Kirill Maksimov – McKeen's Hockey

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Edmonton Oilers Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 20:42:19 +0000

McKeen's Top 20 Detroit Red Wings prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here.

Philip Broberg, D (8^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Broberg is a lanky defenseman with an impressive skillset. He has elite speed both with and without the puck. He defends his blueline well and is tough to beat when he uses his reach. Despite lacking in point production in the SHL, his possession metrics shone, and Skelleftea was a better team when he was on the ice. He is effective at getting the puck up the ice and is hard to catch. He will need to develop his offensive game to be more effective. He needs to control the pace more and to be more composed with the puck at slower paces. He is at his best at zone exits and entries. He needs to use his strengths when the game has slowed down as well as he does on the rush. He could explode with some adjustments to his game. He was the sixth defender on the team last season and will likely get a bigger role in 2020-21. He still is one to three years from competing for an NHL spot, but Edmonton should not rush Broberg. If he can get the time to figure out his game and mature physically, he has top pair potential. - JH

Evan Bouchard, D (10^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

As a rookie pro, Bouchard led AHL Bakersfield with 29 assists on a team that struggled to generate offense. He can generate offense on any given shift, using his slick hands and refined hockey IQ to facilitate the puck and create high-danger chances out of nowhere. He skates decently despite a bulky frame, a much-improved trait once thought of as a weakness, and his shot is speedy, capable of creating rebounds, and is one used with frequency. As polished as he is offensively, he can handle challenging defensive minutes with his physical and intelligent play in his own zone; never shying away from a chance to pin someone against the boards and using his long reach to disrupt play from below the goal line. It would be nice to see someone as skilled as him playing with more pace and energy, and that might come when he reaches the faster-paced levels of the NHL, which could come next season; if it was not for the impressive young blueliners already holding down the fort in Edmonton such as Ethan Bear and Caleb Jones, Bouchard would already be a NHL anchor. - TD

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

A talented forward with size, Lavoie proved it last season with a solid first half contribution with Halifax, and then a strong showing with a contending Chicoutimi team before last season was cancelled. He is tall and needs to fill out, but his game will only improve with more weight. He is more of a finesse forward than a power forward, but he can protect the puck very well and loves to play in traffic. Lavoie has an excellent shot and creates plenty of opportunity to use it. His stickhandling worked well at the junior level, but will need refinement, as does his skating. Adding more bulk will give him more balance, but physicality is not in his nature. The potential is there for him to become a power forward in the future, but it would involve a Blake Wheeler-like transition in his game. He could benefit from playing with more snarl and passion. It would open more space for him when his hands or legs cannot. Beyond that, Lavoie is a strong option for a scoring winger with size at the top level and is ready for his professional career to begin. – MS

Dylan Holloway, LW (14^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Holloway proved himself to be a strong NCAA regular as a true freshman, even if expectations were too high. The delta between Holloway’s best case and worst-case outcomes is pretty slim. He will be a solid NHL’er, or a good one. He does a lot of things well. He is a strong skater who moves like a freight train when he gets going, with a thick, strong frame that he likes to throw around. He likes to lay into opponents near the boards and invites opponents to try the same on him. He can also slow things down once possession is established in the offensive zone and find room to make himself an passing option. For the most part, he plays aggressively. His size and strength also work in his favor when it comes to maintaining possession of the puck. Holloway keeps his feet moving at all times. He is a good stickhandler, but when he plays with the puck at top speed, he has a tendency to make poor decisions. He needs to improve his shot release, as he often double- or triple-clutches before releasing the shot. – RW

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62^nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Rodrigue is a patient goalie who plays the refined style of many of the Quebec goaltenders before him. His temperament is evident not only in his own play but how calmly teams play in front of him; he commands respect at the junior level and his record speaks for itself. His quickness was among the best in junior hockey last season. Chief among concerns for Rodrigue are the fact that he has always played on a contending team as a junior. This sounds like a strength, and it is, but it is much easier to be unflappable and confident on a great team than a bad one. As well, he is slight-of-build, weighing in last season at only 165 pounds. While playing at a smaller weight never bothered a goalie like Ryan Miller, it comes with concerns in terms of handling the wear and tear of a long season, and Rodrigue has sustained injuries during playoff runs in his junior career. His ceiling is as a strong NHL starter. – MS

Carter Savoie, LW (100^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Savoie led the AJHL in goals last year with 53 in 54 games and possesses a high upside as a top six forward because of his skill and awareness. He impresses as a goal scorer with versatility to the ways he puts the puck in the net. He creates his own scoring chances by driving down the wing and using his lateral quickness and edgework to navigate traffic, creating shooting lanes. His shot is powerful and can beat goaltenders clean, even without a screen. Savoie is also a tenacious player who will drive the net and look for tip ins or rebounds near the crease. When he is challenged physically, he responds with a blend of hard hitting forechecks, after the whistle scrums, and a general chippiness. He is also a gifted puck handler. He is also an intelligent player without the puck. However, he is inconsistent, and has a tendency to disappear for stretches. Considering his lack of size, there is also concern that his skating is not explosive enough. Patience will be required as he moves on to the NCAA, but his potential is very high. – BO

Tyler Benson, LW (32^nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Despite an overall fall in his numbers last season, Benson was the same intelligent playmaking winger/center hybrid as he long has been, and furthermore, he seems to have his injury issues behind him. His package of deft hands, smart decision-making, and crisp, accurate passing allow him to set up linemates from anywhere on the ice, and he is particularly adept at drawing defenders away from linemates to free them up for a dangerous feed. While the former Vancouver Giants star does not possess the blazing foot speed of some of his teammates and counterparts, it has not hampered his ability to change the flow of his game. What helps Benson’s chances of becoming a long-term option in the NHL ranks is that versatility and well-roundedness, and though he won’t ever put the puck in the net at a high rate, he can play a multitude of roles and create chances for teammates in high-danger areas almost at will. Expect him to be a middle-six option in the Oilers lineup in the near future and for years to come. – TD

Ryan McLeod, C (40^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

A second-round pick in the 2018 draft, McLeod fell down draft boards into the laps of Oilers management and looks to provide them some hidden value down the line. A lanky 6-3” center with a high-end defensive game and an offensive ceiling still to be determined, the OHL alum fared well in his rookie pro season as a 20-year-old playing in a variety of challenging roles. He split time between center and wing, exhibited high-grade defensive tools, and showed off some passing touch on the power play, playing up and down the lineup with a revolving door of linemates. A plus skater, McLeod likes to drive through defenders or use his long reach to pass around them in tight spaces, though he lacks urgency on offense. Smart and anticipatory on defense, he intercepts passes, makes easy changes on defensive assignments, and directs traffic up top in the defensive zone like a seasoned pro. He will have to develop into a more dangerous offensive option to be a surefire NHL weapon, but after just one pro year, he looks like -- worst case scenario -- a shutdown defensive center. – TD

Ilya Konovalov, G (85^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

As opposed to the 2018-19 season, the 19-20 campaign was slightly disappointing for Konovalov. The Oilers draftee played a significant number of games for Lokomotiv – 40 in the regular season and five in the playoffs – but failed to make the same impression that he did last year. On the international stage, he was solid with the Russian B squad, but that was in a limited amount of games and not against the strongest opposition. In the playoffs, he had also looked better last year. Sophomore slump? Maybe, but next year he will have a veteran, import goalie to compete with for the starter position (Ed Pasquale) and it is yet to be seen whether he will be able to return to his old self. With that being said, Konovalov is still an interesting prospect, with excellent agility, fast movements, and a strong competitive drive. He needs to work on his consistency and overall technique to take a further step forward. Next year will be crucial to check if the Oilers had a good idea in spending a relatively high pick on him in 2019. – ASR

Tyler Tullio, RW (126^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Without great size, quickness, or dynamic puck skills, Tullio is an effective player in the offensive zone because of his awareness and intelligence level. While he is not often responsible for zone entries, he is extremely effective as a forechecker and in puck retrieval. Despite his size, he is terrific working the wall, using quick hands and feet to be elusive. His vision is terrific, anticipating breakdowns in coverage and routinely feeding his linemates around the slot for scoring chances. Tullio is also a great finisher, possessing a lightning quick release and the instincts to find openings and space near the crease. There is some concern about his ability to play with pace, especially when you consider his lack of size. His time will eventually come to showcase his offensive potential when he is dominating touches and leading his line. Tullio projects as a complementary skilled player who brings versatility, but who could actually have more game breaking ability than he has yet had a chance to show with any regularity. – BO

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

According to expectations around the hockey world, Samorukov had an underwhelming first pro year. The big Russian was projected to be a two-way force and capable of controlling the pace of games, as he was in his final OHL season leading Guelph to a league title, but instead struggled to play with the assertiveness that makes him such an intriguing pupil. While raw and (reasonably) inconsistent, Samorukov’s package screams NHL potential. After signing a one-year deal with CSKA Moscow of the KHL, he’ll spend the 2020-21 season playing in a top-tier pro league and hopefully work out his flaws overseas. At 6-3” and fairly strong, Samorukov wrestles pucks away at entry and can end plays before they happen against the boards and below the goal line. He is a very strong skater relative to his size, capable of carrying the puck out of the zone solo. He remains highly regarded in the organization and could shoot right back into the NHL conversation if his KHL stint goes well, but he must play with confidence to succeed. - TD

Cooper Marody, RW (158^th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 7)

Marody is perhaps the most polarizing prospect in the Oilers organization. Full of skill and offensive creativity, the University of Michigan product is a dangerous cycle player with a muscular build and instinctual passing. However, he is a step slow and probably fits more in the NHL as a winger, a position made deeper and faster by new Oilers general manager Ken Holland, who acquired Tyler Ennis and Andreas Anthanasiou before the pause of the NHL season. A tough 2019-20 season slowed Marody’s development; he got sick in November and lost 10 pounds and was barely back into the thick of things before an upper-body injury ended his campaign in January. What the 23-year-old does well, he does exceptionally, notably his possession play and physical toughness in all three zones. While he is not a fast skater, he can hold his own and likes to carry the puck in transition with his quick and deceptive hands in spite of his lack of speed. He might be on his way to an NHL job if his health complies next season, and he is best suited as a winger on one of Edmonton’s two scoring lines if he can earn that job. - TD

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 8)

The Finnish forward was drafted in the sixth round in 2016. He had previously played in Finland before jumping across the ocean to play in the USHL, where he went to further his career after being drafted. He had already represented Finland in international competition at the WU18s by that point. After one season with the Sioux City Musketeers, he joined Boston College. Rasanen recently finished his third season with the Eagles and signed with KalPa in Liiga. Rasanen led BC in face-offs with a 56.3% success rate. He also represented Finland in the World Junior championship twice during his collegiate career, recording the best face-off percentage in both tournaments. At 22 years of age, Rasanen plays a mature game. He is a solid forward who just recorded a career high in points. He has incredibly soft hands, especially while passing. While he can set teammates up, he can also score. Rasanen projects to be a top-nine forward once he returns to North America. - JS

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

After a 40-goal season in the OHL and graduating to the pros, Maksimov brought with him some expectations as a potential future triggerman in the top-six of the Oilers forward depth chart. While the 21-year-old still has time to find his touch in that aspect, his rookie pro season (five goals in 53 games) doesn’t put him on the right track. However, the bruising, 6-3” Russian winger has a head start over his exclusively-offensive contemporaries: his penalty kill work and defensive game are impressive and deserving of recognition. He was used in a lot of defensive-zone draw and late-lead situations as someone who can hold shooters out of dangerous areas and change the pace of the opposition’s attack with stick checks and wonderful positioning. His speed is a concern, as is his inability to create shots for himself to let off his lethal wrister as he can make mistakes on offense, but his NHL future, unlike others in the system, is not solely predicated on offensive production. - TD

William Lagesson, D (91^st overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 12)

In the same boat as Bouchard, Lagesson would already be a solid contributor to an NHL defensive core if not for other young defensemen in the pipeline who can bring something similar to the table. That isn’t a knock on the Swede, more so a credit to how well the Oilers have fielded a young defensive lineup of late. Lagesson is an NHL-ready 24-year-old who has played the same scrappy, solid defensive hockey everywhere he has gone, and has proven he can do just that in the NHL after an eight-game trial in 2019-20. The best compliment you can give to a stay-at-home defenseman is that they are hard to notice, and he deserves that honor. He is smooth in his one-on-one defense, with tight gaps, an active stick, and the size to disrupt a forward’s stride. He is physical and competitive but not prone to taking excessive penalties, which boosts his value as a one-way guy. His ceiling is depth defensive role player, and he is more than ready to take it on. - TD

Philip Kemp, D (208^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Kemp jumped from two years at prep school to two seasons with the USNTDP, representing the U.S. in international play during that time. From the program, he entered Yale and totaled only eight points in both his first and second seasons, in the latter of which he was invited to the World Junior Championship. Kemp isn’t an offensive defenseman, but he can still occasionally contribute offensively. His selling point as a defender his is skating, which allows him to backcheck well - pivotal for any defender who wants to play pro hockey. He has a big frame at 6-3” and a long reach that he uses well. He also uses his speed to jump up in the rush. A seventh-round draft pick, he is performing above his draft value, but there is room for Kent - who just finished his junior season and will captain Yale - to improve. - JS

Markus Niemelainen, D (63^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 14)

Niemelainen had a good season with Assat in Finland's top league. He logged the second-most ice-time on the team and improved his overall game. He started to play more physically and his play with the puck also got better. A reliable and assertive defenseman with long reach, he primarily takes care of his own end. He is mobile with good acceleration and can reach a good top speed. The biggest knock against him continues to be a lack of offense. His play with the puck is no longer as cautious as it used to be, but he has never been a big point producer and that is unlikely to change. That said, the recent improvement in his game is a reason for some optimism. Niemelainen has a chance to carve out a career in the NHL as a depth defenseman. However, when he goes across the pond, he will very likely need a significant amount of development time first in the AHL. - MB

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

The small-framed center had a strong season in the MHL with Loko Yaroslavl, but once again he had limited time in pro hockey, playing only one contest in the KHL and two in the VHL. It is clear that he has a rich arsenal of moves and creativity to generate attacks, but he needs to bulk up. Moreover, small players need to be flashy to be effective, and while he isn’t a slow skater, his agility and his style still leave some question marks on his game – especially so at the pro level. With that being said, Denezhkin is a hard-working, competitive forward who gives good effort at both ends of the ice and can be useful in any situation, even in penalty killing. He has good hockey sense and a strong passing game; therefore, he can still develop into a good player with the right coaching and some seasoning at home. With this type of player, patience is a must. – ASR

Maxim Berezkin, LW (138^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

A goal scoring power winger with great size (6-4” and over 200lbs) who has been utilized in all situations in the MHL. He owns a good shot and is a half wall threat on the powerplay. A late-2001 born, Berezkin is a project and his skating needs plenty of work before he can be deemed ready to play in the faster paced rinks of North America. His feet are currently heavy, and it prevents him from consistently playing with pace. If he is to make up for his lack of pace, it will have to come from what he can do once the puck is already settled in the offensive zone. His strong shot has already been mentioned, but his ability to control and maneuver the puck is just as impressive. He also reads situations maturely and can be relied upon to make the correct decisions. Even if he maximizes those other traits, his below average skating will likely limit him to a bottom-line role, where his coaches will hope that he can put his giant frame to good use. – Brock Otten

Patrik Siikanen, LW (195^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 16)

A bit of a sleeper to end this list, Siikanen has steadily risen up the ranks in Finland, playing a regular role in Liiga before his 20^th birthday, despite never playing in a major tournament for Finland. Of only he could produce, though, as he has only two assists through his first 33 Liiga games. In all honesty, he was never a big scorer in the Finnish junior ranks either, but he still has some elements to recommend him for a possible NHL future. Despite his lack of numbers, he has a pretty good shot and should be expected to start finding the net as he gains experience and the confidence that should tag along. Second, he has good size – not like Berezkin, but lanky and strong. He uses his size well and knows how to make himself tough to line up against. As should be pretty obvious from this write-up, Siikanen does not project as any more than a fourth line grinder who can bring energy. - RW

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – EDMONTON OILERS – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 21

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 14:17:46 +0000

Edmonton Oilers

The 2018-19 Bakersfield Condors were a dominant outfit at the minor league level. They were the top team in both the Pacific Division and the Western Conference as a whole. Shane Starrett was a rock between the pipes. The defensive core, starring Ethan Bear, Caleb Jones, and Logan Day, was unbeatable. The offensive attack was led by talented stalwarts including Tyler Benson, Cooper Marody, Joe Gambardella, Josh Currie, and Patrick Russell.

This year’s Condors have been bad. They entered the COVID-19 suspension of play with a points percentage of .446, sixth out of seven in the division. Only three teams in the 31-team league have surrendered more goals, and each of those teams has played at least five more games than Bakersfield has.

Minor pro teams at all levels can see their overall quality fluctuate wildly from season to season as the parent club’s needs change. Players develop and graduate, and veteran players leave for greater opportunities. As we will see with the Oiler’s top minor league affiliate, it was all of the above as well as plain old regression and injury that led to the change in fortunes.

Let’s start with the blueline. Outside of winger Kailer Yamamoto, who played roughly one third of the 2018-19 season in the AHL, the only two NHL graduations from the farm to the Show were defenders Ethan Bear, who spent the entire season in the NHL, and Caleb Jones, who was recalled to Edmonton in November and spent all but six days of the rest of the schedule in the NHL. Logan Day was an interesting scouting find as a free agent out of an NCAA DIII who scored an entry level deal after a strong first professional season on an AHL contract, but he backslid at both ends of the ice. The new look D, including top ten pick Evan Bouchard, could not keep the puck out of danger.

That impacted the play of the netminders. Starrett saw his save percentage drop from a very good .918 to an execrable .874 in only 14 games as he dealt with a long-term groin injury that kept him on the shelf for nearly two months. Stuart Skinner assumed the mantle as starter and didn’t fare much better, with a .892 save percentage. A big goalie, he had been a highly touted junior, but his lack of athleticism didn’t help at all.

And what of the forwards, who contributed to a division trailing 162 goals scored? Of the players listed above, Patrick Russell spent the year in Edmonton, not that many noticed his five assists (no goals). I did not list him as a graduate above, as the 27-year old had already aged out of prospectdom. The other veteran of that bunch, Josh Currie, was fine, practically replicating his 2018-19 performance in a losing cause. He might have earned NHL time were the Oilers not finally ascendant. There other three were not so hot. Tyler Benson was perhaps passable, dropping from just shy of point-per-game status to a hair over .75 points-per-game, while shoehorning his first NHL recall. Cooper Marody was injured during the 2019 AHL Playoffs and was never at full strength this year, playing only 30 games and unable to find the handle, scoring only five times. I am prepared to extend him a mulligan, but he is already 23 and next season might be his last real chance to catch on at the highest level. Joe Gambardella, on the other hand, is already 26. He was highly touted as a collegiate free agent, but it looks like his window has closed after his scoring rate fell nearly in half, from 48 points in 50 games down to 28 points in the same playing time.

Perhaps better health, improvement from some of the first-year players this year, and new talent like incoming prospects Olivier Rodrigue in net and Markus Niemelainen on the blueline can swing Bakersfield’s fortunes back on the upswing.

200819 Skellefteå's Philip Broberg during the training match in ice hockey between Skellefteå and Modo on 19 August 2020 in Skellefteå.
Photo: Ola Westerberg / BILDBYRÅN

Philip Broberg, D (8^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

A high-end prospect with a strong long-term projection. Philip Broberg is a lanky defenseman with an impressive toolbox of skills. He has elite speed which he can use both with and without the puck. He defends his blueline well and is tough to beat when he uses his reach.

Broberg still has not excelled at point production but as an 18-year-old rookie in the SHL he played the part of a sixth defenseman well. He had strong underlying numbers and had the highest CF% and FF% among Skelleftea defenseman. Skelleftea were a better team with him on the ice than without him. He is effective at getting the puck up the ice and is hard to catch. Broberg isn’t just unlucky in production though, he will need to develop his offensive game to be more effective. He needs to be able to be control the pace more and to be more composed with the puck in lower pace situations.

His WJC performance was also a bit underwhelming due to inconsistent play. He is at his best at the zone exits and entries. When the game is standing still in either zone, he needs to learn how to use his strengths as well as he does on the rush. He is the type of prospect that could explode with some adjustments to his game. He was the sixth defender on the team this season and will likely get a bigger role next season.

He still is a year or two or maybe even three from competing for an NHL spot but Broberg is a player you would not want to rush. If he can get the time to figure out his game and get physically stronger, he can step right into the NHL and be effective right away. He has top pair potential. - JH

Evan Bouchard, D (10^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 2)

With 2019-20 being the much-anticipated rookie pro season of the reigning Max Kaminsky Trophy winner (top defenseman in the OHL), Bouchard certainly lived up to expectations. One of the top puck-moving defensive prospects on the planet, the 10th overall pick in the 2018 draft led the AHL Bakersfield Condors with 29 assists in just his age-19 season on a team that struggled to generate offense and finished with the fewest goals scored in the AHL Pacific Division (162).

He can and will generate offense on any given shift, using his magical hands and brilliant, mature hockey IQ to facilitate the puck and create high-danger chances out of nowhere. He skates decently for someone with a bulky 6-3” body, a much improved trait once thought of as a weakness, and his shot is speedy, capable of creating rebounds, and one used with frequency and confidence as he was top-ten among AHL defenders in shots on goal last season.

As polished as he is offensively, he can handle challenging defensive minutes with his physical and intelligent play in his own zone; never shying away from a chance to pin someone against the boards and use his long reach to disrupt play from below the goal line. It would be nice to see someone as skilled as him playing with more pace and energy, and that might come when he reaches the faster-paced levels of the NHL, which could come next season; if it was not for the impressive young blueliners already holding down the fort in Edmonton such as Ethan Bear and Caleb Jones, Bouchard would already be a NHL anchor. - TD

EDMONTON, AB - SEPTEMBER 14: Raphael Lavoie of the Edmonton Oilers (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 3)

Lavoie may have dropped to the Oilers’ laps in the second round in 2019, but he is still a talented forward with size. He proved it last season with a solid contribution in the first half with a lame-duck, Memorial Cup-hangover Halifax squad, and then a strong showing with a contending Chicoutimi team before the season was cancelled.

Lavoie is tall and needs to fill out, but his game will only improve with more weight. He is more of a finesse forward than a power forward, but he can protect the puck very well and loves to play in traffic. He has an excellent shot and creates plenty of opportunity to use it, as his 106 career Q goals suggest. His stickhandling works well at the Q level, but will need refinement, as does his skating. Adding more bulk will give him more balance and help him in the long run, but he is not a physical player.

The potential is there for him to become a power forward in the future, but it would involve a Blake Wheeler-like transition in his game. Much like Wheeler when he was drafted, he could benefit from playing with more snarl and passion. It would open more space for him when his hands or legs cannot at the higher levels. Beyond that, Lavoie is a strong option for a scoring winger with size at the top level and will debut with Bakersfield next season. He projects as a good up-and-down the roster scoring winger at the NHL level. - MS

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62^nd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 9)

Rodrigue was poised to cap off a very successful QMJHL career with a deep playoff run in Moncton before the season was terminated. He had gotten the attention of Team Canada and was their third goaltender for the World Juniors this past holiday season, and a strong campaign with his new Wildcats teammates was underway. Showing his value to the Oilers, Rodrigue was invited to the Edmonton playoff camp to get more experience and one-on-one time with goalie coach Dustin Schwartz.

He is a patient goalie who plays the refined style of many of the Quebec goaltenders before him. His temperament is evident not only in his own play but how calmly teams play in front of him; he is a goaltender that commands respect at the Q level and his record speaks for itself. His quickness is among the best in junior hockey, and his acceptance of his role as a third goalie with Team Canada is to be commended. He has seen reps at other international tournaments previous to this season, as well.

Chief among concerns for Rodrigue are the fact that he has always played on a contending team in junior hockey. This sounds like a strength, and it is, but it is much easier to be unflappable and confident on a great team than a bad one. As well, he is slight-of-build, weighing in this season at 165 pounds. While playing at a smaller weight never bothered a goalie like Ryan Miller, it comes with concerns in terms of handling the wear and tear of a long season, and Rodrigue has sustained injuries during playoff runs in his junior career. He is also in a dogfight with several other netminders in the organization for playing time. His ceiling is a strong NHL starter. - MS

EDMONTON, AB - SEPTEMBER 6: Tyler Benson of the Edmonton Oilers (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)

Tyler Benson, LW (32^nd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 4)

In his sophomore professional season, Benson fell victim to a team-wide regression as a member of the Condors, which finished sixth out of seven Pacific Division teams after winning the division title just a year prior. His scoring total dropped by 30 points from the 2018-19 season (albeit in 21 fewer games) and he struggled on defense to the tune of a -10 plus/minus rating.

However individually speaking, Benson was the same intelligent playmaking winger/center hybrid as he long has been, and he seems to have his injury issues behind him. Though he was fairly ineffective in his seven-game NHL trial run, that kind of depth facilitating forward would be a godsend for an Oilers team that struggles to generate much offense without its superstars on the ice. Benson’s package of deft hands, decision-making, and crisp, accurate passing allow him to set up linemates from anywhere on the ice, and he is particularly adept at drawing defenders away from linemates to free them up for a dangerous feed.

While the former Vancouver Giants star does not possess the blazing foot speed of some of his teammates and counterparts, it has not hampered his ability to change the flow of his game. What helps Benson’s chances of becoming a long-term option in the NHL ranks is that versatility and well-roundedness, and though he won’t ever put the puck in the net at a high rate, he can play a multitude of roles and set his teammates up for high-danger shots at will. Expect him to be a middle-six option in the Oilers lineup for years to come. - TD

Cooper Marody, RW (158^th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. 2019 Rank: 8)

A tough 2019-20 season slowed Marody’s development; he got sick in November and lost 10 pounds and was barely back into the thick of things before an upper-body injury ended his campaign in January. What the 23-year-old does well, he does exceptionally, notably his possession play and physical toughness in all three zones. While he is not a fast skater, he can hold his own and likes to carry the puck in transition with his quick and deceptive hands in spite of his lack of speed. He might be on his way to an NHL job if his health complies next season, and he is best suited as a winger on one of Edmonton’s two scoring lines if he can earn that job. - TD

Ryan McLeod, C (40^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 7)

A plus skater, McLeod likes to drive through defenders or use his long reach to pass around them in tight spaces, though he lacks urgency on offense. Smart and anticipatory on defense, he intercepts passes, makes easy changes on defensive assignments, and directs traffic up top in the defensive zone like a seasoned pro. He will have to develop into a more dangerous offensive option to be a surefire NHL weapon, but after just one pro year, he looks like -- worst case scenario -- a shutdown defensive center. - TD

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153^rd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Rasanen recently finished his third season with the Eagles and signed with KalPa in Liiga. Rasanen led BC in face-offs with a 56.3% success rate. He also represented Finland in the World Junior championship twice during his collegiate career, recording the best face-off percentage in both tournaments. At 22 years of age, Rasanen plays a mature game. He is a solid forward who just recorded a career high in points. He has incredibly soft hands, especially while passing. While he can set teammates up, he can also score. Rasanen projects to be a top-nine forward once he returns to North America. - JS

Ilya Konovalov, G (85^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 15)

Sophomore slump? Maybe, but next year he will have a veteran, import goalie to compete with for the starter position (Ed Pasquale) and it is yet to be seen whether he will be able to return to his old self. With that being said, Konovalov is still an interesting prospect, with excellent agility, fast movements, and a strong competitive drive. He needs to work on his consistency and overall technique to take a further step forward. Next year will be crucial to check if the Oilers had a good idea in spending a relatively high pick on him in 2019. - ASR

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 5)

While raw and (reasonably) inconsistent, Samorukov’s package screams NHL potential. After signing a one-year deal with CSKA Moscow of the KHL, he’ll spend the 2020-21 season playing in a top-tier pro league and hopefully work out his flaws overseas. At 6-3” and fairly strong, Samorukov wrestles pucks away at entry and can end plays before they happen against the boards and below the goal line.

He is a very strong skater relative to his size, capable of carrying the puck out of the zone solo. He remains highly regarded in the organization and could shoot right back into the NHL conversation if his KHL stint goes well, but he must play with confidence to succeed. - TD

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 11)

However, the bruising, 6-3” Russian winger has a head start over his exclusively-offensive contemporaries: his penalty kill work and defensive game are impressive and deserving of recognition. He was used in a lot of defensive-zone draw and late-lead situations as someone who can hold shooters out of dangerous areas and change the pace of the opposition’s attack with stick checks and wonderful positioning.

His speed is a concern, as is his inability to create shots for himself to let off his lethal wrister as he can make mistakes on offense, but his NHL future, unlike others in the system, is not solely predicated on offensive production. - TD

William Lagesson, D (91^st overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 20)

Lagesson is an NHL-ready 24-year-old who has played the same scrappy, solid defensive hockey everywhere he has gone, and has proven he can do just that in the NHL after an eight-game trial in 2019-20. The best compliment you can give to a stay-at-home defenseman is that they are hard to notice, and he deserves that honor. He is smooth in his one-on-one defense, with tight gaps, an active stick, and the size to disrupt a forward’s stride.

He is physical and competitive but not prone to taking excessive penalties, which boosts his value as a one-way guy. His ceiling is depth defensive role player, and he is more than ready to take it on. - TD

Philip Kemp, D (208^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 14)

His selling point as a defender his is skating, which allows him to backcheck well - pivotal for any defender who wants to play pro hockey. He has a big frame at 6-3” and a long reach that he uses well. He also uses his speed to jump up in the rush. A seventh-round draft pick, he is performing above his draft value, but there is room for Kent - who just finished his junior season and will captain Yale - to improve. - JS

Markus Niemelainen, D (63^rd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

The biggest knock against him continues to be a lack of offense. His play with the puck is no longer as cautious as it used to be, but he has never been a big point producer and that is unlikely to change. That said, the recent improvement in his game is a reason for some optimism. Niemelainen has a chance to carve out a career in the NHL as a depth defenseman. However, when he goes across the pond, he will very likely need a significant amount of development time first in the AHL. - MB

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193^rd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Moreover, small players need to be flashy to be effective, and while he isn’t a slow skater, his agility and his style still leave some question marks on his game – especially so at the pro level. With that being said, Denezhkin is a hard-working, competitive forward who gives good effort at both ends of the ice and can be useful in any situation, even in penalty killing. He has good hockey sense and a strong passing game; therefore he can still develop into a good player with the right coaching and some seasoning at home. With this type of player, patience is a must. - ASR

Edmonton Oilers 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 11:22:34 +0000

With no shortage of first overall picks on the Edmonton roster, supplemented by a number of other one-time top ten selections, the hockey world was, in turns, amused and dismayed by the fact that the Oilers have been unable to rise above league also-rans. Even with the rarely disputed best player in the game, Connor McDavid on the team, and producing like a perennial Hart Trophy candidate, the Oilers have only reached the postseason once since 2006-07.

Embarrassing recent history aside, there is reason to believe that Edmonton is turning the page. The era of legacy management hires (Kevin Lowe, Craig MacTavish, etc) is over. Peter Chiarelli’s ill-fated run has also come to an end. Taking over is former long-time Detroit big boss Kenny Holland. Joining him are several other high ranking former Red Wings’ executives.

Change at the top, for a franchise so rooted in mediocrity as Edmonton (ironic, considering the city is still referred to in some circles as the City of Champions, harkening back to the days of Gretzky and company) is both necessary and welcomed. But does Holland have the horses necessary to back McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins and the few other high end players back to the postseason?

Maybe. At the time of this writing (near the end of July, 2019) the Oilers look to be icing a very young roster, one of the youngest in the league. In fact, of the five players with contracts over the age of 30, two are the team’s presumptive netminders, Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith. With so much youth on the roster, there comes uncertainty. Players have smaller track records from which to extrapolate accurate projections. Players are still pushing the envelopes on their potential. Yes, that even extends to McDavid and Draisaitl.

It is often said that a team should have youth up front and experience at the back, but the Oilers have more gray at forward than on defense. The only blueliner over the age of 26 is Kris Russell. There are five forwards older than that cutoff. A look at the players listed below suggests that the blueline will continue to get younger before it gains the experience behind the aforementioned cliché. Both of the top two prospects in the system, as well as three in the top five and four of the top ten are defensemen.

Considering how the root of much of the struggles in Edmonton over the last few years has been porous team defense, there is no question that turnover should be considered. But we should keep in mind that not only will not all of the team’s top defensive prospects pan out, they will need to supplement that youth with some experience on their rise up the standings.

-Ryan Wagman

Edmonton Oilers Defenceman Evan Bouchard (75) (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire)

1 Philip Broberg, D (8^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) In our opinion a solid choice inthe top ten of the draft, even if his statistical record left some fans wanting. Broberg’s skating alone and how he uses it is a lethal weapon to have on any team. His other assets include above average but not elite hockey IQ. Combined with his reach and speed he will be a strong top four or maybe even a top pairing defenseman. When he played in Allsvenskan, he showed strong flashes but didn’t get the trust to play a role where he could play out his full game, which is not uncommon for a 17-year-old defenseman in the Swedish pro ranks. He truly shined on the international stage and is a player that can take charge of a game and shift the momentum on one shift. He has some defensive flaws that he needs to correct and should continue work on his power play game. Next season, he will play with Skelleftea in the SHL and will have good opportunity to step up his development to be ready for the NHL within one or two seasons. - JH

2 Evan Bouchard, D (10^thoverall, 2018. Last Year: 1) The reigning Max Kaminsky trophy winner as the OHL’s top defender, Bouchard is one of the top puck moving blueline prospects on the planet. His vision is his best asset, as it is rare to see him turn the puck over. This, in combination with a booming point shot, make him an elite powerplay quarterback. His skating, once thought to be a weakness, has improved over his OHL career to the point that it should not be an issue at the NHL level. Where there is more concern is his defensive play and intensity level in traffic. In order to live up to his lofty potential as a top 3 defender for the Oilers, he will need to work harder in his own end and be more difficult to play against. With Edmonton’s blueline issues, the expectation is that Bouchard is thrust into a full time NHL role this year, whether he is truly ready or not. -BO

3 Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Lavoie’s drop in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft was one of the most surprising events of that occasion, but it allowed the Oilers to snag a top prospect in the second round. Lavoie is a tantalizing combination of size and skill, with a great shot, great north-south skating and a 6-4” frame. Despite that size, he is more of a finesse player than a power forward, and he has never shown the penchant to want to bang bodies. His 32 points in the playoffs this past season with the Halifax Mooseheads were huge for a team that ended up needing the help. Lavoie carried the Mooseheads at times in the playoffs, but was invisible for some games in the regular season. His consistency is an issue, like many prospects, but he is trending towards a strong second-line scoring option for the Oilers. - MS

4 Tyler Benson, LW (32^nd overall, 2016. Last Year: 4) Appearing to finally be fully healthy, Benson enjoyed a magisterial rookie pro season with AHL Bakersfield in 2018-19. A speedy and creative forward, the former second-rounder’s natural playmaking ability — driven by top-notch vision, decision-making, and very crisp and accurate passes — can carry play from both the left wing and from the center position. After putting some debilitating hip injuries past him, he has seemingly gained an extra half step in his acceleration, making him a dangerous skating option. His shot is severely underused, and not much a weapon to begin with. He has potential to eventually become a top-six facilitating winger at the NHL level, something the Oilers need. - TD

5 Dmitri Samorukov, D (84^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 9) Without question, Samorukov has seen his stock rise more than any other OHL prospect this past season. His meteoric rise up the system is thanks to his strong play at the World Junior Championships, and for Guelph in the second half, leading them to an OHL Championship. In the second half of the OHL season, he was, quite arguably, the best defender in the league. Samorukov is a solid two-way defender who can impact the game at both ends of the ice. Offensively, he pushes the pace with his strong skating ability and puck skill, while defensively his physicality and intensity level make him a difficult player to match up against. He profiles as a top four defender with his new found confidence. It remains to be seen how quick Samorukov can climb through the Oilers’ system, but he is held in high regard by management and should be in the NHL sooner rather than later if he performs well at the AHL level. - BO

6 Kailer Yamamoto, LW/C (22^nd overall, 2017. Last Year: 2) A highly creative, smooth-skating winger, the former first-rounder creates plays out of thin air and is intense on the puck at all times. The quick-handed forward possesses strong hockey sense and the ability to drive play and carry a line from his position with his speed and vision. Though undersized, he packs a punch with plus upper-body strength and the tenacity to play low in the zone. He does not contribute much defensively, which makes him relatively useless if he is not putting up high-end offensive numbers. The organization hopes Yamamoto will soon line up with Connor McDavid on the Oilers’ top line, and while his development has been delayed by inconsistencies and injuries, his ceiling remains that of a first line staple. - TD

7 Ryan McLeod, D (40^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 3) Splitting the year between Mississauga and Saginaw, McLeod was able to get another playoff run under his belt, making the Conference Finals for the second time in his OHL career. He is a playmaking center with size and strong skating ability that allows him to dictate the pace of play in the offensive end. He excels on the man advantage with the way he controls the puck below the hash marks. McLeod’s two-way game made nice strides over his OHL career, but he is likely the type that will need to be a top 6 forward or fail to take that next step. His game lacks urgency at times and his intensity level and drive to play through traffic lacks consistency. There is likely to be a learning curve for McLeod at the pro level, even if his skating ability looks impressive at first glance. With patience, he could develop into a playmaking second line center, although one wonders where he will fit in with Edmonton’s depth down the middle. - BO

8 Cooper Marody, RW (158^th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. Last Year: 5) Like Benson, Marody made his presence known in his first full professional season, posting high-grade numbers with AHL Bakersfield (58-19-45-64) in 2018-19. The stocky, high-energy centerman has long possessed talent to achieve high point totals, but again, like Benson, had not had the health that complied with his NHL potential. He is a very smart player who reads the ice quickly and intelligently, likes to slow down the pace, and never hesitates to shoot from the slot. His stocky, muscular build makes him dangerous down low in the offensive zone, especially as a cycle player who generates shots for his linemates. The University of Michigan product is not very creative and does not have high-end speed or technical skating skill, but has depth scoring potential based off his shooting skill and vision. - TD

9 Olivier Rodrigue, G (62^nd overall, 2018. Last Year: 6) The best goalie prospect in the QMJHL right now, Rodrigue is on Hockey Canada’s radar for international duty as one of the best goaltenders of his age group. Rodrigue deserves the honors; his quickness side-to-side and ability to seal the bottom of the net are top notch, and he is a main reason why the Drummondville Voltigeurs were contenders the last two seasons. What hurts Rodrigue is literal: injuries slowed his growth this season and he barely played in the playoffs. However, his 35-9-1 record this season is nothing to knock. Rodrigue was traded at the QMJHL draft, and will ply his trade with the Moncton Wildcats this season, who are also preparing for a title-contending season. As one of the best goalies in Canadian junior hockey, Rodrigue has NHL starter potential. - MS

10 Ethan Bear, D (124^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 7) An undersized, offensively-oriented d-man with speed to burn, Bear is looking like a solid hit by Oilers scouting on a fifth-round pick back in 2015. With short, powerful strides that generate a lot of speed, and with a low center of gravity that allows him to stay balanced when cutting or getting shoved from his sides. An electric shot from the blue line was a staple of the Condors’ power play units, as well as his vision and playmaking from the top of the zone. Furthermore, he looked as solid in his own zone as any Bakersfield rearguard. Bear played the best hockey of his pro career last season (52-6-25-31), improving upon an already impressive package of offensive skills that will allow him to have a long career as a depth defenseman with power play time. - TD

11 Kirill Maksimov, RW (146^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 13) Oilers’ management and fans alike have been searching for a triggerman for Connor McDavid. The John LeClair to his Eric Lindros. That’s where Maksimov comes in and why he has become an intriguing prospect for the organization. Armed with one of the best shot releases in the OHL, Maksimov is a true goal scorer. He also plays a high intensity game that sees him assert himself physically. That said, he is far from a polished product. Maksimov struggles with his decision making with the puck and can be turnover prone. He also had difficulty staying out of the box in the second half, something that infuriated Niagara Ice Dogs fans. A PCL injury suffered in the playoffs may hinder his ability to perform to his best at training camp. However, Edmonton may have to wait for him to adjust to the speed of the pro game and to work on keeping things simple. At his best, he could be first or second line goal scorer. - BO

12 Joel Persson, D (Undrafted free agent, signed May 18, 2018. Last Year: 12) Joel Persson is a good story. He played at lower levels until he was 23 years old without getting picked up by a club in either of Sweden's top two leagues. He finally had an opportunity in 2017 to play with SHL top club Vaxjo and took it with both hands. He quarterbacked a power play with rising star Elias Pettersson and excelled. He stayed in Vaxjo for an extra year and repeated his success without the Calder winner. Persson is an offensive defenseman with excellent stick work, poise and hockey sense. He is at his best on the power play and needs an offensive role to succeed. His NHL trajectory is probably going through the AHL. As a 25-year-old he will need to show good numbers in the AHL from the get go. As a right-handed puck-moving defenseman there could probably be an opening on the Oilers within the next season or so. - JH

13 Matej Blumel, RW (100^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Whenever a player is passed over at his first draft, for good reason, there is a black mark next to his name. When he cranks up the offense as an older player, skepticism is warranted. So why should we believe in Matej Blumel, who made his North American debut with a meagre 18 points in full season with Waterloo of the USHL and then exploded in his second year of draft eligibility with a 60 point season? First off, there were signs that his age 17 year exploits were simply a matter of a player getting used to a new brand of hockey in a new league in a new country as he was one of the Czech Republic’s better players at the WU18 that year. As for his scoring last year, he backs it up with serious foot speed, tantalizing puck skills, and evident hockey IQ. Heading to the NCAA’s European embassy in Connecticut next season, Blumel could fit as a bottom six forward if his offense regresses. - RW

14 Philip Kemp, D (208^th overall, 2017. Last Year: Not ranked) Kemp is a sturdy 6-3”, 200-pound defenseman. A forgotten NTDP player, he is a slick skater and a precise passer. The blueliner will play another year at Yale and continue to marinate. Now that Ken Holland is the GM for the Oilers, they won’t dare rush him. He can improve on the eight points he had last season, as he has more puck moving skill to develop. The hope is Kemp can me more than a simple puck transporter. He has to show that to earn a contract from Edmonton. He can be physical and has the frame and strength to do so, winning puck battles as a result, helping him earn a role at the NHL level. He has worn a letter in the past and probably will again for Yale this season. - RC

15 Ilya Konovalov, G (85^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) The young Russian had a tremendous season at home, winning the KHL Rookie of the Year award and making his debut for the Russian senior national team. Konovalov flew a bit under the radar, as he didn’t enjoy much exposure in spite of always posting good numbers in the Russian junior leagues. This season, however, was a turning point in his career, as he became the undisputed starting goalie for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, backstopping the team to the second round of the Gagarin Cup playoffs. Konovalov isn’t gifted with a huge frame, but he is very good at tracking the puck and challenging the forwards, relying on his athleticism and great reflexes to stop the puck after a scoring chance. He can improve his rebound control, but agility, lateral movement, and competitiveness are all at a very high level. After such a strong season in the KHL, he may be ready to cross the pond, but is under contract in Yaroslavl for two more years. -ASR

16 Shane Starrett, G (Undrafted free agent, signed Apr. 10, 2017. Last Year: Not ranked) In a system as deep in goaltending prospects as ever, Starrett can still stand out, thanks to imposing size, mature mental composure, and a unique, deep-in-the-crease style for goalies of his size. After spending most of the 2017-18 season in the ECHL, the 25-year-old effectively stole the AHL starting job and had great success in the process (27-12-2, .912). A technically refined netminder, he shuts down holes along the posts well, tracks developing plays with laser focus, and can even go out and handle the puck to limit forechecking effectiveness. Though his size can bail him out at times, his tool selection can be sloppy and he would benefit from using his glove more. He has NHL size and discipline, and could be a big-league backup in the near future. - TD

17 Caleb Jones, D (117^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 14) A weighty, strong defenseman with some untapped speed in his game, Jones really found what works for him with AHL Bakersfield last year. The versatile blueliner with quick hands played high minutes and took on tough opponents, displaying a physical edge as well as a great stretch pass to get out of the zone. Most importantly, his mental discipline and overall patience improved from last season, though his speed still lags behind. Jones’ 2018-19 campaign was significantly better than his disastrous efforts a year prior, and he displayed his potential as a depth puck-moving defenseman, even earning an NHL cameo in that role near the end of the season. - TD

18 Cameron Hebig, LW (Undrafted free agent, signed Dec. 28, 2017. Last Year: 18) Signed as a free agent at the end of the 2017 calendar year, Hebig has been steadily rising among the Oilers’ prospect ranks. As a depth center with Bakersfield last year, the former WHL star put up solid stats (64-11-18-29) with five power play goals on the Condors’ second man-advantage group. The undersized center plays a solid 200-foot game, exhibits mature offensive anticipation, has lightning-fast hands, and possesses a pro-level wrist shot, albeit a criminally underused one. Hebig is not the best or fastest skater, but could be an intense and scrappy depth playmaker at the NHL level with an improvement in his acceleration and stop/start speed. - RW

19 Ostap Safin, RW (115^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 17) Injuries ground Safin to a halt this season; he hurt his hip with the Czech Republic U20 team in the summer and never fully recovered. He missed all of training camp, was traded to Halifax, suffered a setback and missed much of the season. In the playoffs, Safin was a shadow of his former self, recording two points in 23 games, and was scoreless in four Memorial Cup games. His injuries this season set his development back a year, and it makes him an unknown going forward. At his best, the 6-5” winger blazes down the right side and wires a strong shot. He is smart and can create with a pass or a shot, and uses his frame to create space. If he is fully recovered, Safin could be a middle-six winger who can provide much needed secondary scoring and responsible defensive play, and will be ready sooner rather than later. - MS

20 William Lagesson, D (91^st overall, 2014. Last Year: Not ranked) The biggest compliment you can give a depth defenseman is that they are hard to notice, and Lagesson deserves that honor. A very methodical blueliner with a beautiful simplicity to his game, he is a reliable one-on-one defender with solid gaps, an active stick, and the size to effect an opposing forward’s stride. The 2014 fourth-round selection moves the puck well and put up very respectable offensive numbers last season in the process (67-8-19-27). The best thing about him is how he does not have any noticeable flaws. Even his skating, which is a weak point, is masked by a gameplay style that does not require elite speed. He could contend for the bottom-pairing depth spot his ceiling suggests as soon as this upcoming season. - TD

2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series: OHL Summary

Shaiyena Côté — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 12:40:50 +0000

Every fall for the past sixteen years leading up to the international U20 tournaments and the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) hosts a series of six games between the Russian Ice Hockey Federation’s top major juniors and the top major juniors playing in the CHL. These games take place across Canada with two games being played in each of the CHL’s three leagues in six different team centers each year. Team Russia takes advantage of Russian players already in Canada playing for CHL teams by rostering them for games during this series.

The first set of games this year took place against the Western Hockey League (WHL) in Kamloops at the Sandman Centre home of the Kamloops Blazers, with the second game being held at the Langley Events Centre home of the Vancouver Giants. The WHL split the game wins with Russia leaving the series tied at one win apiece before coming here to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

The first of the two OHL games was played Thursday November 8^th at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena, home to the OHL’s Sarnia Sting. A few of the players of note rostered with team OHL for the first game were Philadelphia Flyers’ prospects Morgan Frost and Isaac Ratcliffe, Edmonton Oilers’ prospect Evan Bouchard, and Montreal Canadians’ prospect Nick Suzuki. Team Russia’s OHL rostered players included; Edmonton Oilers’ prospects Kirill Maksimov and Dmitri Samorukov of the Niagara IceDogs and Guelph Storm respectively; Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Alexey Lipanov of the Kitchener Rangers and Alexey Toropchenko the St. Louis Blues prospect also from the Guelph Storm, all of whom had the chance to join their countrymen to play against their teammates on the OHL team.

Isaac Ratcliffe of team OHL Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Team OHL got off to a quick start during the first game in Sarnia with Isaac Ratcliffe scoring minutes into the first period off a high slot pass from Arizona Coyotes’ prospect Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Ratclliffe’s goal resulted from one of only four shots in the first period, the shot itself was a bullet going high glove. Team Russia seemed a little shaky at the start, but they were most likely just trying to find their legs again after their previous two games in Western Canada. Both teams took some time to gain line familiarity and worked on finding chemistry throughout the first period.

A lot came out of the first period as three out of the four goals of the game were scored in the first. The second and game winning goal for Team OHL came at the end of the period in the form of a penalty shot. A long stretch pass came from the Canadian blueline on a change to forward Mackenzie Entwistle set him off on a break away. Having full possession of the puck with a good scoring chance the right call was made on the Russian defender Saveliy Olshansky who attempted to slow him down, resulting in Entwistle getting a penalty shot. The right shot Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect made no mistake as he whistled the puck past the blocker of the Russian goaltender, Daniil Tarasov, a Columbus prospect, placing it high in the top left corner.

Stepan Starkov of team Russia Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

The last goal to come in the first period was scored by team Russia. The goal came from an outside drive deep into Canada’s zone by KHL Sochi centre Stepan Starkov who made a clever backdoor pass back to Boston Bruins’ prospect and Ufa KHL centre Pavel Shen as he waited, open in the slot, to net the one-timer. That goal came with 43 seconds left in the opening period.

The second period had more flow as players on both teams became more familiar with each other and more comfortable with their lines. Yet to be really tested were the special teams as there was only one penalty to team Russia in the first period which was successfully killed off by the Russians as Canada’s power play looked to get a little sharper. The second period saw team Russia getting a little more frustrated as they ended up in the box three times with Toropchenko leading the way with four minutes. Team Canada had a roughing minor handed out to Edmonton Oilers’ prospect Ryan McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads.

Barrett Hayton of team OHL Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Team OHL worked well on circulating and moving the puck on the power play but failed to net one as Team Russia successfully shut down the Canadian powerplay. Team Russia’s frustration came after Barrett Hayton netted a highlight reel goal on a break with assists from San Jose Sharks prospect Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm and Owen Sound’s Brady Lyle. Hayton put his puck handling ability on show as he split the two Russian defenders and slipped through the middle leaving him with few options but to deke to avoid the goaltender’s poke check. Hayton’s goal came with half the game remaining but was enough to hold off the Russian team for another thirty minutes.

The rest of the game was played out in good form with both teams looking to up their offensive chances and shots on net. Although Team Russia excelled at killing penalties and quick breakouts, their efforts were shut down by the physicality and aggressive play of the Canadian defence. The third period ended with zero goals being scored and only six minutes in penalties. Evan Bouchard lived up to the hype about him as he played a very solid game and proved why he was drafted 10^th overall in 2018. He showed off his patience with the puck, ability to win battles along the boards and backchecked well on a Russian breakaway. Despite Team OHL outshooting Team Russia 23 to 19, Team OHL had the opportunity to further their lead but the Russian goaltender Daniil Tarasov of the Supreme Hockey League’s (VHL) Neftekamsk managed to come up with some good saves as the Canadians found holes in the Russian defence. Team OHL came out on top of game one with a final score of 3 – 1 but the next game didn’t not go as planned for the Ontario Hockey League Team as they fell to the Russian team by a larger margin than the Russians did in their previous meeting.

The second game of the two game Ontario series was played on November 12 and was won by Team Russia with Russia scoring four goals and a zero response from the Ontario team, a result which left the majority of the fans in the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ontario surprised. Team Russia outshot Team OHL 28 to 23 with the Russians shutting the OHL offence down almost completely in the third period, limiting them to only five shots on goal. The star of the game for Team Russia was their goalie Pyotr Kochetkov who stopped all shots, proving that both of Team Russia’s goaltenders were strong.

Game two saw few roster changes other than the addition of four hometown Oshawa Generals’ players to the lineup; Winnipeg Jets’ prospect Giovanni Vallati was rostered for both games, Florida Panthers’ prospect Serron Noel, undrafted Austen Keating and Boston Bruins’ prospect Jack Studnicka, who wore the ‘C’ for Team OHL, were all new additions to the lineup. Ryan Merkley, Giovanni Vallati, Liam Foudy, Barrett Hayton, MacKenzie Entwistle, Owen Tippett and Ryan McLeod were all dressed for both games.

Alexander Romanov of team Russia Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Game two got off to a quick start for Team Russia as they managed to score 57 seconds in giving them an early lead. Team Russia started with a lot more energy than they had in the previous game, and they were more fired up with a physical presence from the get go. The first period saw ten minutes in penalties in total and two goals from the Russians with one from Montreal prospect Alexander Romanov and the other from Pavel Shen again. Team OHL showed frustration with their lack of productivity and quality chances but were able to keep their penalties to a minimum while making good use of screens in front of the net as they tried to get shots off. MacKenzie Entwistle and Kevin Bahl both picked up penalties for Team OHL while the aforementioned Shen and Veniamin Baranov each picked up penalties for Team Russia. Although Team OHL was down two goals heading into the second period they did not lose their morale playing the second frame and stayed focused and ready to compete with the energized Russians.

The second period was a very entertaining and well played period. Although both teams played a fairly clean game despite a minor penalty given to Team Russia, they were also both kept off the scoreboard. The action bounced back and forth and Team OHL players Studnicka and Ottawa Senators pick Alex Formenton proceeded to stand out for their puck possession skills by making solid passes and getting to the net on rushes. The shots were almost even with the Russians finishing just behind the Canadians in the second as the MVP of the game for Team Russia, goalie Kochetkov put on a show in net turning away all ten good quality chances Team OHL had and flashing the glove multiple times. By the end of the period the OHL players were feeling the pressure of being blanked for another twenty minutes and Team Russia was feeling more confident with their lead.

The end of Team Russia’s Ontario Hockey League stint finished on a high note with the Russians effectively shutting Team OHL down, reducing them to a low five shots on net in the third period and a final score of 4 - 0. Team Russia scored twice as Alexander Yaremchuk and Kirill Slepets both found the back of the net later on in the period to add a softer cushion to their lead. Tempers started to flare a little as Kevin Bahl and Bulat Shafigullin both had roughing penalties and Ryan Merkley ended up with a misconduct penalty. Through all the commotion and short-handed play, Hunter Jones remained calm and collected in his net for Team OHL keeping them in the game as their offence struggled to get the puck down the ice. The period went by slowly for fans who had come to support Team OHL but for the small contingent of Russian fans bearing flags and hats the cheering for their team continued throughout the game and well after the buzzer sounded.

As a final note, the Russian team flew out to Quebec the day following the second game against the OHL for the final two games of the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series. Team Russia met the best of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) first on November 13^th in Sherbrooke and played their second game in Drummondville on November 15^th. Four Russian players playing in the QMJHL; Ivan Chekhovich playing for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the San Jose Sharks; Alexander Khovanov playing for the Moncton Wildcats, drafted by the Minnesota Wild; Pavel Koltygin playing for the Drummondville Voltigeurs, drafted by the Nashville Predators and Dmitry Zavgorodniy playing for the Rimouski Oceanic, drafted by the Calgary Flames all joined Team Russia for both games. Russia won both games against the QMJHL (the second game in overtime) to take the six-game series 4 – 2. The fact that Team Russia flew across Canada, played six games in six different cities in ten days against teams made up of different players and still won the series is a possible testament to the strength and skill of Team Russia and the fact that they should not be underestimated in the upcoming World Junior Championship once final team selections are made.

Overall, the play of both teams in the Ontario two-game series was strong and there was a lot of talent showcased on the ice for both Russia and the OHL. Both teams had a few undrafted players to be considered for the 2019 NHL Draft. The 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series marked the start of development camps and tournaments leading up to the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship to be held jointly in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. With that being said, it will be interesting to see the finished product of Team Canada, once the CHL selection process is complete, and Team Russia, come December 26^th when the puck drops to mark the start of the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship.

OHL 2018-19 Season Preview

Brock Otten — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 18:24:24 +0000

The 2018/19 OHL season is underway but it is still early enough to preview the league and converse about some potential season highlights. Who are the contenders? Who are the pretenders? Who are some of the top NHL prospects to keep an eye on? And who are the top NHL draft prospects for 2019?

The Contenders

London Knights

Liam Foudy

Currently the top ranked team in the OHL in the weekly CHL rankings, the Knights also happen to be the top preseason favorite of most in the media. This team has it all; top end scoring talent; a strong defense; quality goaltending. After getting Adam Boqvist (Chicago) from Blackhawks camp, London is still waiting on a few other stars to be assigned; Evan Bouchard (Edmonton), Alex Formenton (Ottawa), and Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa). All three seem likely to start the year in the NHL and late October is probably a more likely arrival date, if it happens at all. A safe assumption would be that London gets at least one of the above. Until then, stars like Liam Foudy (Columbus), Alec Regula (Detroit), and Boqvist will need to pace the offense. In net, overager veteran Joseph Raaymakers and Jordan Kooy (Vegas) should combine to provide quality goaltending. As with any London team, depth is a serious strength. Once the situation surrounding their top players has been given closure, look for the Knights to use their depth to acquire a few big fish to put them over the top.

Oshawa Generals

This is a veteran squad that should be considered among the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Team defense and goaltending are major strengths. At 6-1”, Nico Gross (NY Rangers) is the smallest defender who sees regular playing time, and Kyle Keyser (Boston) is a top contender for goaltender of the year. Up front, Jack Studnicka (Boston) is a serious candidate for the Red Tilson and the scoring title now that he has returned from a long stay at Bruins camp. Swiss import Nando Eggenberger (2019) is another player everyone has their eye on. Overager Matt Brassard (Vancouver) returned this past weekend too, and he should be one of the top defenseman in the OHL this season. The Generals are just a well balanced squad.

Niagara IceDogs

Along with Oshawa, the IceDogs are a preseason favorite to take home the Eastern title. Niagara has a very strong nucleus at forward with Akil Thomas (Los Angeles), Kirill Maksimov (Edmonton), Ben Jones (Vegas), and Ivan Lodnia (Minnesota), which should help them score a ton of goals. They also have a very mobile blueline, which may lack size, but makes up for it with speed, puck skill, and heart. Billy Constantinou (2019) is a player to watch here as one of the most dynamic young defenders in the OHL.

Saginaw Spirit

The Spirit received a bevy of media attention this off-season due to their recruiting efforts. The team brought in Bode Wilde (NY Islanders), Ivan Prosvetov (Arizona), and Cole Perfetti (2020). This was after they were able to bring Blade Jenkins (NY Islanders) into the fold last year. This team has a lot of depth and fans should be excited about the fact that this team is the favorite to take home the West Division. Cole Coskey (2019) is a player to watch as one of the most underrated players in the OHL. Perfetti is an electrifying offensive player and one of the top players in his age group in Ontario, as well as a potential lottery pick in 2020.

Ottawa 67’s

Sasha Chmelevski of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Maybe a year early to talk about the 67’s as a potential Memorial Cup contender, but make no mistake, this team is insanely talented. Not only do they have five NHL draft picks already, but they have several top prospects for the 2019 and 2020 drafts as well. Sasha Chmelevski (San Jose) is a top contender for the Red Tilson this year after a breakout last season. The progression he has shown as a prospect has been extremely encouraging. Austrian Import Marco Rossi (2020) is another name to watch. The recent import selection is currently touted as a potential top 5 pick in 2020 and he could have a Nico Hischier type impact for the 67’s. The only thing that this team is missing is a top flight goaltender. Look for them to go out and find one at some point. Worth noting that the 67’s currently have 12 second round picks over the next four OHL priority selections. That is some serious trade ammunition.

The Pretenders

Kingston Frontenacs

The Frontenacs loaded up last year to make a run at an OHL title that ultimately fell short. The cyclical nature of the CHL means that this team could struggle this year due to numerous high end graduations. Star Jason Robertson (Dallas) is still around, but he will be a top trade target at some point. The future of injured playmaker Gabe Vilardi (Los Angeles) also hangs in the balance as Kingston waits to see if they will get him back once he is healthy. But depth is an issue, as is goaltending. Kingston has to capitalize on a few solid trade assets to recoup what was lost previously.

Erie Otters

After an impressive four year run that saw the Otters compete for and win an OHL Championship, the time has come for this team to rebuild. There are still some solid veteran pieces in place that could keep the team afloat, like star overager Kyle Maksimovich. But this team does not have a single NHL affiliated player and that hurts. Hayden Fowler (2020), and Petr Cajka (2019) do give this team hope for the future.

Mississauga Steelheads

Another team that now lacks serious depth after some serious runs the previous years. Graduations and failed draft picks (like Jack Hughes) have left this team pretty sparse in a lot of areas heading into the year. They do have Owen Tippett (Florida) and Ryan McLeod (Edmonton) back in the fold and they should both be among the best players in the league this year. However, just how long they remain Steelheads remains to be seen.

North Bay Battalion

Like Erie, North Bay does not have a single NHL affiliated player. There is some solid firepower up front with overager Justin Brazeau, Brandon Coe (2020), and Matthew Struthers (2019), but depth is an issue. This is especially true on the back-end. The lack of experience on the blueline could mean that this North Bay team gives up a ton of goals. No Stan Butler coached Battalion team has ever given up 280+ goals against, but this year’s edition may be the first. And speaking of Butler, he is currently taking a leave of absence from behind the bench and that may be bad news for Battalion fans.

Flint Firebirds

Disastrous start to the year for the Firebirds. As of the creation of this article, Flint has yet to win and has given up an ugly 24 goals in 4 games. This team has talent, like Ty Dellandrea (Dallas), Fedor Gordeev (Toronto), and Dennis Busby (Arizona). But missing on the 6th overall Import selection this year (Jan Jenik) is a big black mark and the team just cannot seem to separate itself from the drama of their ownership under Rolf Nilsen.

Five Candidates for the Red Tilson

Nick Suzuki

Fresh off being the centerpiece of the Max Pacioretty deal, the new Montreal Canadiens prospect returns to the OHL and will look to the hit the 100 point plateau for the second year in a row. He is bound to miss some time for the WJC, but Suzuki only needs 92 points to pass Bobby Ryan as the Attack franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

Morgan Frost

Highest returning scorer from last year, the Flyers’ prospect should be a shoe-in for a spot in the top 5 in scoring. There were some who felt that Frost should have been the Red Tilson winner last year so maybe this is the year he takes it home. The Hounds offense has lost some talent to graduation, but there is enough remaining to give Frost the supporting pieces he needs.

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Michael DiPietro

Reigning OHL Goaltender of the year, the Canucks prospect returns to Windsor to help a young team improve. DiPietro will likely be Canada’s starter at this year’s WJC. He is also a likely trade candidate, unless Windsor is pushing for the division. The talented netminder is one of the few gamebreakers at the position in the league.

Jack Studnicka

Nearly earned the 3rd line center spot in Boston with a strong training camp performance, but the Generals captain returns for a final OHL season and should be one of the league’s elite offensive catalysts. If the Generals are as good as many think they will be, he will be a top candidate for player of the year. His strong two-way play allows him to impact the game on so many different levels.

Sasha Chmelevski

It seems like so long ago that Chmelevski fell at the draft after a very poor draft year showing. He bounced back in a big way last year, re-inventing his game under new head coach Andre Tourigny. Now a committed player away from the puck, Chmelevski will look to lead a young Ottawa team to a championship, perhaps a year ahead of schedule.

Five Draft Eligibles to Monitor

Ryan Suzuki of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Ryan Suzuki (Barrie Colts)

After a strong Hlinka performance, Suzuki is off to a blazing hot start as one of the early leaders in OHL scoring. Suzuki, brother of Nick, is an exceptionally talented playmaker whose vision and puck skill are game breaking qualities. As of right now, Ryan looks like the lone potential candidate for the top 10 from the OHL.

Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Another of the early scoring leaders is also a draft eligible forward. Kaliyev had one of the best 16 year old seasons in recent memory after scoring 30+ goals last year. He looks to round out the rest of his game in Hamilton, improving his playmaking ability and play away from the puck to match his strength on the puck and NHL quality shot.

Matvey Guskov (London Knights)

An import selection by the Knights this year, Guskov has matched the high expectations thus far, averaging over a point per game. Guskov was one of only three OHL players mentioned on Bob McKenzie’s preseason draft ranking and the playmaking Russian forward looks like a serious first round candidate come June.

Blake Murray (Sudbury Wolves)

A big, power center who is being overshadowed a bit due to the arrival of top 2020 prospect Quinton Byfield. Murray possesses all the qualities that NHL teams look for in centers these days, with size, skating, and finishing ability. Murray has the potential to be that complete package.

Michael Vukojevic (Kitchener Rangers)

Vukojevic may not be the sexiest of defenders at this point. He is not yet a truly dynamic player, but he is as steady as they come and plays the game with the composure of a five year OHL veteran. His defensive acumen projects him to be, at the very least, a terrific stay at home top four defender at the NHL level. The question is, just how much offensive ability does he possess?

Edmonton Oilers Prospect System Overview

Tom Dorsa — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 18:36:44 +0000

The Edmonton Oilers are in hockey purgatory. They have far too much young talent to be able to properly upheave everything and rebuild, but so little depth thanks to a number of perplexing decisions from general manager Peter Chiarelli. The Oilers have made their bed, and now they must lay in it, but how do you patch up a team with only one playoff series victory since 2006?

One tried and true method is by finding depth through the NHL Draft and from free agent prospect signings. With so many high first-rounders -- another in 2018 in dynamic defenseman Evan Bouchard -- the Oilers have top-end talent, but their depth lacks. Thankfully for the future of the franchise, Edmonton has begun to go with the trend in drafting smaller, more athletic forwards with later-round picks in the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle.

On a team built around three expensive but worthy centers -- Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins -- the Oilers find themselves in desperate need of young, inexpensive draft picks with enough skill and speed to log top-six minutes. Obviously it stings to lose Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, but in Kailer Yamamoto, Tyler Benson, and maybe even Ty Rattie, they're getting there with a new approach to building their roster.

Instead of drafting for specific roles and immediate team needs, they've started to draft for talent and let the club construct itself. This will pay major dividends when McDavid and Draisaitl -- already superstars -- get older and more experienced. But it's not just among the forwards that things are looking up, as the goaltenders in the system are pretty promising as well.

Cam Talbot has played more than 350 more minutes than the second-ranked goaltender in the league over the past two years, topping out at over 8,000 combined. It's clear he needs some relief in the form of a serviceable back-up, and the Oilers have three goaltenders in our top 20 prospects. Help is coming.

Defensively, Bouchard joins a group that already features steady top-four presences Oscar Klefbom and Adam Larsson as well as the developing and promising Darnell Nurse, whose ceiling might be as high as those other two. The Oilers are starting to fill out and become the consistent playoff contenders a team with the best player in the world should be.

Evan Bouchard

1 Evan Bouchard, D (10th overall, 2018. Last year: IE) Straight from the NHL Draft, Evan Bouchard is the clear top prospect in the Edmonton system. With offensive tools that include superb vision, accurate and rapid passing skills, excellent athleticism and agility, and an unparalleled combination of lethal shots, the right-hander is a dynamic shot-generating defenseman. His 87 points in 2017-18 led all OHL defensemen despite playing on a London Knights team that got bounced in the first round of the playoffs. His responsibility and discipline defensively is above average, with NHL-ready rink sense, maturity, and durability. He's not overly physical, but should be good and ready to take on NHL size when his debut comes.

2 Kailer Yamamoto, RW (22nd overall, 2017. Last year: 2nd) Unlike the prototypical big, stocky, finesse-first forwards the Oilers have recently taken in high draft rounds, Kailer Yamamoto is undersized, speedy, and offensively gifted. A near elite skater and puck-handler, Yamamoto's offensive potential and smarts are combined with a tricky shot and various elusive moves to get past defenders. Yamamoto could be a future right wing to Connor McDavid at center -- a necessary addition given the lack of speed down the wing in Edmonton -- having shown potential for success with the Oilers after three assists in nine games as an 18 years old last year. 2018-19 will be his last year of WHL eligibility.

3 Ryan McLeod, C (40th overall, 2018. Last year: IE) Much like his brother, former first-round pick Michael, Ryan McLeod's game revolves around his intelligence and his wheels. He's seen as a two-way center with some untapped offensive potential, and with a player as mature and defensively stout as the younger McLeod is, that offensive upside is all that needs work; the issue is, he doesn't have a single dynamic scoring skill. The 18-year-old projects to fill out as more of a playmaker than a shooter on offense, as his speed and vision give him something to build on. McLeod was projected in our draft guide as a first-rounder, and could be a second-round steal for the Oilers if he pans out and provides something at the NHL level. The assist leader for Mississauga will be heading back to the Steelheads next year.

4 Tyler Benson, LW (32nd overall, 2016. Last year: 3rd) Tyler Benson's draft stock was decimated due to injuries in and prior to his draft season, but with the raw skill and stupendous playmaking abilities he possesses, it appears the Oilers got a steal in the early second round. Benson is a strong skater and has a solid, heavy shot, but his puck-possession and distribution sets him apart. His vision, creativity, and spot-on passing will make for an abundance of assists at the NHL level, and as long as his health permits it, he has a top-six future. He has some flaws to work on, mostly as far as defensive effort and backchecking goes. He will be turning pro in 2018-19, likely with Bakersfield, where he tallied three assists in five games in a late-season cameo last year.

5 Cooper Marody, C (Trade: Mar. 21, 2018 -- Philadelphia. Last year: Unranked -- Philadelphia) Cooper Marody missed large chunks of his freshman (mononucleosis) and sophomore (academic ineligibility) years at Michigan, but exploded onto the scene this past season with 51 points in 40 games with the Wolverines. The Big Ten scoring champion is a very smart, high-energy player with a gift for slowing the game down, reading the ice, and making the smart plays, which often involve his wicked wrist shot. He isn't very creative and doesn't have good raw speed, but is worth the risk, as the Oilers sent a third-round pick to Philly for the centerman who projects to be a bottom-six guy with some upside. Marody looks ready to turn pro, and given his spot-starts with the Condors, should be prepped to enter the pro system this season.

Olivier Rodrigue

6 Olivier Rodrigue, G (62nd overall, 2018. Last year: IE) One of three goaltenders of note in a position of pretty good depth for the Oilers, Rodrigue has the highest ceiling of the lot. Just the second netminder taken in this June's draft, the QMJHL product has a very light and athletic frame that allows him to glide across the crease and impede any opposing scoring chance. His reflexes and rebound control are insanely refined for an 18-year-old. His positional play will have to improve to make up for his lack of size (6-1", 155lbs), but his NHL potential is there. Just 18 years old, the goaltender will be honing his craft in the QMJHL in 2018-19, where he backstopped Drummondville with a 31-16-1 record last season.

7 Ethan Bear, D (124th overall, 2015. Last year: 11th) Ethan Bear is simply fun to watch. He is short and stocky, but he uses his puzzling physique to his advantage, as his strength on his skates and balance when cutting/pivoting is exceptional. He's got the wheels and vision to make things happen at five-on-five, and the electric shot all potential power play quarterbacks need. Last season, it seemed like the former fifth-rounder made something happen every time the puck was on his stick. The 21-year-old earned top pair minutes with Bakersfield last season, a sign of improvement in what had previously ailed him (defensive zone play), and could be a bottom-four presence on the Oilers roster this year.

8 Stuart Skinner, G (78th overall, 2017. Last year: 4th) Following a mid-season trade at the WHL ranks from Lethbridge to Swift Current, Skinner turned it on, and showed the high ceiling that scouts rave over. The big and sturdy netminder went 16-6-1 in 25 games with the Broncos, displaying decent agility for a goalie his size (6-3", 205lbs), his great net coverage, and improved focus. His lack of consistent focus has ailed him in the past and still does occasionally, but his mental game has taken the next step over the past season. The 19-year-old Skinner signed his entry-level contract with the Oilers and will have a chance to impress in the pro ranks this season.

9 Dmitri Samorukov, D (84th overall, 2017. Last year: 20th) An impenetrable physical force in his own zone, Samorukov has started to show off offensively as well. With OHL career highs in goals, assists, points, and shots, it's clear the young Russian is becoming more confident in his game. Still, his style revolves around what happens behind his blueline, as his great gaps, solid body strength, and active stick make for trouble for opposing forwards. His shot is unimpressive, but as a defensive defenseman, he has fundamentals to build upon. Jumping 11 spots from last season's rankings to now, the 19-year-old has gone from fringe prospect to an on-the-radar youngster in the eyes of the Oilers front office.

10 John Marino, D (154th overall, 2015. Last year: 14th) John Marino has been committed to improvement, and it seems like every year he irons out another flaw that had been holding him back. He has promising puck movement skills and the heads-up demeanor to push the play up ice at any given opportunity, but isn't afraid to use his good gap control and puck-shielding to suppress shots in his own zone. A long-term project at Harvard, the 21-year-old is a lanky 6-2" with room to grow and increase his subpar physical intensity and lack of creativity. Marino was a go-to shut-down defensive option in the USPHL and USHL, and is becoming such with the Crimson.

Kirill Maksimov

11 Kirill Maksimov, RW (146th overall, 2017. Last year: 8th) On its face, Kirill Maksimov's offensive explosion in the OHL last season -- going from a career-high 22 points to 80 -- looks like a one-off fluke. However, Maksimov's raw skill and knack for creating high-danger chances has long been there. He suffers from puzzling inconsistencies, but otherwise, his whole game is there; he's mobile, has great hands, possesses NHL-level size, and plays with responsibility. Edmonton has less skill down the wings than perhaps every other team in the league, and Maksimov could be part of a prospect influx that helps change that. He just has to give it 100% more often.

12 Aapeli Rasanen, C (153rd overall, 2016. Last year: 19th) Aapeli Rasanen is a sneakily good center prospect playing with Boston College. At the club level, he's been a middling player without NHL-caliber skills, but internationally, Rasanen has shined as a point-per-game player in the World Juniors. He lacks any dynamic individual skill a forward should possess, but has a solid two-way skillset, good vision and rink senses, and crisp passing ability. A decent skater, his ceiling is as a fourth-line checking-role forward, as the Finnish forward has played predominantly a depth role with some special teams time at the NCAA ranks. He's another long-term project, but his unteachable qualities are something to keep track of down the line.

13 Caleb Jones, D (117th overall, 2015. Last year: 5th) Caleb Jones' first full season was a rude awakening, as he went from being a near point-per-game player in the WHL to finishing with just 17 points in 58 games in the AHL, adding to that, a -25 mark. Jones was responsible for a lot of defensive breakdowns and opposing goals, and did little to compensate for it offensively. Still, there's a lot of potential for the younger brother of Seth Jones, as a mobile defenseman with a great stretch pass, near elite shot, and good physicality can still be an impact player if his vision and discipline improves. He should be higher up on the depth chart with Bakersfield this season, and his opportunities on the power play will increase.

14 Hayden Hawkey, G (Trade: Jun. 23, 2018. Last Year: unranked [Montreal]) Not only does Hayden Hawkey have one of the best names in the sport, but he has given reason to suspect that he could grow into an NHL netminder. The former Montreal sixth round pick has shown improvement year over year with Providence College and was one of the most difficult goaltenders in NCAA to score upon as a junior with a GAA just a touch above 2. Hawkey combines high end athleticism with good ability to track the play and a competitive streak. Suitably impressed, the Oilers gave Montreal a fifth round pick in the 2019 draft to acquire Hawkey’s player rights, although, with the netminder returning to school for a senior season, Edmonton will have only 12 months to bring him fully into the fold.

15 Joel Persson, D (Free Agent Signing: May 18, 2018. Last year: IE) Joel Persson's situation is an interesting one. The Oilers signed the 24-year-old right-hander to a one-year deal but opted to leave him in Sweden, where last season, he manned the top-pair for Vaxjo, the SHL champs. He's got a booming shot from the point coupled with good vision and is a very quick, smart decision maker. His gap control and defense at the blue line could use some work, and should improve over this season as his mobility and skate quickness are solid enough to become a formidable two-way force. Overall, Edmonton has a fine little project on their hands in Sweden with the offensively-majestic Persson.

Ty Rattie

16 Ty Rattie, RW (Free Agent Signing: July 1, 2017. Last year: Unranked) Ty Rattie has been around the block, but the 25-year-old still has the skillset necessary to be a go-to depth scoring option. The 2011 draft pick is a very cerebral player with quality two-way skills and smarts, but his game truly shines on offense, where his splendid shot and athleticism take over. Once a prolific, 120-point scorer in the WHL, he clearly has top-six skill, but his all-or-nothing positioning can get him in trouble all too often. He's been an electric AHL player with Bakersfield and did well in his short NHL stint last season, but still has a lot to prove for his third NHL organization at just 25.

17 Ostap Safin, RW (115th overall, 2017. Last year: 7th) Size isn't everything, but Edmonton has been adamant about drafting high-ceiling big men and hoping something sticks. Ostap Safin is that, but even at 6-5" and 190lbs, he has some high-quality offensive skills. His finesse play is lethal, as are his long reach and superhuman puck-protection abilities. His defensive game and his tendency to cheat up the ice will need some work, likely coming at the AHL level, but his 58 points in 61 games in the QMJHL -- his first year in North America -- screams of power-forward promise. The Oilers have been seeking a physically powerful, finesse depth scorer for countless seasons; Safin has the ceiling to fit that ideal.

18 Cameron Hebig, C (Free Agent Signing: Dec. 28, 2017. Last year: IE) After missing the entire 2016-17 season in the WHL with a mystery illness, Hebig posted 90 points in 62 games between Saskatoon and Regina last season. The right-shooting pivot is a point-scoring machine at his best and with no concern about his health, with patient but fast hands and a terrifying wrist shot. He is as creative with the puck as he is dangerous, finding better opportunities every time he flies down the ice even if it means sacrificing his own shot. If his health holds up, he could lead the charge for the Condors offense this season, where -- at 21 years old -- he'll be entering the pro ranks for the Oilers franchise.

19 Filip Berglund, D (91st overall, 2016. Last year: Unranked) Filip Berglund is much like a familiar name in Edmonton, Adam Larsson; Berglund's game centers around his size, his mental poise in his own zone, and his shooting ability. His game is much more strictly defensive, however, but his defensive capabilities are exceptional, combining good gap control with the ability to force forwards to the outside of the zone and limit dangerous passes and shots. He put up decent numbers for a third-pair defenseman on a fairly talented SHL team, Skelleftea, chipping in 13 points in 44 games. Berglund does not have a high ceiling as a prospect, but his floor (AHL top-four, NHL bottom-two or extra defenseman) is high enough for Edmonton to remain optimistic in his development.

20 Tyler Vesel, C (153rd overall, 2014. Last year: Unranked) The 24-year-old is coming off of a highly-successful college career captaining Nebraska-Omaha and did well enough in a cameo stint with Bakersfield to earn a one-year contract with Edmonton. It's been a long time coming for Vesel, originally drafted as sixth round over-ager, but the undersized forward's maturity, craftiness, and relentless effort oozes potential for a role as an effective checking-line forward in the pro ranks. At 24, he's older than the average prospect, and his experience should make a difference for the leadership core of the Condors roster. There's not much more Vesel can do to round his game out, but his competitiveness and adaptability should make him a welcomed presence in the AHL and perhaps the NHL.

OHL Playoff Preview: Greyhounds pacing the pack

Brock Otten — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:51:07 +0000

The 2018 Ontario Hockey League playoffs kick off this week after the regular season wrapped up this past weekend. Heading into the playoffs, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are the clear favorites to come out of the OHL and represent the league at the Memorial Cup in Regina. They have spent the vast majority of the season as the top ranked team in the CHL, one of only two teams to chart the entire season (along with Blainville-Boisbriand of the QMJHL). But competition is always fierce and there are no sure bets in the OHL. Let us now take a look at each first round match-up.

Eastern Conference

#1 - Hamilton Bulldogs vs. #8 - Ottawa 67’s

Season Series: Hamilton leads 5-0

Will Bitten of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Analysis: The Conference Champion Bulldogs face off against the 67’s after the Steelheads won on the final Sunday, securing the number 7 seed. Hamilton has been the cream of the crop of the Eastern Conference for the vast majority of the season. They have been extremely active in trades this year to give them the best chance of coming out of the East. The Bulldogs added Robert Thomas (St. Louis), Riley Stillman (Florida), Nic Caamano (Dallas), Ryan Moore, and Nic Mattinen (Toronto) to an already stacked lineup, giving Ottawa an extremely daunting challenge in round one. This team rolls three powerhouse offensive lines with Matthew Strome (Philadelphia), Will Bitten (Montreal), Mackenzie Entwistle (Arizona), Marian Studenic (New Jersey), and Brandon Saigeon being other top options. Forward Arthur Kaliyev (2019) is another name to watch. He is the first 16 year old to score 30 goals in the OHL since Alex Galchenyuk and he is a potential lottery pick next year as a power winger. In net, the Bulldogs boast one of the OHL’s most improved players this year in Kaden Fulcher (Detroit).

Kevin Bahl of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Ottawa, on the other hand, is a very young team. In a few years’ time, they could be Memorial Cup contenders. They could have five players drafted in the first three rounds this year (Kody Clark, Mitchell Hoelscher, Merrick Rippon, Kevin Bahl, and Carter Robertson). Offensively, they are paced by Sasha Chmelevski (San Jose), Travis Barron (Colorado), Austen Keating (2018) and Tye Felhaber. Chmelevski was a much hyped prospect who fell hard at last year’s draft (all the way to the 6th), but he has returned much stronger this season. His play away from the puck has greatly improved and it has taken his game to another level. But for all their talent offensively, the 67’s have had a very difficult time keeping the puck out of their own net this year. Overager Olivier Tremblay has not provided the stability that the team had hoped for when they brought him in early this year.

This one has all the makings of a quick series. This Ottawa team, as talented as they are young, is not yet ready for this type of challenge. The Bulldogs are one of the deepest teams in the OHL and their offensive firepower is likely to overwhelm an inexperienced defense and inconsistent netminder. One particular thing worth watching is the 67’s struggling penalty kill going up against one of the league’s best powerplay units from Hamilton. This has to be troubling for Ottawa because they also happen to be one of the league’s most undisciplined teams. And while Ottawa does have some great young offensive talent, the Bulldogs have one of the oldest defensive units in the league and are likely to limit the offensive chances of the 67’s. I look for Robert Thomas to have a big series here (and a big playoff performance overall). His points per game has taken a big dip since joining the Bulldogs, but I think he explodes this postseason.

Prediction: This Hamilton team is just too experienced and too talented for the 67’s. They have the advantage in nearly every area and should dominate. If Ottawa was getting better goaltending, I would say that they might be able to steal a game or two, but I do not even see that happening. Hamilton in 4.

#2 - Barrie Colts vs. #7 - Mississauga Steelheads

Season Series: Mississauga leads 4-2

Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Analysis: If I was a betting man, I would bet that this is the match-up that Barrie wanted to avoid in the opening round. In fact, it was probably the match-up every team wanted to avoid in the first round. Mississauga has underachieved all season long, but they have shown some signs of finally coming to life the last month or so. Offensive talent is not to be questioned. Their first two lines include names like Michael McLeod (New Jersey), Ryan McLeod (2018), Owen Tippett (Florida), Trent Fox, Albert Michnac (2018), and Mathieu Foget. This group of six matches up well against any top six in the Eastern Conference and it helps to explain why the Steelheads are the third highest scoring team in the Conference. And this excludes their leading scorer, defenseman Nic Hague (Vegas), who was the first OHL defender to score 30+ since Allan Rourke. But keeping the puck out has been a challenge at times. Swedish import and defensive stalwart Jacob Moverare (Los Angeles) has been injured and that has really challenged their younger defensive players to play more minutes than they are ready for. Furthermore, young netminder Jacob Ingham (2018) has had an awful sophomore season that has seen him essentially lose the starting job to Emanuel Vella.

Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

This is potentially trouble because Barrie is the highest scoring team in the Conference and the 3rd highest scoring in the OHL. Their first line of Andrei Svechnikov (2018), Aaron Luchuk (Ottawa), and Dmitry Sokolov (Minnesota) has been absolutely shredding teams of late. The supporting offensive cast includes guys like Ryan Suzuki (2019), Jason Willms (2018), and Zach Magwood who work extremely hard in all three zones and bring energy that exhausts the opposition so that the first line can go to work. The Colts do not have any stars on the blueline, but they are a tight knit unit who work well with Barrie’s forwards to play a terrific team defense. In net, overager Leo Lazerev starts and while he does not necessarily win any games outright for the Colts, he is a mostly reliable presence. It should be noted that he has yet to win an OHL playoff series in his career and probably goes into this match-up with just as many question marks as Mississauga’s tenders.

There is no question that this is not your average #2 versus #7 seed match-up. This is especially true when you consider the fact that Mississauga largely dominated the season series, winning all three games in the new year by a combined score of 18-10. For whatever reason, the speed of Mississauga’s forwards gives the defense of Barrie a tough time and Lazerev has an .840 save percentage against the Fish this season. This is complicated even more by the fact that Andrei Svechnikov has been suspended for the first four games of the series for a head check. But I admit, I have a tough time picking Mississauga to win this series. I do not trust their defense to be able to handle Barrie’s depth up front. And if these games go to an offensive shootout like they did in the regular season, I think Barrie ends up coming out on top this time. Mississauga’s Mathieu Foget has also been suspended for the first four games of the series and his loss might actually be felt more because of Mississauga’s lack of depth. His acquisition really triggered the turnaround for the team. Barrie also needs to stay out of the box. In the regular season, they gave Mississauga almost double the amount of powerplays that they received and it cost them dearly with the Steelheads clicking at over 30% with the man advantage. If they can stay out of the box, and Lazerev can make a few saves, I still like Barrie to come out on top.

Prediction: The result of this series would not surprise me either way, even with the difference in seeding. But depth is critical in the playoffs and Barrie has the advantage there. I am excited to see how the Svechnikov/Luchuk/Sokolov unit handles the pressure of the playoffs. Svechnikov, in particular, can really cement himself as the #2 prospect available in the draft with a strong postseason performance once he returns from suspension (as long as Barrie does not get swept). Barrie in 7.

#3 - Kingston Frontenacs vs. #6 - North Bay Battalion

Season Series: Kingston leads 3-1

Gabriel Vilardi of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Analysis: This is an intriguing match-up because of how differently these two teams approached the OHL season. Kingston brought in Gabe Vilardi (Los Angeles), Max Jones (Anaheim), Cliff Pu (Buffalo), Sean Day (New York Rangers), and Mitchell Byrne at the deadline to bolster an already solid line-up and make them contenders to come out of the East. While they failed to secure a division banner, the results post deadline have been mostly extremely positive. A healthy and re-invigorated Vilardi has provided the biggest boost, as his 1.87 points per game in Kingston is second to only Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis) in the OHL. His strength, on and off the puck, makes him a dominant force in all three zones and the type of player who works to tire and grind out opposing defenses.

Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion. Photo by Terry Wilson /OHL Images,

The North Bay Battalion were sellers at the deadline this year, shipping out veterans Cam Dineen (Arizona), and Brett McKenzie (Vancouver). Those moves only worked to light a fire under the Battalion roster and the team actually improved their record in the New Year thanks to the play of new acquisitions Matthew Struthers (2018), and Jake Henderson, as well as veterans Justin Brazeau (2018), and Adam Thilander (2018). Brazeau, in particular, is a player to watch. The 6-5” winger finished just inside the Top 20 of league scoring and was named as the East’s most underrated player in the recent coaches poll that was released.

If we are measuring up these two teams, we need to give the edge to Kingston in nearly every area. The Fronts lead the season series 3-1, winning the three most recent games (February on). The biggest advantage Kingston has is in net with Jeremy Helvig (Carolina) manning the crease. The overager and veteran netminder has 19 OHL playoff games under his belt and is unquestionably one of the league’s top netminders. Meanwhile, the Battalion will rely on either Christian Propp (2018) or Julian Sime, who have a combined zero OHL playoff appearances. Kingston also has a heavy advantage on special teams, with their powerplay and penalty killing units operating at a higher level. With Robertson and Vilardi operating down low on the powerplay, North Bay is going to need to stay out of the box to have any chance in this series. One wild card to keep an eye on is the health of Max Jones. Jones has been out since the end of January after undergoing surgery on a broken finger. It is likely he returns at some point in these playoffs and he can be a major x-factor.

Prediction: Ultimately, Kingston’s experience and leadership should carry them to a relatively easy victory in this match-up. Gabe Vilardi and Sean Day won a Memorial Cup together last year. Mitchell Byrne won an OHL Championship last year. And Cliff Pu and Max Jones won an OHL Title and Memorial Cup in 2016. Kingston in 5.

#4 - Niagara IceDogs vs. #5 - Oshawa Generals

Season Series: Tied at 1 game apiece

Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Analysis: Two teams that do not see a ton of each other match-up in round one. Niagara and Oshawa also happen to be two of the hotter teams in the OHL heading into the playoffs. The IceDogs are a team that rely on speed and energy to play an up tempo and offensively oriented style of game. They get after it on the forecheck and have a powerplay that has been much improved since the acquisition of overager Sam Miletic (Pittsburgh) from London. On top of Miletic, Niagara has a trio of offensive weapons that they rely on in Kirill Maksimov (Edmonton), Akil Thomas (2018), and Ben Jones (Vegas).

Jack Studnicka of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Oshawa, on the other hand, prefers to slow things down and grind it out in the offensive end. Their fearless leader is Jack Studnicka (Boston), an excellent two-way center who makes an impact in so many different ways. A pair of first time draft eligible forwards support Studnicka; Serron Noel (2018), and Allan McShane (2018). Defenseman Matt Brassard (Vancouver) is also critical to their offensive success. He was one of the highest scoring defenders in the league in the second half and finished the year 7th in defensive scoring.

If we are truly comparing these two teams, it is difficult to determine who has a clear advantage. In goal, the nod should be given to Oshawa and their starter Kyle Keyser (Boston). Keyser has been a stable presence in net this year, definitely more so than Stephen Dhillon who has struggled for Niagara this year, or the inexperienced Colton Incze. Up front, I give the slight edge to Niagara because of their explosiveness and depth. On defense, the two teams boast slightly inexperienced units who are mobile, but can be mistake prone. Ultimately, I see two things possibly tipping the favor in Niagara’s direction. The first is special teams play. As mentioned, Niagara’s powerplay has been performing at a high level lately and Oshawa has one of the league’s worst penalty killing units. The second is home ice advantage, which Niagara owns after finishing the regular season on a 7 game winning streak.

Prediction: With home ice advantage, better special teams play, and a slightly more explosive offense, I like Niagara to win this series. Their goaltending concerns me slightly, but between Dhillon or Incze, they should be able to make enough big saves to at least get the IceDogs into the second round. But this one will be close. Niagara in 7.

Western Conference

#1 - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. #8 - Saginaw Spirit

Season Series: SSM leads 7-1

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. Photo by Terry Wilson

Analysis: The juggernaut Greyhounds kick off their Memorial Cup push against the Saginaw Spirit, whose five game losing streak to end the season forced them down the standings and into this first round match-up. Sault Ste. Marie has nine NHL draft picks on their roster and two more potential first rounders for 2018. Up front, Boris Katchouk (Tampa Bay), Taylor Raddysh (Tampa Bay), Jack Kopacka (Anaheim), Tim Gettinger (New York Rangers), Barrett Hayton (2018), and the underrated Hayden Verbeek pace the attack. But the real star is OHL 2nd leading scorer Morgan Frost (Philadelphia), one of the breakout stars of this season. On the backend, the Hounds are equally strong, led by Conor Timmins (Colorado), and Rasmus Sandin (2018). Neither seem to make a mistake with the puck and both are just as good in their own end as they are offensively. In net, Matthew Villalta (Los Angeles) has been a steady presence who makes the saves when he needs to.

Evan Cormier of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Saginaw’s strength actually starts in net where overager Evan Cormier (New Jersey) keeps the Spirit in a lot of games that they do not deserve to be in. This is important because the Spirit struggle to score goals. They were only one of three teams in the OHL to not score 200 goals on the season and the other two finished dead last in their conferences (Flint and Sudbury). Furthermore, their powerplay was a league worst 14.7%. There is definitely some offensive talent on this team, but the team’s best days are ahead of them as guys like Blade Jenkins (2018), Nicholas Porco (2019), Ryan Stepien (2020), Aidan Prueter (2020), and Damien Giroux (2018) gain experience. In fact, the team’s only NHL drafted forward, Brady Gilmour (Detroit) finished 9th in team scoring.

In all honesty, this series should not be close and is not likely to be close. The Spirit have a talented young roster, but they are not currently an equal to the Greyhounds. Sault Ste. Marie has the advantage in nearly every area except maybe goaltending. Even then, Evan Cormier can only do so much. Heck, we might see the Greyhounds score more shorthanded goals than the Spirit score powerplay goals in the series.

Prediction: I want to say that Evan Cormier can do enough to steal a game for the Spirit in this series, but I cannot even see the Spirit winning a game. The Greyhounds are just too strong. SSM in 4.

#2 - Kitchener Rangers vs. #7 - Guelph Storm

Season Series: Kitchener leads 5-3

Logan Brown of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Analysis: This is an interesting first round match-up between two teams that did not end the regular season the way they wanted to. Kitchener, a strong team all season, struggled down the stretch, although managed to hang on to their Division crown. Meanwhile, the Guelph Storm were one of the league’s worst teams in the last few months that saw them lose their grip on the #6 spot in the West. Kitchener loaded up at the deadline by bringing in Logan Brown (Ottawa), Givani Smith (Detroit), Mario Culina, and Austin McEneny. I think it would be fair to say that Kitchener is still waiting to see the best out of three of those four, with Culina playing well so far as a starter. It has been the guys around all season like Adam Mascherin (Florida), Kole Sherwood (Columbus), Joseph Gareffa, Logan Stanley (Winnipeg), and Riley Damiani (2018) that have been driving the team’s success. Moving into the playoffs, it will be about whether the newer faces can finally find chemistry or not. The health of defensive stalwart Connor Hall (Pittsburgh) could also impact the series.

Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Guelph, as mentioned, has also struggled down the stretch, especially when it comes to preventing goals. Goaltender Anthony Popovich (2018) appeared to tire of late after seeing a huge jump in workload this season. The defensive group, led by Ryan Merkley (2018), and Dmitri Samorukov (Edmonton) also struggled, to the point where Merkley was a healthy scratch at times down the stretch. The Storm do have a hard working forward group who is capable of icing multiple scoring lines. The offensive leaders are unquestionably Isaac Ratcliffe (Philadelphia) and Cam Hillis (2018), who along with Alexei Toropchenko (St. Louis) form a quality first line.

Looking at this series a little more under the microscope, it is probably closer than people are making it out to be. The special teams match-up pretty well. Neither team has a dominant goaltender that one would qualify as a game-changer (no offense meant to Culina or Popovich). Both teams struggled down the stretch with team chemistry issues. The tipping point for me is experience. The Rangers have the clear advantage there, especially on the defensive end. Guys like Logan Stanley and Austin McEneny, who won a Memorial Cup together with Windsor last year, should really help to stabilize things, even without Connor Hall. I also look for longtime Rangers like Mascherin or Connor Bunnaman (Philadelphia) to really step up offensively to get this team over the first round hump.

Prediction: As mentioned, I feel like Kitchener’s experience advantage will help them come out on top in this series. I also feel that they have a much better team defense approach that likely plays out better for success in the playoffs. Guelph has talent, but they play a very high risk game that, without a ton of playoff experience, could be their undoing. It will be close, but Kitchener in 6.

#3 - Sarnia Sting vs. #6 - Windsor Spitfires

Season Series: Sarnia leads 5-1

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Analysis: No offense meant to the rest of the Windsor Spitfires, but this match-up is about two things. The Sarnia offense (2nd best in the OHL) versus the goaltending of Michael DiPietro (Vancouver). The dynamic DiPietro is one of the few goaltenders in the OHL who is capable of stealing a series victory for his team. The Spitfires rebuilt, dealing off the majority of their veterans held over from their Memorial Cup victory last year, but decided to hang on to their star netminder for this reason. They battle hard in the offensive end behind the likes of Curtis Douglas (2018), Cole Purboo (2018), Cody Morgan (2019), Luke Boka, and Matthew MacDougall (2018). And they play smart in their own end thanks to Connor Corcoran (2018), Nathan Staios (2019), Grayson Ladd (2019), and Zach Shankar. But this team has zero NHL drafted players outside of DiPietro and are incredibly inexperienced.

Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

The Sting, conversely, were one of the biggest buyers throughout this OHL season, bringing in talented veterans like Cam Dineen (Arizona), Jonathan Ang (Florida), and Michael Pezzetta (Montreal). The lifeblood of the team is Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis), the league’s leader in points per game this year and possibly the best offensive player in the OHL. He is currently zero for three in first round appearances and is likely to do everything in his power to finally reach the second round (and beyond). You could likely argue that overager Justin Fazio is the team’s second most important player in the series, especially considering that he has to match-up against DiPietro. The margin for error is slim.

One of Sarnia’s biggest strengths is on the powerplay where Kyrou, Adam Ruzicka (Calgary), and Drake Rymsha (Los Angeles) have a combined 34 powerplay goals this year. Problem is, Windsor takes among the least amount of penalties in the OHL so as long as Windsor can continue to stay out of the box, Sarnia is going to need to beat DiPietro 5 on 5. The question I have is, how will Windsor manage to score goals, at least enough goals to win this 7 game series? It will not be with the man advantage either (likely) as the Sting have the league’s top penalty killing unit. I am slightly worried about Sarnia’s inexperienced defense though, but that concern is more directed towards round two or three (if the Sting advance that far). Sarnia will need big guys like Ruzicka, Pezzetta, Jordan Ernst, and Hugo Leufvenius (2018) to crowd DiPietro’s space as much as possible and really make him uncomfortable. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Windsor fans can tell you, sometimes the best way to beat Michael DiPietro is through sheer luck and bad bounces.

Prediction: As much as I want to predict a Windsor victory, I do not see it in the cards. DiPietro will steal a few games and he will make Sarnia sweat. But the offensive firepower of Sarnia, combined with the inexperience of Windsor’s defense is likely to give the Sting too many scoring chances for the Spitfires’ star netminder to handle. Sarnia in 6.

#4 - Owen Sound Attack vs. #5 - London Knights

Season Series: London leads 4-2

Evan Bouchard of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images.

Analysis: As is usually the case, the 4/5 matchup in the Western Conference looks to be the closest match-up of the first round, and subsequently the most difficult to prognosticate. London traded off the vast majority of their big guns to retool to fight another day. Instead, the team played inspired hockey down the stretch led by a host of younger players eager to make their mark. When talking about London, we have to start with defenseman Evan Bouchard (2018), the lifeblood of the Knights. His 87 points are the highest by a blueliner since Ryan Ellis hit the 100 point mark in 2011. The speedy Alex Formenton (Ottawa) is also playing the best hockey of his OHL career thus far with 12 goals in 14 games to close out the regular season. And you cannot talk about London without mentioning how good the “kid” line of Liam Foudy (2018), Billy Moskal (2018), and Nathan Dunkley (2018) has been since the trade deadline. This trio was challenged to step up their games with increased ice time and they all responded accordingly.

Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Owen Sound, on the other hand, was expected to be one of the top teams in the OHL this year but struggled to keep their star players healthy all year and subsequently struggled to perform consistently. That is, until the last few months when they have been, arguably, the OHL’s best. This team is scary good when healthy and they are now finally healthy. They roll three outstanding scoring lines, including a top unit of Jonah Gadjovich (Vancouver), Kevin Hancock (2018), and Nick Suzuki (Vegas) that has been one of the OHL’s best over the last two seasons. They also have one of the OHL’s top offensive blueliners in Sean Durzi (2018), who if he did not get injured, likely could have challenged Bouchard for the defenceman scoring title. It is in net where Owen Sound has struggled this season as Olivier Lafreniere and Mack Guzda (2019) have battled to find consistency. No question, Owen Sound has to have their offense rolling to win because they are not going to win many 2-1 games.

So who has the advantage going into this match-up? Experience wise, the nod has to be given to Owen Sound...and by a wide margin. The Attack are returning the vast majority of a roster that lost in the Conference finals last season. The Knights are an extremely well coached team, but they are relying on a lot of rookies and sophomores in key roles and that can often prove to be a recipe for disaster in the postseason. The deciding factor in this series probably comes down to the goaltending. So long as Owen Sound can get at least adequate goaltending from one of Lafreniere or Guzda, they should win this series. But if their goaltending struggles and team is forced to constantly play catch-up, the series tips in London’s favor, a team with nothing to lose.

Prediction: I have to give the nod to Owen Sound here because now that they are fully healthy, they look like a tough team to stop. This is especially true for a team as inexperienced as London; even if they are extremely talented. The Attack can get the saves they need to win this one, even if London pushes them and makes them sweat. Owen Sound in 6

OHL Finals Prediction

When the field is finally narrowed down to two teams who battle it out for OHL supremacy, I expect those two teams to be the Kingston Frontenacs and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

From the East I like Kingston for a couple reasons. The first is experience. As I already alluded to, they have a lot of players on that roster who have already won a Memorial Cup or OHL Championship (or both). That type of leadership goes a long way in the playoffs. The second is special teams play. The great Scotty Bowman always said combined special teams play was a great indicator of postseason success. Well the Fronts have the best powerplay in the league and the second best penalty kill. The third is goaltending. Jeremy Helvig is a veteran netminder who is about as consistent as they come. I have a ton of confidence in his ability to make saves when he needs to.

From the West, I like the Soo Greyhounds as they have looked about as dominant as anyone in the OHL has over the last few years. Their 116 points is the most since Barrie put up 116 in 2010. This team has it all. Special teams success. Good goaltending. Speed. Physicality. But most of all...depth. Drew Bannister’s players rarely seem to take a shift off and they rarely make mistakes with the puck. That composure at both ends of the ice makes them the favorite.

For the OHL Title, I am taking the Soo Greyhounds to win their first J. Ross Robertson Cup since they won back to back championships in the early 90ś.

Edmonton – System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:11:54 +0000

The Edmonton Oilers have had a lot of recent experience drafting very high in recent years, famously picking first three years in a row from 2010-2012. To their credit, they have done a solid job with their top picks, with the notable exceptions of Nail Yakupov and, to a lesser extent, Magnus Paajarvi.

Connor McDavid is, if not the best, at least among the top two players in the game. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall have also turned into strong forwards. Leon Draisaitl looks like a stud playing on McDavid’s wing. Darnell Nurse is still developing, but has all of the tools to become a first pairing defender. Oskar Klefbom already is a legitimate first pairing defender.

With so many high end, young picks on the NHL roster, the question has been why the team could not become a consistent playoff contender sooner. The answer lies in nearly every other pick or prospect acquisition made by the club in around ten years. In the ten drafts leading up to this one, the only players of note drafted by the Oilers after the first round have been Anton Lander (215 games, 35 points), Martin Marincin (175 games, 25 points), and Tobias Reider (234 games, 92 points). No one else among those players appeared in more than 101 NHL games. Even limited to those three, Reider never played for the Oilers, who traded his player rights to Arizona while he was still in the OHL. Notably, the player the received in return never played in the NHL.

The next question can then only be why did the team get so little from their drafts after the obvious, high first round talent was scoured through? The most commonly cited complaint about the Oilers drafting in recent years – particularly in the years before Peter Chiarelli took over as GM – was that they drafted for roles instead of drafting for talent. In other words, they did not draft players who they thought were good, they drafted prospects who were role players for their junior team, with the expectation that it would be easy to mold them into role players at the higher levels.

Unfortunately, that rarely works. Even mediocre fourth liners in the NHL were top six talents in amateur hockey. Frankly, the Oilers should have known better. To cherry-pick one example, in 2007, with their third of three first round picks, Edmonton selected Riley Nash, a high scoring forward with Salmon Arm of the BCHL. Nash then spent three seasons at Cornell, scoring around one point per game throughout. Since then, he has matured into a competent but limited fourth line forward, contributing 0.3 points per game over 4.5 seasons in the NHL.

Compare that with, say Mitchell Moroz, who they selected in the second round in 2012. Moroz had pro size, but was a depth forward in the WHL, with nearly four penalty minutes for each point. Through three AHL seasons, his season high in points is 10 and with his ELC expired, the best contract he could get for next year was an ECHL contract. For the successes of last season not to end up as an aberration, the practice of drafting down needs to be a thing of the past.

Edmonton Oilers rookie and 4th overall draft pick Jesse Puljujarvi #98 (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire)

1 Jesse Puljujarvi – Although he was not yet ready for the NHL, Pujujarvi showed flashes with the Oilers, and more with Bakersfield in his age 18 season, to suggest that, like Leon Draisaitl before him, he will yet emerge as a strong contributor to a playoff team. Physically ready, with a pro-style game and a very good wrist shot, he will get used to the pace of the game. Long lauded for his high hockey IQ, it is a matter of time before it all clicks. His leash this year will be longer.

Kailer Yamamoto. Photo by Larry Brunt.

2 Kailer Yamamoto – A rare undersized player drafted by the Oilers, Yamamoto is a big game player with near elite offensive skills. A great skater and puck handler, he put up 13 points in seven games as an underager in the 2016 WU18 before finishing sixth in WHL in his draft year. The Oilers may see him as a future McDavid linemate, taking the role the similarly height-challenged Alex DeBrincat mastered alongside McDavid with Erie.

3 Tyler Benson – After injuries decimated his draft season, Benson started the season with the Vancouver Giants on fire before injury struck again, again ending his season early. When healthy, he is a great skater, with plus-plus playmaking skills and a strong, physical approach to the game. His shot is also enough of a weapon to fit on a top six line at the highest level. If his health problems are finally behind him, he could explode.

Stuart Skinner

4 Stuart Skinner – The highest upside netminder in the system, Skinner was a full time starter in the WHL for three full seasons before he was eligible for the draft. A big player with decent agility for his size, he plays a mostly butterfly style that allows him to block the bottom of the net very well. His occasional lapses in concentration allowed him to drop to the third round, but he generally tracks the puck well and minimizes second chances.

5 Caleb Jones – The first, and best, of four defensemen drafted by Edmonton in 2015, Jones will never be as tall nor as talented as older brother Seth, but he is a fine prospect in his own right. Although his point totals in the WHL have been impressive and have improved year over year, he is actually more notable for his defensive zone game. He is a solid skater who plays an aggressive game, usable in all situations. Best defenseman in the system.

6 Laurent Brossoit – After Jonas Gustavsson flame out last year, Brossoit, who had struggled in emergency duty for the Oilers in 2015-16, came up and finally looked ready to face NHL shooters. A fundamentally sound shot blocker, he is not the most athletic netminder, but understands angles very well and minimizes ugly rebounds. His ceiling may only be that of a backup, but it is a good backup, and he is ready now. The job is his.

7 Ostap Safin – After drafting small in the first round, Edmonton self-corrected in subsequent rounds, taking large human after large human. At 6-4”, 200, Safin certainly qualifies. More than just a big body, he has some intriguing offensive upside, featuring great net drive, great each reach and puck protection skills. He is a very good skater for his size. His offensive output in the Czech junior ranks and internationally for the Czech U18 squads was strong, but he should be able to produce even more.

8 Kirill Maksimov – A Russian born winger who has been in Canada since he was at least 14, Maksimov took big steps in his draft year after being traded from Saginaw to Niagara. Although his game suffered from bouts of inconsistency, at his best, he was often the best player on the ice. He has pro size, a responsible two-way game and very good puck skills. He is mobile, as well. If he can bring his A-game more often, the fifth round pick will turn out to be a steal.

9 Jujhar Khaira – A heavy presence on the boards, Khaira took his time developing his offensive game in the AHL, but now seems to be ready to produce enough to fit in on an energy line in the NHL. His skating is impressive coming from his broad body, particularly his edge work. He is comfortable playing with the puck, with very strong possession skills, or off of it, as he can be devilish in pursuit. Pretty close to a finished product.

10 Ziyat Paigin – A mountain of a man with the point shot to match, Paigin came to North America at the end of his season in the KHL. He came into prominence in his third year of draft eligibility through impressive performances across North America with the Russian contingent in the Subway Series which was followed up with strong work at the WJC. Last season was a disappointment after a great first post draft year with HK Sochi, the Oilers will be patient with his acclimation to the North American game.

11 Ethan Bear – Short, yet stocky and sturdy, Bear was one point shy of averaging a point per game combined across his last two WHL seasons with Seattle, although he easily surpasses that benchmark if we include postseason play. He is a plus skater with very promising puck moving skills and an underrated yet quiet game in his own zone. He will have to prove himself all over again as he makes the leap to the AHL.

12 Markus Niemelainen – A towering blueliner who specializes in controlling play in his own zone, Niemelainen’s puck play suffered in his first post draft year with his point totals dropping by a full two-thirds. A decent skater for his size, he has in the past demonstrated decent puck moving skills, showing the ability to get the puck smartly into more dangerous positions. Due to his offensive limitations, his floor is a lot higher than his ceiling.

13 Dylan Wells – Drafted as a poor performing project in 2016, Wells raised his save percentage by a remarkable 45 points in his first post draft year, putting himself firmly on the radar for Edmonton’s future goaltending needs. He has fantastic compete level, is a fine athlete and is also an above average puck handler for a goalie. The Oilers are suddenly flush with netminders, and if Wells can build off last year, he will force some uncomfortable decisions down the road.

14 John Marino – Originally drafted out of the USPHL, Marino has since stepped up and conquered the USHL – winning a title with Tri-City – and NCAA hockey, where he was a key blueline contributor to a Frozen Four entrant with Harvard. Lanky, with room to grow, he brings above average mobility, solid puck moving skills and a promising game in his own zone to the ice. He will stay with Harvard for a few seasons yet, but has already come a long way and seems to have more to come.

15 Ryan Mantha – Originally a fourth round pick of the New York Rangers in 2014, the Blueshirts never offered Mantha a contract. Freed from his draft organization, Mantha had a monster overage year with Niagara, with nearly one point per game, mostly on the strength of his heavy point shot, which he would never hesitate to unleash, often registering 10 or more shots per game. He also has plus size, which makes him effective in scrums, but also contributes to below average foot speed.

16 Joe Gambardella – The more intriguing of the two NCAA free agents inked by the Oilers this year. Gambardella has been a top offensive producer for each of his last three seasons with U.Mass-Lowell. Short and stocky, he is tough in the corners, has good puck possession skills and a plus shot. He also plays a mature game, very alert and ready to spring into action. He has bottom six NHL upside.

17 Nick Ellis – A seldom used backup in his first two years at Providence, Ellis took over the starter’s mantle in 2015-16 and was so good, the Oilers offered him a free agent contract to pass up a fourth year of NCAA eligibility. Undersized by modern standards, he demonstrates a high level of poise in the crease and sticks very well with the shooter. He has great lateral movement, thanks to a very strong push, and projects as a potential future NHL backup.

18 Joey LaLeggia – Two years removed from his exploits with Denver, where he was a Hobey Baker finalist, LaLeggia seems to be almost through the transition from offense-only defenseman to secondary-offense producer winger. He plays at a very fast pace when on the offensive, using his speed to push defenders back on their heels. He is the exact inverse in his own zone, though, easy to get off-balance and out of position. He is more likely to make the NHL on the wing.

19 Aapeli Rasanen – A late round 2016 draft pick who produced more in international play than he did for Tappara’s junior club, that pattern repeated itself this year. Rasanen had middling numbers with USHL finalist Sioux City, despite often lining up with first rounder Eeli Tolvanen, but was one of Finland’s best threats at the WJC. He has solid vision in the offensive zone and is a strong passer. His best asset is his two-way game. Will play for Boston College next year.

20 Dmitri Samorukov – Although his defensive game got the most work in league play with OHL bottom-feeders Guelph, once he got to the WU18 tournament at year’s end, Samorukov showed off an impressive offensive element with five points in seven games for the blueliner. In his own zone, he offers tight coverage and a good stick. Moving up the ice, he is a strong passer with an average point shot. It will be interesting to see if any of that carries over into next season.

Although the Oilers still place an inordinate weight on a prospect’s size before drafting him – 16 of the top 20 are at least 6-0” tall, and eight are at least 6-3”, they have at least taken to ensuring that they are drafting skilled players, instead of drafting to fill out a role. If Yamamoto excels the way that many – ourselves included – expect, Edmonton might start scouting and drafting from a wider range of heights.

2017 NHL Draft Grades: Pacific Division – Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 14:54:43 +0000

Shortly after 1:00pm CST, on Saturday, June 24, 2017, the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins selected William Reilly, a defenseman from RPI as the 217^th player selected, bringing the 2017 Entry Draft to an end. With a few days of hindsight between me and the bowels of the United Center, the urge to spew out hot takes flushed away, it is time to analyze the strategies and selections employed by the league’s 31 teams.

The analysis will focus on the first five rounds, as it is clear to most long-time observers that the final two rounds are often taken up with long-shots, favours to regional scouts, among other reasons. I will, of course, call out some astute late picks, but will not judge a team for the names called in the final hour. The apocryphal story of Pekka Rinne, drafted as an eighth round after-thought in 2004 based mostly on his play in game warm-ups. Few other scouts would have seen him at all, and he has had a very good career, which is not yet over. For the most part, though, those picks have little statistical likelihood of having NHL careers and teams should not be judged there.

Each draft class will be graded using the 20-80 scale that we use in our player specific scouting reports throughout the site. In this context, a 50 is essentially an average grade in light of the picks the team had on draft day. A 20 would mean the draft is an unmitigated disaster while an 80 would be the best draft class of all time. As those things can only be truly seen in retrospect, most classes will trend towards 50 at this point, so pay attention to those we see as outliers.

Finally, all grades are incomplete. Actual winners and losers in this draft class will not be known until 2023 at the earliest, after those who will have “made it” will have played out their entry-level contracts. What I am looking at here is whether, knowing what we know now, the drafting team got good value.

RD	#	CS	MCK	PLAYER	P	AGE	HT/WT	TEAM
1	22	17-N	24	Kailer YAMAMOTO	RW	18	5-8/160	Spokane (WHL)
3	78	5-NG	55	Stuart SKINNER	G	18	6-3/210	Lethbridge (WHL)
3	84	69-N	108	Dmitri SAMORUKOV	D	18	6-2/180	Guelph (OHL)
4	115	14-E	66	Ostap SAFIN	LW	18	6-4/200	Sparta Praha (Cze Jr)
5	146	66-N	71	Kirill MAKSIMOV	RW	18	6-2/195	Sag-Nia (OHL)
6	177	157-N		Skyler BRIND'AMOUR	C	18	6-2/170	Selects Academy U18 (USMAAA)
7	208	175-N		Phil KEMP	D	18	6-3/200	USA (NTDP-18)

RD	#	PLAYER	P	TEAM	GP (W)	G (L)	A (T)	PTS (GA)	PIM (Sv%)
1	22	Kailer YAMAMOTO	RW	Spokane (WHL)	65	42	57	99	46
3	78	Stuart SKINNER	G	Lethbridge (WHL)	34	18	5	3.26	0.905
3	84	Dmitri SAMORUKOV	D	Guelph (OHL)	67	4	16	20	41
4	115	Ostap SAFIN	LW	Sparta Praha (Cze Jr)	24	6	12	18	66
4	115			Sparta Praha (Cze)	8	1	1	2	2
4	115			Stadion Litomerice (Cze 2)	3	0	0	0	0
4	115			Sparta Praha (Cze Jr 18)	1	0	0	0	0
5	146	Kirill MAKSIMOV	RW	Sag-Nia (OHL)	66	21	17	38	41
6	177	Skyler BRIND'AMOUR	C	Selects Academy U18 (USMAAA)	48	19	31	50
6	177			USA (NTDP-17)	6	1	0	1	0
6	177			USA (NTDP-18)	2	0	0	0	0
7	208	Phil KEMP	D	USA (NTDP-18)	64	5	8	13	22

Edmonton Oilers – Draft Grade: 55

With their first pick coming 22^nd overall, the Oilers had not made their first move to the podium this late since selecting Jordan Eberle, sent to the New York Islanders in the days leading up to the draft, in 2008. With that pick, they drafted a player who may have more pure offensive skill than the man they selected fourth overall last year, Jesse Puljujarvi.

The reason that Spokane Chiefs forward Kailer Yamamoto was available two thirds of the way through the first round in a draft that was not largely viewed as deep, is that he stands only 5-8” tall and is slight to boot.

Kailer Yamamoto. Photo by Larry Brunt.

Yet this pick could pay outsized dividends for the Oilers. You see, their franchise player and recent Hart Trophy winner, Connor McDavid spent the final year of his illustrious junior career center a dynamic winger of a similar stature in Alex DeBrincat. It would take very little imagination to see Yamamoto ascending to a similar side-kick role once he reaches the NHL.

Of their six picks on Day Two, five were playing in North America and three of the first four were CHL products. Even though they lacked a second round selection, they drafted for upside in each of their first four Day Two selections. Any of netminder Stuart Skinner, blueliner Dmitri Samorukov, or wingers Ostap Safin or Kirill Maksimov could have been taken 30 or more picks before the spot where Edmonton took them off the board.

Best value: Ostap Safin, RW, HC Sparta Praha (4/115): Although inconsistent in his effort level from game to game, both his shot and physicality grade out as easy plusses. Drafted by Saint John in the CHL Import Draft, moving over to the QMJHL next year would do wonders in his acclimation to the North American game.

Biggest head-scratcher: Skyler Brind’Amour, C, USNTDP (6/177): Once again, I am breaking my rule over appointing a sixth round pick as a head-scratcher. I simply liked all of the Oilers’ picks in the first five rounds. Brind’Amour played only 22 games this year between the US Development program and the USPHL and only managed five goals and 11 points in that time. He is expected to play with Chilliwack of the BCHL next season.

McKeen’s 2017 NHL Draft Rankings (Subscribers) – Top 125 – May 31st, 2017

Iain Morrell — Wed, 31 May 2017 14:16:51 +0000

MCKEEN'S 2017 NHL DRAFT GUIDE - Learn more here!

Nico Hischier will make National Hockey League history as the first name called in Chicago at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

The New Jersey Devils hold the first overall selection having won the draft lottery, and will be looking at three prospects in particular who have risen to the top of the 2017 draft class.

Switzerland's Nico Hischier #18 leans in for the face-off during preliminary round action against the Czech Republic at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Hischier is a very attractive choice having 'checked all the boxes' during an outstanding North American debut with the Halifax Mooseheads. The native of Naters, Switzerland led all rookie scorers in the QMJHL and finished 10th in league scoring, while delivering strong performances for his country at both the U20 and U18 World Junior Championships (WJC).

A fast and dynamic skater with high-end puck skills, Hischier distinguished himself for his two-way diligence and his ability to contribute in every area of the ice and - by extension - the game. He possesses a high hockey IQ and is a very creative player combining both structure and innovation.

It will be an agonizing decision if New Jersey opts to pass on Hischier in favour of the other prime attraction - Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Winnipeg native entered the 2016-17 season as the consensus top choice after a standout season in which he tied for the league playoff scoring lead with 30 points in 21 games (13-17-30) and earned WHL Playoff MVP honours.

Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings. Photo by Tim Smith/Brandon Sun

Patrick was injured during that playoff run however and underwent sports hernia surgery last July. His groin/abdominal problems would re-surface after playing in Brandon's opening five games, and sideline him for 34 games and force him to miss the U20 WJC.

Returning in January, Patrick still managed to finish fifth on the Wheat Kings in scoring with 20 goals and 46 points despite playing in just 33 games.

However he suffered another health setback late in the regular season - an unspecified upper-body injury - and missed the WHL playoffs.

Nolan Patrick would be the first Manitoban selected first overall in the NHL draft - with Nico Hischier set to become the first-ever Swiss-born player.

A third option emerged for New Jersey this spring at the U18 WJC where defenceman Miro Heiskanen turned in a commanding performance for Finland and effectively threw his hat into the ring.

Finland's Miro Heiskanen #2 lets a shot go during relegation round action against Latvia at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

It makes some sense for the Devils to consider adding a potential building block on the blueline given the loss of Adam Larsson in last summer's Taylor Hall deal.

Heiskanen would be the first Finnish-born player to go first overall.

CENTRE STAGE

Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires sits at No. 4 on the McKeen's Top 125 - ranking the best prospects available for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound forward led Windsor with 29 goals and 61 points - in just 49 games - and then played a central role in helping the Spitfires win the Memorial Cup, highlighted by a four-assist performance in a win over the top-ranked Erie Otters.

Big, highly-skilled, and ultra competitive, Vilardi brings plenty of meat to the plate - but the skating has raised concerns about how impactful an NHLer he can be. Described as a 'knock kneed' skater, he will have to continue upgrading his quickness and explosiveness.

The Kingston, Ontario native can play on the wing but showcased at the Top Prospects Game in January that he is very effective playing in the middle.

The fifth-ranked prospect is Casey Mittelstadt, the top American-born player.

Mittelstadt ripped apart the high school circuit averaging 2.56 points per game (64 points in 25 games) and earning Minnesota’s distinguished Mr. Hockey award as the state’s top senior skater. He fell short though of leading his hometown Eden Prairie to a state championship, falling in the semi-finals.

Mittelstadt was questioned about returning for his senior year amid concerns that his development could be stunted. However, he helped allay some of those concerns with impressive stints in the USHL, wrapped around his high school season, recording 30 points in 24 games - for a 1.25 points-per-game average which was tops in the league.

Sharp-shooting winger Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads is next at No. 6.

The Peterborough, Ontario native infuriated with his inconsistent (and incomplete) defensive work habits but, at the end of the day, may be the best goal-scoring prospect in this draft class.

He finished fifth in the OHL with 44 goals and added another 10 goals in 20 playoff games.

Slick-skating defenceman Cale Makar of the Brooks Bandits is ranked seventh.

The Calgary, Alberta native was among this season's biggest risers - shooting up the draft chart and dazzling with his skating and skills while leading Brooks to the RBC Cup final.

Makar still has plenty of growing to do in terms of learning how to harness and deploy his exceptional talents. His education will be in good hands for his upcoming freshman season at the University of Massachusetts. Makar may benefit most by staying on the NCAA collegiate route for at least two years, though the lure of the NHL is all powerful.

Sorting out the rest of the top 10 has been a convoluted journey since the initial rankings were published last fall. That's not unusual - but this season the rankings seemed to be in a larger state of flux. There's not much to separate the next dozen or so players - all of whom could conceivably land a top 10 spot.

Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks

Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks was another big riser, moving up from 24th - in the preliminary ranking - to grab the No. 8 position.

A cerebral two-way pivot with good size and skill, the Winnipeg native led Portland and tied for seventh in WHL scoring during a spectacular breakout season - in which he more than tripled his rookie numbers from 2015-16.

Glass begins a run of centremen with seven of the next ten players being pivots; Michael Rasmussen (10th), Elias Pettersson (11th), Martin Necas (12th), Robert Thomas (15th), Nick Suzuki (16th), and Lias Andersson (17th).

KLIM PICKINGS

The wildcards for this year's draft will begin with swift-skating Swedish defenceman Timothy Liljegren

The native of Kristianstad, Sweden has been a prime name for 2017 since he was 16 years old - and was ranked No. 4 on our preliminary list. However, he was sidelined early by a bout of mononucleosis and struggled to find his game after returning.

There's no denying the physical gifts as he is a strong, fast skater with a good skill set featuring a heavy wristshot.

Klim Kostin

However, his hockey sense and overall decision making have continually come into question as the scrutiny on his game intensified. He doesn't seem to possess an innate feel for pressure and can be prone to stickchecks and turning pucks over on outlets. Can this part of his make-up develop and mature? Perhaps. It's a risk NHL teams must weigh before considering him as a top selection.

Another 'hot potato' pick will be Dynamo Moscow forward Klim Kostin who began the season at No. 5 in the rankings following a solid showing at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial. The Penza native captained Russia and led his team in scoring (5-4-3-7) while flashing an intriguing mix of size, skill and creativity.

He also put in a decent showing at the Canada-Russia series in November, albeit not enough for World Junior team coach Valeri Bragin to include him on the U20 roster. However, Kostin underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in January and missed an opportunity to further convince NHL scouts at the U18 WJC in April.

Strong and skilled with the puck, Kostin can create openings with his stickhandling and 1-on-1 abilities, but must work on his skating and consistency.

Eeli Tolvanen

Eeli Tolvanen also watched his stock soften as the season progressed after beginning as a top 10 pick (8th).

The native of Vihti, Finland tied for third in the USHL with 30 goals and then helped Sioux City reach the Clark Cup Finals. Tolvanen possesses sharp offensive instincts and a lethal shot, yet there are concerns about how his slight frame and dimensional game will translate to higher levels.

No player fell further in the rankings this season than towering Russian winger Nikita Popugaev.

The Moscow native fired 19 goals in his first 25 games with Moose Jaw, however his play tailed off in December and he was dealt a month later to Prince George where he continued to sputter.

Popugaev brings great size at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds as well as a strong shooting arsenal. His skating needs to come along though, particularly his footwork and overall agility.

But the bigger concern is how badly he wants it - as his work ethic and defensive play regressed to alarming levels over the second half.

PLENTY OF FINNISH

Finland gave advance warning that they would be a big factor at the 2017 NHL Draft when they captured gold at the 2016 U18 WJC.

It was Finland's first gold medal at the event since winning the first two tournaments in 1999 and 2000 - and was accomplished with a predominantly underage blueline.

They followed up this year at the U18's with a silver medal, led by the splendid duo of Miro Heiskanen and Urho Vaakanainen.

Heiskanen's exploits were well chronicled, however Vaakanainen's play may have turned just as many NHL heads. His smooth skating, subtle skills, and innate feel for the game were on full display throughout.

Vaakanainen could turn out to be one of the best players from this draft.

Expect the Finns to be high profile at this draft - as they could place up to seven players in the opening round plus another half dozen in the second.

In all, there are 16 Finnish-born players in the McKeen's Top 125 including a number of potential sleepers such as Joni Ikonen (59th), Aleksi Heponiemi (65th), Emil Oksanen (76th) and U18 WJC captain Aarne Talvitie (77th).

Finland's Santeri Virtanen #22 carries the puck during semifinal round action at the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Gritty two-way centre Santeri Virtanen threw his name into the ring with an impressive showing at the U18 WJC after missing most of the season to injury.

His late rise wasn't a total surprise as he had initially been slotted as a potential 50-70 pick after a good showing at the Ivan Hlinka last fall.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	Nation
1	Nolan Patrick	C	Brandon (WHL)	6-2/200	19-Sep-98	Canada
2	Nico Hischier	C	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-1/175	4-Jan-99	Switzerland
3	Miro Heiskanen	D	HIFK Helsinki (Fin)	6-0/170	18-Jul-99	Finland
4	Gabriel Vilardi	C	Windsor (OHL)	6-3/200	16-Aug-99	Canada
5	Casey Mittelstadt	C	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN)	6-1/200	22-Nov-98	USA
6	Owen Tippett	RW	Mississauga (OHL)	6-1/200	16-Feb-99	Canada
7	Cale Makar	D	Brooks (AJHL)	5-11/180	30-Oct-98	Canada
8	Cody Glass	C	Portland (WHL)	6-2/180	1-Apr-99	Canada
9	Kristian Vesalainen	LW	Frolunda (Swe)	6-3/205	1-Jun-99	Finland
10	Michael Rasmussen	C	Tri-City (WHL)	6-6/215	17-Apr-99	Canada
11	Elias Pettersson	C	Timra (Swe 2)	6-2/165	12-Nov-98	Sweden
12	Martin Necas	C	Kometa Brno (Cze)	6-0/170	15-Jan-99	Czech
13	Urho Vaakanainen	D	JyP Jyvaskyla (Fin)	6-0/185	1-Jan-99	Finland
14	Juuso Valimaki	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-2/205	6-Oct-98	Finland
15	Robert Thomas	C	London (OHL)	6-0/190	2-Jul-99	Canada
16	Nick Suzuki	C	Owen Sound (OHL)	5-11/185	10-Sep-99	Canada
17	Lias Andersson	C	HV 71 (Swe)	5-11/200	13-Oct-98	Sweden
18	Isaac Ratcliffe	LW	Guelph (OHL)	6-5/200	15-Feb-99	Canada
19	Erik Brannstrom	D	HV 71 (Swe)	5-10/175	2-Sep-99	Sweden
20	Timothy Liljegren	D	Rogle (Swe)	6-0/190	30-Apr-99	Sweden
21	Klim Kostin	C	Dynamo Moscow (Rus)	6-3/195	5-May-99	Russia
22	Eeli Tolvanen	RW	Sioux City (USHL)	5-10/175	22-Apr-99	Finland
23	Conor Timmins	D	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	6-1/185	18-Sep-98	Canada
24	Kailer Yamamoto	RW	Spokane (WHL)	5-8/160	29-Sep-98	Canada
25	Jason Robertson	LW	Kingston (OHL)	6-2/195	22-Jul-99	USA
26	Ryan Poehling	C	St. Cloud State (NCHC)	6-2/195	3-Jan-99	USA
27	Nicolas Hague	D	Mississauga (OHL)	6-6/215	5-Dec-98	Canada
28	Josh Norris	C	NTDP (USA)	6-1/195	5-May-99	USA
29	Shane Bowers	C	Waterloo (USHL)	6-1/185	30-Jul-99	Canada
30	Cal Foote	D	Kelowna (WHL)	6-4/215	13-Dec-98	USA
31	Henri Jokiharju	D	Portland (WHL)	6-0/180	17-Jun-99	Finland
32	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	G	HPK (Fin)	6-4/195	9-Mar-99	Finland
33	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	C	Spokane (WHL)	5-11/190	12-Sep-99	Canada
34	Kole Lind	RW	Kelowna (WHL)	6-1/180	16-Oct-98	Canada
35	Jesper Boqvist	C	Brynas (Swe)	6-0/180	30-Oct-98	Sweden
36	Grant Mismash	LW	NTDP (USA)	6-0/185	19-Feb-99	USA
37	Keith Petruzzelli	G	Muskegon (USHL)	6-5/180	9-Feb-99	USA
38	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	D	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	6-2/165	1-Jul-99	Canada
39	Maxime Comtois	C	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	6-2/200	8-Jan-99	Canada
40	Adam Ruzicka	C	Sarnia (OHL)	6-4/205	11-May-99	Slovakia
41	Morgan Frost	C	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	5-11/170	14-May-99	Canada
42	Filip Chytil	C	Zlin (Cze)	6-0/180	5-Sep-99	Czech
43	Nikita Popugaev	LW	Prince George (WHL)	6-6/220	20-Nov-98	Russia
44	Jake Oettinger	G	Boston University (HE)	6-4/210	18-Dec-98	USA
45	Josh Brook	D	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-1/185	15-Jun-99	Canada
46	Santeri Virtanen	C	TPS Turku (Fin Jr)	6-2/195	11-May-99	Finland
47	Kyle Olson	C	Tri-City (WHL)	5-11/165	22-Mar-99	Canada
48	Evan Barratt	C	NTDP (USA)	6-0/190	18-Feb-99	USA
49	Max Gildon	D	NTDP (USA)	6-3/190	17-May-99	USA
50	MacKenzie Entwistle	RW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-3/180	14-Jul-99	Canada
51	Stelio Mattheos	RW	Brandon (WHL)	6-1/195	14-Jun-99	Canada
52	Marcus Davidsson	C	Djurgardens (Swe)	6-0/190	18-Nov-98	Sweden
53	Michael DiPietro	G	Windsor (OHL)	6-0/195	9-Jun-99	Canada
54	David Farrance	D	NTDP (USA)	5-11/190	23-Jun-99	USA
55	Stuart Skinner	G	Lethbridge (WHL)	6-3/210	1-Nov-98	Canada
56	Matthew Strome	LW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-4/210	6-Jan-99	Canada
57	Alex Formenton	LW	London (OHL)	6-2/165	13-Sep-99	Canada
58	Eemeli Rasanen	D	Kingston (OHL)	6-7/215	6-Mar-99	Finland
59	Joni Ikonen	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	5-10/170	14-Apr-99	Finland
60	Scott Reedy	C	NTDP (USA)	6-1/205	4-Apr-99	USA
61	Sasha Chmelevski	C	Ottawa (OHL)	5-11/190	9-Jun-99	USA
62	Filip Westerlund	D	Frolunda (Swe)	5-11/180	17-Apr-99	Sweden
63	Ian Mitchell	D	Spruce Grove (AJHL)	5-11/175	18-Jan-99	Canada
64	Maxim Zhukov	G	Green Bay (USHL)	6-3/190	22-Jul-99	Russia
65	Aleksi Heponiemi	C	Swift Current (WHL)	5-10/150	9-Jan-99	Finland
66	Ostap Safin	LW	Sparta Praha (Cze Jr)	6-4/200	11-Feb-99	Czech
67	Jack Studnicka	C	Oshawa (OHL)	6-1/170	18-Feb-99	Canada
68	Nick Henry	RW	Regina (WHL)	5-11/190	4-Jul-99	Canada
69	Markus Phillips	D	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-0/200	21-Mar-99	Canada
70	Jarret Tyszka	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-2/190	15-Mar-99	Canada
71	Kirill Maksimov	RW	Niagara (OHL)	6-2/195	1-Jun-99	Russia
72	Jake Leschyshyn	C	Regina (WHL)	5-11/185	10-Mar-99	Canada
73	Alexei Toropchenko	RW	MVD Balashikha (Rus Jr)	6-3/190	25-Jun-99	Russia
74	Kirill Slepets	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	5-10/165	6-Apr-99	Russia
75	Olle Eriksson Ek	G	Farjestads (Swe Jr)	6-2/185	22-Jun-99	Sweden
76	Emil Oksanen	LW	Espoo United (Fin 2)	6-1/190	25-Sep-98	Finland
77	Aarne Talvitie	C	Espoo Blues (Fin Jr)	5-10/200	11-Feb-99	Finland
78	Reilly Walsh	D	Proctor Academy (USHS-NH)	5-11/180	21-Apr-99	USA
79	Ivan Lodnia	RW	Erie (OHL)	5-10/180	31-Aug-99	USA
80	Jonah Gadjovich	LW	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-2/210	12-Oct-98	Canada
81	Ben Mirageas	D	Chicago (USHL)	6-1/180	8-May-99	USA
82	Dylan Samberg	D	Hermantown (USHS-MN)	6-3/190	24-Jan-99	USA
83	Antoine Morand	C	Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)	5-10/180	18-Feb-99	Canada
84	Morgan Geekie	C	Tri-City (WHL)	6-2/180	20-Jul-98	Canada
85	Alexei Lipanov	C	MVD Balashikha (Rus 2)	6-0/165	17-Aug-99	Russia
86	Jack Badini	C	Chicago (USHL)	6-0/200	19-Jan-98	USA
87	Brady Lyle	D	North Bay (OHL)	6-1/205	6-Jun-99	Canada
88	Lucas Elvenes	C	Rogle (Swe Jr)	6-0/175	18-Aug-99	Sweden
89	Zach Gallant	C	Peterborough (OHL)	6-2/190	6-Mar-99	Canada
90	Lane Zablocki	RW	Red Deer (WHL)	5-11/190	27-Dec-98	Canada
91	Kevin Hancock	C	Owen Sound (OHL)	5-11/185	2-Mar-98	Canada
92	Alexandre Texier	C	Grenoble (Fra)	6-0/190	13-Sep-99	France
93	Noel Hoefenmayer	D	Ottawa (OHL)	6-0/190	6-Jan-99	Canada
94	Nate Schnarr	C	Guelph (OHL)	6-3/180	15-Jun-99	Canada
95	Jonas Rondbjerg	RW	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe Jr)	6-0/175	31-Mar-99	Denmark
96	Ivan Chekhovich	LW	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	5-10/180	14-Jan-99	Russia
97	Robin Salo	D	Sport (Fin)	6-1/190	13-Oct-98	Finland
98	Luke Martin	D	Michigan (B1G)	6-4/215	20-Sep-98	USA
99	Cale Fleury	D	Kootenay (WHL)	6-1/205	19-Nov-98	Canada
100	Mikey Anderson	D	Waterloo (USHL)	6-0/195	25-May-99	USA
101	Mason Shaw	C	Medicine Hat (WHL)	5-9/180	3-Nov-98	Canada
102	Linus Nyman	RW	Kingston (OHL)	5-9/160	11-Jul-99	Finland
103	Gustav Lindstrom	D	Almtuna (Swe 2)	6-2/190	20-Oct-98	Sweden
104	Marian Studenic	RW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-0/165	28-Oct-98	Slovakia
105	Jack Rathbone	D	Dexter (USHS-MA)	5-10/175	20-May-99	USA
106	Artyom Minulin	D	Swift Current (WHL)	6-2/200	1-Oct-98	Russia
107	Kalle Miketinac	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	5-11/190	2-Apr-99	Sweden
108	Dmitri Samorukov	D	Guelph (OHL)	6-2/180	16-Jun-99	Russia
109	Ian Scott	G	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-3/175	11-Jan-99	Canada
110	Austen Keating	C	Ottawa (OHL)	6-0/170	7-May-99	Canada
111	Maksim Sushko	RW	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-0/185	10-Feb-99	Belarus
112	Tyler Inamoto	D	NTDP (USA)	6-2/195	6-May-99	USA
113	Ty Lewis	LW	Brandon (WHL)	5-11/180	5-Mar-98	Canada
114	Drake Batherson	C	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	6-1/190	27-Apr-98	Canada
115	Rickard Hugg	C	Leksands (Swe Jr)	5-10/185	18-Jan-99	Sweden
116	Scott Walford	D	Victoria (WHL)	6-1/195	12-Jan-99	Canada
117	Jordy Bellerive	C	Lethbridge (WHL)	5-10/195	2-May-99	Canada
118	Matthew Kellenberger	D	Oakville (OJHL)	6-0/175	11-Jan-99	Canada
119	Johnathan Kovacevic	D	Merrimack (HE)	6-4/215	2-Jul-97	Canada
120	Nick Campoli	C	North York (OJHL)	5-11/190	16-Feb-99	Canada
121	Mario Ferraro	D	Des Moines (USHL)	5-11/185	17-Sep-98	Canada
122	Michael Pastujov	LW	NTDP (USA)	6-0/195	23-Aug-99	USA
123	Tyler Steenbergen	C	Swift Current (WHL)	5-10/190	7-Jan-98	Canada
124	Mark Rubinchik	D	Saskatoon (WHL)	6-0/180	21-Mar-99	Russia
125	Kasper Kotkansalo	D	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-2/200	16-Nov-98	Finland

Kirill Maksimov – McKeen's Hockey

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Edmonton Oilers Top 20 Prospects

Philip Broberg, D (8th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Evan Bouchard, D (10th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Dylan Holloway, LW (14th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Carter Savoie, LW (100th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Tyler Benson, LW (32nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Ryan McLeod, C (40th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Ilya Konovalov, G (85th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Tyler Tullio, RW (126th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

Cooper Marody, RW (158th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 7)

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 8)

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

William Lagesson, D (91st overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 12)

Philip Kemp, D (208th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Markus Niemelainen, D (63rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 14)

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Maxim Berezkin, LW (138th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Patrik Siikanen, LW (195th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 16)

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – EDMONTON OILERS – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 21

Edmonton Oilers

Philip Broberg, D (8th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Evan Bouchard, D (10th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 2)

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 3)

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62nd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 9)

Tyler Benson, LW (32nd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 4)

Cooper Marody, RW (158th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. 2019 Rank: 8)

Ryan McLeod, C (40th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 7)

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153rd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Ilya Konovalov, G (85th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 15)

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 5)

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 11)

William Lagesson, D (91st overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 20)

Philip Kemp, D (208th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 14)

Markus Niemelainen, D (63rd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193rd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Edmonton Oilers 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series: OHL Summary

OHL 2018-19 Season Preview

Edmonton Oilers Prospect System Overview

OHL Playoff Preview: Greyhounds pacing the pack

Edmonton – System Overview

2017 NHL Draft Grades: Pacific Division – Edmonton Oilers

McKeen’s 2017 NHL Draft Rankings (Subscribers) – Top 125 – May 31st, 2017

Philip Broberg, D (8^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Evan Bouchard, D (10^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Dylan Holloway, LW (14^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62^nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Carter Savoie, LW (100^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Tyler Benson, LW (32^nd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 5)

Ryan McLeod, C (40^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Ilya Konovalov, G (85^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Tyler Tullio, RW (126^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

Cooper Marody, RW (158^th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 7)

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 8)

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

William Lagesson, D (91^st overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 12)

Philip Kemp, D (208^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Markus Niemelainen, D (63^rd overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 14)

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Maxim Berezkin, LW (138^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Patrik Siikanen, LW (195^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 16)

Philip Broberg, D (8^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Evan Bouchard, D (10^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 2)

Raphael Lavoie, RW/C (38^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 3)

Olivier Rodrigue, G (62^nd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 9)

Tyler Benson, LW (32^nd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 4)

Cooper Marody, RW (158^th overall, 2015 [Philadelphia]. 2019 Rank: 8)

Ryan McLeod, C (40^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 7)

Aapeli Rasanen, C (153^rd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Ilya Konovalov, G (85^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 15)

Dmitri Samorukov, D (84^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 5)

Kirill Maksimov, RW (146^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 11)

William Lagesson, D (91^st overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 20)

Philip Kemp, D (208^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 14)

Markus Niemelainen, D (63^rd overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Maxim Denezhkin, C (193^rd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)