, Dustin Penner, and possibly Taylor Hall if he hits the ground running out of camp. The Oilers defense as it stands is sub standard, the goaltending is a question mark, and unless Shawn Horcoff regains his '07-08 or '05-06 form and Sam Gagner finally looks like a 60+ point pivot that doesn't need to leach off of Hemsky and Penner for his points, there is a very good chance that we will once again be fighting for or against (depending on your idea of a rebuild) the worst record in the league.

Ideally the Oilers can keep one of Hemsky or Penner long term and move the other at the deadline this year which would both insure a higher draft pick next June as well as add even more depth to the team in the form of draft picks and prospects. The Oilers need to see this thing through properly and get another top pick next year, preferably one of Larsson, Couturier, and Nugent-Hopkins. The season leading up to the trade deadline and Tambellini's actions between now and then will tell the tale as to whether their talk of a rebuild in the traditional sense was legit, or if it was just more hollow words from management.

Why Hall Makes The Most Sense

2010-05-21T07:47:00.003-10:00

I have been on record as saying that Taylor or Tyler would be perfectly fine as our top pick. And while I continue to feel that way, I must admit that I have been leaning more an more towards Hall to the point that right now I feel that he should be the clear cut #1 player in this draft despite that fact that Tyler Seguin will be one hell of a hockey player.

In getting to watch some of Hall's Memorial Cup performances, I still see a kid that gets drilled a lot more often than I'd like to see, but I also see a guy that has elite goalscoring and passing ability, a guy that is undoubtedly the best player on the ice yet is one of the hardest working players out there, and a guy that seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to end the day victorious.

In watching parts of the NHL Playoffs, one play stood out to me that boosted my opinion of Hall for #1. The play where Crosby took Spezza to school behind the net, Spezza was trying hard to stop Sid, but Sid's speed and elusiveness were just too much for Spezza to handle. Hall has that kind of insane speed in close quarters and he has the skill to make something happen as well.

Then there's the fact that your best player is one of your hardest workers and is willing to pay the price to win. This is a huge thing for me, in seeing so much uninspired chicken shit play by the Oilers in the last number of years, it would serve notice to the Nilsson's, Cogliano's, O'Sullivan's, or who ever we can't flush from the team this season. Hall is more skilled than you and he is willing to do ANYTHING to win. If you aren't then we have no use for you here. If you are willing to follow his lead, you will be here for a long time.

Hall will have to bulk up and keep his head up at the next level, but just about everything else is already instilled in this world class hockey player. Center, LW, whatever he will be at the next level, barring injuries he will be the best hockey player that we've had since Messier (no I did not forget Pronger). I am officially dragging up the rear on the Taylor Hall bandwagon, but if he was able to sway my opinion that's one hell of a feather in his cap, hopefully an Oilers cap come June 25th 2010.

Comparing Hall's '08-09 and '09-10 OHL Postseasons

2010-05-03T19:01:00.015-10:00

One of the biggest arguments for Taylor Hall to be the first overall selection in the 2010 entry draft has been that he was a beast in the '08-09 postseason. He won both the Memorial Cup and the OHL Postseason MVP awards as a kid that was a year away from draft eligibility. No doubt that what he did then was special, but how does he stack up a year later with what he did last season?

By the looks of things he has been very similar in terms of statistical accomplishments, however he may end up with less points albeit in less games if Windsor completes the sweep of Barrie tomorrow. The question now becomes, has he actually elevated his game from last season or has he stagnated? In his case, stagnation is not a bad thing to say the least. Last postseason he led the OHL in points and goals while this postseason he is well behind 2 players in goals, and is just a point behind the leader in playoff scoring but has also played 2 less games than Jeff Skinner.

The names have changed, but Hall has remained dominant. Has he been AS dominant as he was as a 16 year old? That is up for debate IMO.

'08-09 OHL Playoffs
20gp. 16-20-36 +15 12pim.
(ES 10(2EN)-11-21 9-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(PP 6-8-14 5-1st, 3-2nd assists)
(SH 0-1-1 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 7
1st Star: 2
2nd Star: 4
3rd Star: 1
GWG-2 (1ot)

'09-10 OHL Playoffs
18gp. 15-17-32 +15 28pim.
(ES 9-12-21 9-1st, 3-2nd assists)
(PP 6-5-11 1-1st, 4-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 8
1st Star: 3
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star: 3
GWG-3 (1ot)

Windsor One Win Away From A Return To The Memorial Cup

2010-05-02T21:14:00.004-10:00

After coming back from a 3-0 series deficit against Kitchener, the Spitfires are 1 win away from their 3rd series sweep and a return ticket to the Memorial Cup. Hall currently leads Windsor in Assists, Points, Power Play Goals, +/- for forwards, and is 2nd in goals and GW goals.

Taylor Hall 18gp. 15-17-32 +15 28pim.
(ES 9-12-21 9-1st, 3-2nd assists)
(PP 6-5-11 1-1st, 4-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 8
1st Star: 3
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star: 3
GWG-3 (1ot)

Cam Fowler 18gp. 1-10-11 -2 10pim.
(ES 1-5-6 3-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(PP 0-5-5 1-1st, 4-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:
GWG-O

The Legend Of Hall Continues To Grow

2010-04-27T19:30:00.017-10:00

I must say that I have been going back and forth between Hall and Seguin in terms of who would be best for the Oilers. I was still 50/50 after Seguin and the Whalers were swept and Seguin didn't register a single point in the 4 game series. That said Hall has since been a key contributor in his teams come from behind series win against Kitchener.

Coming back from 3-0 is one hell of a feat to say the least. Tonight he started off game 1 against Barrie with an overtime PP goal to propel Windsor to a 1-0 series lead. While I am not ready to proclaim him the guy that I'd draft, he is getting very close to grabbing that meaningless distinction.

While I still worry about his disposition of playing the game with his head down and getting smoked from time to time, there is getting to be more and more to like about Taylor Hall's play in the post season. While you have to consider his teammates being better than a guy like Seguin, you cannot deny that he is coming up big for his team when it matters most.

If he can lead his team to a 2nd consecutive Memorial Cup and once again is named the MVP I will throw my hat into the Taylor Hall for #1 camp. Why do I put such lofty expectations on Taylor? Well because I am one of the people that sees a very high upside in Seguin and quite frankly I can be stubborn :) Of course he has a great team around him, but I want to see him leave junior as a 2 time champion and 2 time MVP. If he can do that he shows me that he is a man among boys in the postseason and that he is ready, willing, and able to lead the way and do what it takes to win no matter what.

Whether this does or doesn't happen, keep your head up Taylor, no literally keep your head up kid because no one wants to see you get your bell rung!

Interesting stat, Hall has 3 GWG in the postseason this year while he had only 2 in the regular season. 2 of those goals in the postseason has been clutch while the other was the first goal of a 3-0 win. All 3 of those goals have come in Windsor's last 5 games.

Taylor Hall 16gp. 16-12-29 +14 24pim.
(ES 10-8-18 6-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(PP 6-4-10 1-1st, 3-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 8
1st Star: 3
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star: 3
GWG-3 (1ot)

Cam Fowler 16gp. 1-8-9 -2 12pim.
(ES 1-3-4 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-4-4 2-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:
GWG-O

Hall Scores the GWG To Keep Windsor Alive For One More Game

2010-04-20T20:56:00.003-10:00

At the very least. On a night where there were a ton of offensive stars for Windsor, Taylor Hall potted the teams most important goal with just under 2 minutes left in the 3rd period. The Spits netted an empty netter to seal it and Hall also added an assist in the 7-5 victory. Kitchener couldn't pull off the sweep of the top rated Spitfires but have no less than 3 more shots to win a single game to advance to the OHL Finals.

On the losing side Jeff Skinner potted 2 PP goals leaving him with 6-3-9 against the Spitfires in 4 games, not too shabby! He is a -3 in the series but you cannot overlook his offensive prowess. Cam Fowler couldn't muster up a point in his teams 7 goal outburst and I must say that those that tried to compare him to Doughty earlier in the year look to have egg on their face at this point. All the more reason to be thrilled that the Oilers finished with the worst record in the league. Settling for Fowler would've been beyond brutal after the Oilers skid mark of a season.

All Times EST Kitchener Leads Series 3-1
4/15 Game 1 Kitchener @ Windsor Kit 7-6ot
4/17 Game 2 Windsor @ Kitchener Kit 5-2
4/18 Game 3 Kitchener @ Windsor Kit 5-3
4/20 Game 4 Windsor @ Kitchener Win 7-5
4/22 *Game 5 Kitchener @ Windsor 7:05PM
4/23 *Game 6 Windsor @ Kitchener 7:30PM
4/25 *Game 7 Kitchener @ Windsor 2:05PM
* = If Necessary

Taylor Hall 12gp. 11-10-21 +10 14pim.
(ES 6-7-13 6-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 5-3-8 1-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 5
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 12gp. 1-7-8 -4 8pim.
(ES 1-3-4 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-4-4 2-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Hall and Fowler Find Themselves Down 3-0 Against Kitchener

2010-04-18T21:34:00.007-10:00

Who would've guessed just a week ago that the mighty Taylor Hall led Windsor Spitfires would be down 3-0 in their 3rd round series? Prior to this series they won all 8 of their playoff games. Meanwhile Jeff Skinner and the Rangers are just 1 win away from sending the defending OHL and Memorial Cup champs home.

Speaking of Skinner, he added 2 more points giving him 7 points (4-3-7 and a -2) in the first 3 games of the series compared to Taylor Hall's 3 points (1-2-3 and a -1). While I don't think that 1 round should define a players draft ranking, the fact of the matter is that Skinner has been racking up the points and he most certainly isn't hurting his draft rating.

All Times EST Kitchener Leads Series 3-0
4/15 Game 1 Kitchener @ Windsor Kit 7-6ot
4/17 Game 2 Windsor @ Kitchener Kit 5-2
4/18 Game 3 Kitchener @ Windsor Kit 5-3
4/20 Game 4 Windsor @ Kitchener 7:00PM
4/22 *Game 5 Kitchener @ Windsor 7:05PM
4/23 *Game 6 Windsor @ Kitchener 7:30PM
4/25 *Game 7 Kitchener @ Windsor 2:05PM
* = If Necessary

Taylor Hall 11gp. 10-9-19 +11 12pim.
(ES 5-7-12 6-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 5-2-7 1-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 5
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 11gp. 1-7-8 -4 6pim.
(ES 1-3-4 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-4-4 2-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Did We See Seguin At His Best In Round 2?

2010-04-18T09:19:00.003-10:00

Many Oilers fans are pointing to Tyler Seguin's pointless 4 game series loss against Windsor as the moment that he proved that he was the clear cut #2 in this draft. So why did he get shut down? Too much pressure? Was Windsor just that good? Is Seguin just not that good? Well let me ask you this. What if I told you that he only had 12 points (6-6-12) in his last 10 regular season games? What if I told you that he only had 8 points (3-5-8) in his last 8 regular season games and that he was pointless in 4 of his last 8 regular season games? 42-52-94 through 53 games and only 12 points in his last 10 games and 8 in his last 8 games?

Now I know this is going to piss a lot of people off, but it sure seems like to me that the kid was either burned out from playing too much (it happens (see Parise, Zach) among others when he was younger). Or he was hurt, or both. This is why it's important to watch players a number of games over different points of a season. IMO the Seguin that we saw in the Windsor series was not the one that was ripping up the league a month or two earlier. Plymouth and Windsor are a huge rivalry and Seguin put up points against them in the regular season, so unless you are to believe that once the playoffs hit Seguin turned into Joe Thornton or the Spitfires turned into the Detroit Red Wings of a few seasons ago, something was going on.

While Seguin admitted on The Pipeline Show that he had a groin injury he made it a point to not use it as an excuse for his play. Maybe, just maybe the kid is a stand up guy that doesn't believe in making excuses? Maybe people should cut him a little slack and realize that this might be the guy that the Oilers pick come June before 1/2 the internet Oilers boards start looking for the highest roof to jump off of. All of this is speculation on my part, however maybe people should take other things into consideration other than Hall >>>>> Seguin.

Hall and Fowler Take On Draft Notable Jeff Skinner And Kitchener

2010-04-14T18:10:00.005-10:00

Hall, Fowler, and the rest of the Windsor Spitfires have been waiting to get their 3rd playoff series underway after 2 consecutive sweeps in their first 2 rounds. On the other end of the ice will be Jeff Skinner a guy that scored more goals than Hall and Seguin in the regular season with 50-40-90 in 64 games. He currently sits 1st in playoff goalscoring and 3rd in scoring with 12-8-20 in 13 games. Like Hall and Seguin he led his team in scoring as a draft eligible player in the regular season and like Hall has done so in the preseason as well.

What would be said if Skinner outplays Hall in this series considering how many people have thrown Seguin into the scrap heap after getting outclassed in the box scores against Hall and his vastly superior Spitfires team? I don't think that it would make much of a difference, but this is something to keep an eye on on various hockey boards.

Game On! Hall and Fowler soldier on on their quest to lead Windsor to their 2nd consecutive Memorial Cup, and the Oilers can also get a heavy scouting dosage of Jeff Skinner in the process.

All Times EST
4/15 Game 1 Kitchener @ Windsor 7:05PM
4/17 Game 2 Windsor @ Kitchener 7:00PM
4/18 Game 3 Kitchener @ Windsor 7:05PM
4/20 Game 4 Windsor @ Kitchener 7:00PM
4/22 *Game 5 Kitchener @ Windsor 7:05PM
4/23 *Game 6 Windsor @ Kitchener 7:30PM
4/25 *Game 7 Kitchener @ Windsor 2:05PM
* = If Necessary

Taylor Hall 8gp. 9-7-16 +12 8pim.
(ES 4-5-9 4-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 5-2-7 1-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 4
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star: 1

Cam Fowler 8gp. 0-6-6 +1 4pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Hall Vs. Seguin, What It All Boils Down To

2010-04-13T18:42:00.004-10:00

What do you want the face of the Oilers to be? Tenacious hockey or high hockey IQ hockey? At this point it is beyond center vs. winger, it's about who is stronger in terms of character and who fits the Oilers glove the best when it comes to being what our club wants to be about.

Contrary to what some may say, they are both highly skilled and are very close despite Hall's Spitfires mopping the ice with Seguin and the Whalers. Hall seems like a guy that has a lot of physical gifts while Seguin seems like a guy that thinks the game at a higher level and IMO just seems like a smarter person.

Hockey isn't about who has the highest off ice IQ or else Horcoff would be as good as some claim him to be. That said when you have a combination or skill, physical talent, and high hockey IQ, you have a potential winner. Hall has shown that he knows how to lead a winner (at least at the CHL level), but we won't know how he could be as a leader on a team like the Oilers unless we draft him.

If you want the Oilers to be a gritty team that's led by guts and glory, Taylor Hall is your guy. If you want the Oilers to be known as a smart team with an exceptionally smart franchise player, you want Seguin. The Oilers had both in Messier and Gretzky, and while neither projects to be as good as two of the greatest players of all time, it's an example of grit and smarts on the ice combined with exceptional talent.

It is close ladies and gentlemen, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's all about what you want as a key intangible to build the team around. Eberle and Gagner would be two examples of our scouts favoring hockey IQ, will it happen again? Or will this be the time to add a star that is willing to bleed to win? We all know that for the most part our team is as soft as a down filled pillow and as hockey dumb as a sack of hammers so we are lacking horribly in both areas.

Just like today's lottery, it's the equivalent of a flip of a coin, it can go either way. The beauty of it is that IMO there is no wrong answer when it comes to who the Oilers should pick.

Souray Probably Isn't the Only High Profile Oiler That Wants Out

2010-04-12T10:57:00.007-10:00

Sheldon Souray's rapid fire attack on the Oilers management was classic Souray, he speaks his mind and doesn't care who likes it and who doesn't. That is his personality, however everyone has different personalities and players that aren't as outspoken likely won't make their demands as loudly known.

Enter Ales Hemsky, the guy that signed for a song compared to what others have since been given by the Oilers. The same guy that was disgusted with his handling at the hands of the last coach, and a guy that might not be too happy with the current coaching staff and with the teams direction.

Then we have Dustin Penner, a guy that has been allegedly on the block a number of times with the latest being near the trade deadline as he was offered as part of a trade to lure Boston into dealing us Toronto's 1st round pick. Of course he was also part of the Heatley non-deal as well.

To be honest the Oilers have in essence pissed off three of their best players in some way, shape, or form in the last couple of seasons. Souray has made it crystal clear that he wants no part of the Oilers organization, but Hemsky and Penner sit there quiet but they are very possibly asking to be moved as well.

Tambellini said awhile back that he'd see who would be willing to stick around for a rebuild and who wanted out. If I were a betting man he probably got more requests for trades than he got requests wanting to stay.

This team has really soured since the Cup run, management, coaching, players, it's been one gong show after another. At this point the best thing to do is to purge this team of the guys that want out and start from scratch while keeping guys that want to be here and the young kids that will be coming up soon enough.

Then when you have them here treat them a hell of a lot better than their predecessors have been treated. We don't need a disgruntled Hall or Seguin, Eberle, MPS, or Gagner. For crying out loud we have one of the richest owners in the league and we can't make the players feel wanted by the organization?

What a shame, the fans and the city gets shit on, when the only thing that still smells around Edmonton is the management and the owner who isn't doing his part to kill the piss poor stereotype of the post dynasty Edmonton Oilers.

The Tavares Vs. Duchene Debate Rages On, Is Either Player Calder Worthy?

2010-04-11T16:37:00.006-10:00

After seemingly getting left in the dust in rookie scoring by Matt Duchene, John Tavares ended the season on a tear with 18 points (6-12-18) in his last 13 games. Unfortunately for the 1st overall pick from the 2009 draft, he came up 1 point short of tying Duchene for the rookie scoring lead. Maybe even more significant is the fact that with his lights out scoring pace to end the year he took over the teams scoring lead from Kyle Okposo another promising young forward.

With all of this being said, outside of +/- (+1 vs. -14) in favor of Duchene and the fact that Tavares played in 1 more game than Duchene, their stats are eerily similar. 81gp. 24-31-55 180sog. 11PPG and 11PPA for Duchene and 82gp. 24-30-54 186sog. 11PPG 14PPA for Tavares. It is rather amazing how similar their rookie seasons were in black and white even though beyond that they were very dissimilar. Tavares has a great stretch to start the season and to end it while having a very lengthy dry spell in the middle while Duchene started out very slowly but then hit his stride as the year went on.

Now that we've got that out of the way, it's time for me to reveal who my Calder winner would be, none other than the 6'8" defensive rookie who had a whopping 48 points, an impressive +13, and a guy that straight up was a dominant force at times for the Buffalo Sabres, Tyler Myers. As a top pairing defenseman he was just 7 points back of Duchene and 6 points back of Tavares in terms of rookie scoring. Myers was 11th in the NHL in defense scoring and less than 1/3 of his points came on the PP. He had a whopping 31 ES points this season.

Some may argue that Jimmy Howard should win the Calder based on his very impressive save % and GAA, IMO this was as much a product of his team as it was him being spectacular. Chris Osgood is clearly over the hill and quite frankly wouldn't be a 3rd string goalie on a number of NHL teams. Detroit has a recent history of propping up their goaltenders with their team play. Myers on the other hand was fed to the wolves and was 5th in team scoring, tied for 2nd in team +/-, and led his team in TOI by an astonishing 3 minutes and 8 seconds over the 2nd place finisher. In terms of Calder voting I would vote Myers, Howard, and Duchene as 1, 2, and 3 in that order.

Drew Doughty Stud NHL Blueliner

2010-04-10T16:05:00.008-10:00

Drew Doughty is having an amazing Sophomore season with the LA Kings. Just how amazing of a season? I decided to look at some select offensive defensemen in the modern era to see just where his sophomore season stacks up against some of the games best offensive d-men in that time.

Drew Doughty
2 years after being drafted 81gp. 16-42-58

Paul Coffey
2 years after being drafted 80gp. 29-60-89

Ray Bourque
1 year after being drafted 80gp. 17-48-65
2 years after being drafted 67gp. 27-29-56

Teppo Nimminen
4 years after being drafted 79gp. 11-32-43

Larry Murphy
1 year after being drafted 80gp. 16-60-76
2 years after being drafted 79gp. 22-44-66

Phil Housley
1 year after being drafted 77gp. 19-47-66
2 years after being drafted 75gp. 31-46-77

Al MacInnis
3 years after being drafted 51gp. 11-34-45

Brian Leetch
2 years after being drafted 17gp. 2-12-14
3 years after being drafted 68gp. 23-48-71

Sergei Zubov
22/23 years old (drafted at 20y/o)
49gp. 8-23-31

Rob Blake
4 years after being drafted 75gp. 12-34-46

Nicklas Lidstrom
3 years after being drafted 80gp. 11-49-60

Scott Niedermayer
2 years after being drafted 80gp. 11-29-40

Sergei Gonchar
4 years after being drafted 78gp. 15-36-41

Sandis Ozolinsh
3 years after being drafted 81gp. 26-38-64

Tomas Kaberle
4 years after being drafted 82gp. 7-33-40

Mike Green
4 years after being drafted 82gp. 18-38-56

Shea Weber
4 years after being drafted 79gp. 17-23-40

Most of the guys on the list took longer to reach the offensive level that Doughty is at now. Many other current high scoring defensemen took much longer to get to the offensive level that Doughty is at now. Players like Duncan Keith, Dan Boyle, Andrei Markov, and Brian Campbell all took significantly longer to get to such lofty point totals.

With the exception of the guys that broke in in the run n' gun 80's, Doughty stacks up very favorably against the current crop of offensive defensemen. Dare I say that he looks to be a generational talent on the blueline? I don't think that it would be much of a stretch to say just that.

So is Hall Really a Guy That Turns It Up In the Playoffs?

2010-04-09T20:36:00.004-10:00

Much has been made of how Taylor Hall is considered a playoff performer. Just how much has he upped his game compared to his high profile teammates?

Ryan Ellis
Playoffs 2.0PPG
Regular Season 1.27PPG
Differential From Regular Season +0.73PPG

'08-09 Playoffs 1.55PPG
'08-09 Regular Season 1.56PPG
Differential From Regular Season -0.01PPG

2 Years Total = +0.72PPG

Taylor Hall
Playoffs 2.0PPG
Regular Season 1.86PPG
Differential From Regular Season +0.14PPG

'08-09 Playoffs 1.8PPG
'08-09 Regular Season 1.43PPG
Differential From Regular Season +0.37PPG

2 Years Total = +0.51PPG

Dale Mitchell
Playoffs 1.25PPG
Regular Season 1.34PPG
Differential From Regular Season -0.09PPG

'08-09 Playoffs 1.45PPG
'08-09 Regular Season 1.03PPG
Differential From Regular Season +0.42PPG

2 Years Total = +0.33PPG

Adam Henrique
Playoffs 1.25PPG
Regular Season 1.43PPG
Differential From Regular Season -0.18PPG

'08-09 Playoffs 0.85PPG
'08-09 Regular Season 1.12PPG
Differential From Regular Season -0.27PPG

2 Years Total = -0.45PPG

Greg Nemisz
Playoffs 0.75 PPG
Regular Season 1.37PPG
Differential From Regular Season -0.62PPG

'08-09 Playoffs 1.0PPG
'08-09 Regular Season 1.18PPG
Differential From Regular Season -0.18PPG

2 Years Total = -0.80PPG

Out of Windsor's top scorers that have played there the last 2 years in the regular and postseason, Taylor Hall has the second highest improvement rate in points in the postseason only behind Ryan Ellis who is also having a huge postseason for the Spitfires this year.

By the looks of it, Hall is stepping up his game at the time that his team needs him the most. The competition is getting tougher and some of his teammates aren't getting the job done this postseason (Flames 1st round pick Greg Nemisz anyone?)

Top NHL Draft Picks And Their Last OHL Playoff Series Stats

2010-04-08T15:30:00.003-10:00

Well needless to say Tyler Seguin did not help his draft cause at all against Windsor. Zero points and a very poor minus rating to boot. How did other high ranking forward prospects fare in their last OHL series leading up to the draft?

Taylor Hall ?

Tyler Seguin 4gp. 0-0-0 -6

John Tavares 5gp. 4-3-7 -3

Matt Duchene 5gp. 1-2-3 -4

Steven Stamkos 4gp. 2-0-2 -5

Patrick Kane 5gp. 1-6-7 -4

Bobby Ryan 4gp. 1-1-2 -1

Jordan Staal 4gp. 2-0-2 Ev

Nathan Horton 6gp. 5-3-8 -3

Eric Staal 7gp. 9-5-14 +5

Rick Nash 6gp. 4-5-9 -6

Jason Spezza 4gp. 2-1-3 -2
19 y/o season 6gp. 2-2-4 -5

Stephen Weiss 5gp. 1-1-2 Ev

David Legwand 4gp. 1-0-1 -2

Springfield Definitely Got The Short End of the Straw

2010-04-05T21:36:00.005-10:00

The Springfield Falcons and their fans have suffered through three seasons of their affiliation with the Edmonton Oilers. Injuries to the big club, a lack of talent, poor team depth, you name it, the Falcons and their faithful simply got the shaft in terms of the on ice product.

Suddenly a number of the Oilers NCAA prospects are turning pro (Jeff Petry and Chris Vande Velde) Jordan Eberle may get an extended look in the AHL next season, Linus Omark is signed sealed and delivered and could see AHL time next season as well.

Yes the Falcons have had some very solid AHL players in the last 3 years. Most notably Pouliot, Jacques, Schremp, Deslauriers, Potulny, Dubnyk, Minard, and Linglet. But at no point did they have the depth to be a very good AHL team.

Next years Oklahoma franchise could be a Riley Nash or Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson away from being a potentially dominant AHL team. It's sad that at the very end of their partnership with Springfield that the cavalry is arriving with a second wave possibly just moments behind.

The Oilers really hurt their AHL franchise by putting so much stock in NCAA players at the draft before and while they were affiliated with the Falcons. Petry, Nash, and Vande Velde would've all been in Springfield at least from the start of this season had they been CHL players.

The Oilers owe it to Oklahoma to provide a better on ice product than they did for Springfield. Hopefully they've learned from their mistakes and look to add other NCAA and CHL FA's to help the club next year. And best of luck to the Falcon faithful as they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets as their new team affiliate.

Seguin and the Whalers Dig Themselves a VERY Deep Hole

2010-04-05T19:57:00.005-10:00

Tyler Seguin went pointless for the 3rd straight game (a 5-0 humbling at the hands of the Windsor Spitfires) and no surprise as a result of it his team has yet to come out on top in any of those 3 games. Taylor Hall is on the verger of sending Plymouth packing and sending Seguin to the back of the line for the 1st overall pick. Barring at least one near legendary game by Seguin in which he carries the Whalers on his back to avoid the sweep, the damage has already been done.

That said it is all about projecting a player going forward. One thing that can't be projected is heart and leadership. You might be able to learn to be a leader I suppose, but most leaders are just born to lead. Right now Seguin has a world of pressure on him and has to face a powerhouse of a team every time that he steps onto the ice. That said great players still find a way to get the job done and Seguin just hasn't to this point.

The best that I can do to paint a fair picture between Hall and Seguin is to compare Hall's performance against the US team at the WJC's. Hall felt the need to put the team on his back and as a result he was trying "too hard". While he got 3 points in that game he could've been better. That said he kept forcing the action, Seguin hasn't done that. He did it in game 2 to a point, but Hall's mentality is to be like that all the time. That said team US and team Canada are closer in talent than Windsor and Plymouth, but Hall was definitely out of his element against the Americans but he still produced no matter how ugly, he put points on the board.

We won't get to see Hall as over matched against a team as Seguin has been against Windsor, so that IMO is the best comparison at this point. How these guys pan out in 2-3 years is any ones guess, but as of right now Hall's never say die attitude is looking better and better by the minute.

Windsor Leads Best Of 7 Series 3-0

(All Times EST)
Game 1 4/1 Plymouth @ Windsor Wind 5-1
Game 2 4/3 Windsor @ Plymouth Wind 5-3
Game 3 4/5 Plymouth @ Windsor Wind 5-0
Game 4 4/7 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
*Game 5 4/8 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
*Game 6 4/10 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
*Game 7 4/12 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
* = If necessary

2nd Round Series Stats

Taylor Hall 3gp. 3-3-6 +6 2pim.
(ES 1-2-3 2-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 2-1-3 1-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 1
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 1

Tyler Seguin 3gp. 0-0-0 -6 2pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Cam Fowler 3gp. 0-2-2 -1 2pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-2-2 1-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Complete OHL Playoff Stats

Taylor Hall 7gp. 9-7-16 +12 8pim.
(ES 4-5-9 4-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 5-2-7 1-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 4
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star: 1

Tyler Seguin 8gp. 5(1EN)-5-10 -5 8pim.
(ES 2(1EN)-3-5 2(1EN)-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-2-5 0-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 7gp. 0-5-5 Ev 4pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-2-2 1-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Hall and Fowler' Spits Go Up 2-0 Over Seguin's Whalers

2010-04-04T17:19:00.003-10:00

My take on the game I only caught it from the mid way mark of the 1st to the end.

So far Seguin went crashing into the net on a 2 on 1, has thrown a couple of insignificant checks, has done decent in the dot, and has played pretty solidly defensively with his stick.

Hall won an offensive zone draw against Seguin after his coach tried to go away from that matchup in the defensive zone. Hall with a very nice and quick backhand pass into the slot for a quality chance for his linemate.

2nd period

Seguin fans on a onetimer and then backchecks his ass off. He gets to the net quickly on a 2 on 1 but the pass doesn't connect. Seguin draws an interference penalty. Seguin showing great puck distribution on the PP including nice plays off the boards when he gets pressured he also had a shot blocked in the slot and misses a bad angle shot that he ripped. Seguin takes inside position chasing down a dump in against Fowler he gets the puck but then gets double teamed and loses the puck. Seguin seems to get to the front of the net at will on odd man breaks. Seguin with an ill advised backhand pass on a rush it got intercepted by Hall and ended up a 3 on 2 and a sog by Hall. Draws a high sticking call that was an elbow. He batted a cross ice pass out of mid air and put it on net for a chance.

Hall goes to the RW side of the net (his office) and scores a nice goal in tight off of a Ryan Ellis slap pass. Hall runs into a Plymouth point man on a Plymouth PP, both go down but the puck was cleared. Hall started a 3 on 2 by picking off a bad Seguin pass and got the puck back for a shot. Hall takes an offensive zone draw against Seguin, they tie up and Henrique gathers the puck. Hall took maybe 3 or 4 draws in the period and did well for himself with them.

3rd Period

Seguin intercepts a cross ice pass with his skate and leads a 2 on 1 and passes it to his linemate for a quality shot. Seguin joins the zone as the trailer takes the pass and lets a big shot go, big time glove save by Windsor's goalie. Seguin shooting every chance that he gets as Windsor is playing him very close. Seguin picks up a loose puck in the middle of the ice and carries it in and lets a shot go. Seguin shadows Hall as Hall carries the puck around the back of the net

Hall cuts across the ice from left to right, falls but drops a pass for Mitchell who scores of a very nice shot from the slot. Hall wasn't getting much ice time in the 3rd despite the game being within 2 goals the whole time. He was playing more when the game became a 1 goal game again.

Windsor Leads Best Of 7 Series 2-0

(All Times EST)
Game 1 4/1 Plymouth @ Windsor Wind 5-1
Game 2 4/3 Windsor @ Plymouth Wind 5-3
Game 3 4/5 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
Game 4 4/7 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
*Game 5 4/8 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
*Game 6 4/10 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
*Game 7 4/12 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
* = If necessary

2nd Round Series Stats

Taylor Hall 2gp. 3-1-4 +4 2pim.
(ES 1-1-2 1-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 2-0-2 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Tyler Seguin 2gp. 0-0-0 -5 2pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Cam Fowler 2gp. 0-1-1 -1 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-1-1 1-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Complete OHL Playoff Stats

Taylor Hall 6gp. 9-5-14 +10 8pim.
(ES 4-4-8 3-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 5-1-6 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 3
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star:

Tyler Seguin 7gp. 5(1EN)-5-10 -4 8pim.
(ES 2(1EN)-3-5 2(1EN)-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-2-5 0-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 6gp. 0-4-4 Ev 2pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-1-1 1-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Revisiting My Preseason Expectations Of MPS and Lander

2010-04-02T21:25:00.002-10:00

(Below is what I wrote prior to the '09-10 season.)

Based on two highly successful recent Swedish Elite League graduates Anze Kopitar ('05-06) and Niklas Backstrom ('06-07) this is what I'd like to see from Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson and Anton Lander the Oilers Timra twin prospects, fraternal twins that is!

Anze Kopitar 18 year old season
47gp. 8-12-20 28pim. #6 in team scoring 5 points behind 1st

Niklas Backstrom 18 year old season
45gp. 12-28-40 46pim. #1 in team scoring by a whopping 11 points

Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson 17 year old season
50gp. 7-10-17 4pim. #9 in team scoring, 26 points behind #1

Anton Lander 17 year old season
47gp. 4-6-10 12pim. #16 in team scoring, 33 points behind #1

Considering that the Timra twins play on a stronger offensive team than either Backstrom or Kopitar did, it shouldn't be unrealistic to see MPS best Kopitars mark by a fair margin, as a matter of fact it should be expected since he was just 3 points shy of that feat as a 17 year old. However Backstrom's mark is a lofty one, he was top fiddle by a fair margin so undoubtedly he got prime ice time and the teams best linemates.

Lander isn't seen to be anywhere near as dynamic as the other 3 players in this equation, but his 17 year old numbers were nothing to scoff at by any stretch of the imagination. Here is what I'd like to see from our Timra duo this season......

Magnus Paajarvi Svensson
53gp. 12-18-30

Timra's Top LW's Last Season
Fredrik Hynning 47gp. 15-21-36
Timo Parssinen 31gp. 6-18-24

If Paajarvi can take the next step and move into the top 6 his numbers could resemble Backstrom's, if he stays in the bottom 6 they maybe between Kopitar's 18 year old stats and my projections for him this season in the 25ish point range.

Anton Lander
51gp. 6-9-15

Timra's Top C's Last Season
Mika Pyorala 55gp. 21-22-43
Tom Wandell 51gp. 15-26-41
Johan Andersson 55gp. 5-12-17

Like Paajarvi-Svensson I expect Lander to get an expanded role, he doesn't seem like a very good bet to challenge for a top 6 role, but an expanded role in the bottom 6 and his maturation as a player likely means that he will improve on his impressive rookie pro season.

IMO their lines in the sand in terms of showing positive growth as players would be 25 points for MPS and 14 for Lander. Anything above those totals would be superb and it would show rapid improvement from the top two Oilers picks from the '09 draft.

(End Preseason Post)

So let's see what they did relative to my expectations of them.

Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson

Preseason Expectations: 53gp. 12-18-30

Line showing positive growth: 25 points

Actual: 49gp. 12-17-29

1 less point that my expectations in 4 less games. So he covered the bet and showed great signs of improvement in my eyes. Job well done for MPS.

Anton Lander

Preseason Expectations: 51gp. 6-9-15

Line showing positive growth: 14 points

Actual: 49gp. 7-9-16

1 more point than my expectations in 2 less games. Lander also covered the bet and showed great signs of improvement in the SEL. I must say that as far as I'm concerned both of our Timra prospects had successful seasons in terms of development. Paajarvi-Svensson became Timra's 3rd leading point getter and 3rd leading goalscorer only behind 2 31 year olds in both categories.

Lander on the other hand upped his point output by 60% and nearly doubled his goal total from his 17 year old season. He also went from his teams 16th leading scorer as a 17 year old to his teams 9th leading scorer as an 18 year old. Even overlooking their WJC's, Lander and MPS had years to remember in Timra.

Game 1 Goes to Hall and Fowler's Spitfires 5-1

2010-04-01T20:12:00.005-10:00

Unfortunately I didn't get to see the game but just looking at the score and the stats sheet, it looks as if round 1 in the battle for the right to be called up to the podium first in LA goes to Taylor Hall. Hall had 2 goals and was a +2 while Seguin was pointless and a -3 (he was on for all 3 ES GA). Cam Fowler was even on the night and added an assist.

Windsor Leads Best Of 7 Series 1-0

(All Times EST)
Game 1 4/1 Plymouth @ Windsor Wind 5-1
Game 2 4/3 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
Game 3 4/5 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
Game 4 4/7 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
*Game 5 4/8 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
*Game 6 4/10 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
*Game 7 4/12 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
* = If necessary

2nd Round Series Stats

Taylor Hall 1gp. 2-0-2 +2 2pim.
(ES 1-0-1 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 1-0-1 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Tyler Seguin 1gp. 0-0-0 -3 2pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Cam Fowler 1gp. 0-1-1 Ev 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-1-1 1-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Complete OHL Playoff Stats

Taylor Hall 5gp. 8-4-12 +8 8pim.
(ES 4-3-7 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 4-1-5 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 3
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star:

Tyler Seguin 6gp. 5(1EN)-5-10 -2 8pim.
(ES 2(1EN)-3-5 2(1EN)-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-2-5 0-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 5gp. 0-4-4 +1 2pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-1-1 1-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Hall and Fowler Vs. Seguin 2nd Round OHL Playoffs

2010-03-31T12:46:00.005-10:00

Game 1 starts on Thursday, hopefully this series drags on for 6-7 games so that the scouts can get their fix of Hall and Seguin!

(All Times EST)
Game 1 4/1 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
Game 2 4/3 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
Game 3 4/5 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
Game 4 4/7 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
*Game 5 4/8 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
*Game 6 4/10 Windsor @ Plymouth 7:05PM
*Game 7 4/12 Plymouth @ Windsor 7:05PM
* = If necessary

2nd Round Series Stats

Taylor Hall 0gp. 0-0-0 Ev 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Tyler Seguin 0gp. 0-0-0 Ev 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Cam Fowler 0gp. 0-0-0 Ev 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Complete Playoff Stats

Taylor Hall 4gp. 6-4-10 +6 6pim.
(ES 3-3-6 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-1-4 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 3
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star:

Tyler Seguin 5gp. 5(1EN)-5-10 +1 6pim.
(ES 2(1EN)-3-5 2(1EN)-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-2-5 0-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 4gp. 0-3-3 +1 2pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Out Of the Dark Comes a Blinding Light

2010-03-30T21:01:00.008-10:00

For once in recent memory the Oilers were the absolute best at something in the NHL. The best at being the worst. This may come as a concern or problem to many a fan, however this is the devastating flood before a breathtaking rainbow appears, or the fire which leads to colorful and numerous blooming flowers. Something very good is going to be coming after something very bad.

The circle of life, we maybe at the bottom of the circle, but soon enough we'll be on our climb towards the top. It will be a long and arduous climb, but a climb that had to start from the lowest point that this franchise has ever seen. Soon enough the Oilers will have a new face of the franchise, not because we have no one better, but because we will have finally gotten someone that other teams and their fans would kill to have.

How many years have we sat and watched as Ovechkin, Crosby, Kane, Stamkos, and Tavares have come into the league while the best that we can sport is a guy with the talent but not the total package to be a superstar (Hemsky), or a guy that would only be seen as a franchise player by a mediocre to weak team (Gagner). Finally we can be the ones that get to stand up, proud of our young star in the making come the draft.

The older generation got to see Gretz, Mess, Kurri, Coffey, Anderson, Fuhr, and the list goes on and on. Although I am as old as the NHL team, I have never seen these types of players on the club because of where I was born and raised. The best that I've seen is Pronger, Weight, Smyth, Guerin, Cujo, and Hemsky. Some good to great players in their own rites, but outside of Pronger, none of them were worthy of building a team around. And definitely not for a decade or better because Pronger was already a long time NHL vet when he came to Edmonton.

This is a new start, a chance for the next generation of fans to see potential greatness. In a city starved for a hockey star, we are on the verge of getting one. Hall or Seguin, it doesn't much matter which player joins our club in June, with their arrival a new era in Oilers hockey will begin. With some luck we will give them some help with some trades at the draft to move way up in the draft, or next season we could see another young superstar in the making on their way to The City Of Champions if we are once again among the NHL's elite at losing games.

Just remember that we need to be patient with this young player, but at least for once we can see flashes of brilliance as we try to remain patient. It's been a long time coming, but it is finally on the horizon. Hope is coming in the form of an eighteen year old kid. It may not be immediate, but at least we won't have to be chasing after ghosts in the off season year after year to try and get a franchise level talent.

Hall Vs. Seguin Round 2 Playoff Matchup, It's Official!

2010-03-28T12:34:00.005-10:00

The two top rated prospects in the draft are about to go head to head in the battle for OHL bragging rights and more importantly to try to get some separation from the other in terms of the NHL draft. Taylor Hall's top seeded Windsor Spitfires will host Tyler Seguin's fourth ranked Plymouth Whaler's starting Thursday at 7:05 PM EST. Windsor won the season series 4-3 with 4-0, 2-1, 6-3, and 6-4 wins, while Plymouth had 6-5(SO), 4-3, and 7-4 wins.

Seguin and Plymouth are definitely the underdogs here, Hall has the better supporting cast with Memorial Cup experience no less, and home ice advantage. As far as I'm concerned Hall has to significantly outplay Seguin in this series to swing the pendulum in his favor once and for all. Seguin just has to have a close showing to Hall for it to be seen as a win for him. After all he'll be facing the #3 ranked player in the draft that did a pretty damn good against Hall in the WJC's. Here's how they stacked up against each other's teams this season.

Tyler Seguin 7gp. 6(1EN)-5-11 -4 8pim.
(ES 5(1EN)-2-7 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 1-3-4 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star: 1
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 1

Taylor Hall 6gp. 5-7-12 +4 11pim.
(ES 3-3-6 1-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(PP 2-4-6 2-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star: 2
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Hall and Fowler Aren't the Only Windsor Players to Scout For the 2010 Draft

2010-03-27T21:11:00.004-10:00

Enter winger Justin Shugg. Just turned 18 in December, 5'11 and 185lbs. of goalscorer. It seems as if he's projected as a 2nd/3rd round pick. Quite frankly he would look to be a steal in the 3rd round or maybe even with Nashville's 2nd rounder.

Here are Shugg's stats:
67gp. 39-40-79 +19 43pim.
(ES 28-27-55)
(PP 11-13-24)

The kid is obviously on a top offensive club, however he was 6th in pts/game (5th among forwards) and only Hall is as young (within a little over a month). He was also 2nd on the club in goals (1 behind Hall but in 10 more games). He should also be THE guy for them next season as Windsor retools as they likely lose Hall, Niemisz, Henrique, and Wellwood up front to the pro's and Ellis and Fowler on the blueline. This should give him a ton of ice time next season to improve his game. Just a thought.

Hall Vs. Seguin, Clash Of The 2010 Draft Titans, Windsor Vs. Plymouth, Well Almost!

2010-03-26T17:48:00.004-10:00

We need to become Kitchener Rangers fans and hope that they can take out Saginaw one more time as they are up 3-2 in the best of 7 series. They play game 6 on Sunday. This will give Hall and Seguin a chance to lick their wounds as they await the outcome of this series. Anyhow, I figured that I may as well break down what they did against each other in the regular season in case they do meet, and if they don't at least we can see how they did head to head.

Tyler Seguin 7gp. 6(1EN)-5-11 -4 8pim.
(ES 5(1EN)-2-7 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 1-3-4 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star: 1
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 1

Taylor Hall 6gp. 5-7-12 +4 11pim.
(ES 3-3-6 1-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(PP 2-4-6 2-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star: 2
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Seguin Ties Hall In Scoring As Plymouth Dispatches SSM In 5 Games

2010-03-26T17:29:00.004-10:00

Tyler Seguin got an even strength assist in Plymouth's 6-2 Game 5 win. He was also a +1 in the win. The assist ties him with Taylor Hall in scoring for the first round with Hall having played 1 less game. Next up? The Dream matchup, Hall Vs. Seguin, Windsor Vs. Plymouth potential #1 Vs. potential #2. Possibly the biggest determining factor in who goes #1 and who goes #2. What a terrific situation for the Oilers and their fans, the consensus top 2 picks going head to head in the postseason.

OHL Playoffs Round 1

(1) Windsor Vs. (8) Eerie
Windsor Wins Series 4-0
3/18 Game 1 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 6-2
3/21 Game 2 @ Eerie 4:30PM EST W 3-1
3/23 Game 3 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 7-6
3/25 Game 4 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST W 5-1

(4) Plymouth Vs. (5) SSM
Plymouth Wins Series 4-1
3/19 Game 1 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST SSM 3-2
3/20 Game 2 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-2
3/23 Game 3 @ SSM 7:05PM EST W 8-1
3/24 Game 4 @ SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-3
3/26 Game 5 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST W 6-2

Taylor Hall 4gp. 6-4-10 +6 6pim.
(ES 3-3-6 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-1-4 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 3
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star:

Tyler Seguin 5gp. 5(1EN)-5-10 +1 6pim.
(ES 2(1EN)-3-5 2(1EN)-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-2-5 0-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 4gp. 0-3-3 +1 2pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Signing Petry Would Be A Great Move Towards The Future

2010-03-25T21:17:00.003-10:00

Jeff Petry is without a doubt our best defense prospect as far as I'm concerned. I have long worried that he may end up pulling a Blake Wheeler and complete school and then become an UFA. So I am not sad to see him skip his Senior season if he is almost a lock to sign as it has been reported by some members of the media. Losing guys like Nash and Petry would be huge blows in terms of the Oilers rebuilding process.

Petry is our best defense prospect, and while he isn't a perfect defenseman, he has just about everything that you could ask of one. Speed, size, strength, a big shot, the ability to lug the puck up ice, and best of all, he's willing to sign with the lowly Oilers. The Oilers lacked a 1st round pick in '06 as they traded away that pick for Dwayne Roloson, but they got a 1st round talent in Petry.

Looking forward, a potential top 4 of Whitney-Gilbert and Smid-Petry will be a solid group in a few years time. Add in Chorney and Peckham as the bottom pairing, and while we have no superstar defenseman, we have 5 solid d-men that can move the puck and a human wrecking ball. Not too shabby going forward, especially if the lack of star power on the blueline is more than made up for up front.

Prior to the Oilers drafting Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Jeff Petry was my #1 rated prospect, yes even over Jordan Eberle and yes even though he had a tough '08-09 season. While Eberle has since gone on to become a national hero again at the WJC's and is off to a gaudy start to his '09-10 AHL season, I still place Petry at or near that level of upside. Petry's biggest weakness is still his lateral movement, he really needs to work hard on that in the off season, if he can correct that flaw, there's a good chance that we'll see him on the Oilers next season. MPS, Eberle, Petry, and hopefully soon Hall or Seguin. It's nice to see some of the foundation for the future coming together before our eyes.

Hall Finishes His Dominant Series Against Eerie With 2 Goals and 1st Star

2010-03-25T17:10:00.006-10:00

Taylor Hall's dominance against Eerie mercifully came to an end today as Windsor spanked Eerie 5-1 to complete the four game sweep. Hall finished with 6-4-10 and a +6 in the lopsided series. Cam Fowler on the other hand ended up with 3 assists and a +1 in a series where his team scored 21 goals and only allowed 10.

OHL Playoffs Round 1

(1) Windsor Vs. (8) Eerie
Windsor Wins Series 4-0
3/18 Game 1 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 6-2
3/21 Game 2 @ Eerie 4:30PM EST W 3-1
3/23 Game 3 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 7-6
3/25 Game 4 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST W 5-1

(4) Plymouth Vs. (5) SSM Plymouth 3-1
3/19 Game 1 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST SSM 3-2
3/20 Game 2 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-2
3/23 Game 3 @ SSM 7:05PM EST W 8-1
3/24 Game 4 @ SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-3
3/26 *Game 5 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/28 *Game 6 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

Taylor Hall 4gp. 6-4-10 +6 6pim.
(ES 3-3-6 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-1-4 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 3
1st Star: 1
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star:

Tyler Seguin 4gp. 5(1EN)-4-9 Ev 4pim.
(ES 2(1EN)-2-4 1(1EN)-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-2-5 0-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 4gp. 0-3-3 +1 2pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Seguin With a Four Point Game As Plymouth Takes a 3-1 Series Lead

2010-03-24T16:50:00.003-10:00

Tyler Seguin almost doubled his point total from the first 3 games of the Plymouth/SSM first round playoff series. Seguin finished with a pair of goals and a pair of assists as well as a +1 rating in a 5-3 victory. Seguin scored an EN goal, with that goal 2 of his 9 points have come without the opposing net minder on the ice. On the bright side, Seguin's coach trusted him enough tonight to have him in a defensive situation with his team up by the slimmest of margins with 46 seconds left on the clock. And this is the 2nd time in the series that he has been on the ice with less than a minute left and played a part in the goal that put the game out of reach for the opposition.

OHL Playoffs Round 1

(1) Windsor Vs. (8) Eerie Windsor 3-0
3/18 Game 1 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 6-2
3/21 Game 2 @ Eerie 4:30PM EST W 3-1
3/23 Game 3 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 7-6
3/25 Game 4 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/27 *Game 5 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/29 *Game 6 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

(4) Plymouth Vs. (5) SSM Plymouth 3-1
3/19 Game 1 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST SSM 3-2
3/20 Game 2 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-2
3/23 Game 3 @ SSM 7:05PM EST W 8-1
3/24 Game 4 @ SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-3
3/26 *Game 5 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/28 *Game 6 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

Taylor Hall 3gp. 4-4-8 +5 4pim.
(ES 3-3-6 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 1-1-2 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star:

Tyler Seguin 4gp. 5(1EN)-4-9 Ev 4pim.
(ES 2(1EN)-2-4 1(1EN)-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 3-2-5 0-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 2

Cam Fowler 3gp. 0-2-2 +1 0pim.
(ES 0-2-2 2-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Hall And Seguin's Production Against Their Playoff Opponents Regular and Post Season

2010-03-23T19:10:00.007-10:00

I figured that I'd take a look at each players totals against the teams that they are playing as well as the teams that their draft rival is playing. Here's what I came up with.

Taylor Hall
Post Season Vs. Eerie
3gp. 4-4-8 +5 4pim.
(ES 3-3-6 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 1-1-2 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Regular Season Vs. Eerie
3gp. 0-2-2 Ev 2pim.
(ES 0-1-1 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-1-1 1-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Regular Season Vs. SSM
6gp. 4-6-10 +5 13pim.
(ES 2-3-5 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 2-3-5 1-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Tyler Seguin
Post Season Vs. SSM
3gp. 3-2-5 -1 4pim.
(ES 1-1-2 1(1EN)-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 2-1-3 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Regular Season Vs. SSM
5gp. 3-2-5 -1 2pim.
(ES 2-2-4 1-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 1-0-1 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Regular Season Vs. Eerie
4gp. 1-12-13 -1 0pim.
(ES 1-5-6 3-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(PP 0-7-7 4-1st, 3-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Hall did considerable damage against SSM in the regular season, but didn't do much against Eerie. He's making up for that by destroying Eerie in the postseason.

Seguin on the other hand has increased his output against SSM in the postseason but not to the point that Hall dominated them in the regular season. On the flip side of the coin, Seguin is probably a four letter word in the minds of Eerie fans, players, and coaches as he was insanely productive against them in the regular season. That said Hall is a 4 letter word and is definitely getting the attention of the Otter faithful with his performance thus far.

Hall and Seguin Have Big Nights As The Oilers Try Their Best Not To Get Either

2010-03-23T18:39:00.005-10:00

Taylor Hall finished game 3 with 2-1-3 in a wild 7-6 Windsor win and Tyler Seguin had 1-1-2 in a 8-1 laugher in favor of his Plymouth Whalers. Meanwhile the Oilers will not bow out gracefully in the race for the league basement having posted 3 wins in a row against a few of the NHL's powerhouses.

With 9 games left for both the Leafs and Oilers, the Oilers have a 9 point cushion on the Leafs. Leave it to the Oilers to turn up the level of their play when there's nothing positive to gain. And don't tell me that they're playing for their pride, because pride isn't gained or lost in 20 game stretches, no one should know that better than this club or its fans. For the Fowler fans, Fowler had an assist and was a -1 in Windsor's win.

OHL Playoffs Round 1

(1) Windsor Vs. (8) Eerie Windsor 3-0
3/18 Game 1 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 6-2
3/21 Game 2 @ Eerie 4:30PM EST W 3-1
3/23 Game 3 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 7-6
3/25 Game 4 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/27 *Game 5 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/29 *Game 6 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

(4) Plymouth Vs. (5) SSM Plymouth 2-1
3/19 Game 1 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST SSM 3-2
3/20 Game 2 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-2
3/23 Game 3 @ SSM 7:05PM EST W 8-1
3/24 Game 4 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/26 *Game 5 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/28 *Game 6 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

Taylor Hall 3gp. 4-4-8 +5 4pim.
(ES 3-3-6 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 1-1-2 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star:

Tyler Seguin 3gp. 3-2-5 -1 4pim.
(ES 1-1-2 1(1EN)-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 2-1-3 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 1
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 1

Cam Fowler 3gp. 0-2-2 +1 0pim.
(ES 0-2-2 2-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Hall With 2 Goals And 2nd Star And Fowler With An Assist In Game 2

2010-03-21T19:13:00.008-10:00

Taylor Hall with 2 ES goals, a +2 rating, and 2nd Star in a 3-1 Windsor victory to take a 2-0 series lead over the Eerie Otters. Cam Fowler chipped in with his first point of the series (a primary ES assist) as well as a +1 rating. Windsor takes the ice again on Tuesday as they try to take a commanding 3-0 lead against the 8th seeded Otters.

OHL Playoffs Round 1

(1) Windsor Vs. (8) Eerie Windsor 2-0
3/18 Game 1 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 6-2
3/21 Game 2 @ Eerie 4:30PM EST W 3-1
3/23 Game 3 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/25 Game 4 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/27 *Game 5 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/29 *Game 6 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

(4) Plymouth Vs. (5) SSM Tied 1-1
3/19 Game 1 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST SSM 3-2
3/20 Game 2 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-2
3/23 Game 3 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/24 Game 4 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/26 *Game 5 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/28 *Game 6 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

Taylor Hall 2gp. 2-3-5 +5 2pim.
(ES 2-3-5 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 2
1st Star:
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star:

Tyler Seguin 2gp. 2-1-3 Ev 2pim.
(ES 1-1-2 1(1EN)-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 1-0-1 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 1
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star: 1

Cam Fowler 2gp. 0-1-1 +2 0pim.
(ES 0-1-1 1-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 0
1st Star:
2nd Star:
3rd Star:

Seguin and the Plymouth Whalers Tie Their Series Up At 1 Game Apiece

2010-03-20T15:51:00.005-10:00

Tyler Seguin scored a PP goal and added an EN assist in a 5-2 win over Sault Ste. Marie to split their first 2 home games to start their first round playoff series. After 2 games he sits at 2-1-3 and Ev against a team that's poised to shut him down. Seguin was named 3rd star in the win.

OHL Playoffs Round 1

(1) Windsor Vs. (8) Eerie Windsor 1-0
3/18 Game 1 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 6-2
3/21 Game 2 @ Eerie 4:30PM EST
3/23 Game 3 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/25 Game 4 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/27 *Game 5 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/29 *Game 6 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

(4) Plymouth Vs. (5) SSM Tied 1-1
3/19 Game 1 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST SSM 3-2
3/20 Game 2 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST W 5-2
3/23 Game 3 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/24 Game 4 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/26 *Game 5 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/28 *Game 6 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

Taylor Hall 1gp. 0-3-3 +3 0pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Tyler Seguin 2gp. 2-1-3 Ev 2pim.
(ES 1-1-2 1(1EN)-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 1-0-1 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Cam Fowler 1gp. 0-0-0 +1 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Hall Starts The Playoffs With A 3 Point Performance

2010-03-18T16:58:00.003-10:00

Taylor Hall and the Windsor Spitfires started their defense of their OHL Championship and their Memorial Cup Championship with 3 even strength assists and a +3 worthy of a 2nd Star performance in Windsor's 6-2 victory. Cam Fowler went pointless but was a +1 on the night.

OHL Playoffs Round 1

(1) Windsor Vs. (8) Eerie Windsor 1-0
3/18 Game 1 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST W 6-2
3/21 Game 2 @ Eerie 4:30PM EST
3/23 Game 3 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/25 Game 4 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/27 *Game 5 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/29 *Game 6 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

(4) Plymouth Vs. (5) SSM
3/19 Game 1 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/20 Game 2 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/23 Game 3 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/24 Game 4 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/26 *Game 5 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/28 *Game 6 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

Taylor Hall 1gp. 0-3-3 +3 0pim.
(ES 0-3-3 2-1st, 1-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Tyler Seguin 0gp. 0-0-0 Ev 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Cam Fowler 1gp. 0-0-0 +1 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

The Mother Of All Rebuilding Trades (Proposal)

2010-03-17T20:07:00.010-10:00

With the talk around Edmonton and the web that the Oilers and Bruins may look to hook up on a trade for Toronto's 1st round pick, I have looked at what might be considered feasible for both teams and this is the monstrosity that I have come up with.

Boston's needs: Top line veterans and additional help on the blueline.

Oilers needs: Quality youth for a competitive team in about 3 seasons time, shed quality players to all but ensure a top 3 pick again next season.

So here is what I came up with.

To Boston: Hemsky, Penner, Gilbert
Total Cap Hit $12.35 million

To Edmonton: TO's 1st, Boston's 1st, Ryder, Thomas, and Wideman
Total Cap Hit $12.9375 million

Boston gets 3 players that they could use including 2/3's of a top line to flank Savard when he returns, and a top 4 d-man.

Edmonton gets 2 first rounders, a reclamation project on D in Wideman, and 2 cap dumps in Thomas and Ryder. With a rebound season Thomas could become trade able or we dump him along with a 2nd tier roster player for a big 1 or 2 season salary dump. The key with these salary dumps is to make sure that their salaries are off the book by the time that our 1st round pick or in this case picks entry level contracts are done.

TO's 1st will likely be the best player in this deal eventually, but what they lose in potential, they gain in some solid assets entering their primes. And if you look at it from Boston's perspective they would get Hemsky, Penner, Gilbert, TO's 1st in '11, and TO's 2nd in '10 for an overpaid Thomas who has since been passed by Rask, an overpaid Ryder, their 2010 1st, an underperforming Wideman, and Kessel. It's still looking like a sweetheart deal for Boston.

Hall, Seguin, and Fowler Playoff Tracker

2010-03-15T21:06:00.005-10:00

As long as the Oil continue to lose I could quite frankly care less about the rest of the season. It's all about the prize at the end of this misery that matters most. Since it isn't a given that we will get #1 or #2 or that we will draft Hall or Seguin, I will also include Fowler on this.

OHL Playoffs Round 1

(1) Windsor Vs. (8) Eerie
3/18 Game 1 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/21 Game 2 @ Eerie 4:30PM EST
3/23 Game 3 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/25 Game 4 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/27 *Game 5 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
3/29 *Game 6 @ Eerie 7:00PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. Eerie 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

(4) Plymouth Vs. (5) SSM
3/19 Game 1 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/20 Game 2 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/23 Game 3 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/24 Game 4 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/26 *Game 5 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
3/28 *Game 6 @ SSM 7:05PM EST
3/30 *Game 7 Vs. SSM 7:05PM EST
* = if necessary

Taylor Hall 0gp. 0-0-0 Ev 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Tyler Seguin 0gp. 0-0-0 Ev 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Cam Fowler 0gp. 0-0-0 Ev 0pim.
(ES 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(PP 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)

Hall Vs. Seguin Part 7, Complete Regular Season Stats

2010-03-14T13:21:00.012-10:00

At the end of the 2009-10 OHL Regular Season

Hall 57gp. 40-66-106 +46 56pim. 2GWG
ESG 22
ES 1st assists 24
ES 2nd assists 10
ES Points 56

PPG 14
PP 1st assists 18
PP 2nd assists 14
PP Points 46

SHG 4
SH 2nd assists 1
SH Points 5

1st stars 11
2nd stars 4
3rd stars 4
Total 3 star selections 19
EN 3

Seguin 63gp. 48-58-106 +17 54pim. 7GWG
ESG 35
ES 1st assists 20
ES 2nd assists 8
ES Points 63

PPG 13
PP 1st assists 19
PP 2nd assists 11
PP Points 43

1st stars 15
2nd stars 2
3rd stars 1
Total 3 star selections 18
EN 1

Multi Point Games

Hall (27)
10-2 points games
7-3 point games
6-4 point games Blowout games 5-2, 5-2, 8-4, 5-1, 7-3
4-5 point games Blowout games 11-3, 7-1, 6-3

Seguin (27)
9-2 point games
9-3 point games
7-4 point games Blowout games 7-2, 6-1, 5-1, 6-2
2-5 point games Blowout games 9-2, 6-3

Multi Goal Games

Hall (11)
9-2 goal games
2-3 goal games

Seguin (11)
6-2 goal games
5-3 goal games

54 of Hall's 100 points came in 12 games 8 of which were blowouts or at least not very close games.

Hall had at least 1 point in 48 of his 57 games.

Seguin had at least 1 point in 46 of his 63 games.

Let's look at ES points among the top draftees/projected draftees in the last 5 OHL seasons.

Kane 58gp. 36-30-66
Seguin 63gp. 35-28-63
Hall 57gp. 22-34-56
Stamkos 61gp. 30-21-51
Tavares 56gp. 31-15-46
Ryan 63gp. 18-26-44
Duchene 57gp. 15-25-40

Now Top ES Goal scorers of all ages in the last 5 OHL seasons, draft eligible in blue

Patrick Kane 58gp. 36ES draft eligible
Bryan Cameron 62gp. 35ES 20/21 year old season
Tyler Seguin 63gp. 35ES draft eligible
Taylor Hall 63gp. 35ES 2 seasons before draft eligible
Luca Caputi 66gp. 35ES 19/20 year old season
John Tavares 67gp. 32ES year before draft eligible
John Tavares 56gp. 31ES draft eligible
Bryan Cameron 52gp. 30ES 20/21 year old season
Steven Stamkos 61gp. 30ES draft eligible
Brett Maclean 61gp. 29ES 19/20 year old season

Hall and Seguin are 2 of only 3 players in that time to have averaged that close to 1ppg at ES, the other being Patrick kane who was over 1 ES point/game. Seguin also had more ES goals than anyone not named Patrick Kane in terms of players in their draft years. The bottom line is that both of these players are the goods. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Hall Vs Seguin Vs. Fowler, 2nd Viewing Of Seguin

2010-03-12T15:20:00.005-10:00

This post is based on the 2/25/10 Plymouth Vs. Windsor Game

1st period-Seguin's playmaking is in a class of its own, while Hall is passing much better than their last match up that I watched, Seguin definitely appears to be the superior passer/playmaker. Windsor's coach seems to prefer matching his checking line against Seguin's line instead of going head to head with Seguin with Hall's line. That was the case in their first game of the season. Hall continues to play in the tough areas and has an exceptional wrist shot and looks like a threat SH. Seguin took the body on one play and looks strong on his skates. Hall hits the ice a lot, but a lot of it seems to be because he is willing to pay the price almost to a fault at times. 1st period seemed pretty even between the 2, and so far nothing that I've seen has made me think differently from their first meeting except that Hall's passing is looking much better.

2nd Period-Hall had the better period. Seguin had a solid backhand chance and made some good passes as well as being really solid in the dot. That said, Hall scored a goal, made some very good passes, drew a penalty shot, had at least one other breakaway, hit a post, and straight up looked dangerous in every situation in the 2nd. He is able to use his speed in every situation, very impressive period by Hall except that his penalty shot attempt left something to be desired. Hall's passing continues to be much better than it was in the 1st Hall Vs. Seguin match up that I watched.

3rd Period-Hall with an ill advised blind backhand pass to the point from the left boards that was picked off, luckily for him nothing came of it. Seguin with a slapper from the point gaining the zone that trickled in 5 hole for a goal. Hall with a shot/pass that went off his teammates skate for a disallowed goal. Hall's and Seguin's lines went head to head a few times. Seguin playing a lot as they were close to tying it down 4-3. Hall gets to a loose puck on the PP, curls and makes a quick and accurate onetime cross ice pass to the point for a primary assist. Hall proved to be the quicker skater in my eyes while Seguin is more of an elusive skater.

Overall Taylor Hall was definitely the top prospect in this game. He played superbly and unlike my first OHL viewing of him he showed a very good knack for passing the puck effectively, creating space with his speed, and showing a solid combination of playmaker and sniper. He showed a ton of versatility in this game and showed how dynamic his speed can be in all areas of the ice.

Seguin showed brilliant flashes of skill, however he ran up against a better team and couldn't beat the Spitfires all by himself. That said to face the defending Memorial Cup champs who were gearing up for the playoff drive and still create numerous grade A chances for himself and his teammates shows just how immense his skill is.

Fowler is simply not a franchise defense prospect, my personal opinion is that a franchise defenseman is a guy that dominates offensively and defensively. I do not see an elite offensive upside in Fowler. My personal opinion is that there is a very large drop between Hall and Seguin and Fowler at #3. The Oilers would really be doing the future of the franchise a dis-justice if they end up not finishing the season as the worst team in the league ensuring that we get 1 of Hall or Seguin.

At this point I think that it's very close between Hall and Seguin, proven performer vs. a higher offensive upside, a warrior vs. a cerebral assassin on the ice, elite speed vs. elite elusiveness, elite shot vs. elite vision and hands. I can see points in drafting either player at #1 to be honest. I will wait until after the OHL playoffs and perhaps even after the Memorial Cup is over before making my final choice between the 2. Right now I must say that drafting either one of these guys would make me feel proud about being an Oilers fan and happy that this season was the disaster that it ended up being. If we draft Fowler on the other hand we are in a world of hurt long term if this draft is supposed to signify the new face of the franchise.

Hall Vs. Seguin Part 6 Update Time!

2010-03-06T21:46:00.005-10:00

I decided to update this just prior to the end of the OHL season.

At the end of 3/6/10

Hall 55gp. 38-62-100 +44
ESG 21
ES 1st assists 23
ES 2nd assists 9
ES Points 53

PPG 13
PP 1st assists 18
PP 2nd assists 12
PP Points 43

SHG 4
SH 2nd assists 1
SH Points 5

1st stars 10
2nd stars 3
3rd stars 4
Total 3 star selections 17
EN 3

Seguin 60gp. 47-58-105 +17
ESG 35
ES 1st assists 20
ES 2nd assists 8
ES Points 63

PPG 12
PP 1st assists 19
PP 2nd assists 11
PP Points 42

1st stars 15
2nd stars 2
3rd stars 1
Total 3 star selections 18
EN 1

Multi Point Games

Hall (25)
10-2 points games
5-3 point games
6-4 point games Blowout games 5-2, 5-2, 8-4, 5-1, 7-3
4-5 point games Blowout games 11-3, 7-1, 6-3

Seguin (27)
9-2 point games
9-3 point games
7-4 point games Blowout games 7-2, 6-1, 5-1, 6-2
2-5 point games Blowout games 9-2, 6-3

Multi Goal Games

Hall (11)
9-2 goal games
2-3 goal games

Seguin (11)
6-2 goal games
5-3 goal games

54 of Hall's 100 points came in 12 games 8 of which were blowouts or at least not very close games.

Hall had at least 1 point in 46 of his 55 games.

Seguin had at least 1 point in 45 of his 60 games.

Looking at this I can't help but think of how many points Hall has gotten because he has better teammates than Seguin. Seguin is a better passer and has better vision yet he has less assists. Seguin has also proven to be the better offensive player at ES. Seguin has 3 more hat tricks and 5 more 1st star selections. IMO offensively Seguin is clearly the better player, however Hall's grittiness, toughness, and never say die attitude makes this an interesting competition. Not to mention I have seen a number of Halls goals coming from the right side of the net for tap ins or onetimers, that won't be there in the NHL the majority of the time.

I'd still take Seguin at this point, however their true test will come in the postseason. Hall SHOULD outshine Seguin if they match up because of his stronger team. If it's even close, between the 2 it's advantage Seguin.

Oilers 2010 Draft Picks

2010-03-03T21:10:00.004-10:00

With the recent addition of three new picks, here's what the Oilers will likely be looking at in terms of picks.

1st Round
Oilers Pick

2nd Round
Oilers Pick
Nashville's Pick

3rd Round
Oilers Pick
Calgary's Pick

4th Round
Oilers Pick

5th Round
Oilers Pick

6th Round
Oilers Pick
Anaheim's Pick
Ottawa's Pick

7th Round
Oilers Pick

That is 11 picks total. I have heard Tambellini say that they now have 10 picks for this draft, I am not sure if he forgot the Ottawa pick or if they dealt a pick that I am forgetting. So at the least it's 10 picks, at most it's 11. The Oilers acquired the Ottawa pick last year by dealing their 7th rounder for Ottawa's 6th rounder this season. This gives the team an opportunity to use their additional 3rd round pick or their 2 additional 6th round picks to move up in the draft.

Ultimately I'd like to see them with another selection in the 1st round or at least another 2nd rounder. Tambellini might have the flexibility to move Calgary's 3rd and Anaheim's or Ottawa's 6th and land another 2nd rounder. Or he could move Nashville's 2nd and Calgary's 3rd and move into the late 1st round somewhere.

If Tambellini decides to stand pat the Oilers scouts will get 4 more opportunities to land some prospect depth and maybe hit a much needed home run beyond our 1st round pick. Perhaps even more picks will be accumulated at the draft if players like Souray or Cogliano are on the move.

One thing is for certain the 2010 NHL Draft will determine the fate of this Oilers team for some time. A successful draft means an eventual return to respectability for the NHL club as well as the AHL club, a failed one and the Oilers will look back at this as some of the darkest days that this franchise has ever seen.

Grebs For a 2nd Rounder

2010-03-01T21:54:00.003-10:00

So the Oilers dump $3 million in salary, a guy that makes some of the most boneheaded decisions with the puck, and replace him with a young, cheap, up and comer in Taylor Chorney. The return IMO seems a little light, I would've hoped to have also have gotten a 4th rounder or something, but considering the uncertainty with Russian players bolting to the KHL, I think that we take the 2nd rounder and run.

Hopefully this is the first of many trades that will weaken the team as we try to solidify the worst record in the league while also adding as many picks and prospects as possible. Goodbye Grebeshkov, hello rebuild.

Time For Tambellini To Put His Stamp On Deadline Day And The Oilers

2010-02-28T22:01:00.004-10:00

Last year I was pushing for the Oilers to ditch their vets for picks, instead they became buyers and still missed the postseason. This season the Oilers are clearly nowhere near the postseason and if Tambo has any kind of a clue he will be adding 2nd and 3rd round picks en mass. I am not expecting a huge blockbuster where we land another high first like Toronto's as an example, but there is no reason that he can't turn guys like Pisani and Comrie into picks.

Visnovsky, Souray, and maybe even Penner could be up for grabs, Tambo needs to get something of substance for these guys if he moves them. We won't contend next year so we shouldn't just deal these guys for crap. The next 3 days will be some of the biggest for this franchise moving forward. Deal most of our vets for picks and prospects and seal our fate as the worst team in the NHL. Then turn some of those picks into potential NHL players or use them to trade up in the draft. In a perfect world this team will be gutted and weakened as we face the seasons finish line. It's time to see what Tambellini is made of.

Hall Vs. Seguin Vs. Fowler, BBO's First Viewing Of Seguin

2010-02-19T18:25:00.007-10:00

I just ponied up and ordered the Windsor Vs. Plymouth game from September and I must say, it was a beauty! Nothing quite like getting to see 3 of the top prospects in the upcoming draft duke it out. I plan on watching at least a few more of these games, but these are my initial thoughts from my first ever viewing of Tyler Seguin and from my first non WJC's viewing's of Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler.

Tyler Seguin
Strengths:
Wizard with the puck, excellent vision, finds open ice almost at will with top notched speed, carries the puck unbelievably well, great passer, solid on draws, really good wrist shot, high offensive IQ, works the left side on the PP so he'd be a good replacement for Hemsky if Hemmer decides he wants out of town, dynamic at ES, pure skill player, elite skill level.

Weaknesses:
Needs to work harder on the defensive side of the puck, needs to get more engaged in puck battles, not a very aggressive player. All of these things can be taught although I wouldn't draft him in the anticipation of turning him into a Mike Richards type of a physical center.

Taylor Hall
Strengths:
Goes to the tough areas of the ice, will take punishment to win, will drive the net with reckless abandon, very good speed, safe bet as long as he doesn't get hurt because of the style that he plays, leadership ability because as a top talent he is willing to do anything to win.

Weaknesses:
Bad on draws, not the greatest of passers, needs to add more zip to his passes as well as accuracy, needs to get much stronger to play this way and come out alive after 82 NHL games.

Cam Fowler
Strengths: Makes good decisions in all 3 zones, skates very well, good passer, well rounded hockey player.

Weaknesses: Has a decent shot but nothing too overpowering, below Hall and Seguin in terms of upside.

To be clear I am not proclaiming anyone to be the unanimous #1 choice in my books in a single game, but on a night where Hall and Seguin were matched up at center many a time, Seguin looked like the most dangerous player on the ice for much of the night while schooling Hall in the dot. He really is a special player in that he can kill a team in so many different ways. Hall seems to me to be a bit more of a heart and soul/blood and guts kind of a guy while Seguin is just an undeniable talent that makes his teammates better.

This while Seguin was playing against what many consider to be 2 of the 3 best players in this years draft class. Hall had 2 side of the net onetimers on 5 on 3's, a very good breakaway goal and a couple of decent assists (nothing too great on the playmaking side from Taylor on this night). Hall had the better stats tonight, but Seguin was all substance and created many grade A scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Thinking of Seguin and MPS flying down the ice had me smiling from ear to ear.

The Gloves Are Off, Schremp Vs. Horcoff the Sad Truth

2010-02-05T08:30:00.003-10:00

Since Schremp left the Oil I have made it a point not to make many posts about him. However I find it pathetic that even now that the kid has become an everyday NHLer and that he is out producing many of our current forwards that he is getting crapped on by the Corsi crew.

Fact of the matter is that Schremp has had growing pains (as do all NHL rookies) but he has turned the corner, is playing center (where many said he could NEVER play in the NHL), putting up points at ES, and he is becoming respectable defensively and produces more than he gives up.

The kid has been centering the Isles top line in the last 3 games or so and has looked decent in doing so. This is the best that he has played since his '07-08 season in Springfield. He is looking every bit of an NHL player out on the ice and is using his unique set of talents to the benefit of the Islanders.

On the other side we have a player in Horcoff that is paid like a 1st liner but plays like an average 3rd liner (I'm trying to be kind here). A guy that is supposed to be filled with grit and determination. Well I don't see any more hunger in his game than I see in Schremp's. Schremp has been better on the forecheck, better in the offensive zone and on the PP.

This may not mean much to those of us that have thought of Horcoff to be having a year that will never be forgotten (in a bad way of course o.k. Corsi mongers?) but I find it downright hilarious that the same guy that was proclaimed to be the Oilers best player looks less effective on the ice than the guy that "only scored 7 goals in the AHL last year!" and the guy that "can't even help our AHL team let alone our team" the guy "that's softer than Charmin, can't skate worth a crap, only can do good when he's alone on the ice with the goaltender" etc.

"Oh but he wasn't competing with Horcoff for a spot at camp" Fine, in less games he has outscored Cogliano, has the same amount of points as Nilsson, would sit 6th on the Oilers in points/game and is miles better than a number of our forwards in +/-. But hey he'll never be an NHLer!

So those that feel the need to promote Horcoff as the answer to the Oilers woes instead of a major cause, keep beating that drum, sooner or later it will break, meanwhile out of the ashes of the Horcoff led '09-10 Oilers a young offensive threat on Long Island has arisen. And unlike Horcoff, his career is headed in one direction, straight up. As for those that enjoyed calling Schremp "Sugar Tits", I've got one for your boy Horcoff "Tits Up" because as long as he's our highest paid forward that's what the Oilers will be unless he pulls his head out of his ass.

So Hall and Seguin Being Considered as Stamkos-esque Talents is a Bad Thing?

2010-02-04T20:33:00.004-10:00

I have been puzzled as to why this is supposed to be some sort of a huge kick in the junk? Yes Hall and Seguin aren't considered to be the second coming of Crosby or Oveckin, but what's wrong with Stamkos and his talent?

His rookie season wasn't the thing that legends are made of (79 23-23-46) but his sophomore season is a sight to behold! At the end of tonight the 6'1" 200lb. center who will turn 20 years old in 3 days is on pace for 45 goals and 42 assists for 87 points in 81 games. If either of Hall or Seguin were near ppg guys at the ripe old age of 19/20 that would be A-O.K. for this Oilers fan.

Any way that you slice it, if Hall and Seguin are seen in the same light as this guy can we really go wrong drafting one of them? Would this type of a player be seen as 2nd fiddle to Sam Gagner in terms of impact players under 21 on the club? The Oilers need a Stamkos of their own, if Hall or Seguin turn out to be a measly 40-40 guy in their 2nd NHL season and wear the oil drop I could live with it, could you?

Two Wins In A Row? This Is Bull Crap!

2010-02-03T21:10:00.003-10:00

Yet another season of under performing seems to be ready to take its common end of the season course. It seems to be about that time for the Oilers annual run to fuck up their draft position. So help me if Tambellini becomes a buyer at the deadline or if he doesn't become a seller looking to gut and weaken his team while adding cap space.

Time for a real feel good story once again, the Oilers teasing their fans making them think that they could be a good team next season because they went on a playoff-esque run to end the year. Never mind that they soiled themselves for 2/3 of the season, never mind that finally the Oilers could be in a position to actually draft in the top 2, let's get thrilled that we'll win some games this year! This way when we are in the same boat next season and the season beyond we can take solace in the fact that we won some games to make our record look better than what it could've been and end up drafting a second tier player instead of a franchise type player.

Nothing like getting a little enjoyment in the present to make sure that there's a LOT more banging of your head on the wall for years on end. Let's hope that the Oilers get put back in their place against Minny and then get smashed from here on out this season. Nothing less than finishing dead last will allow the Oilers to make this season memorable for the right reasons years down the road.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, the Road Block From Hell

2010-01-28T21:43:00.005-10:00

The Oilers have managed to pull off a magnificent stretch where they have all of 4 points in their last 20 games, no matter how you slice it, that it brutal and should have a club that was already struggling prior to that running away with the poll position in the draft derby.

Well guess what? That's far from the case. In that same time the Leafs have won 2 games and gotten 6 loser points. The Oilers have only gained 6 points on the Laughs in the last 20 games. What's even worse? The Leafs have no injuries to major players, they have healthy goaltending, their top offensive forward is healthy as a horse, and they haven't had a boatload of injuries this season.

Add into this a GM that hates our organization, has a bigger ego than his larger than life head (apparently head size doesn't always reflect brain size), and he is desperate. Then we have the coach who seems like a complete jackass, a bunch of guys that could care less or just can't cut the mustard. Then the likelihood of the GM firing the coach is about as likely as hell freezing over, and we have the running joke of the NHL, Brian Burke's Toronto Maple Leafs.

As if our former GM and current one weren't bad enough we have to combat the cerebral moves of one of the greatest GM's or all time (of all time!) and the suck on ice that is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Just how bad do they suck? Well WE beat them for our only win in the last 20 games. As Carolina pulls farther and farther away from the Oilers and soon the Leafs, it will be a 2 horse race between them and us. 2 teams that can't seem to win to save their lives or for some their potential NHL careers in a battle for the right to get the highest possible chance of selecting first overall.

Somebody forgot to tell Burke that Kessel isn't Crosby and neither of Beauchemin or Komisarek are Scott Stevens. It just sucks that this idiot has to be exposed for the crappy GM that he is the one year where we are bad enough to potentially get a top 2 pick. If not I'd be having a good laugh at his expense. Can the Oilers overcome the suck that is the Toronto Maple Leafs? Let's hope so, because if not the only people that will hate Brian Burke's guts more than Leafs fans will be Oilers fans.